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A variant is a product that was never authorized for production. It is not a product made by the company in which the item shows. For example, a variant AF1 is not a real shoe made by the Nike corporation. Thus, it is not a real Nike Air Force 1. It is simply a look-a-like shoe, or a Air Force 1 style shoe.
Year of The Monkey Limited Editions - Notice how the fakes on these pics are nothing like the official release. Most obviously, the monkey is facing the wrong direction. The colorway is defenitely different. There is an awful "chunk" to almost every part of the fake. Also, notice the incredibly long line after the AIR on the midsole. It's almost an inch longer than that of it's REAL counterpart
These variants often offer inferior quality to an already lackluster shoe industry that has been cutting corners in quality over the past few years. To the trained eye, a variant shoe will stand up like black man at a KKK rally.
Remember though, all variants are not easy to spot. Some known as Grade A variants offer close to authentic production. If you can't tell the difference, and they are really identical, then the only thing you should be concerned about is durability. The choice is up to you.
How To Spot Fake AF1's
-Authentics vs. AAA Variants
http://www.solecollector.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=55689 (xx912pimpxx from ISS)
Now this is a case where it is much harder to spot the differences between a real and a variant. If you pay close attention, you may be able to catch some of these things at first gland. It make take practive though.
The details pointed out on this page can be applied to fakes of most Nike Air Force 1 lows, depending on material, colourway or other special additions.
The shoes being compared here are the Atmos Japan collaboration pair. One of the most sought after kicks by sneaker heads all over the world.
LEFT - REAL. RIGHT - FAKE
The figure shows the comparison between the real and fake AF1:
The Fake AF1 has a "squarish" toe box and a higher and sharper heel tab. The material used for the inner heel lining is also of inferior quality compared to the Real AF1.
 
LEFT - REAL. RIGHT - FAKE
The Fake AF1 has a "squarish" heel shape, compared to the "upward" slope of the Real AF1 heel.
 
LEFT - REAL. RIGHT - FAKE
The comparison of the tongue tags of the respective shoes show the colour variation between real and fake. Notice the registered trademark "R" of the Fake AF1 tag is not as defined as the Real.
 
LEFT - REAL. RIGHT - FAKE
Fake - Notice the "A" of "AIR" touches the swoosh, and that the swoosh is thicker. The whole digitized stiched logo on the fake is thicker if you look closely.
LEFT - REAL. RIGHT - FAKE
The box for the Fake AF1 is made of inferior material and has a darker tone compared to the Real box. The size dimensions are also slightly smaller.
 
LEFT - REAL. RIGHT - FAKE
The comparison of the box label shows that the Fake label has wrong colour name, as well bolder type font. The lines are also thicker for the Fake label.
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