So, to help you avoid purchasing these "B" Grades or High Quality Imitations or whatever you want to call them, I'll highlight the characteristics that really standout.
Our first feature: The Nike LeBron X
1. The Cushioning System
This where you'll definitely know the difference between the Originals and the Imitations.
The Originals have a Visible, 360 Zoom Air Unit while the Imitations have a 360 Air Max Unit.
A Visible 360 Zoom Air Unit has small "pillars" within the Unit that look like little threads spread within the unit., while a typical 360 Air Max Unit has large pillars all around.
What's the difference between the two? Look at the Images below:
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| The Original (Image from Google) |
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| The Imitation/"B" Grade (Image from Google) |
2. Colorway
The LeBron X came out with a whole bunch of colorways, from the All-Black/"Carbon" Colorway to the All-Star Game (ASG)/"Area 72". But, if you spot them in colorways that belong to older models, such as the "Miami Vice" Colorway that belonged to the LeBron 9 Elite, be wary. You're looking at "B" Grades.
Need an idea to what they'd look like? Here's a sample below:
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| A LeBron X imitation in the "Sprite" Colorway that belonged to the LeBron 8 V/2 Low |
Unless you were able to go and NikeID your self a pair of LeBron Xs in these particular colorways, then most likely, you're looking at Fakes.
3. The Box
People often overlook the shoebox, because, well...they're just shoe boxes. But one thing to note, is that the shoebox is a way of telling fakes.
The regular release LeBron Xs, along with the Nike+ versions, come in a new, big black box:
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| The LeBron X+ Shoebox (Image from Google)
If the box doesn't look anywhere as close to the image above, you may be looking at an imitation (unless you bought your pair from a TRUSTED Reseller and they provided a replacement box).
The box also has the tag containing product information: Colorway, Product Code/Number, etc. This is one way of verifying the authenticity of the shoe.
3. The Gloss
Original LeBron Xs, generally have a sort of "glossy"/"shiny" look, even for the dark colorways. These are what differentiate the Originals from the "B" Grades.
An example (re-using the images above):
4. Weight
How is weight related to determining authenticity? Well, simply put, it is related.
The LeBron Xs are a pretty hefty shoe. Whether if its putting them on or grabbing from your shelves or off the floor, you'll definitely feel some weight.
Imitations don't have this feeling. If you try and simply pick up the shoe, you'll notice they'll be lighter.
The materials in the originals play a role in the shoe's weight, something that "B" Grades couldn't get right.
Try fitting the shoe and see how they feel. If they feel "clunky", relatively lightweight and just don't feel right, then you have an imitation.
5. Craftsmanship
This is another obvious.
Ugly stitching, a weird silhouette and shape, excess glue and uneven edges are some signs of "B" Grades.
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