Home
>
Guide
>
Nike Air VaporMax Plus Real vs. Fake Guide 2025: How Can I Tell If It Is Real?

It contains affiliate links and Extrabux will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on Extrabux links.

Nike Air VaporMax Plus Real vs. Fake Guide 2025: How Can I Tell If It Is Real?

Fashion Sports & Outdoor Fake vs Real Guide

The Nike Vapormax trainer has been around for years, yet it continues to be one of the most popular trainers!Nike VaporMax Plus is one of the upgraded versions of the VaporMax shoes.The iconic trainers were significantly innovative, showcasing intricate detailing and completely out of the box features.It has been recognised as a popular shoe by many companies, with some trying to replicate the infamous shoe.If you want to learn how to spot fake Nike Air VaporMax shoes, don’t worry, it’s not that hard.How can you tell if VaporMax Plus is real?How to tell if your Nike Vapormax Plus is genuine or fake？How to spot a fake Nike Air VaporMax Plus?What's the difference between the real and fake Nike VaporMax Plus?In this guide,I've gathered the best 9 methods of spotting a fake pair of Nike Air VaporMax Plus.Let’s check them out.

Cover Photo:nike.com

Nike VaporMax Plus Review

Price: $149.97-$210

Nike VaporMax Plus is one of the upgraded versions of the VaporMax shoes. Released in 2018, the Nike Air VaporMax Plus origin story goes back in the days. Nodding to the 1998 Air Max Plus with its floating cage, padded upper and heel logo, it adds revolutionary VaporMax Air technology to ramp up the comfort and create a modern look.Famously, the original Air Max Plus debuted at retail in 1998 and never left the shelves for more than 20 years to follow, always stocked in concurrent colorway or updated retro form in some corners of the world.

For this particular sneaker, Nike combined the Nike Air Max Plus upper with the Nike VaporMax cushioning unit. These two shoes come together to result in an extremely air-filled and eye-catching pair of kicks. The aggressive-looking TPU exoskeleton that appears on the Air Max Plus is a big part of what gives this shoe its head-turning appeal; that and the impressive colorways.

As you explore the options, you’ll notice styles featuring unconventional color schemes and hues not usually found on running shoes. Bright gradient colors give your look a burst of energy, vibrant hues deliver a head-turning finish, and earthy hues add pep and style to every step. Of course, you will also find classic colors like black for a sleek, sophisticated aesthetic that can go with any outfit.The outsole/midsole Tuned Air units are specifically designed to deliver a responsive ride and have been made to help you walk on air successfully. They are a unique pair of shoes for sure and although they aren’t for everyone, they will definitely fit the bill for many Nike Air sneaker fans out there.

Source:nike.com

Nike VaporMax Plus Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

It’s a stronger and more advanced version of the Air Vapormax.
Stylish, modern design.
Bold, gradient colors add heritage style to this powerhouse Air Max.
Synthetic upper adds lightweight comfort and durability.
Full-length rubber outsole adds traction and durability to your journey.
Cutting edge Tuned Air technology delivers a bouncy ride.
TPU exoskeletal cage provides extra stability.
Minimal break-in time.
Great energy retrurn.
It is not just a running shoe but also an all-around workout sneaker.

Not very breathable.
Not very durable for under -pronators or over-pronators.
Hefty price tag.
Noisy outsole.
No widths.

Where to Buy Nike VaporMax Plus?

If you want authentic Nike trainers then its best to buy direct from Nike or another trusted retailer such as:

Saving Tip:

If you like online shopping, don't forget to sign up at Extrabux！(What is Extrabux) , then you can enjoy up to 30+% cashback on your purchase from Extrabux! Sign-Up Bonus: Free to join it & get $20 welcome bonus! Student Benefits：As long as you are a student at school, you can get a free whole year long VIP Card worth $199.

Extrabux.com cooperates with many merchants, such as: Walmart (Up to 4% cashback), Sephora（4% -5% cash back)，Dior (Up to 6% cash back), Moosejaw (5% -6% cash back), LOOKFANTASTIC (Up to 10% cash back), Microsoft (Up to 7% cash back) and so on. You can save on buying daily necessities, fashion, beauty, electronic products, broadband installation, mobile communication, air tickets, hotels and other aspects of life!

How to Spot A Fake Nike VaporMax Plus?

1.The Size Tag

To know if your Nike VaporMax Plus is original or fake, you should check the size tag.Each Air VaporMax comes with a sneaker size tag that mentions various deets about the trainer.

1) The fake runners’ size tag will always have the font looking too thick or thin. It could be either of them. Real pairs always stand out thanks to their quality of printing on this little tab.

2) Find the sneaker style code with a number placed in the middle. The fake runners will have the numbers imprinted thinner than usual. Shift a little on the right and find the date of manufacturing. The fake pair will have the date exceptionally thin and not so visible.

3) Text like ‘MADE IN CHINA’ and ‘FABRIQUE AU CHINA’ will have inconsistent text on the fake Nike VaporMax Plus.

2.The Outsole

1) The fake one is missing a partition above the AirMax logo.

2) The sole on the real one is made out of rubber,however on the fake onse it's just plastic with a rubber coating.

3) You will find a mini Nike Swoosh logo in the authentic runners doing some substantial branding. On the contrary, the fake runners will have no inscriptions at all.

3.The Midsole

1) If you look closely,you will notice that real shoes must let light through their black midsoles, and in most cases, fake shoes don’t do that.

2) The fake pair’s midsole is too little opaque, as it was painted in black, without any sort of opacity.

4. The Insole

1) In the real vs fake tug of war, don’t skip the insoles.The original has excellent insole quality.

2) The real insole has some numbers and letters engraved into it and grooves on the right side when looked at from the top.However,the fake one insle has none of those.

5. The Thickness

The thickness of the reflective strips gradually increase on the real pair.The strips on the fake one are of two thickness.The 3 strips above the laces are of the same thickness and the remaining strips are bit thicker.There is no gradual increase.

6. The Rear Side

1) You will spot the Vm text on the backside of the pull tab with a tiny Swoosh completing the branding. The replicated runners will have the text looking too thick and badly font weighted. But in the case of authentic trainers, the text will be consistent and thin.

2) It has a quality finish which semms to be done by a machine on the real.However,the stitching is very poor and uneven on the fake pair.

7. The Toe Box

In the process of making the toe box slightly curvy, the real pairs have overdone it. You will find the front tip being too away from the ground and looking too high. But in the case of fake sneakers, the toe box will be only slightly curvy and closer to the ground.

8. The Tongue

The sneaker tongue has the brand labelling done just right. Classy, bold and clear. The sneaker tongue will spell out Air Vapormax Plus and a Swoosh logo towards the edge, almost reaching the shoelaces. Get one thing straight. You will find the same details even on the fake trainers. They are clever about this and don’t miss any of the details. But hey, they screw up with the Swoosh placement big time. Not realising where to place it, the counterfeits position it wrongly. Also, the Air VaporMax Plus is never printed in consistent text.

9. The Box

1) The official Nike box will be slightly larger and smooth. The fake box tends to have ridges in it and it’s not as sturdy.

2) You should find all the details on the sneaker box like size, style, stock keeping unit number and barcode. Counterfeits try to imitate the genuine ones. But they always goof up with any one or more details. Therefore, you must cross-check with the Nike website and see if all the details match. This one’s easy to match.

If you're still unsure after checking all these factors, it's best to reach out to Nike customer service for confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Nike Air Max Plus run small?

The shoe fits true to size.Generally, it is not necessary to go a half size up, even if you have wider feet.

What are Air Max Plus made for?

Originally designed for performance running, Nike Air units provide lightweight cushioning that lasts.

Are Nike Air Max Plus good for walking?

Nike Air Max Plus shoes are very good for walking in! If you're looking for a classic selection of sneakers that are well respected in the sneaker community, that are comfortable and supportive to walk in, then this is the shoe for you!

Are Nike Air Max Plus breathable?

Yes.

How long do VaporMax plus last?

The VaporMax Plus midsole and outsole should hold around 350 miles or more unless you subject it to high-intensity activities.

Are VaporMax Plus comfortable?

Worth every penny! These shoes are good quality, the legit Nike brand and very comfortable.

Are Nike VaporMax Plus good for running?

Despite being incredibly lightweight and flexible, Nike VaporMax Plus offers maximum protection to keep your feet comfortable and safe while running.

Is the Nike Air VaporMax Plus durable?

The layered and thick upper is not going to tear in a hurry. The outsole and midsole are made in such a way it can deal with any activity the wearer is indulging in. Nike’s traditional rubber compounds are engulfed and can reckon enhanced protection along with maximum durability. This kind of contributes to the amazing traction you can experience.

Nike VaporMax vs. VaporMax Plus vs. Air Max Plus: Differences and Reivews 2025

Nike Dunk Low Panda Real vs. Fake Guide 2025: How Can I Tell If It Is Real?

Nike NFL Jersey Real vs. Fake Guide 2025: How Can I Tell If It Is Real?

Nike Tech Fleece Real vs. Fake Guide 2025: How Can I Tell If It Is Real?