Whether you like them or not, you can’t argue with the fast-rising popularity of UGG boots. They are among the bestselling boots at Zappos and Nordstrom.
Unfortunately, as UGG’s popularity increases, sellers retailing counterfeit boots have also increased. I sought out to find how you can identify fake UGGs, so keep reading to see what I discovered!
What UGG Boots Brand is the Original In 2024?
The surge in UGG’s popularity has flooded the market with cheaply constructed UGG boots in 2024. These boots are packaged creatively to mislead enthusiasts about their origin. Most people expect any product with the UGG logo at the back to be Australian-made. However, this is far from the truth. This guide highlights key features of the original UGG boots brand.
Annoyingly, predator companies have gone to great lengths to deceive UGG boots aficionados. So, if you are wondering how you can tell if UGGs are fake, keep reading!
How Can You Tell Real From Fake UGGs?
Knowing how to identify original UGG boots is the only way to avoid falling prey to individuals who want to cash in on the rising popularity of UGG.
Even though several people selling fake UGG boots have been arrested, everything stops with the buyer.
As the Californian-based UGG brand cracks down on counterfeit boots, buying UGG from authentic retailers is the best way to avoid being scammed.
Apart from the official UGG website, you can buy original UGGs from Zappos, Amazon, Nordstrom, and DSW.
To avoid losing your hard-earned money on fake UGGs, below are key features to look out for:
1. Check all the Security Features
The increasing cases of counterfeit UGGs prompted manufacturers to install several security features on UGG boots and other products.
These unique stickers and labels are the easiest and most reliable way of identifying authentic UGG boots. UGG has used security installations since 2010 on its products and packaging.
The first and easily visible label is the holographic sun logo, which changes its color when rotated 90 degrees from black to white.
If the left boot of your purchased UGG boots has a sewn-in material label, the holographic sun logo should be right behind the sewn-in label on the foil strip.
If the sewn-in label isn’t on the left boot, the security sticker should be on the sole. The shoe packaging should also have the same security sticker.
Apart from the holographic sun, UGG manufacturers started using a QR code in 2013 to boost security features. Similarly, the QR code should be on the left shoe.
To verify the authenticity of the boot, scan the QR code with your smartphone. You should be directed to UGG’s official website. If it doesn’t, the product is fake.
Note that some UGG products, especially those released after the fall of 2014, don’t have the holographic sun feature. However, you can still verify their authenticity using the QR code.
2. Check Where the Boots are Manufactured
Most people think that products labeled “Made in China” or “Made in Vietnam” are fake. While it might be true for most products, this isn’t the case with UGGs.
For many years, authentic UGG boots from the Californian-based company, Deckers Outdoor Corporation, have been made in different satellite industries of the company.
The company has factories in the U.S, Cambodia, China, the Philippines, Dominican Republic, and Vietnam.
Interestingly, be warned if the label indicates that the boots were made in Australia or New Zealand. This is contrasting, considering that initial UGG boots originated from Australia.
Additionally, you should compare the UGG label on the heel with the authentic UGG label on the official website. Fake labels have big fonts, are poorly stitched, and have off-shade colors.
3. Check the UGG Packaging
You can also identify original UGGs by their packaging. Authentic UGGs are delivered in sturdy packaging made from strong cardboard.
However, there is some contention on how the UGG box is made. Some claim that the real box is in one piece with a flip-top lid.
Others claim their original UGG boots were delivered in a two-piece box with a detachable lid. While this remains contentious, you can check the plastic wrapper to confirm authenticity.
Authentic UGGs should be wrapped in a thick, crinkly plastic wrapper with an “UGG” label. Fake UGGs use a thin, low-grade plastic with nothing printed on it.
Lastly, you should check the included care booklet, authenticity card, and other items included in UGG merchandise. All should have UGG printed in thick and high-quality ink.
UGG stopped printing the included packaging literature on white paper in 2007. Therefore, authentic UGG care booklets should be on cream-colored sheets.
Lastly, original UGGs have shoe inserts, which prevent them from misshaping when in transit. Fake boots rarely have shoe inserts.
4. Check the Inner Fur
Original UGG boots have a dense, creamy color fur lining. The fur also feels thick, fluffy, and very soft.
On the other hand, fake boots have a gray-whitish color, feel thin, and are plastic. Rubbing the fur is the only way to differentiate between synthetic and real fur.
If the pieces come off, chances are the shoe is fake. The fur on real UGGs shouldn’t come off with ease. Genuine sheepskin has naturally adhered fur that never falls apart.
5. Check the Soles
Real UGGs have very flexible soles, which contribute to the boots’ overall comfort. Wearing original UGGs almost feels like walking on clouds, while fake boots are rigid and hard to bend.
Original UGGs also have half-inch thick soles, while fake boots have very thin soles, approximately a quarter-inch.
Initially, original UGGs had the letter R circled next to the UGG label on the soles. This was a way of informing customers that the boot is original.
However, counterfeiters learned this trick and started using the symbol to fake UGGs. The company also dropped the initial zigzag tread pattern, opting for the sun logo.
While these are not confirmatory methods of identifying genuine UGGs, they make it easy to identify lazy counterfeiters.
6. Check the Overall Boot Quality
Before investing in a $200 boot, you should take your time and inspect the boot thoroughly.
Below are a few details to take note of:
- The boot width – fake UGGs have a narrow width than real UGG boots.
- Quality of stitching – original UGGs are hand-stitched. As such, they are even and have no unraveling threads.
- Check the leather/suede – the boot should have smooth and quality leather without irrelevant markings.
- The heel of the boot – the heel should gently taper and generally not be crooked.
- The tip of the boot should slope gradually. Fake boots have pointed toes.
Conclusion
Genuine UGGs also differ in price, smell, and size. You should also check the reputation of the seller.
Investing a lot of cash only to realize that you have been scammed is disappointing. You should purchase cautiously while referring to the tips mentioned above.