Guide to the Best Rep Sneaker Batches to Buy

– What matters is batch, NOT seller, unless the seller is truly making their own batch or has exclusive rights to a factory’s production. The only time I’ve encountered this is with UABat’s Exclusive pairs (about ~8-9 shoes)

– A batch is the same exact shoe, regardless of which middleman you purchase it from. Some sellers sell LJR as LJR, others like Muks try to say they have “Tier 1” Batch which is just LJR relabeled (original post discovering this now over 2 years ago) in order to seem like they have an exclusive product. You can see another well-respected QCer’s thoughts on this here. Whether you buy LJR from X seller, Y seller, or on Weidian using an agent, it is the same product.

– Therefore, taking the information above, no one seller is the “best seller for X shoe” if they carry the same exact batch as everyone else. No, Muks isn’t the best for Jordan 1s, nor is Yang the best for 4s, or Mango the best for Jordan 11s. They carry the same batches as everyone else.

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.

1. Basic, Commonly Used Rep Terms

2. “How do I get started?” ft links to definitions of common repfam terms (GL, RL, QC, etc)

3. “In your opinion, what’s the best batch?”

4. Links to Existing Guides (TS1s, Union 1s)

5. 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

• Nike Dunks

• Non-collab Dunks

• Chunky Dunkys

• Travis Scott Dunks

• Sean Weatherspoon Air Max 1/97

• Nike Off-White Blazers

QC: Quality Control/Quality Check. Buyers post their QC pictures from the sellers and ask others to check the pictures for errors that would justify asking the seller to send for a different pair.

LC: Legit Check.

GL: Green Light. Pair does not have any glaring flaws and is good to go.

RL: Red Light. Pair does have a flaw and should be exchanged for a replacement pair.

W2C/WTC: Where to Cop. This is what someone comments when they are asking for the link to buy a certain product. I often use W2C when linking products that I review so that readers can easily find the products.

GP: Guinea Pig. People use the term GP when they are the first person trying out a new product that has not yet been QC’d or reviewed on any of the replica groups.

Batch: Different factories each make a shoe a certain way – certain materials, certain details (swooshes, wings logos, toe boxes, overall shoe shape, etc). Certain batches are higher quality or more accurate to retail than others. By looking at rep vs retail posts with the batch you’re looking to buy, you can see how your pair will compare.

Batch Flaw: A flaw that is present on every shoe of a certain batch. For example, LJR batch TS1 highs all have a discolored midsole compared to retail. This flaw is present on every pair of LJR TS1’s, and will be until the factory updates their batch materials to correct the midsole color. It is important to know batch flaws to know what flaws are worth RL’ing over to get a better pair, and what flaws won’t ever improve by RL’ing.

Agent: Covered in my Agents, TaoBao, and Weidian Guide Here

Middleman: Person/Company that will source pairs and ship to you directly without the hassle of using an agent. Make sure to note, middlemen don’t make their own pairs. Different middlemen usually source from the same factories, so they typically carry the same batches ie same products.

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/repsneakers, r/repweidiansneakers, r/weidianwarriors, r/repbudgetsneakers, r/fashionreps, r/sneakerreps, look the QC pics over, and read QCs. Prioritize QCs from people commenting that seem to know what they’re talking about. These are typically in-depth QCs and not “fire emoji” or “GL” without an explanation – those are not at all helpful.

Be aware of biases each sub may have. Some subs 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 subs, how much knowledge the commenter has, whether or not the account has -100 karma, etc.

Step 3: Pick a batch! Decide what batch you think is best or best fits your needs.

Step 4: See who provides said batch for the best price. This can vary by pair. For some shoes, that may be Monica. Other pairs it may be UABat. Others might be PK, and some may be Coco. Other shoes, you might say hey, these are beaters, I can get them from Taobao or Weidian (after doing research for good pairs of course). It all depends. Please don’t ask me which middleman I’d buy X shoe from. 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 700+ 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 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 90% top batches, 10% beaters.

This is the most frequently asked question I receive. Below is my batch guide divided by shoe model. These are my 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 Dior 1s, TS1 Low Phantoms, Black Cat 4s, 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.

My Existing Guides:

“Let’s Talk About What Batch Muks’ Dunks Are” In-Depth Post on M Batch Dunks

My Travis Scott x Jordan 1 High Batch Guide

My Union Los Angeles Jordan 1 Batch Guide

Here, I will outline the best of the readily available batches from middlemen for Jordan 1s. Then, if you’d like a higher-quality rep for select colorways, and are willing to learn how to use an agent, read the section underneath.

– Best Batches Overall (AGENT REQUIRED) For Certain Colorways:

Okay, so there’s a certain colorway that you want the absolute best rep of, and you don’t mind going through some additional steps to get it. Keep reading: if it’s listed below, I recommend the listed batch over LJR. If it’s not listed, LJR is likely your best option by default. Some of the batches listed above used to be pairs rebranded as SK Exclusive Batch, which are highly regarded on the sub for being extremely high-quality and the closest reps to retail. Swoosh shapes are more accurate on certain models as well, matching the Jordan 1 mold used for the shoe the year of release. Overall shoe shape is also improved. If you are willing to invest time into learning to use an agent to order, these are well worth it.

I outline the ordering process for CZ Batch Obsidians specifically in my Agent Guide. Don’t worry, I am working on deciphering the true batch identities for other colorways, but in the meantime, this is what I have:

– 2015 Chicago Highs: FK Batch

– Mocha Highs: FK Batch or CZ Batch (questionable stock as of 9/18/22)

– Obsidians Highs: CZ Batch (old no-box SK Exclusive batch), colors more accurate than LJR, more premium materials than LJR. FK Batch just released these as well, and I’d expect them to be no different than other colorways from this batch.

– Trophy Room Highs: Y3 Batch (SK Exclusive, not sure if currently, not many recent QCs)

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.

All W2Cs for batches listed in this above section are in my Select Weidian Finds post here

– Top Batch (MIDDLEMEN or AGENT): LJR Batch: 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, and quality of materials that pull it ahead of other batches like GET Batch, OG 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. This includes Chicagos, Shadows, Royals, Royal Toes, Smoke Greys, etc. The list goes on and on. Here are links to QC pictures for my own Obsidians, Bred Toes, Smoke Greys, Chicagos, and GS Hyper Royals.

– 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.

– Top Batch: Fragment OG Highs: CZ Batch (current SK Exclusive)

Like I describe in the section above, CZ Batch Fragments are premium quality reps with great details all-around (swoosh shape, wings logos, and most importantly on Fragment 1s, no toe box flaw, which is different from the typical Jordan 1.) The second row of perforated holes on the toe box should be placed in a straight line, as is also the case on the Chicago 1s. All other Jordan 1s have these perforation holes placed more jaggedly. I cannot recommend this batch enough.

– Runner Up Batch: LJR Batch

LJR makes solid Fragment 1s, doing all of the usual AJ1 details well and not having a toe box flaw. A batch flaw on LJR Fragments though is that the embossing of the lightning bolt on the heels is weaker than on retails, which is visible in QCs here and here. What drops LJR below CZ Batch is that quality of materials is good, but not as good as CZ Batch.

– Promising Batch I have not personally investigated: CSJ No-Name Batch. Similar accuracy details-wise to LJR, but I have no idea how quality compares. Dependent on quality, it may be a better, worse, or on-par option compared to LJR.

– Not Recommended:

I don’t recommend older batches like this one from Will, or any other batch with the incorrect toe box perforation pattern. At this point in September 2022, this information is less relevant, but still worth mentioning to avoid repetitive questions.

Top Batches, in no particular order: LJR or OG Batch

For all 3 colorways of the Off-White Jordan 1s, you can’t go wrong with either LJR Batch or OG Batch. Both batches are great and have their respective pros and cons. For example, comparing the Chicagos from both batches below:

Overall, from what I’ve seen, LJR has more variation between pairs, whereas OG Batch is more consistent and can be greatly improved with the ghost stitching fix below.

Disclaimer: Some middlemen give people OG Batch when the buyer specifically asked for LJR Batch (have seen this happen with Coco, Mango, and Mr Hou, as well as certain Weidian listings). Be wary and always double check you’re getting what you asked for! Easiest tell to distinguish between the two batches is the ghost stitching, medial text thickness, and the fact that Chicago LJR Batch comes laced up in QC Pictures, while OG Batch has only the bottom lace hole laced.

Loscoguy’s Post on OG Batch Ghost Stitching Fix

Loscoguy’s Review of UNC LJR vs OG Batch

Loscoguy’s Comparison of NRG Retail vs OG Batch

Disclaimer: I believe this user was being paid to specifically GL a certain seller’s pairs and RL all others, so just proceed with caution with what information you trust. As always, verify anything you read.

My Travis Scott x Jordan 1 High Batch Guide

Comparing all of these batches in-hand is on my to-do list. Recommendations below are based on the rep-vs-retail posts that I have seen, though the posts are limited and rare nowadays.

– Top Batches: GD 2.0 from Coco (unknown batch identity) or OG Batch (OG Batch vs Retail (Pink Laces)

PK Batch Mocha Lows have solid details but have suede that is a shade or two lighter than retail. OG Batch has medial CACTUS JACK that is slightly brighter red than retail. Its reverse swooshes also tend to be higher than the average retail pair. However, people typically prefer OG Batch due to its suede color compared to retail. It is up to you which flaws you prefer. I personally have went with PK Batch.

– Need to include: LJR, FK Batch (soon to be released)

There isn’t enough information on LJR or FK Batch Mocha Lows to make a strong recommendation on them. Hopefully more information becomes available to us.

– Top Batches: FK Batch and PK Batch

PK Batch, which is rebranded as GD Batch (with the 3/20/21 size tag from middlemen like Coco and Mr Hou, is among the best batches for Fragment lows, due to its midsole color, heel tab shape and length, toe box, and well-defined heel embossing. In the early days, there were people who thought GD Batch from Coco was still LJR rebranded, but I hope we’re past those times (given the differences in midsole color, reverse swoosh placement, heel tab shape and length, heel emoji embossing, and production dates on size tag.)

FK Batch is similar in quality, but with a slightly better midsole color, being just a shade closer to retail than PK. The toe box shape is slightly closer to retail on FK as well. You’re more than fine with either batch IMO. Don’t ask me which I would buy of the two – I bought both

PK Batch/”GD Batch 3/20″ and LJR Batch Side-by-Side

– Runner Up, in no particular order: LJR, UABat, M Batch, HP Batch

LJR has a discolored midsole compared to retail and more U-shaped heel tabs compared to retail. Left heel embossing is also on the weaker end. More consistent reverse swoosh placement than GD Batch though. I prefer the more accurate midsole color, hence why GD is placed above LJR.

LJR Fragment Lows QC from Mr Hou

99problemsna’s Side-by-Side of LJR with Retail

UABat’s batch looks decent. Reverse swoosh is typically placed too high. Midsole color is closer to retail than LJR.

Top Batches: FK Batch and PK Batch

FK Batch Review w/ Rep vs Retail Linked in Post

PK Batch vs Retail

Runner Up: M Batch

M Batch vs Retail

Third String: LJR, HP Batch, OG Batch

These batches each suffer from more noticeable flaws than the above pairs, such as LJR’s yellow midsole, HP’s pink midsole, or OG Batch’s CACTUS JACK being brighter than retail.

Not Yet Evaluated: CZ Batch

My Union Los Angeles Jordan 1 Batch Guide

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. Example of what you don’t want is this.

– Top Batch: Coco GP Batch (Guavas) and PK Updated (Off Noirs)

Coco’s Guavas are very well-done, with minor batch flaws such as different toe box compared to retail, and shades of reds and blues being slightly duller than retail. What pulls Coco’s Guavas above PK’s Updated Batch is that Coco’s Guavas are much more consistent. I’ve seen too many old PK Batches slipping into QCs from most sellers to feel okay recommending it to you all.

However, since Off Noirs don’t have cage flaws, I do recommend PK Updated Batch as my top batch for Off Noirs, as the colors are more accurate to retail than Coco’s GP Batch for Off Noirs.

The identity of Coco’s GP Batch has not yet been uncovered. It does not appear to be PK Batch or G Batch.

– Runner Up: PK Updated (Guaves), Coco GP Batch (Off Noirs)

As I mentioned above, PK Updated Batch is a fantastic batch, but QC is highly variable from sellers across the board, so I believe Coco’s GP Batch is the safer recommendation. Feel free to see my PK Batch posts below if you are still interested in this batch.

Coco’s GP Batch Off Noirs are solid just like Coco’s Guavas with similar batch flaws – red and blue colors slightly duller than retail, different toe box shape compared to retail. However, Coco’s Off Noirs also have a flaw on the heels, where the two black panels that meet under the NIKE air are two different shades of black. One is noticeably lighter than the other. Not sure why this happens, but it does pull this batch behind PK Updated Batch for this colorway.

My PK Updated Batch Guava Unions vs Retail Side-By-Side Post

A PK Updated Batch Guava Unions QC from Monica, though other middlemen carry it as well

2MakeIt3’s Coco GP Batch Off Noirs vs Retail Side-By-Side Post

My Coco GP Batch Off Noir Unions QC

– Third-Tier: H12

The usual for H12: It’s a decent mid-tier batch, and hence will be okay in terms of details and will have okay material quality, but I don’t think it’s as high-quality as the two batches I have listed above.

– Top Batch: M Batch, HP Batch, VT Batch, or PK Batch

“Let’s Talk About What Batch Muks’ Dunks Are” In-Depth Post on M Batch Dunks

Follow Up In-Hand Review of M Batch Panda Dunks

Explicit confirmation from Monica about carrying M Batch

My M Batch Kentucky’s In Warehouse, Confirmed to Match Muks Pairs As Well

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. VT Batch also provides a sadesa leather option for cheaper than the two other batches at the cost of less consistent heel embroidery. 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. Personally, I grab M Batch for my most wanted pairs, and grab VT Batch pairs to fill out the collection with any other colorways I may not be as sold on.

– Not Recommended: H12 Batch, G Batch, L Batch

Each of the batches listed above doesn’t stand a chance against M Batch in my honest opinion, or any of the other batches listed above. H12’s quality of materials are typically poorer and usually have thicker swooshes. G Batch and L Batch are not as accurate to retail as M Batch, and with M Batch’s price point, I don’t think the little money you save buying G Batch or L Batch are worth the drop in quality.

– Top Batch: LJR

My pair of LJR Batch Pine Green Off White Dunks – really good details-wise with surprisingly fantastic quality. One of my comfiest rep pairs to wear.

– Need to Evaluate but Likely Runner Up: M Batch, PK Batch

– Not Recommended: H12

The story of H12’s life – H12 was the “best option” when there wasn’t an actually decent batch out. Now that new batches have come out, there IMO is no reason to get H12 dunks. Pay slightly more and get the higher-quality LJR pair.

– Top Batches, in no particular order: UABat (W2C: UABat.xyz) or PK Batch

Biggest flaw on all reps at the moment and easiest way to legit check a pair is by looking at the tie-dye sockliner – retails are more blended between colors, whereas reps have more distinct blocks of color. Otherwise, either of these two batches are fantastic. Go with whichever is cheaper at the moment.

– Need to Evaluate: M Batch

– Top Batches, in no particular order: UABat (W2C: UABat.xyz) or Coco’s GP 5.0

Can’t go wrong with either batch as they are all extremely strong and have different pros and cons. I will update this section when I have more time. Overall though, I would recommend buying whichever currently has the best price.

Rynbro’s TS Dunk Review

– Runner Up: PK Batch

Ranks below UABat and Coco’s GP 5.0 due to the slightly hooked swooshes and white heel embroidery instead of retail’s slightly pink stitching.

– Need to Evaluate: M Batch (may be true batch identity of GP 5.0 from Coco, need to investigate)

For Sean Wotherspoon’s, the usual go-to QCer is u/plugmebby. Here’s her pick for the current best batch and her guide on how to improve older batches with the dye-method

Top Batch: LW Batch (same batch that Coco, UABat, and SK carry)

Runner Up: OWF Batch

Yellow midsole and overall shape hold this batch behind LW Batch.

Third String: H12: Below LW due to the yellow sockliner flaw, corduroy colors being less accurate than the above batches, worse mini-swoosh placement. This batch is cheaper and hence you’ll see some people recommend it, but beware those with a bias towards cheaper reps regardless of the drop in quality/accuracy. QC Post 1 | QC Post 3

For Off-White Blazers, here is u/anon3212 , the resident Off-White Blazer expert’s, guide on Off-White Blazers.

At this moment, I would recommend TOP Batch for all 3 colorways. It is possibly what middlemen were selling as PK Batch for the last 2 years.

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