There is a massive counterfeit industry in the manufacture of fake Ugg boots. The majority of these counterfeit products are being sold on-line and there isn’t a lot being done about it. As a result of this I’m always being asked, “how to tell if Uggs are fake?”
More on that later. First I would like to discuss what counterfeit means and why it’s not a good thing.
The definition of counterfeit from the Online Oxford English Dictionary is, “Adjective – made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intention to deceive or defraud”
“To deceive or defraud” – says it all really doesn’t it?
It’s Illegal
Counterfeiting effects the global economy. Thousands of legitimate jobs are either lost or not awarded which costs the economy over $500 Billion of turnover every year.
It is Not a Victimless Crime
Victim number one is the consumer. She is deceived into buying the fake Ugg boots by traders who sell them, at an attractive price, as authentic.
Retailers suffer as they lose out on a portion of the market. Manufacturers are victims for the same reason. The economy suffers too. The counterfeiters don’t pay any taxes and are not answerable to anyone regarding the treatment of their employees. They are often involved in terrorism and are, by definition, organized criminals. It is not uncommon for child labor to be used in the manufacturing process. You will be funding and supporting organized crime if you decide to purchase counterfeit Uggs.
Human Rights? More Like Human Wrongs!
Organized criminals are not well known for acknowledging the fundamental human rights of their staff. They will often flout child labor and anti-sweatshop laws. Also, any materials used may not have passed restricted substances regulations and the quality of the product will obviously suffer as a consequence.
Fake Ugg Boots Are Seriously Bad For Your Health
No, i’m not kidding. If you choose not to buy genuine Ugg boots, you take the risk of causing serious, long term damage to your feet and back.
The head of the British College of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor Ian Drysdale, said on the subject, ‘Because these boots are warm and soft, young girls think they are giving their feet a break. In fact, they are literally breaking their feet.
‘Their feet are slipping around inside. With each step, the force falls towards the inside of the foot and the feet splay. This flattens the arch and makes it drop.
The result can be significant problems with the foot, the ankle, and ultimately, the hip.’
Six Tips On How To Tell If Uggs Are Fake
1. The sheep fur lining on the inside of genuine Ugg boots is made of grade A sheepskin and is of a beige color. The lining of fake Uggs is synthetic, a bit prickly to touch and is a more white color.
2. You will notice the paint-like smell of brand new fake Uggs, which is a result of the dyes used to color the synthetic materials. Brand new genuine Ugg boots are pretty much odorless.
3. The price is a big factor in determining how to tell if Uggs are fake. Genuine Uggs are quite expensive at around $150 per pair. If you’re offered a brand new pair at a lot less then chances are they’re fake.
4. Ugg Australia will not allow their authorized sellers to sell genuine Ugg boots on eBay or other on-line auction sites. The vast majority of cheap Ugg boots on sale on-line are fake I’m afraid.
5. The stitching on genuine Uggs is always pretty much perfect. The label on the heel is always dead centre and level. Fake Uggs don’t always follow their example.
6. Two things to say about the sole. Real Uggs’ soles are very flexible and about 1/2 inch thick. Fake Uggs’ soles are more rigid and about 1/4 inch thick.
So, if you are in the market for some good quality, long lasting, stylish and comfortable Ugg boots, take my advice about how to tell if Uggs are fake.
