How to Spot a Fake Jordan Logo: A Guide for Sneakerheads

 

It may come as a surprise to learn that some of the most sought-after sneaker brands are also among the most frequently faked.You probably have some idea of the brand’s worth if you’re a fan of the Jordan name and logo. The emblem, dubbed the “Jumpman,” depicts the legendary basketball player Michael Jordan in silhouette, leaping into the air with the ball in his hands. Since 1988, the Jordan name has been synonymous with quality, fashion, and tradition.

There are some fake Jordan goods out there. Many unauthorised and fraudulent logos use this one to trick and take advantage of consumers. Your trainers’ quality, performance, and appearance might all take a hit from using a fake Jordan logo, not to mention the brand’s credibility. Furthermore, there may be ethical, legal, and environmental repercussions for purchasing counterfeit goods.

The History and Evolution of the Jordan Logo

The Jordan brand was established in 1984, when Nike began their legendary association with Michael Jordan2. Nike’s main rivals in the basketball market at the time were Adidas and Converse. They sought a high-profile athlete whose endorsement would boost sales. Michael Jordan, a revelation as a rookie with the Chicago Bulls, turned out to be that guy.

Nike extended an offer of $2.5 million over five years, which would see Jordan launching his own trademark shoe line3. But the first Nike designs and hues didn’t impress Jordan. He desired something that better reflected his individuality and taste.

To help Jordan develop a game-changing sneaker, Nike enlisted the services of architect and up-and-coming shoe designer Tinker Hatfield. During a 19851 photo shoot for Nike, a picture was taken of Michael Jordan doing a midair position, which served as inspiration for Hatfield. That expression inspired him to create a brand new emblem for the inside of the shoe tongue. The Jumpman, he dubbed it.

In 19881, the Jumpman logo first appeared on the Air Jordan 3. The first basketball shoe to incorporate elephant print and visible Air cushioning, it also made history as the first mid-cut shoe. Aside from a tiny Swoosh on the outsole, this Air Jordan was the first to not include any Nike branding. The idea behind the Jumpman design was to show that Jordan was his own brand in addition to being a Nike athlete.

The Jumpman emblem quickly came to represent the whole Air Jordan range, and it quickly became a staple of each new release. Clothing, accessories, and even video games joined the lineup of new wares. Over time, the logo went through a few iterations, switching up things like typeface, colour, orientation, and placement. But it was always primarily a symbol of Michael Jordan’s skill, elegance, and legacy.

The Common Signs of a Fake Jordan Logo

Knowing how the Jordan logo has changed throughout time may help you recognise the telltale characteristics of a knockoff. Some examples are as follows:

• Poor stitching: Low-quality stitching: a telltale sign of a fake logo is sloppy or uneven stitching. There may also be fraying or loosened stitching.
• Incorrect font: Fake logos may use a different typeface from the original or have misspelt words or other typos. Some phoney logos may incorrectly spell popular names like Jordan and Jumpman.
• Wrong color: Fake logos may have colours that are off from the real, or they may be faded or inconsistent. Some counterfeit logos, for instance, may switch the traditional colour scheme from red to black.
• Misaligned placement: Logos on counterfeit goods may not be centred or positioned correctly. They could be the wrong height or weight for the item.
• Flawed shape: Fake logos may have poor proportions or an incorrect overall shape. Their characteristics could be misaligned or even completely absent. Some bogus logos, for instance, feature figures with exaggerated or reduced proportions, whose heads are tilted in the wrong direction, whose arms and hands are absent, and so on.

The Best Ways to Avoid Buying Fake Jordan Logo Products

You may be wondering, now that you know how to identify a fake Jordan logo, how to keep from ever purchasing a fraudulent product. The most effective methods include the following:

• Buy from authorized retailers: The best approach to avoid counterfeits is to only buy from authorised shops who have obtained a licence from Nike or Jordan Brand. You can use the store locators or online directories provided on the official websites of these companies to locate the nearest authorised retailer. Online marketplaces like Nike.com, SNKRS, StockX, GOAT, etc., are also good options.
• Do your research: Read up about the topic: It’s important to learn as much as possible about a product and its vendor before making a purchase. Compare the model, colorway, release date, price, etc., with the information provided by the manufacturer or other authoritative sources. Investigate the vendor’s history, including their feedback, ratings, reviews, policies, etc., for any telltale indicators of fraud. Legit Check App and Check Check App are two examples of useful web resources for this purpose.
• Ask for proof of authenticity: If you’re buying from a reseller or other third party, make sure you get receipts, invoices, tags, labels, boxes, etc. that verify the product’s legitimacy and provenance. Additional product and logo images can be requested for closer inspection of any anomalies or flaws.
• Trust your instincts: The old adage that “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” applies here. Be sceptical of products that seem suspiciously cheap, limited in supply, or otherwise poorly described. Never buy something from someone you don’t feel confident in.

Conclusion

In the realms of both athletics and high fashion, the Jordan logo ranks among the all-time greats. It stands for the generations of fans and consumers who have been affected by Michael Jordan’s legacy, excellence, and culture. However, not all merchandise bearing the Jordan brand is genuine. Many unauthorised and fraudulent logos use this one to trick and take advantage of consumers.

We aspire for this manual to serve as a useful resource for you. Keep your eyes peeled for the genuine Jumpman insignia whenever you shop for Jordan merchandise.