How to Tell If Your "Alternate" Air Jordan 12s Are Real or Fake

Be safe before buying.

Jul 16, 2016
Air Jordan XII 12 Gym Red Real Fake Legit Check
Image via fake_education
Air Jordan XII 12 Gym Red Real Fake Legit Check
Image via fake_education

A flip on the original "Cherry" colorway, the "Alternate" Air Jordan 12 released earlier this month and has sold out almost everywhere. For some, the hunt for a pair continues, and getting burned by fakes is a real possibility. To help you avoid wasting money, Fake Education has shared a guide detailing some differences between legit and unauthorized pairs. Scroll through to find out if you're purchasing the real deal.

Box Label

Air Jordan XII 12 Gym Red Alternate Real Fake Legit Check (1)

Fake Education: "The Jumpman on the box label of the fakes is metallic gold — on the real box label, the Jumpman is a flat matte gold."

Insole Stickers

Air Jordan XII 12 Gym Red Alternate Real Fake Legit Check (2)

Fake Education: "For whatever reason, these fakes say 'boys size' on the insole."

Stitching

Air Jordan XII 12 Gym Red Alternate Real Fake Legit Check (3)

Fake Education: "The stitching on the real pair is white, on the fakes it's a very light pink."

Shoe Trees

Air Jordan XII 12 Gym Red Alternate Real Fake Legit Check (4)

Fake Education: "The placement of the symbols on the shoe trees that come with the fakes are in different places than the real."

Size Tags

Air Jordan XII 12 Gym Red Alternate Real Fake Legit Check (5)

Fake Education: "The inside size tag is smaller on the fakes — notice how the Jumpman is at the top."

Eyelets

Air Jordan XII 12 Gym Red Alternate Real Fake Legit Check (6)

Fake Education: "The Jumpmans of the lace fasteners on the real pair are rounded and smooth, on the fake they're more square edged and bulky."

Carbon Fiber

Air Jordan XII 12 Gym Red Alternate Real Fake Legit Check (7)

Fake Education: "The carbon fiber plate has a heavy coating of epoxy; the fake doesn't, which is why the carbon fiber plate design is more visible."

Overlays

Air Jordan XII 12 Gym Red Alternate Real Fake Legit Check (8)

Fake Education: "The alignment on the fakes is brutal, whereas on the real, it's a clean curve of the panels to the midsole."

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