UGG Shoes: How to Spot Real from Fake and Avoid Imitations
Versatile, protective and warm, women’s boots are some of the most sought after piece of winter fashion accessories. And one of the most comfortable, warm and favoured types of boots lately are the classic UGGs. These shoes can be easily recognised because of their appearance. They look fluffy, super warm and eye-catching. It’s really hard not to notice them on people’s feet.
UGG’s Popularity and the Reason for So Many Imitations
While being super comfortable is their main selling point, these shoes gained another level of popularity thanks to celebrities as well. But the authentic models are pricier not only due to the celebrity marketing but also because they’re made of a premium-grade material.
The Australian UGGs classic models are made from Australian sheepskin, which isn’t the case with other UGGs. Sheepsking UGGs classic footwear is comfortable and protective thanks to the thick and durable pelt that holds its shape. These sheepskin boots are also popular for keeping feet warm while helping the body to naturally regulate its temperature.
Aside from the thick and warm sheepskin, these shoes also feature a high-density Eva-sole for longer-lasting and more durable wear.
How to Spot Real UGGs from Fake?
Their increasing popularity directly ‘invites’ manufacturers to make replicas and sell them at much lower prices. While these shoes can be quite affordable when discounted, seeing a pair at a price that seems too good to be true means that they’re probably a replica. However, aside from this main indicator, there are other things to pay attention to to determine whether the UGGs are genuine or not.
Material and Craftsmanship Quality
Classic UGGs are not only made form high quality sheepskin, but they are also crafted by professional craftsmen. They are carefully made in order to ensure high-quality footwear that will last for years to come.
Replica shoes, on the other hand, are usually made from synthetic material that imitates wool. Additionally, the stitching is different, made poorly or even missing, especially at the parts where multiple joins meet. Unlike these, the original models must meet specific standards, and they won’t be seen in stores unless they meet these standards.
Boot Packaging
The packaging is another thing you should pay attention to when searching for quality and genuine UGGs. They are sold in good quality packaging, whereas replicas are often sold in boxes that are made of thinner cardboard. The genuine ones are mainly packed in two-piece brown cardboard boxes with a separate lid, which isn’t the case with the other shoes’ packaging.
Boot Soles
Another difference you can notice even with the naked eye is the sole. Not only does a replica look different because the original models have an authentic sole design, but it’s also made from different materials. The soles of the genuine models are comfortable, while those of the fake are stiff and impossible to flex when walking, which can lead to discomfort and possible pain after wearing them for a certain period of time.
Strong Chemical Smell
The original models have no smell at all, or a distinctive one that is common for newly made UGGs. The synthetic replica models, on the other hand, have a strong smell, usually of cheap glues and dyes. Quite often, they have a smell of a chemical, plastic or paint odour, which will take time to air out.
An important thing you should know about these shoes is that the synthetic and chemically treated materials used for making them can leach out onto the body because of the warmth and sweat. Fortunately, original UGGs are safe to use because they are handcrafted and made without the use of any synthetic products.
Logo
The genuine UGGs usually have their logo sewn on the back of the sole with no spelling issues. This can give buyers peace of mind that the chosen shoes were manufactured in Australia, in accordance with all standards.
Website Information
Last but not least, pay attention to the store yoy’re buying them from. The chosen store shouldn’t have any misspelled brand names in the list, nor on the shoes themselves. You should certainly stay away from shopping for such shoes from online stores like eBay, Craiglist and even Amazon, as not all stores selling on them are trusted and reputable.
Ideally, buying them should be done from reputable, original stores or from trusted, reliable retailers. Otherwise, you risk investing in shoes that aren’t genuine. In case you can’t find the number you’re looking for online, it’s better to visit the actual store rather than shop from any other store.
What’s the Difference Between UGG and UGG Australia Classic?
The main difference is in the fact that the UGG is an American company, the boots of which are mass-produced in China/Vietnam, and the UGG Classic are produced in Australia with genuine sheepskin.