Air Jordan 312 Low Lakers: Is It Legit? Find Out Now!

Hey sneakerheads! You're probably here because you're eyeing a pair of Air Jordan 312 Low Lakers and want to make sure they're the real deal. Don't worry; you're not alone! With so many fakes floating around, it's super important to know what to look for before you drop your hard-earned cash. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you legit check your Air Jordan 312 Low Lakers, ensuring you don't get stuck with a pair of imposters. Let's dive into all the details, from the stitching to the smell (yes, even the smell!), so you can confidently rock your Lakers pride.

Decoding the Design: Key Features to Inspect

When trying to spot a fake, design details are your best friend. So, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what makes the Air Jordan 312 Low Lakers unique. First, examine the overall shape and silhouette of the shoe. Fake Jordans often get this wrong, resulting in a clunky or misshapen appearance. The real AJ312 Low should have a sleek, streamlined profile that sits close to the foot without looking too bulky. Now, focus on the color scheme. The Lakers edition typically features a vibrant mix of purple, gold, and white. Make sure the colors are accurate and that the transitions between them are clean and precise. Fakes often use slightly off-color shades that can be a dead giveaway.

Next, scrutinize the materials used. Authentic Air Jordan 312 Lows are usually made with high-quality leather and synthetic overlays. The leather should feel supple and durable, while the synthetic parts should be smooth and well-bonded. Check the texture of the leather; it should have a natural grain and not appear overly plastic or artificial. Fakes often cut corners by using cheaper, lower-quality materials that feel stiff and easily crease. Finally, pay close attention to the iconic Jordan branding. The Jumpman logo should be crisp, well-defined, and accurately placed on the tongue, heel, and outsole. The stitching around the logo should be tight and even, without any loose threads or uneven spacing. Any discrepancies in the branding are a major red flag.

Stitching Secrets: How to Spot Imperfections

Stitching is one of the most reliable ways to determine the authenticity of your Air Jordan 312 Low Lakers. Grab your magnifying glass (okay, maybe not literally, but you get the idea) and get ready to examine those seams. Authentic Jordans boast impeccable stitching. The lines should be clean, consistent, and evenly spaced. Each stitch should be uniform in size and tension, creating a seamless and professional finish. In contrast, fake Jordans often suffer from sloppy stitching. You might notice uneven lines, inconsistent spacing, loose threads, or even double stitching in some areas. These imperfections are clear indicators that the shoe is not genuine.

Focus on high-stress areas such as the toe box, heel counter, and around the collar. These areas tend to be more prone to wear and tear, so manufacturers of fake shoes often cut corners here. Check for any signs of fraying or unraveling, which could indicate poor quality materials and construction. Another important area to inspect is the stitching around the iconic Jordan branding. The Jumpman logo, for example, should be meticulously stitched onto the shoe, with clean lines and no overlapping threads. Any imperfections in the logo stitching are a major red flag. Furthermore, examine the stitching along the midsole and outsole. These areas should be securely attached, with no gaps or signs of separation. The stitching should be tight and even, providing a durable bond between the upper and lower parts of the shoe.

Sole Searching: Examining the Midsole and Outsole

The midsole and outsole are crucial components of the Air Jordan 312 Low Lakers, not just for comfort and performance, but also for authentication. Let’s start with the midsole. Authentic Jordans typically feature a well-cushioned midsole made from high-quality materials like Phylon or polyurethane. The midsole should feel responsive and supportive, providing excellent impact absorption. Check for any signs of deformation or compression, which could indicate the use of inferior materials. The texture of the midsole should also be consistent, without any noticeable variations or imperfections.

Now, let's move on to the outsole. The outsole is the part of the shoe that comes into contact with the ground, so it needs to be durable and provide excellent traction. Authentic Air Jordan 312 Low Lakers usually feature a rubber outsole with a specific tread pattern designed for optimal grip. Examine the tread pattern closely, ensuring that it matches the official design. The grooves should be deep and well-defined, providing reliable traction on various surfaces. Check for any signs of wear or peeling, which could indicate the use of low-quality rubber. Also, pay attention to the color of the outsole. The color should be consistent and match the official colorway of the Lakers edition. Fakes often use slightly off-color shades or inconsistent coloring, which can be a telltale sign.

The Smell Test: Does it Smell Like Trouble?

Believe it or not, the smell of a shoe can actually tell you a lot about its authenticity. It might sound weird, but hear me out. Authentic Air Jordans are made with high-quality materials that have a distinct, natural smell. The leather should have a rich, leathery aroma, while the synthetic parts should have a clean, slightly rubbery scent. In contrast, fake Jordans often have a strong chemical smell due to the use of cheap, synthetic materials and adhesives. This chemical odor can be quite pungent and unpleasant, and it's a major red flag.

When you first unbox your Air Jordan 312 Low Lakers, take a deep breath and give them a sniff. If you detect a strong, overpowering chemical smell, chances are they're not the real deal. The smell might be reminiscent of plastic, glue, or other industrial chemicals. This is a clear indication that the shoe is made with low-quality materials that are not up to par with authentic Jordans. However, keep in mind that some new shoes might have a slight factory smell, which is normal. But if the smell is overwhelmingly chemical, it's best to proceed with caution.

Box Clever: Analyzing the Packaging and Labels

The box and its labels are the first line of defense against counterfeit sneakers. Start by examining the box itself. Authentic Air Jordan boxes are made from sturdy cardboard and feature crisp, high-quality printing. The colors should be vibrant and accurate, and the graphics should be sharp and well-defined. Check for any signs of damage or wear, such as dents, scratches, or faded colors, which could indicate that the box has been tampered with. Now, let's move on to the labels. Authentic Air Jordan boxes typically have a label on the side that contains important information about the shoe, such as the style code, size, colorway, and country of origin. Make sure that all of this information is accurate and matches the details of the shoe itself. The font should be clear and legible, and the spacing should be consistent.

Check the style code on the label and compare it to the style code listed on official Nike or Jordan Brand websites. If the style codes don't match, it's a major red flag. Also, pay attention to the country of origin. Authentic Air Jordans are typically manufactured in countries like China, Vietnam, or Indonesia. If the label indicates a different country of origin, it could be a sign that the shoe is fake. Furthermore, examine the barcode on the label. You can use a barcode scanner app on your smartphone to scan the barcode and verify that it matches the product information. If the barcode is invalid or doesn't match the shoe, it's likely a fake.

Price Point: Too Good to Be True?

Okay, let's talk about the price. We all love a good deal, but when it comes to authentic Air Jordans, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic Jordans retail for a specific price, and while you might find them on sale occasionally, they're rarely heavily discounted. If you come across a pair of Air Jordan 312 Low Lakers being sold for a ridiculously low price, it's a major red flag. Counterfeiters often lure in unsuspecting buyers with incredibly low prices, hoping to make a quick buck. Before you make a purchase, do some research and find out the retail price of the Air Jordan 312 Low Lakers. Then, compare the price you're being offered to the retail price. If the price is significantly lower, be very cautious.

Consider why the seller might be offering such a low price. Are they a reputable retailer, or are they selling from an unknown source? Do they have a good reputation, or are there complaints about them selling fake products? It's always better to err on the side of caution and pay a little extra for a guaranteed authentic pair than to risk getting stuck with a fake. Remember, you get what you pay for. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don't let the temptation of a low price cloud your judgment. Focus on verifying the authenticity of the shoe before you make a purchase.

Where to Buy: Stick to Trusted Sources

Where you buy your sneakers is just as important as what you look for on the sneaker itself. To minimize your risk of buying fakes, stick to trusted sources such as authorized retailers, reputable sneaker stores, and official Nike or Jordan Brand websites. These sources are more likely to sell authentic products and have a reputation to uphold. Avoid buying from unknown websites, online marketplaces, or street vendors, as these sources are more likely to sell counterfeit goods. Before you make a purchase, do some research on the seller. Check their reputation and read reviews from other customers. See if they have a physical store or a clear return policy. If you're buying online, make sure the website is secure and has a valid SSL certificate.

Look for the padlock icon in the address bar, which indicates that the website is encrypted and your information is protected. Be wary of sellers who ask you to pay with unconventional methods, such as wire transfers or gift cards, as these methods are often used by scammers. If you're buying from an online marketplace, use a payment method that offers buyer protection, such as PayPal or a credit card. This will give you some recourse if you receive a fake product. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry. By sticking to trusted sources, you can significantly reduce your risk of buying counterfeit Air Jordan 312 Low Lakers.

By following these tips and tricks, you'll be well-equipped to spot fake Air Jordan 312 Low Lakers and ensure you're rocking the real deal. Happy sneaker hunting!