I feel the same way. Those checks on the shoes make them look like replicas and they have a weird glare. I was feeling those Xmas joints until I found out the check by the top of the shoe is sticker like and not the 3d one. I'll pass.Lebron 8 Christmas is the best of the line. The Xs have been a huge disappointment for me. Outside of the Pressures/Olympics shoe line been underwhelming so far.