How to Spot Real vs Fake Dunks 2024
Last updated: January 2024
In 1985, Nike released a basketball shoe named the Nike Dunk that was designed by Peter Moore which also designed Air Jordan 1 that is specifically intended to use in the basketball court.
It is quite noticeable that the Nike Dunk was quite similar to the Air Jordan 1 that was released first by Peter Moore and it has two versions which are the high-top and low-top.
Both versions were made with a leather upper and a rubber outsole but there are differences: the low top version is light-weight and much flexible to use while the high-top version is quite heavier and has an added feature of padded collar for added support in the ankle.
It is initially intended for basketball court however, people that are into skateboarding took quite an interest to the Nike Dunk due to its support and durability which led to more release of added colorways and Nike SB (skateboarding) in 2003 with added comfort and performance.
Up until now, the Nike Dunk and Dunk SB are still popular and have made a couple of new colors and collaborations with other brands such as Off-White, Supreme, Heineken, etc.
Do Dunks Have Real Leather?
Yes, the Nike Dunks are made with leather but due to specific Dunk model, colorway, and collaboration it can be made with other materials.
The Nike Company often uses a variety of materials in the construction of their shoes, specifically Nike Dunks and they often use different materials for different parts of the shoe.
If you have an eye for a pair of Nike Dunks and want real leather as its main components, it is best to check the materials list for that specific model and colorway.
You can also check it online on Nike's website or the shoe’s label or tag, you can also contact Nike directly as well if you want to know more information.
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Are Dunks Basically Jordans?
Are Dunks Basically Jordans? - Real VS Fake Dunks
Dunks and Jordans are two different basketball shoe models that are often associated with each other because they are both manufactured by Nike and have similar designs.
If you are not quite into details, you might mistake one from the other but to set things straight, they are not the same shoe.
Dunks were originally released in 1985 as a basketball shoe, but they gained popularity in the skateboarding community in the late 1990s and early 2000s and have a feature of low-top silhouette with a thick sole for cushioning and wide range of colorways and collaborations.
While the Air Jordans were originally designed in 1984 for Michael Jordan to wear on the basketball court.
They feature a high-top silhouette for ankle support and a thick sole for cushioning and are also known for their iconic designs and numerous collaborations.
Do Nike Dunks Get Creased?
Do Nike Dunks Get Creased? - Real VS Fake Dunks
Like any other shoes, yes, Nike Dunks can get creased like any other leather or synthetic leather sneaker as creasing is a natural occurrence that happens when the shoes flex during wear, especially around the toe box.
However, the severity of creasing can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the leather, how frequently the shoes are worn, and how well they are maintained.
To minimize creasing, it is recommended to avoid wearing the shoes for extended periods of time, keep them stored properly, and use shoe trees or sneaker shields to help maintain their shape.
Nike Dunks are quite expensive and storing it and making sure that it is clean all the time can help in maintaining a good quality of Nike Dunks.
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Real VS Fake Dunks
Real VS Fake Dunks
Real Dunks refer to authentic Nike Dunk sneakers that are officially produced by Nike and sold through authorized retailers and the sneakers they produced are made with high-quality materials and are manufactured to meet the quality Nike has set.
Fake Dunks, on the other hand, are counterfeit versions of the Nike Dunks that are made to look like the real thing but are produced by unauthorized manufacturers and are usually made with cheaper materials and low quality.
Before buying your own pair of Nike Dunk, it is essential to take time in checking how to spot counterfeit Dunks by checking the quality of the materials, examining the stitching and details, and comparing the shoe to official product photos.
Here are the parts needed to be checked to confirm authenticity:
1. Inspect the Box
Inspect the Box - Real VS Fake Dunks
It is always best to inspect the box in which your Nike Dunk pair came with as this is often an obvious sign that differentiate genuine from fake Nike Dunks.
Fake Nike Dunks come with a box that is lighter in color and has a cheap sticker label that will peel off on the box and it usually includes the shoe price on the information that can be found on the sticker label.
While the Real Nike Dunk comes in a brighter orange and only comes with specific information such as its size, color, style, and the country it is made of and it matches the information on the interior label of the shoes.
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2. Examine the Toe Holes and Shape
Examine the Toe Holes and Shape - Real VS Fake Dunks
It's not uncommon for replica sneakers to have imperfections that distinguish them from the authentic ones, and this can include differences in the size and depth of the toe box perforations and misaligned perforations.
It is quite noticeable on the fake Dunks that the toe holes are misaligned and quite wider than the real Nike Dunks which can be clearly seen in the photo.
3. Inspect The Stitching On The Label
Inspect The Stitching On The Label - Real VS Fake Dunks
The stitching should be neat, even, and consistent throughout the label as Nike has set some strict quality when it comes on producing and selling their shoes including Nike Dunks.
The thread should be of good quality and match the color of the label. Any loose threads, uneven stitches, or signs of fraying could be indications of a fake Nike Dunk.
4. Check the Nike Logo On The OutSole
Check the Nike Logo On The OutSole - Real VS Fake Dunks
The Nike logo on the outsole should be centered and proportional to the size of the shoe and if the logo is off-center or appears too big or too small, it could be a sign of a fake pair.
The photo clearly shows how real Nike Dunks Logo should look like - it should have a high-quality finish, with clear lines and crisp edges.
Is It Worth It To Buy Fake Nike Dunks?
If you are a sneakerhead, it is a big no!
Fake shoes including fake Nike Dunks are made with low quality and cheap materials and may fall apart quickly or even be harmful to wear.
The materials used in counterfeit products may not meet safety standards, and they do not go through the same testing and quality control processes as genuine Nike products specially for Nike SB which is used by skateboarders.
Some people opt to buy fake Nike Dunks as it is aesthetically pleasing and cheaper than the original one however, it will not last longer for years unlike the Real Nike Dunks.
It is still best to invest in a good quality of shoes that can be used for a long time and ensure your safety.
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