This op-ed will compare REAL VS REPLICA Nike Dunk Low SP Syracuse 2020 (CU1726-101).

First of all, the Swoosh should be machine-stitched on to the shoe. Replicas often bear a hand stitched Swoosh, which has uneven sized stitches.

On the back of the insole, we can see a different colored glue has been used on the replica. Because of the lower quality glue used, the replica has glue marks that have turned yellow. The real shoe should have translucent strips of glue.

To save costs, the replica uses less glue to cover only half of the insole, whereas the real shoe has glue across almost on the entire surface of the insole.  

This particular Dunk model was manufactured in Vietnam, hence the factory code "VH" stamped on the insole. This also means the real shoe should have either a non-woven fabric insole or a velvet insole. We can distinguish real from replica by closely examining the perforation and thread used. Perforation on the real shoe are big and round, and the thread should not be shiny or refract light.

To prevent replicas from catching up, we won't disclose all the details here. If you have questions or a pair that needs authenticating, head over to the LEGIT app where our sneaker experts can get back to you.