How to spot fake Ugg Boots

Outside of Australia the name "Ugg Boot" is a registered trademark and can only be used to describe Ugg Boots sold by Deckers Inc. Also, Deckers have registered the name "Ugg Australia" to describe their boots worldwide.

Due to their popularity there are many fakes of "Ugg Australia" boots being sold online, particularly on eBay. Obviously a simple way to tell is the price they are offered at. Have you ever heard the saying "sounds too good to be true?" If they are being sold at an absurdly low price then they are definitely fakes. However, if they are discounted to between 10% and 20% off the normal list price then they may well be authentic. However, this could just be a ruse by the seller to try and get you to buy a fake pair of boots so you should be aware of the physical differences between an authentic and fake pair of Ugg Boots.

1. THE FUR

The authentic boot has real sheepskin fur which is thick, fluffy and cream in colour. The fake fur, however, is thinner, slightly grey in colour and bits of fur come away when rubbed.

2. THE SOLE

You will find that an authentic Ugg boot has a flexible sole whereas the fakes are quite rigid.

3. THE SIZE

Genuine Ugg Boots are usually a little bit bigger than the size actually ordered whereas the fakes are generally smaller. So, if you are advised by a seller to buy a size up from what you normally would then this is a a good sign that they are fakes.

4. THE LABEL

Fake boots will often have a blue or brown leather label pinned to them. These are not provided with genuine Ugg Boots.

5. SNOW BOOT DUST BAG

If the boots come with a protection bag which says "snow boots" then they are fakes. Deckers don't describe Uggs as snow boots and as such do not provide a protection bag.

6. THE SMELL

Obviously this isn't much help if you are buying online but the fake will smell of paint which comes from the dye used in the synthetic materials.

7. THE OUTSIDE UGG LABEL

This is a very good way to tell and you will often notice slight but obvious differences between the genuine and the fakes. For example the word "australia" is sometimes in bold on the fakes and is slightly higher up on the heel.

To summarise, the biggest give away is a low price and if you are purchasing online then ask for plenty of photo's, particularly of the outside label then go to a high street retailer who stocks the boots and use the photo's for comparison. If the photo's are of fakes you will definitely be able to tell the difference by looking at a pair of authentic boots in the shop.

I hope this is of some help.