If you’re as much of a sneakerhead as we are here at Crepslocker, it’s likely that you’re already looking for your next purchase. Most of us are continuously trying to improve our collections by sourcing rare and limited-edition pairs. One of the most in-demand silhouettes of the last few years is none other than the Nike Dunk, a legendary model that first hit the market in 1985. Designed by Peter Moore, the sneaker was originally created as a basketball sneaker, but these days leans into the lifestyle category heavily.
There’s been plenty of awesome Dunks that have launched in the last couple of years, with collaborations from the likes of Patta, Union LA and Off-White included, as well as a whole range of general release colourways and Nike SB versions. However, with this increased popularity comes an additional risk of purchasing illegitimate pairs. Yes, we’re talking about fakes. Unfortunately, fake Dunks have begun to flood the market, meaning it’s possible to get stung when purchasing a fresh pair of kicks. At Crepslocker, every pair we sell is 100% authentic, as we’ve become experts in legit-checking many sneakers. To help educate our community, we’ve decided to compose this easy-to-follow list on how to tell if Nike Dunks are fake. So without further ado, let’s jump right in and check it out!
Observe the Overall Build Quality
While many sneakerheads will argue against us on this one, Nike build quality is generally fairly consistent. The brand uses genuine leather on many sneakers, and this will hold up well and feel solid in hand. As well as this, details such as the laces and soles should also be of a good standard, with the midsoles painted neatly and devoid of flaws. Fake Dunks often don’t show this same level of craftsmanship and can look cheap in comparison. They’ll likely weigh a lot less than a genuine pair of Dunks and will not show the same level of attention to detail. If you have your new pair in hand already and also own a certified genuine pair, a side-by-side comparison will often help.
Check Branding and Logos
Most Dunks will feature Nike Swoosh logos on each side, as well as Nike embroidery on the tongues and heel tabs. It’s a commonly-known fact that fake Nikes will often mess up logos, as these can be tricky to replicate without professional equipment and skilled workers. Take a close look at the logos on your pair of sneakers, are there any imperfections? These can be a telltale sign of fake sneakers. It’s also well worth taking a look at the inside of the tongue tab, as this will contain information regarding the pair. Does the size listed on the label match the size listed on the box? Are there any spelling mistakes present? Again, both of these things are regularly seen across fake Dunks.
Inspect the Box and Style Code
Next up, we’d advise taking a detailed look at the box the sneakers have been packaged in. While you can get a relatively good idea from the sneakers themselves, the box can be a dead giveaway. Fake Nike boxes will be cheaply constructed and flimsy, whereas the real deal should be crafted from thick cardboard and stand solid. Inspect all of the logos and branding on the box and ensure they are all accurate, as well as looking for other imperfections and spelling errors. Now check the style code listed on the box and ensure this matches the code on the sneakers you have, and corresponds with the correct colourway. You’ll soon work out if there’s any suspicious business going on.
Research the Colourway
Fake sneaker factories have a reputation for messing things up, however sometimes they take it to another level and produce colourways that never actually existed in the first place. While this isn’t common, it definitely does happen, so if you’ve spotted a never-before-seen colourway for sale online, be sure to check it actually exists. Undertake a good amount of research online if you’re unsure, Nike’s own website can be a great place to start. See if you can find the colourway for sale at other reputable retailers, if so, then it’s likely legit. If you’re not seeing any other instances of the colourway in question available, there’s a good chance that it could be a fake.
Is the Price to Good to Be True?
Last but by no means least, when buying sneakers online whether that be new or used, always be cautious if the price is lower than the general market value. While steals do happen, they’re few and far between these days, so an extra-low price can signal a fake pair from time to time. We tend to stick to the old saying “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is”. Therefore, if you think you’ve found the steal of the century you should absolutely proceed with caution. Thankfully, there’s plenty of information out there to help you make an informed decision. So with all that being said, we hope you now feel more confident about buying Nike Dunks than ever before, and remember, here at Crepslocker we only stock 100% authentic sneakers, so if you’re in doubt you can always rely on us.