Spotting Fake Uggs

When shopping for Ugg boots online, you can't always be guaranteed the authenticity of the boots being sold. Just like in the real world, the online world is riddled with knock-offs of just about every popular product. Ugg boots are no exception! If you've arrived at this page, chances are you'd like more info on telling the difference between real and fake Ugg boots. We can help you with that!

Classic Short/Tall Ugg Boots

These are among the most popular as well as the most counterfeited types of Ugg boots. One big misconception is that Classic Uggs out of China are all fakes. In reality, only those made in China are actually authentic. The confusion stems from the fact that Ugg boots originate from Australia, where they used to be produced. However, a few years ago they moved operations for the popular Classic styles to China to save on production costs. Contrary to what many online buyers believe, Classic Ugg boots (Classic Short and Classic Tall) advertised as "Made in Australia" or "Made in New Zealand" are sure to be fakes (unless they are several years old and being sold as pre-owned). It is also important to note that just because a website or a seller on eBay advertisers a pair of Uggs as "Made in China", that does not necessarily indicate whether they are real or fake.

The quality of fake Ugg boots can range drastically from very poor to so believable that even some authorized Ugg retailers have trouble diferenciating between the two. There are a few key things to look for:

  • The bottom of the sole of authentic Uggs will have a raised or embossed Ugg insignia. Flat soles are a surefire indicator of fakes.
  • The heel of counterfeit Ugg boots is usually much narrower than that of the real ones.
  • Real Ugg boots run about a size larger than what most people are used to. Fakes do not.

For a more in-depth description of many of the subtle differences between real and fake Uggs, check out this Ugg buyers guide on Ebay. Several tips as well as pictures are included to help you distinguish the difference between knock-off Uggs and the real deal.