Nike SB Purple Pigeon: How To Spot The Fakes
Alright, sneakerheads, let's talk about a holy grail: the Nike SB Purple Pigeon. These kicks aren't just shoes; they're a piece of sneaker history, representing the collaboration between Nike SB and Jeff Staple. They were a limited release that caused a frenzy back in the day, and their value has skyrocketed since. With that kind of hype, you know what comes next: fakes. And, sadly, there are tons of them floating around. So, if you're thinking about copping a pair of these iconic sneakers, or if you already own a pair and want to make sure they're the real deal, you're in the right place. We're going to dive deep into how to do a Nike SB Purple Pigeon legit check, covering everything from the box to the stitching.
The Box: Your First Clue in the Legit Check
Let's start at the beginning: the box. Sounds simple, right? But the box itself can tell you a lot. The real Nike SB Purple Pigeon box is a specific shade of purple, a color that's been replicated in many fakes, but never quite perfectly. Examine the color closely. It should be a rich, deep purple, not too bright or faded. Then, check the box's construction. Authentic boxes are made with high-quality cardboard. The fakes often use thinner, less durable cardboard that may feel flimsy. The printing on the box is another key area. The logo, the size label, and any other text should be crisp and clear on an authentic box. Fake boxes often have blurry text or slightly off-color printing.
Look for inconsistencies in the fonts or any misspellings. These details are frequently overlooked by counterfeiters. Also, pay attention to the box's size label. Does the font match what you'd expect from an official Nike box? Is the size listed in the correct format? The box label should have the style code, color code, and the date of manufacture. Use these details to verify against online resources like StockX or GOAT. Always cross-reference the information. The original release was very specific and if the codes don't match, you've got a problem. The box is the first line of defense. The details here are often a dead giveaway for fakes.
Pay attention to the little things – the placement of the size sticker, the overall finish. Real boxes show attention to detail, which is often missing in the fakes. Examine the box from all angles under good lighting. Check the seams and edges. Authentic boxes are carefully assembled, while fakes might have poorly glued seams or uneven edges. If the box looks off, it's a major red flag, and it's time to move on to the next step. Remember, the box sets the stage. A genuine box is a great sign that the shoes inside might be authentic too. If the box isn’t up to par, the shoes almost certainly won’t be. So, take your time, be thorough, and don't rush through this critical part of the Nike SB Purple Pigeon legit check.
The Shoe Itself: Examining the Details
Now, let's get into the shoes themselves. This is where the real Nike SB Purple Pigeon legit check begins. The materials, the stitching, the colors – everything matters. First off, let's talk about the suede. The Purple Pigeons are known for their premium suede. It should be soft, supple, and have a rich, deep color. Fakes often use cheaper materials that might look dull or feel rough. Run your hand across the suede. Does it feel luxurious, or does it feel like it was made with cheap materials? Another crucial detail is the pigeon. It's the whole point of these shoes, right? The embroidered pigeon on the heel is a defining characteristic. On the real deal, the embroidery should be clean, precise, and detailed. The fake pigeons are often poorly done with messy stitching, wrong colors, or an incorrect shape.
Take a close look at the stitching on the shoe. On genuine pairs, the stitching is tight, even, and consistent. Fake shoes often have sloppy stitching with loose threads or uneven spacing. The color of the stitching also matters. Does it match the original? Again, use reference photos online to confirm. The shape of the shoe itself is another thing to consider. Compare the overall silhouette of the shoe to photos of authentic pairs. Does it match up? Fakes often have slight differences in shape, like a thicker toebox or a different heel height. Check the insole. The insole on authentic Purple Pigeons will have specific details like the Nike SB logo and any other branding. The font should be correct, and the printing should be crisp. Fake insoles might have faded printing or incorrect fonts.
Examine the tongue of the shoe. The tongue tag should have the correct Nike SB branding, and the font should match the original. Also, pay attention to the tongue's construction. Is it padded and comfortable, or does it feel cheap? And don’t forget the laces! Real laces are high quality and often have specific details like aglets with the Nike SB logo. Fake laces might be generic or have the wrong color. Look at all the details, guys. The devil is in the details, and the more careful you are, the better your chances of spotting a fake. Take your time, compare, and trust your instincts. Remember, authentic Purple Pigeons are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. If anything looks off, it's a sign that you should proceed with caution.
Sole Searching: The Outsole and More Details
Let’s move on to the outsole. This is another critical area for a Nike SB Purple Pigeon legit check. The outsole of the Purple Pigeon has a unique design. Take a close look at the pattern. Is it the correct design? Is the rubber the right color? The color should match the original. Fakes often get the color wrong. The sole should also have the Nike SB logo. The logo should be clear and well-defined. On fakes, the logo might be blurry or poorly molded. Check the rubber's flexibility. Authentic soles are made of high-quality rubber that is flexible and durable. Fake soles might be stiff or feel cheap. Inspect the glue job. Look for any excess glue or imperfections. Authentic shoes are made with care, so the glue job should be clean and precise. Fakes often have sloppy glue jobs, which are easy to spot.
Now, let's talk about the insole's underside. Flip the insole over and check the details. The real insole will have specific markings and construction details. Fakes might have a plain underside or incorrect details. Check the midsole as well. Is the midsole the correct color? Is it consistent? Does the midsole have any imperfections? These are easy to spot. Be sure to check the size tag inside the shoe. Does the font match the original? Does the sizing information appear correct? Use reference photos to verify. Always cross-reference the details with images of authentic pairs.
Make sure to compare your shoes with photos from trusted sources like StockX or GOAT. Use multiple sources. Don't rely on just one image. Examine the overall condition of the shoe. Does the wear and tear seem consistent with the shoe's age and use? If the shoe looks too good to be true, it probably is. Check the weight of the shoe. Authentic shoes are made with quality materials and have a certain weight. Fakes might be lighter. If you’re able, hold an authentic pair next to the suspected fake. The weight difference might be noticeable. Pay close attention to the details, guys. The outsole, the midsole, the insole – everything matters. Take your time, be thorough, and trust your instincts. If something feels off, don't ignore it. It is best to be safe than sorry.
The Retail Price and Where You Buy Matters
Okay, let's talk about the price. The Nike SB Purple Pigeon is a very rare and valuable shoe. If you're seeing a pair being sold for a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Research the current market value of the shoes before you buy them. Check sites like StockX or GOAT to get an idea of the going rate. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Scammers will often try to lure you in with low prices. Think about the source. Where are you buying these shoes? Are you buying them from a reputable seller? If you're buying from a private seller, ask for detailed photos and videos. Ask for proof of purchase.
Do your research on the seller. Check their feedback and reviews. Are they known for selling authentic shoes? Do they have a good reputation? Be cautious of sellers who are new or have a lot of negative feedback. If you're buying from an online marketplace, be sure to use a platform that offers buyer protection. If you suspect that a seller is selling fakes, report them to the platform. Only buy from trusted sources. Buying from a reputable retailer or a trusted reseller is the safest way to ensure you're getting an authentic pair. If you're unsure about the authenticity of a pair, it’s always best to walk away. It's better to miss out on a pair of shoes than to get scammed. Do your homework. The more information you have, the better equipped you'll be to spot a fake.
Final Thoughts: Staying Safe in the Sneaker Game
So, there you have it, guys. We've covered a lot of ground in this Nike SB Purple Pigeon legit check guide. From the box to the stitching, from the sole to the seller, we’ve looked at all the key details you need to know. Remember, authenticity is all about the details. Take your time, do your research, and don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're unsure, get a second opinion. There are plenty of online communities and forums where you can get expert advice. Check out the NikeTalk forums or Reddit’s r/Sneakers. These communities are often filled with sneakerheads who are happy to help with legit checks.
Don’t rush your purchase. Always take your time to examine the shoes thoroughly before you buy them. Compare them to photos of authentic pairs. Don't be afraid to walk away if something doesn't feel right. The sneaker game can be exciting, but it can also be risky. Educate yourself, stay vigilant, and protect yourself from fakes. The more you know, the better your chances of scoring an authentic pair of Nike SB Purple Pigeons. Now go out there and cop those grails – safely and confidently! Remember, trust your instincts, and always prioritize authenticity. Happy hunting, sneakerheads!
