If I spend $200 on a pair of boots I want to know if I got the genuine article and not a pair of fakes. Sometimes it is tempting to buy a fake or reproduction and if you make that choice then you live with the consequences. Buying online on auction sites, you have to be careful to make sure you are buying what you are looking for. I happily bought my Uggs from the Uggs shop in London so I know I have the real deal but I’m aware there is a fantastic trade in boots claiming to be Uggs on eBay and to the uninitiated they may not know exactly what to look for. Here’s how to tell the rubbish from the good.
If the seller is claiming they are made in Australia or New Zealand, the Uggs are fake. Uggs are made only in China under licence from Deckers Int’l.
It's a common misconception that authentic Uggs are produced in their namesake countries. In reality, Deckers Brands holds the reins on production, strictly outsourcing manufacturing to China. When scrutinizing a pair for authenticity, inspect the label closely; if it proclaims Australian or New Zealander craftsmanship, it's a telltale sign of a counterfeit. Be vigilant in ensuring the origin aligns with Deckers' strict manufacturing locations. Only then can you be assured of their genuineness.
Remember, while the brand itself hails from down under, the production does not — always verify the label.
Every new pair of Uggs has a box. The Lid is separate and features the Ugg sun logo. The side of the lid will have uggaustralia.com written.
Each pair comes with a cream coloured card and leaflet. The paper and card is top quality not flimsy low grade paper and certainly isn’t a photocopy. If you are unsure rub your finger over the Ugg lettering – it should feel slightly raised.
Firstly, the Ugg sole is flexible. If you are looking at a rigid sole, you’ve got a dud Ugg in your hands. Also check the thickness, an Ugg sole is at least ½ inch deep and then there’s the colour – black Uggs have black soles and black label with Ugg in white. Watch out for anything different.
Uggs are marked up specifically to the continent to which they are being sold so if you’re buying in the US you shouldn’t find European sizes. Also, fake Uggs show their poor quality by being uneven in height, wider ankles, narrower round the heel and with shorter fronts that have a steeper angle up the legs than real ones.
Oddly, the crisper the lettering on the fabric labels of Ugg boots and shoes, the more likely they are not genuine. The internal label will say made in China. If it says any other country, steer clear. Check for overlapping letters in the word UGG and look at the font. Also, look at the positioning of the exterior label - check the Uggs website before looking elsewhere. A fake label could be anywhere on the boot but with an Ugg, it’s quite uniform across the range.
This is the sure sign. Real Uggs only use the best merino sheepskin; meaning, it will be incredibly soft inside and incredibly smooth outside. If the boot body is thin it won’t be Ugg. If the fur inside doesn’t mould to your foot, it’s not Ugg and check the colour. Fake sheepskin will smell of chemical dyes.
I hope that’s given you some tips on how to buy Uggs safely and if you do invest in a pair that you grow to love them as much as I love mine. If anyone has had a previous experience with fakes do tell – these dodgy sellers deserve to be named and shamed.
Top Photo Credit: coki88