How To Spot FAKE Air Jordan 3 in 2023 (All Colorways)

Rear View

Let's start diving into details with the rear part of the Jordan 3. In this section, we have multiple flaws to observe between the authentic and the replica: [1] Leather cuts and the shape of the pull tab.

Note: Not all Jordan 3 are the same when it comes to how it was cut. Some are taller and some are shorter.

Leather cuts and pull tab shape

Denoted by the yellow arrow for the Jordan 3 authentic pair pull tab shape is not too round when compared with the replica, we can see how the shape is more like a half-circle for the fake pair. In other words, retail pairs are sharper when it comes to shape.

Heading toward the lower part of the heel on the authentic pair, clearly, we can identify how the replica pair leather elephant print was cut higher than the real pair. Again this is a good legit checking indicator on real vs fake Jordan 3.

To help you more on this part, I have provided more photos of the real vs fake Jordan 3 most updated and released in 2022.

As we have mentioned with the real vs fake, cuts on that rear leather panel are noticeable different, denoted by that red arrow beneath that replica Jump man is again too high when compared with the authentic pair they have it cut lower vs fake pair.

On the upper part of the rear section, denoted by the yellow oval, where the sock liner can be seen, the authentic pair finish and shape are neat and shaped well, compared with the replica. Denoted in that red oval, the shape is sloppy and deformed.

There is more to add when trying to determine the authenticity of the Jordan 3 sneaker, we also need to consider the rear slope, shape, and stitching.

Toe Box

The shape of the toe box is one of the most important things to consider when figuring out whether it's fake or real.

In this section, we will break down not just the [1] Shape of the toe box, and [2] elephant prints but also the [3] color tone for Jordan 3 Racer blue.

Air Jordan 5 Racer Blue

Here's an example of what we are trying to point out.

Denoted in the yellow arrow, we compare the shape of that toe box for retail and fake pairs. Retail pairs via sideways are slimmer and curved nicely.

Denoted in the red circle Fake pairs got this wrong most of the time, either elephant prints for Jordan 3 are too thick or spacing is just too close, in this racer blue Jordan 3 case, it's too dark.

Another thing we need to check here is how the colors matched the authentic pair and fake pairs. Denoted in a yellow rectangle, the blue mid-sole color is lighter in shade than the replica, it's darker in color.

Jordan 3 Cool Grey

Here's another angle to give you a better view of the upper toe box shape.

Denoted by the yellow curved, on retail pairs for Jordan 3 cool greys are sharper vs the replica the shape is wider when we compare them side by side.

Also, an important thing to denote in the yellow line is how small the gaps between the nubuck suede material and the elephant prints. On the other hand, you can see the spacing for the replica with larger spacing.

Tongue Label

Jordan 3 Fire Red

After giving you an in-depth review of the fake vs real for Jordan 3, we want to give more details, just like how the tongue looks on retail vs fake pairs.

Note: Not all have the same material or texture for Jordan 3, what we need to establish here is how [1] How the tongue was shaped [2] the embroidery of that Jump Man head, and the spacing [3] texture of the material used.

Here's an example for older fake released pairs and recent authentic released pairs.

Denoted with a red curve above the tongue, what we are pointing out here is obviously, is the shape of the replica, it's crooked and uneven. Denoted in a yellow curve, see how the shape is more defined and neat.

Moving next to check is the leather texture, denoted in the yellow circle, retail pairs' texture is much smoother, unlike on fake pairs which are heavily tumbled.

Next to check on our Real vs Fake blog is that Jump Man embroidery. Denoted in yellow arrow, see the spacing with that Jump Man's head and arms, retail pairs are more spaced, while replica Jump Man head tends to be closer with his own arms.

Just to differentiate the Real Jordan 3 elephant vs fake material. Check out the texture on retail vs fakes. Denoted in yellow real pairs are darker in shade, hairy and rough in texture, vs fake pair's color is light brown, and texture is smoother.

Size Tag

Jordan 3 Black Cement

Over the years size tags or size labels for authentic pairs and fake pairs also have evolved.

Clearly, we see the difference between these two size labels.

Denoted in yellow circle size 10 on retail pairs are closer in spacing and taller. Now looking at the fake pair size tag, they are too spaced and the number 10 is shorter and round.

Going next to our real vs fake size tag for Jordan 3, we now check the UPC code, this code is essential in checking the SKU or model of the sneaker and proper size is also indicated. Fake pair's UPC code is a lot bolder while in authentic pairs, they are thinner in font and with proper spacing.

To give you another example of a real vs fake size label here is the 2020 released pair size tags for you to compare.

Jordan 3 Ama Maniere

Just to show the difference between real vs fake size labels for the Ama Maniere Air Jordan 3. Let's check again the font and how bold the letterings and numbers are. On fake pairs denoted in a red oval shape, size label prints are super thick, and LNM is also bolder when compared with retail pairs. Checking the authentic pair, the font used is much thinner and neatly printed.

Box Label

Jordan 3 Black Cement

Box label of sneakers plays a very good indicator in Legit checking real vs fake Jordan 3 sneakers. Let's start checking this box label.

First to notice on our real vs fake Jordan 3 box label is the suggested retail font thickness and its price which is also bolder than the retail. On the retail pair, the letterings are thinner, the same goes for the description denoted by that bigger yellow rectangle, see the difference of that fake box.

Another thing to denote to complete our guide in check the replica and retail box label is denoted by the red circle, even without UV light you can easily identify that there's a marking, take note that the retail box label does not print or stamp anything on with their box stickers.

Next to compare are the recently released pairs.

Jordan 3 UNC

Although the description for replica box labels for Jordan 3 is correct, we dive into a more in-depth checking of the Real vs Replica Jordan 3 UNC.

Take note of how bold those suggested retail words are for a replica when compared with the Joran 3 real box label. Denoted again a red circle, stamps from replica factories are almost always present.

One of the factors in determining whether your Jordan 3 is real or fake is the way those letterings and numbers are placed. Denoted by yellow dotted lines, we can see the difference in how those numbers and letters are placed for retail. This is another good legit checking indicator,( see those red dots for placement comparison).

It is very important to mention again those stamps on the replica box label. Denoted by a red circle, you will be able to check this more if you tilt that box more.

UV Light

Here's another way to figure out whether your Jordan 3 pairs are real or fake is by using UV light or black light.

3 different angles on this black light test for Jordan 3 to determine if your pair is Real or Fake Jordan 3.

Denoted in a yellow rectangular box, notice the stitching pattern and its sides are neat without any guidelines. On the other hand replica pairs always have these guidelines to follow, denoted with the red rectangle shape, we can see how those markings glow for a replica.

Just want to share this UV light checking denoted in the red rectangle, see those guidelines again. As additional information on real vs fake Jordan 3 stitching and shape, see how thin those sock liners are for a replica, while retails are much thicker on that part.

Denoted in a yellow oval shape, lace rivets of the authentic Jordan 3 Cardinal glows, versus fake pairs denoted in a red oval shape, it does not. One more cool to see is that denoted in red arrows are guidelines on the toe box.

Footbed / Insole Stitching

Real vs fake Jordan 3 let's try to point out some flaws in the replicated pairs foot bed stitching.

Black cement

Denoted in a yellow circle we can see that the stitching pattern is more consistent for retail pairs, while the replica got it wrong, more inconsistent on stitching. Also to denoted the color of the threads is black on the replica, while authentic pairs are in white stitching.

Denoted in the red circle, lines are present however when we try to check the retail, size should be seen on that footbed. Plus the stitching pattern consistency is not like in retail.

Back Insole

Let's discover more from the back insoles of the Jordan 3 authentic insole vs replica.

Take a look at this Jordan 3 real vs fake insoles, over the years some replica companies have not yet changed their insoles for Jordan 3 UNC, denoted in the red circle, old insoles were used, versus retail, they are now upgraded to much simple size markings and not pronounced.

Another example is this Ama Maniere back insole glue pattern, denoted in yellow lines, glue marks are pronounced versus the fake pairs, and glue marks are too weak and pale.