I've authenticated thousands of pairs. Here are the 5 things I check every single time:

1. The swoosh shape — Fakes almost always get the curve wrong. On legit Dunks, the swoosh tip should be sharp and point toward the top eyelet. Reps usually make it too thick or too rounded.

2. Box label font spacing — Nike uses very specific kerning on their box labels. If the letters look squeezed or the barcode feels off-center, that's a red flag.

3. Insole texture — Pull out the insole. Real Nikes have a slightly rough, textured underside. Reps feel smooth or plasticky.

4. Stitching consistency — Check where the toe box meets the midsole. Real pairs have tight, even stitching with no loose threads. Fakes often have uneven stitch spacing.

5. Heel tab alignment — On Air Jordan 1s especially, the Nike Air or Jumpman logo on the heel should be perfectly centered. Even 1-2mm off is a sign.

If you're reselling and want expert eyes on your inventory before you list, that's exactly what we do at CheckMyKicks. No more guessing.