Fake Jordans Meme: Meaning, Origin, Spread and Why It Went Viral

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through memes on social media, you’ve probably encountered the Fake Jordans meme. Whether it’s making fun of misshaped logos, mismatched designs, or the hilariously terrible attempts at imitating iconic Nike Air Jordans, this meme is everywhere.

It all started as a joke about counterfeit sneakers—those knockoff kicks that just don’t quite hit the mark. From exaggerated comparisons to the “Your Jordans are fake!” catchphrase, the meme quickly took off across Reddit, Instagram, and TikTok.

In this article, we, Grumpy Sharks will break down the meaning, origin, and spread of the Fake Jordans meme, and explore why it continues to be such a huge part of meme culture. Let’s dive in!

What is the fake jordans meme?

The Fake Jordans meme is a humorous internet trend that highlights the differences between authentic Nike Air Jordans and counterfeit versions. This meme often features exaggerated visual comparisons, such as misshaped logos or unusual designs, to emphasize the absurdity of knockoff sneakers. It’s particularly popular among sneaker enthusiasts and has become a staple in meme culture.

Origin and Spread of the fake jordans meme

The fake jordans meme gained traction around 2015, circulating on platforms like Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook. Users began sharing images of fake Jordans. For example, Reddit User r/zeekyboy shared a picture of a fake Jordans with captions like “These Fake Jordans have an Ass Crack”. The post now has nearly 10k upvotes.

Source: zeekyboy

In 2020, the meme experienced a resurgence with the phrase “Your Jordans are fake as fuck”. This catchphrase was posted by Facebook page Yeah I’m Stuck in the Void on July 18th, 2020 and quickly spread across various social media platforms, including Instagram, Reddit, and YouTube. The post now has 2.3k reactions and 2.2k shares.

Source: Yeah, I Bathe in the Light, Keep Loving

Spread of the Fake Jordans Meme

The Fake Jordans meme spread rapidly across various social media platforms after its inception, becoming a key part of internet humor and meme culture.

In September 9th, 2020, Instagram user @andrew_lastname posted a version of the meme using the Blobby N Friends comic, which gained over 17,000 likes in two years.

Source: andrew_lastname

On June 3rd, 2021, the meme format was expanded by Redditor u/Ducktowncentra who posted an edited JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure panel to the /r/ShitPostCrusaders subreddit. The post received over 2,600 upvotes in just nine months.

Source: Ducktowncentra

In October 1st, 2021, @new.incognito.tab on Instagram posted another iteration of the meme, this time featuring Gustavo Fring from Breaking Bad. The post gained over 32,000 likes in just five months.

Source: new.incognito.tab

Then, on December 11th, 2021, YouTuber Meme Zee posted a skit featuring SpongeBob SquarePants characters using the phrase, “Your Jordans are fake,” which gained over 2.7 million views in just three months.

Why Did the Fake Jordans Meme Become So Popular?

The Fake Jordans meme became popular for a few reasons:

Relatability: Many people have experienced the disappointment of buying knockoff products, especially when they realize the quality does not meet expectations. The meme plays on this universal experience.

Cultural Context: Air Jordans are seen as a status symbol in sneaker and hip-hop culture. For some, owning a pair of real Jordans is a symbol of achievement and fashion sense. The meme humorously underscores the difference between the real thing and the knockoff versions.

Exaggerated Humor: The humor in the meme often comes from the over-the-top comparison of the fake and real Jordans, making it a comical commentary on the sometimes absurd lengths people go to for status or fashion.

Widespread Appeal: The meme was easy to replicate and modify, allowing internet users to create their own versions by comparing anything from shoes to everyday items, such as phones or cars. This made the meme adaptable to a variety of contexts.

Source: That_5_Something

FAQs About Jordans and Fake Jordans

Are Jordans made in Vietnam?

Yes, many Nike Air Jordans are manufactured in Vietnam, along with other countries such as China and Indonesia. Nike has global factories that produce their products, and Vietnam has been a major location for sneaker manufacturing due to its labor force and cost-effectiveness.

However, it’s important to note that the authenticity of Jordans doesn’t depend on where they are made, but rather on the quality and craftsmanship of the product. Counterfeit Jordans can come from any location, so it’s crucial to buy from reputable sources to ensure authenticity.

Source: bitchwatch

Can you tell if Jordans are fake?

Yes, there are several ways to identify fake Jordans. Some of the key indicators include:

• Quality of Materials: Authentic Jordans use high-quality leather, rubber, and stitching. Fake Jordans often have poorly sewn seams, low-quality leather, or rough edges.
• Logo Placement: The Nike Swoosh and Jumpman logo on real Jordans will be placed precisely and have clean edges. Fake Jordans often have misaligned logos or poorly printed ones.
• Box and Paper: Genuine Jordans come in a specific box with quality packaging, including tissue paper printed with the Nike logo. Fake Jordans might come in generic or flimsy boxes.

Why was the Jordan 1 illegal?

The Nike Air Jordan 1 became “illegal” in 1985 when the NBA banned them for not adhering to the league’s uniform code. The original Jordan 1 “Bred” (black and red colorway) didn’t match the NBA’s rules, which required players to wear shoes that were primarily white with little to no color. Nike famously marketed this ban, claiming it as a marketing ploy to make the shoes even more desirable. Despite the ban, Michael Jordan continued to wear them, and Nike paid the fines, making the Jordan 1 an iconic and rebellious symbol in sneaker history.

Conclusion

The Fake Jordans meme offers a humorous and relatable take on the world of knockoff products and consumerism. What started as a joke about poorly made counterfeit sneakers has turned into a widespread internet trend that pokes fun at the difference between authentic high-end products and their often inferior copies. With its exaggerated humor and cultural relevance, the meme continues to entertain and remind us of the sometimes comical lengths people will go to in order to keep up appearances.