Image via Complex Original
We've all been there before — spotted a friend, an associate or complete stranger sporting some footwear that looked a tad suspect. You've always prided yourself on staying current with Nike and Jordan's latest releases but, for some reason, you've never seen or heard of what this fraudster is wearing (aside from in a random Facebook virus). You want to tell this person that their kicks might be a sham, yet you're afraid that they'll get offended. But let's be real, fake sneakers are the offenders!
Nevertheless, we've still got to pay homage. In a humble factory somewhere in Putian, China, a lot of toil and creativity goes into the making of counterfeit, one-of-none Lime Green Jordans; they've also got designers and buyers that masterfully put their heads together, much like the guys in The Innovation Kitchen of Beaverton, Oregon. Furthermore, there's definitely something paradoxically intriguing about fake sneakers — some of the concepts are outlandish and their telltale, arbitrary prices give us the giggles. So, let's take a look at what's out there and please, do not purchase anything you see in the 10 Craziest Fake Kicks on the Internet!
Air Jordan 2009 "Catch Up To My Campaign"
Air Jordan 2009 "Catch Up To My Campaign"
Price: $69.00
What do you mean you didn't vote in the 2009 Presidential election?
Air Jordan XX x Nike Air Max Fusion
Air Jordan XX x Nike Air Force 1 x Air Max Fusion
Price: $69.99
No one tell Tinker Hatfield about this, OK?
Nike Air Max 2 CB 94 "Air Derrty"
Nike Air Max 2 CB 94 "Air Derrty"
Price: $73.90
Here's the thing: when the real shoe looks completely ridiculous as is, it's pretty hard to make the fakes look worse.
Air Jordan XIII Retro x Derek Jeter
Air Jordan XIII Retro x Derek Jeter
Price: $59.99
The Captain is getting kind of on in years, but even he'd realize something is terribly wrong here.
Air Jordan VI Retro "Carolina Bulls"
Air Jordan VI Retro "Carolina Bulls"
Price: $59.99
It is possible that one could recognize Michael Jordan's college and pro teams on the same shoe. This is not how to do it.
Air Jordan VIII Retro "Aqua?"
Air Jordan VIII Retro "Aqua?"
Price: $79.99
Somewhere, a poor fake Air Jordan IV is missing its mesh.
adidas Crazy 8 "Who's That Brown"
adidas Crazy 8 "Who's That Brown"
Price: $63.90
Much like the "Air Derrty," shoes like this actually do happen. So in this case, it's best to go by the price. Or, don't buy these whether they're real or not.
Air Jordan IX Retro "Oreo"
Air Jordan IX Retro "Oreo"
Price: $66.99
Had the Birmingham Barons been a basketball team, Michael Jordan could have worn these. He also would have been a better player.
Nike Air Foamposite One "Green Bean"
Nike Air Foamposite One "Green Bean"
Price: $84.99
This right here is why kids won't eat their vegetables.
Nike Air Yeezy II "No Cigar"
Nike Air Yeezy II "No Cigar"
Price: $79.99
We know you're desperate for a pair, and that $2k pricetag is impossible, but, just, no.