Product description

The Nike Air More Uptempo, a bold and iconic basketball shoe from the 90s, experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to its collaboration with Supreme in 2017. This partnership birthed the Supreme Air More Uptempo, instantly becoming a grail for sneakerheads and streetwear enthusiasts. The demand for this shoe far outstripped supply, leading to a flood of counterfeits hitting the market. Distinguishing between a genuine Supreme Air More Uptempo and a fake can be tricky, but with a keen eye and the right knowledge, you can protect yourself from purchasing a fraudulent pair. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed checklist, focusing on crucial aspects to examine, helping you confidently determine the authenticity of your prospective purchase.

Understanding the Hype and the Counterfeit Market

Before diving into the specifics, it's crucial to understand why the Supreme Air More Uptempo commands such high prices and attracts counterfeiters. The collaboration between Nike and Supreme is legendary, consistently producing highly sought-after items that blend sportswear functionality with streetwear cool. The Air More Uptempo, with its distinctive "AIR" lettering, was a perfect canvas for Supreme's signature aesthetic. Replacing "AIR" with "SUPREME" transformed the shoe into a statement piece, instantly elevating its status.

The limited availability of the Supreme Air More Uptempo fueled the hype even further. Dropped in a limited run, the shoe quickly sold out, leaving many eager buyers empty-handed. This scarcity created a lucrative market for counterfeiters, who capitalized on the demand by producing and selling convincing replicas. These fakes often mimic the appearance of the real deal, but closer inspection reveals telltale signs of their fraudulent nature.

The Supreme Air More Uptempo Checklist: Key Authentication Points

This checklist provides a detailed breakdown of the key areas to examine when authenticating a Supreme Air More Uptempo. Remember that counterfeiters are constantly improving their techniques, so it's crucial to pay close attention to even the smallest details.

1. Overall Silhouette and Proportions:

* Real: The authentic Supreme Air More Uptempo boasts a well-defined, athletic silhouette. The shape is consistent and proportional throughout the shoe. The curves are smooth and natural, particularly around the toe box and heel. The shoe should feel sturdy and well-constructed.

* Fake: Counterfeits often exhibit inconsistencies in their overall shape. The proportions may be off, with the shoe appearing too bulky, too slim, or oddly shaped. The curves may be abrupt or unnatural. The overall construction may feel flimsy or cheap. Look for uneven stitching, misaligned panels, or a generally misshapen appearance.

2. The "SUPREME" Lettering:

* Real: The "SUPREME" lettering is the most distinctive feature of this shoe, and it's a prime target for counterfeiters. Examine the lettering meticulously:

* Font: The font should be clean, crisp, and consistent throughout. Pay close attention to the shape of each letter, ensuring that they match the authentic font.

* Placement: The placement of the "SUPREME" lettering is crucial. It should be perfectly aligned with the midsole and the surrounding panels. The letters should be evenly spaced, with consistent gaps between them.

* Size: The size of the letters should be proportional to the shoe size.

* Stitching: The stitching around the letters should be clean, tight, and uniform. There should be no loose threads or uneven stitching.

* Fake: Counterfeiters often struggle to replicate the "SUPREME" lettering accurately. Look for:

* Incorrect Font: The font may be slightly different from the authentic font, with subtle variations in the shape of the letters.

* Misaligned Placement: The lettering may be misaligned with the midsole or surrounding panels.

* Inconsistent Spacing: The letters may be unevenly spaced, with varying gaps between them.

* Poor Stitching: The stitching around the letters may be loose, uneven, or of poor quality.

* Color Discrepancies: Ensure the color of the lettering matches the authentic colorway.nike air more uptempo supreme real vs fake

3. Air Unit and Midsole:

* Real: The Air More Uptempo is known for its full-length Air-Sole unit. The Air unit should be clear, free of imperfections, and properly inflated. The midsole should be made of high-quality materials and should be evenly colored and textured. The midsole should be firmly attached to the upper.

* Fake: Counterfeits often cut corners on the Air unit and midsole:

* Air Unit Imperfections: The Air unit may be cloudy, discolored, or contain bubbles or imperfections. It may also be under-inflated or not fully functional.

* Low-Quality Midsole: The midsole may be made of cheap materials that are easily scratched or damaged. The color and texture may be inconsistent.

* Poor Attachment: The midsole may be poorly attached to the upper, with visible gaps or glue residue.

4. Tongue and Heel Details:

* Real: Examine the tongue and heel for specific details: