Nike, a global sportswear giant originating from the United States, is renowned for its shoes and athletic apparel, popular among diverse age groups, especially sports enthusiasts. However, the brand’s popularity has led to a surge in counterfeit products sold at lower prices. Therefore, understanding how to differentiate genuine Nike products from fakes is crucial. A straightforward method to check authenticity is by examining the Universal Product Code (UPC). This article will guide you on how to check the UPC of authentic Nike shoes and identify fakes.
Understanding the Nike UPC
A Universal Product Code (UPC) is a specific barcode or serial number used to identify products, primarily in the United States and Canada. Since Nike is an American company, almost every product includes a unique UPC. This code helps buyers confirm product authenticity, as numerous counterfeit Nike products flood the market.
Authentic Nike shoes feature a sewn-in label with size information, a barcode, and a distinct model number. This barcode is usually located on the shoe’s tongue or insole area. Each barcode’s serial number is unique, differing even between the left and right shoe of a pair.
Methods to Check Nike UPC for Authenticity
Verifying the authenticity of Nike shoes via UPC involves checking the codes. Typically, a Nike shoe UPC consists of a nine-digit code, with the first six digits indicating the shoe style and the last three representing the color. There are three primary ways to check a Nike UPC: using the serial number, scanning the UPC barcode, and using specialized websites.
1. UPC Verification via Serial Number Lookup
- First, locate the serial number on your Nike product. Ensure the serial number on the product tag matches the number on the shoe box. Discrepancies can indicate a counterfeit product.
- On original Nike boxes, the UPC is usually found on the bottom or side, alongside other product details.
- Next, use a search engine like Google and type in the product serial number. For example, search for ‘Nike CI5749-777’ for Nike M2K Tekno Volt shoes.
- If the product is genuine, Google should display images of the shoe model, the shoe series name, size, and color. Compare this information with your product to confirm authenticity.
2. Scan the UPC Barcode
Nike UPC barcodes are located on the shoe box and sometimes directly on the shoe label. Here’s how to check using a barcode scan:
- Open a barcode scanner app or feature on your smartphone.
- Point your scanner at the UPC barcode on your Nike shoe box or shoe label.
- Once the barcode is recognized, it should redirect you to a Nike website, usually
qr.nike.com/serial number
. - This page should display images of the authentic Nike product for comparison.
3. Utilize Specialized Websites for UPC Check
Another method to verify Nike UPC authenticity is through dedicated websites. Several websites specialize in UPC databases, allowing you to check Nike product authenticity. Here’s how:
- Open a web browser on your phone or computer.
- Visit a website with a UPC database. Recommended sites include
upcindex.com
,barcodespider.com
,goat.com
,grailed.com
, andbarcodelookup.com
. - Enter the 12-digit barcode number or UPC code from your Nike shoes into the search field.
- Click ‘Search’. The website will then display information associated with the entered UPC code, allowing you to verify if it matches the details of your Nike shoes.
By using these methods, you can effectively verify the authenticity of your Nike shoes, ensuring you are purchasing genuine products and avoiding counterfeits.