Original vs Duplicate: How to Spot Fake Nike, Adidas & Jordan in India (2025 Guide)

In India, the sneaker culture is booming — but so is the market for counterfeit shoes. From Instagram sellers to local markets, duplicates of Nike, Adidas, and Jordan are everywhere. These fake sneakers look tempting because of their low prices, but they don’t offer the quality, comfort, or durability of originals.

If you want to make sure you’re spending your money on authentic sneakers, here’s the ultimate India-focused guide on how to spot fake Nike, Adidas, and Jordan shoes.

Check the Price (If It’s Too Cheap, It’s Fake)

Original branded shoes rarely go beyond 40–60% discount even during big sales.

If someone is selling Nike Jordans for: ₹1,200 | ₹1,800 | ₹2,000 …it’s 100% fake.

Real Jordans start from ₹8,000–₹12,000+ in India.

Inspect the Box Closely

Original shoes always come with:

✔ High-quality boxes

✔ Clear printing

✔ Correct logos

✔ No spelling mistakes

✔ Product details sticker with barcode

Fake shoes usually have:

✘ Thin cardboard

✘ Faded printing

✘ Wrong fonts

✘ Misspelled words

✘ Poor finishing

Tip:

Scan the barcode on Google — it should match the exact model and color.

Look At the Logo Alignment

The easiest way to spot a fake is by checking the logo:

Nike:

Swoosh should be sharp, not thick

No extra glue around it

Stitching must be clean

Adidas:

Three stripes are perfectly aligned

No uneven spacing

Branding looks embossed, not printed

Jordan:

Jumpman logo should be symmetrical

Hands and legs perfectly shaped

Fake ones often have weird proportions

Check the Shoe Tag Inside

Every original Nike, Adidas, and Jordan shoe has an inside label with:

• Model number
• Size
• Manufacturing country
• QR code
• Production date
• Scan the QR code using your phone.
• If it redirects you to the official Nike/Adidas site, it’s original.

Fake shoes often have:

• ✘ Wrong font
• ✘ Incorrect spacing
• ✘ Misprinted details
• ✘ QR codes that lead nowhere

Smell Test (Yes, It Works!)

Original shoes smell like premium materials.

Fake shoes smell like cheap glue and chemicals.

This is a surprisingly accurate test.

Look At the Sole Pattern

Sneaker brands use unique sole designs that duplicates fail to copy perfectly.

The grip pattern is clean and detailed in originals.

Fake ones look blurred or inconsistent.

For Jordans especially, the sole design is one of the biggest clues.

Compare the Stitching

Original shoes have tight, even, and parallel stitches.

Fake shoes have:

• ✘ Loose stitches
• ✘ Thick threads
• ✘ Uneven lines
• ✘ Visible glue marks

Stitching quality is one of the biggest giveaways.

Buy Only From Trusted Sources

In India, always buy from:

• ✔ Nike Official Store
• ✔ Adidas Official Store
• ✔ AJIO
• ✔ Tata Cliq
• ✔ Myntra
• ✔ Amazon Fulfilled Sellers
• ✔ Your verified Kick Store 😎

Avoid:

• ✘ Instagram “budget sneaker pages”
• ✘ Telegram/WhatsApp sellers
• ✘ Local street markets
• ✘ Unverified websites

Compare Online Reviews Before Buying

Search for: “Is this seller legit?”

If people mention duplicate shoes → avoid immediately.

Conclusion

Spotting fake shoes in India is easy when you know what to look for. By checking the price, box, stitching, labels, QR codes, weight, sole, and buying from trusted sellers, you can avoid wasting money on poor-quality duplicates.

As the sneaker culture grows, knowing the difference between original vs duplicate helps you stay stylish and smart.

If you want stylish, visit Kick Store for reliable, easy-to-understand sneaker and fashion insights. Staying informed is the best way to protect your money and your style.