Hey sneakerheads! Ever been burned by a fake pair of Jordans? It's a frustrating experience, especially when you're shelling out your hard-earned cash. Today, we're diving deep into the iconic Jordan 4 Infrared, arming you with the knowledge to distinguish between a real pair and a sneaky replica. This guide is designed to be super easy to follow, so even if you're new to the sneaker game, you'll be spotting fakes like a pro in no time!

Why You Need to Know the Difference

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty details, let's talk about why it's so important to be able to tell a real Jordan 4 Infrared from a fake.

• Authenticity Matters: For many of us, sneakers are more than just shoes; they're a statement, a piece of history, and a collectible. Owning an authentic pair means owning a piece of that legacy. No one wants to pay top dollar for a knock-off.
• Quality and Durability: Real Jordans are made with premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship. They're designed to last. Fake sneakers often cut corners with cheaper materials, resulting in poor comfort, faster wear and tear, and an overall disappointing experience.
• Resale Value: If you ever decide to sell your sneakers, authenticity is key to getting a good price. A genuine pair of Jordan 4 Infrareds in good condition can fetch a significant amount on the resale market. A fake? Not so much. No one wants to buy a fake pair of shoes.
• Supporting the Real Deal: When you buy authentic sneakers, you're supporting the original designers and manufacturers. This helps ensure that they can continue to innovate and create the sneakers we all love. Buying fakes, on the other hand, supports illegal operations that often prioritize profit over ethical practices.

Key Areas to Inspect on the Jordan 4 Infrared

Okay, guys, let's get down to business. Here are the critical areas you need to scrutinize when checking out a pair of Jordan 4 Infrareds:

1. The Overall Shape and Silhouette

• Real Deal: The Jordan 4 should have a sleek, athletic silhouette. The shape should be well-defined, with smooth curves and balanced proportions. Pay close attention to the toe box; it shouldn't be overly bulky or square.
• Fake Alert: Fakes often have a clunky, misshapen appearance. The curves might be off, the proportions might be awkward, and the toe box is frequently too wide or too tall. The overall look will just seem a little "off." Seeing the shoe as a whole can help you determine if its fake or not.

2. The Netting

• Real Deal: The netting on the side panels and tongue of the Jordan 4 is a distinctive feature. On an authentic pair, the netting should be tightly woven and evenly spaced. The angle of the netting is also important; it should be consistent throughout the shoe.
• Fake Alert: On fakes, the netting is often poorly executed. It might be loosely woven, unevenly spaced, or have the wrong angle. The material used for the netting might also feel cheap or flimsy.

3. The Color and Materials

• Real Deal: The Jordan 4 Infrared gets its name from the vibrant infrared accents found on the eyelets, midsole, and tongue lining. The color should be a consistent, true infrared – not too pink, not too orange. The materials used, such as the nubuck leather, should be high-quality and feel substantial. Pay attention to the stitching; it should be clean, even, and consistent throughout the shoe.
• Fake Alert: Fakes often struggle to replicate the exact infrared color. It might be a shade off, too dull, or too bright. The materials will likely feel cheaper and less durable than the real thing. The stitching is another telltale sign; it might be uneven, sloppy, or have loose threads. Often the color is slightly off, giving a tell tale sign that the shoe is fake.

4. The Jumpman Logo

• Real Deal: The Jumpman logo is prominently featured on the heel, tongue, and insole of the Jordan 4. On an authentic pair, the Jumpman should be cleanly embroidered or printed, with sharp details and accurate proportions. The fingers should be well-defined, and the overall logo should look crisp and professional.
• Fake Alert: Fakes often botch the Jumpman logo. It might be poorly embroidered or printed, with blurry details and inaccurate proportions. The fingers might look stubby or undefined, and the overall logo might appear distorted or amateurish. Pay close attention to the placement and size of the logo as well; fakes often get these details wrong.

5. The Sole and Midsole

• Real Deal: The sole of the Jordan 4 should be made of durable rubber with good traction. The midsole, which provides cushioning and support, should be firm and responsive. Pay attention to the details of the Air Max unit, which should be visible and properly inflated. The texture should feel high quality and not cheaply made.
• Fake Alert: Fakes often use cheap, flimsy rubber for the sole, which can wear down quickly. The midsole might feel soft and mushy, offering little support. The Air Max unit might be poorly constructed or even fake, with no actual air inside. Check the texture to see if its fake or not.

6. The Packaging and Accessories

• Real Deal: Authentic Jordan 4s come in a high-quality box with clear branding and accurate details. The box should include the correct size label, style code, and manufacturing information. The shoes might also come with accessories such as extra laces or a retro card.
• Fake Alert: Fakes often come in poorly made boxes with incorrect or missing information. The box might be flimsy or easily damaged. The accessories might be missing or of poor quality. Be wary of boxes that look generic or have obvious errors.

7. The Smell Test

• Real Deal: Real Jordans have a distinct, high-quality leather and glue smell. It's a subtle but noticeable scent that speaks to the quality of the materials and craftsmanship.
• Fake Alert: Fakes often have a strong chemical smell, due to the use of cheap adhesives and synthetic materials. If the shoes smell strongly of plastic or chemicals, that's a major red flag.

Where to Buy Authentic Jordan 4 Infrareds

To minimize your risk of getting scammed, it's best to buy your Jordan 4 Infrareds from reputable sources. Here are a few suggestions:

• Authorized Retailers: Look for authorized retailers such as Nike, Foot Locker, and Finish Line. These stores are guaranteed to sell authentic products.
• Reputable Resale Marketplaces: If you're buying from a resale marketplace like StockX or GOAT, make sure to choose sellers with high ratings and positive feedback. These platforms typically have authentication processes in place to help protect buyers.
• Consignment Stores: Consignment stores that specialize in sneakers often have experienced staff who can authenticate shoes. Look for stores with a good reputation and a strong track record of selling authentic merchandise.

Final Tips for Avoiding Fakes

• Do Your Research: Before you buy, familiarize yourself with the details of the Jordan 4 Infrared. Study photos of authentic pairs and learn about the materials, construction, and markings.
• Be Wary of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True: If a price seems significantly lower than market value, it's likely a fake. Authentic Jordans are in high demand and rarely go on deep discount.
• Ask for More Photos: If you're buying online, ask the seller for detailed photos of the shoes, including close-ups of the logos, stitching, and materials. This will help you assess the authenticity of the shoes before you buy.
• Trust Your Gut: If something feels off about the shoes or the seller, trust your instincts. It's better to walk away from a potential scam than to end up with a fake pair of Jordans.

Conclusion

Identifying fake Jordan 4 Infrareds can be tricky, but with a little knowledge and attention to detail, you can protect yourself from getting ripped off. By examining the shape, netting, colors, logos, sole, packaging, and even the smell, you can confidently spot the fakes and ensure you're getting the real deal. Remember to buy from reputable sources and always trust your gut. Happy sneaker hunting, guys! Stay fresh and stay authentic!