Our main goal is always to figure out what batch we are looking at, so that we can then find it for the best price, whether that be from a middleman, or using an agent like WeGoBuy. Luckily, most Weidian sellers tend to be much more transparent than the sellers that pay to be advertised on the trusted seller’s list of corrupt rep subreddits like repsneakers or sneakerreps, so it can be safer to purchase through an agent. In 2022 and 2023, middlemen are bait and switching more than ever – I recommend putting in the work and learning to use an agent, and buying off Weidian.
Table of Contents #
- Basic, Commonly Used Rep Terms (Batch, QC, GL, RL, etc)
- “How do I get started?”
- “In your opinion, what’s the best batch?”
- Links to Existing Guides (Off-White Blazers, TS1s, Union 1s)
- Jordans
- Retro Jordan 1 Highs
- Fragment Jordan 1 Highs
- Off-White Jordan 1 Highs
- Travis Scott 1 Highs
- Travis Scott 1 Lows
- Fragment Travis Scott Lows
- Union Jordan 1 Highs
- Jordan 4 Travis Scotts
- Union Jordan 4s
- Non-Collab Nike Dunks
- Nike Dunk SBs
- Chunky Dunkys
- Lobster Dunks
- Off-White Dunks
- Travis Scott Dunks
- Miscellaneous
- Sean Weatherspoon Air Max 1/97
- Nike Off-White Blazers
Basic, Commonly Used Rep Terms #
Guide: Basic, Commonly Used Rep Terms Defined
“How do I get started?” #
Your buying process should go as follows:
Step 1: Decide what shoe you’d like to buy.
Step 2: Search for QCs for the shoe you want on r/repweidiansneakers, r/repbudgetsneakers, or r/TheWorldOfRepsneakers. I like searching different variations of the shoe name. If I am looking for LJR Off White Chicagos, I might try searching: “LJR OW Chicago,” “LJR Off White Chicago,” “LJR OW,” “LJR Chi,” etc. Review Replica vs Retail comparisons and QC posts, reading the QC comments. Prioritize QC comments from people that seem to know what they’re talking about. These are typically in-depth QCs with references to support their comments, and not “fire emoji” or “GL” without an explanation – those commenters are not helpful. In my subreddit, members I personally trust because of their knowledge and expertise have a special flair, which distinguishes them from other members in the community. These users are reputable, knowledgeable group members, and are easy to spot. I no longer recommend using r/fashionreps, r/repsneakers, or r/sneakerreps as these groups are poorly organized, overrun with sellers that pay the moderators to be advertised, rebranded batches leading to confusion and misinformation, and fake seller accounts that pose as buyers with QC posts or comment GL on their own products.
Be aware of biases each subreddit may have. Some subreddits prioritize low price over better quality, while some think any expensive rep is a good rep. Just be aware of the comments you’re reading on the respective subreddits, how much knowledge the commenter has, whether or not the account has -100 karma, etc.
Step 3: Pick a batch based on its pros and cons! Decide what batch you think is best or best fits your needs. Remember, no batch will be “1:1,” as all batches have batch flaws, but you can pick a batch with flaws you think are minor or can tolerate.
Step 4: See who provides said batch for the best price. As mentioned above, find the batch you want, and see which reputable seller has it for the best price. Please don’t ask me which middleman or Weidian seller I’d buy X shoe from. I do not have any seller loyalty. I follow the same steps I’m typing out here. If you go through the steps, you’ll answer your own question instead of having your message lost in my 1500+ chat requests.
Step 5: Place your order from wherever you choose, and wait for your shoes to come in.
This buying process prioritizes learning about batches in order to make informed decisions about what product you’re purchasing rather than me blindly telling you to purchase from x person or y person. My goal is not to shill any single seller. Follow the best batches, not a singular source. This methodology has helped me acquire this collection of shoes that I’ve enjoyed for years.
“In your opinion, what’s the best batch?” #
This is the most frequently asked question I receive. Below is my batch guide divided by shoe model. These are my educated opinions. I support them as best as I can with evidence and details. Ideally this can help new buyers learn how to research and purchase reps on their own. The batches and shoes included below are all shoes I personally have researched prior to purchasing to ensure I make wise decisions with my money and get the best product available. Therefore, shoes that do not interest me such as Sambas, Dior 1s, Black Cat 4s, Kobes, Yeezys, or most designer shoes, will not be listed below. I’m sure someone else has covered them on the replica subreddits. If not, be the change you’d like to see in the world and compile the knowledge for others.
If you think another batch should be ranked higher, just be sure to bring evidence to back up your opinion. I always welcome informed discourse, but I won’t engage in conversations with users that have not done adequate research to have a useful conversation.
I will include batches that are now out of stock and unobtainable to give perspective on how good a rep is in the grand scheme of things. If the best option currently available is only the 4th best batch that has ever been available, I likely do not recommend it, and would likely advise you to wait for a better batch to become available. Patience is key in the replica game.
My Existing Guides on Specific Silhouettes:
“Let’s Talk About What Batch Muks’ Dunks Are” In-Depth Post on M Batch Dunks
My Off White x Jordan 1 High Best Batch Guide
My Off-White x Nike Blazer Batch Guide
My Travis Scott x Jordan 1 High Batch Guide
My Travis Scott x Nike Dunk SB Best Batch Guide
My Union Los Angeles Jordan 1 Batch Guide
Jordans Section: #
Retro Air Jordan 1 Highs: #
– Top Batch from MIDDLEMEN (also available with an AGENT): LJR Batch: Middlemen unfortunately do not source the highest tier of replica batches, so if you opt for the middleman route due to convenience or your own laziness, just accept that you will likely not be receiving the best replicas available. No, middlemen do not handpick pairs. No, middlemen do not source the best products for you. No, the middleman does not have your best interest in mind. If a middleman claims that they will source one of the higher-tier batches, they are likely lying to you, as I have pointed out multiple times on QC posts in other subreddits.
LJR is regarded as the best option for AJ1s available from middlemen due to nice swoosh shape and placement, wings logo size and placement, hourglass shape, slim toe box, overall consistency, and quality of materials that pull it ahead of other mid-tier batches that middlemen source like OG Batch, GET Batch, H12 Batch, etc. If you are asking what the best batch from a middleman is for a retro, non-collab Air Jordan 1, LJR is likely the answer, as it is one of the most consistent and reliable batches.
– Top Batches Overall (AGENT REQUIRED) For Certain Colorways:
As of November 2023, no middleman other than JoeyMakeGoodShoes is sourcing FK Batch, and no middleman at the moment is sourcing CZ Batch. If you hear otherwise, they are likely lying to you.
– Chicago 2015 Highs: FK Batch > CSJ No Name Batch > LJR, Y3
My In-Hand Review of FK Batch Jordan 1 High Chicagos
My In-Hand Comparison of FK Batch Jordan 1 High Chicagos 2021 vs 2023
– Not yet evaluated: PK 4.0
Any batch not listed here is not worth considering for Jordan 1 Chicagos. Any batch with the toe box flaw where the second row of hole perforations is not straight like retail Chicagos or Fragment 2015s is not worth purchasing as it is such a blatant flaw, regardless of how cheap they are.
– Mocha Highs: FK Batch or CZ Batch > LJR Batch I prefer CZ Batch over FK Batch, though CZ Batch is a riskier purchase due to very limited supply. FK Batch is the safer option if you are more risk-averse. I have reviews listed of my CZ Batch with the confirmed sockliner stamp below, though that is no longer available. There are updated reviews of the current CZ Batch Mochas which still look great in my opinion, hence why it is still listed here.
My In-Hand Review of CZ Batch Jordan 1 High Mochas
My CZ Batch vs LJR Batch vs QY Batch Jordan 1 High Mochas Comparison Post
CZ Batch vs Retail Jordan 1 High Mochas Comparison Post
My In-Hand Review of FK Batch Jordan 1 High Mochas
FK Batch vs Retail Jordan 1 High Mochas Comparison Post
– Not Yet Evaluated: QW Batch/PK 4.0
– Obsidians Highs: CZ Batch (old no-box SK Exclusive batch, colors more accurate than LJR, more premium materials than LJR, though questionable stock as of 9/18/22) or FK Batch, though both of these batches are currently out of stock as of November 2023. FK Batch may restock, CZ Batch is unlikely to restock.
– Trophy Room Highs: Y3 Batch (old SK Exclusive), occasionally becomes available through sales, though is becoming harder and harder to find.
The biggest tradeoffs to batches listed in this section are: 1) you essentially have to make a haul with other items to spread out the shipping cost 2) getting the shoe in hand will take a bit longer than if you went through a middleman. However, middlemen do not carry these batches. If you go through a middleman, the best you can get is LJR. Just know, better batches exist.
All W2Cs for batches listed in this above section are in my Select Weidian Finds post here
– Recommended Mid-Tier Batch: QY Batch
Of the less expensive batches I’ve seen (QY, DT Batch, ST Batch, DG Batch, GET Batch), I would recommend QY Batch if you are tight for money. Okay quality and surprisingly solid details-wise for a cheaper batch.
A less explored but promising newer batch is FF Batch, which offers a wide variety of colorways and appears to offer about the same amount of accuracy and material quality as FF. I just unfortunately do not have any in-hand experience with these yet.
Currently Evaluating: DG Batch, DGCP Batch
Fragment Jordan 1 Highs (OG 2015s): #
My Fragment x Jordan 1 High OG 2015 Best Batch Guide
Off-White Jordan 1s: #
My Off White x Jordan 1 High Best Batch Guide
Travis Scott 1 High Mochas / TS1s / TS1 Highs: #
My Travis Scott x Jordan 1 High Batch Guide
Travis Scott 1 Low Mochas/Reverse Mochas/Fragments / TS1 Lows: #
My Travis Scott x Jordan 1 Low Batch Guide
Union Jordan 1s: #
My Union Los Angeles Jordan 1 Batch Guide
Union Jordan 4s: #
For Union Jordan 4s, the main flaws you want to look out for are: 1) midsole color being starkly two-toned instead of retail’s more consistent (but not exactly the same) midsole color 2) on Guavas, the cage flaw, when lines behind the cage going diagonally instead of horizontally like retails 3) UNLA tag placement, which should be about 50% hidden behind the cage. Early batches and budget batches tend to have it completely hidden behind the cage or pushed too far forward, but this flaw is rarer on top-tier batches.
– Top Batch: GX/KW/K Batch for both colorways
The top batch for most Jordan 4s at the moment. The posts below speak for themselves.
My GX / KW / K Batch Union Los Angeles Jordan 4 Guavas Vs Retail Post
My Retail Union LA x Jordan 4 Guavas
My In-Hand GX/KW/K Batch Union LA x Jordan 4 Guavas from A GDJ Supplier Post
My Post-Raid GX Batch Union LA vs Pre-Raid GX Batch Union LA Comparison Post
– Runner Ups: PK Batch
PK Batch recently restocked as of October 2023, however, is more flawed than GX Batch at nearly the same price. PK Batch has different flaws such as the saturation of the red and blue lace tabs, the font of the NIKE AIR on the heel, and a less accurate midsole than GX Batch. If GX Batch is out of stock, you can consider this batch, though I personally would recommend being patient and grabbing GX Batch once it restocks.
Dunks: #
Non-collab Dunks: #
– Top Batch: M Batch, PK Batch, or T1/HP Batch
My Rep Vs Retail M Batch Dunks Post: See How Many People Guess Incorrectly Which Pair is Retail
At this point, most of us are familiar with M Batch – very consistent, great overall shape, clean embroidery, decent materials. Some prefer HP Batch for its sadesa leather. PK is a solid option that is a bit harder to find nowadays, but still a great option nonetheless. You can’t go wrong with any of these batches.
– Runner Up: VT Batch: See my comparison post below. VT Batch initially dropped as a discounted 3xx¥ batch made with sadesa leather, but then restocked, and rumors spread that material quality dropped to the quality of a 1xx¥ batch. I compared my initial pair to my restock pair, and though the materials did not feel substantially different, the colors on the restock pair were not as accurate as the initial pair. For this reason, I no longer recommend VT Batch as a top batch, but will keep it as a runner up batch as it still offers amazing value for money.
Still Evaluating: FK Batch (not the same FK Batch as Jordan 1s) is a promising batch for dunks, but I haven’t had a pair in hand.
Personally, I grab M Batch or PK Batch for my most wanted pairs, and grab VT Batch pairs or any discounted pairs for any of the top batches to fill out the collection with any other colorways I may not be as sold on. I regularly find PK B Batch pairs for 199¥, and VT Batch pairs can be had pretty regularly as cheap as 120¥.
If you do not see a batch listed above, I likely do not recommend it. The Dunk market is very saturated, and there are many batches of dunks that are not worth mentioning.
Nike Dunk SBs: #
Chunky Dunkys: #
Lobsters: #
– Top Batch: OG Batch for all colorways except for the Orange Lobsters, for which S2/TOP Batch is the top option. It is important to remember that there is no perfect rep for most shoes, and Lobsters are no different. OG Batch is not a perfect rep, but with a more accurate-to-retail overall shape, tongue puffiness, and swoosh shape, it is the best option for most Lobster colorways.
OG Batch vs disassembled Retail Blue Lobsters Comparison Post
M Batch vs OG Batch vs S2/TOP Batch vs Retail Orange Lobsters Comparison Post
M Batch vs Retail Purple Lobsters Comparison Post
OG Batch vs S2/TOP Batch vs Retail Purple Lobsters Comparison Post
– Runner Up: M Batch and S2/TOP Batch
These are held behind OG Batch in my opinion due to the reasons above, but these factories still offer solid reps. If the best batch listed above is out of stock, you can consider these.
– Third String: AY Batch, YC Batch if you’re on a tighter budget, though I recommend grabbing the batches ranked higher than these two.
YC Batch Purple Lobster Stock Images
Off-White Dunks: #
Retail Reference: Size 10.5 from sneakermarket
Retail Reference: Size 11 from sneakermarket
– Top Batch: LJR Batch or PK Batch. Both batches offer high-quality materials and accuracy details-wise. I have owned both batches and they have minimal differences from one another. Both can have stock issues, but I recommend finding them if you can.
– Third String: M Batch: I have not owned this batch myself. It looks like it offers the same accuracy as the above two batches, but from my experience with other M Batch products, likely has slightly thinner/worse materials. I will try to confirm with an in-hand pair as soon as possible.
M Batch Off-White x Nike Dunk SB Pine Green Stock Pictures
– Not Recommended: H12: I have stated this multiple times but will continue to do so. Pre-2020, H12 was a default go-to batch in some of the other replica groups as it was cheap and typically the only batch available. Nowadays, it’s an overpriced mid-tier batch with meh material quality and accuracy. No reason to go for these when the above options exist.
Travis Scott Dunk SBs: #
My Travis Scott x Nike Dunk SB Best Batch Guide
Sean Wotherspoon Air Max 1/97 #
Top Batch: LW Batch: The only batch worth considering since 2021. Flaws include the upper being slightly more yellow than retail, the midsole color being darker than retail, and the overall shape not being as slim as retail, but overall, it is an excellent rep. LW Batch has better overall shape and corduroy colors than other batches on the market. LW Batch is the same batch rebranded by Coco as “GD Batch” and sold by SK without a batch name.
LW Batch vs Retail Sean Wotherspoon Air Max 1/97 Comparison Post from 2023
LW Batch vs Retail Sean Wotherspoon Air Max 1/97 Comparison Post from 2022
LW Batch vs Retail Sean Wotherspoon Air Max 1/97 Comparison Post from 2020
Runner Up: OWF Batch: Yellow midsole, overall shape, and poor pull tab heel embroidery details hold this batch behind LW Batch.
Third String: H12: Below LW and OWF due to the very apparent yellow sockliner flaw, inaccurate corduroy colors, and worse mini-swoosh placement.
