Skip to content
How to Spot Real vs Fake Air Jordan 11 Gratitude
The Air Jordan 11 Gratitude is a standout model in the Air Jordan lineup, known for its striking design and high-quality materials.
Given its popularity, it’s not surprising that counterfeit versions have become increasingly common. Identifying the difference between real and fake Jordan 11 Gratitude sneakers can be challenging, especially when replicas are getting better.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key features to look for to distinguish authentic pairs from fakes.
Table of Contents
[ open ]Common Indicators of Fake Air Jordan 11 Gratitude
When examining Air Jordan 11 Gratitude sneakers, several indicators can help you determine their authenticity.
Let’s dive into the crucial details you need to check to ensure you’re buying the real deal.
Material Quality
One of the most noticeable differences between real and fake Jordan 11 Gratitude sneakers lies in the material quality. Authentic pairs use premium leather and high-grade fabric, which should feel soft and supple.
The leather on genuine sneakers will have a smooth finish and a consistent texture. Fake pairs, however, often use lower-quality materials that can feel stiff or plasticky. The leather might have a rough texture or uneven grain.
Additionally, examine the stitching patterns. On authentic Air Jordan 11 Gratitude sneakers, the stitching is precise and evenly spaced. The thread used is usually of high quality, and the stitches should be consistent in length and tension.
Counterfeit versions might have sloppy stitching, with irregular spacing or loose threads. If you notice any inconsistencies in the stitching, it could be a sign that the sneakers are fake.
Toe Box
The toe box is another area where you can spot differences between real and fake Air Jordan 11 Gratitude sneakers.
On authentic pairs, the toe box will have a well-defined, rounded shape that maintains its structure. The curvature should be subtle yet noticeable. Fake pairs often have a toe box that is too rounded or misshapen, which can affect the overall fit and appearance of the sneaker.
Feel the toe box with your fingers. Authentic sneakers will have a firm yet comfortable feel, while fake ones might feel overly stiff or too soft. Additionally, look for any inconsistencies in the toe box’s shape, as fakes often have irregularities that can be easily spotted.
Tongue
The tongue of the Air Jordan 11 Gratitude is another critical area to inspect. Authentic pairs have a tongue with a specific wrinkle pattern and firmness.
The wrinkles on the tongue should be subtle and evenly distributed, while the overall firmness should provide a comfortable yet structured fit. Fake sneakers may have tongues that are too wrinkled or not wrinkled enough, and the firmness might be off.
Gently press on the tongue of the sneaker. On genuine pairs, the tongue will have a slightly cushioned feel, whereas fake tongues might feel overly rigid or too soft. Pay attention to these details to assess the authenticity of the sneakers.
Side Panels
When it comes to the side panels of the Air Jordan 11 Gratitude, the leather texture plays a significant role in determining authenticity.
Authentic sneakers will have leather that is smooth and consistent in texture. The side panels should feel supple and have a high-quality finish. Fake pairs often use inferior leather that may feel rough or uneven.
Check for any variations in the leather texture on the side panels. Authentic sneakers will have a uniform texture, while fakes might show signs of irregularity. Look for any visible flaws or inconsistencies in the leather, as these can indicate a counterfeit product.
Back of the Shoe
The back of the Air Jordan 11 Gratitude provides additional clues to verify authenticity. Examine the heel and outsole closely.
On genuine sneakers, the heel should have a precise cut and a consistent position of the patent leather. The patent leather should be glossy and well-aligned, covering the heel seamlessly.
Fake pairs often have discrepancies in the heel construction and outsole. The patent leather may be poorly cut or misaligned, and the heel might have visible flaws. Pay attention to these details to spot potential counterfeits.
Outsole
The outsole of the Air Jordan 11 Gratitude is another critical area to inspect. Authentic sneakers have a translucent outsole with a specific color and transparency level. The carbon fiber shank patterns should be well-defined and consistent. Fake outsoles may have a different color or transparency and might lack the proper carbon fiber pattern.
Compare the outsole of your sneakers with verified authentic pairs to check for any discrepancies. Look for differences in color, transparency, and the carbon fiber shank patterns, as these can indicate a fake.
Insole
The insole is another area where you can spot fakes. Authentic Air Jordan 11 Gratitude sneakers have insoles with a specific color and markings. The insole should be comfortable and have clear, well-printed markings.
Fake insoles often have a different color or poorly printed markings. Check the color and the quality of the print on the insole to determine authenticity. Authentic insoles will have a high-quality finish and precise markings.
Box and Packaging
The box and packaging of Air Jordan 11 Gratitude sneakers also provide clues to their authenticity. Authentic boxes come in a specific color and size, and the tissue paper inside should be of high quality. Look for any signs of cheap or flimsy packaging, as this can indicate a fake.
Check the YDM sticker color on the box. Authentic boxes will have a specific color for the YDM sticker, while fake boxes may have different or incorrect colors. Compare the box and packaging with verified authentic examples to ensure they match.
Additional Tips and Resources
For a more thorough verification, consider using videos and image comparisons to compare your sneakers with authentic pairs. Many sneaker enthusiasts and experts post detailed comparison videos online that can help you spot differences between real and fake sneakers.
If you’re still unsure about the authenticity of your Air Jordan 11 Gratitude sneakers, seek professional authentication services. Trusted sources can provide detailed analyses and help you confirm whether your sneakers are genuine.
Conclusion
Identifying real vs. fake Air Jordan 11 Gratitude sneakers requires careful attention to detail.
Always buy from reputable sellers and use this guide as a reference when verifying your sneakers.
By following these tips, you can confidently enjoy your Air Jordan 11 Gratitude sneakers and avoid counterfeit products.
