Can you tell the difference between a real Off-White x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Chicago” and a fake? Let’s find out.

When it comes to sneakers, Retros are just as important as a fresh drop. And when you want to cop yourself a pair, don’t be fooled. Know the difference with Real Vs Fake: Off-White x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Chicago.”

What you should know…

Released September 9th 2017 retailing for $190, the limited edition Off-White x AJ 1 Retro High OG “Chicago” colorway now resales for roughly $4,500. Moreover, this would be the first time Louis Vuitton designer and OFF-WHITE founder Virgil Abloh showed off his signature deconstructed style with exposed foam, stitch work, and minimalistic color palettes on a Jordan 1 Retro High. Also adding to the unfinished aesthetic, the Jordans arrived in a deconstructed inverted box reminiscent of a plain paper package. Only the dull Gold “JUMPMAN” stamped on the top and the Off-White trademarks on the side, allude to one of the most anticipated drops of 2017. Previously known as “The 10” the Air Jordan 1 takes patent leather Varsity Red overlays, White tumble underlays and Black accents and salutes the Windy City of Chicago in a high-profile silhouette. Laterally, we find one Black Swoosh. Meanwhile, on the medial quarter panel we see Off-White branding in Black. Extended ankle stabilizers can be worn open revealing the “85” stamp underneath or strung with the additional eyelets and laces. Splashes of Blue and Orange along the midfoot contrast in an artistic way.

Real Vs Fake Round 1…

1. Looking at the overall upper, the patent leather on the real Off-White x AJ 1 is polished and clean. Meanwhile, the fake doesn’t seem to be made of the same materials.

2. High-profile Jordans have lengthy tongues for added ankle support. However, the AJ 1 High copy’s tongue extends too far. The legit tongue fits snuggly within the collar.

3. The mesh toe box is filled with small but delicate perforation from vamp to mudguard on the authentic Off-White Chicago. Not so much on the knock-off.

4. Subsequently, looking at the mudguard overlays, the stitching inverts creating a mirrored effect on the actual sneaker. On the Off-White fraud, the stitching matches top to bottom.

Round 2…

1. Overlay stitching on the actual Air Jordan 1 Retro has a worked-in groove creating a curved shape. The knockoff pair has broken up stitch work.
2. The collar provides support with a smaller rim and the tongue isn’t over extended. The fake is bigger and bulkier in both.
3. The legit Off-White toe box has more space for easy movement. Meanwhile the artificial pair as a smaller toe box and a smaller mudguard.
4. Likewise, the Air midsole on the fake AJ 1 High Chicago appears visibly thinner all the way versus the thick even cut on the authentic Jordan.
5. Off-White quarter panel branding comes in signature font. From on to the other, the faux sneaker has a much bolder print.
6. Finally, we take a thorough look under a UV light. Here we see the same Off-White branding somehow comes off faded like a different quality of ink of used.

So, how did you do? Think you can hold your own amongst sneaker collectors and call out a fake when you see one? Let us know in the comments. Until next time, stay tuned for more sneak peeks, reviews, releases and the next installment of Real Vs Fake.

Where to Buy: Nike