"What is so wrong with wearing fakes? In the current climate of sneaker culture, the magnifying glass is faced upon so-called “collectors” (whatever the vernacular is for those of us who loathe sneakers) as the new trend amongst the masses. Sneakerheads have been the feature for premier newspapers, documentaries, television shows, and Internet sites. With such widespread attention being given to what was once an underground culture, many people have embraced sneakers as their new pastime (despite the irony in that phrase) and have done so at any means necessary. Even fake sneakers. Even if you don’t consider yourself a sneakerhead, if you have any type of affection for sneakers you know that fakes is something we just don’t do. But why? What is the big problem with fakes?
At times, fake sneakers are on the cusp of innovation. They set trends with what was once believed to be bizarre colorways. Those of us with any sneaker knowledge once lauded those colorways but more and more you notice your favorite brands seemingly mimicking styles of fake sneakers. In recent memory, colors of some Jordan Brand products have been so weird you may think the African bootleg man himself cooked them up. Even more attractive to buyers is the fact that fakes are cheap. If one can pull off the look of a modern day trendsetter then should they be applauded for their craftiness? No they shouldn’t. Fakes are detrimental for sneaker culture for many reasons. It may seem innocent enough that someone you pass in the mall has on a fake pair of Jays, or Gordans as their called, and you may laugh and point but soon they will have the last laugh. Their purchase is slowly destroying all that is right about loving sneakers.
Fakes, Variants, Replicas, B-Grades- whatever you want to call them, are ruining sneaker culture. I have noticed their impact on legit sneakers in a number of ways. The one most near and dear to my heart is the affect fake sneakers have on my own perspective of my kicks. We all wear sneakers for ourselves, first and foremost. But when you walk through the mall with your DS XI retros with the icy bottom you want to break some necks. You want to revel in your own freshness. Well what happens when everyone has on the same sneakers? Yeah, your pair might have cost you 300 bucks on ebay but who cares? No one. Part of the sneakers culture is that unspoken bound between others who share your passion. Have you ever seen someone with some nice kicks that you like and gave that person the “nod of recognition?” Just acknowledging you know the deal? Why else are we all here except for bonding with others who share out love? The bonding is lost when you are unsure whether or not the kicks are legit. People may just question your authenticity. Yeah, I know: Who cares? Largely, it seems like something to be ignored but why dress the part at all?
Fakes also hurt the market from a seller’s perspective. I don’t mean the sneaker companies. I mean the independent resell market. Even if you don’t resell sneakers, many of us like to buy sneakers second hand. I have searched on ebay for hours looking for the Holy Grail for the right price. It’s getting harder to find because of the flood of fraudulent sneakers on the market. Independent sellers are valuable to Sneakerheads sometimes because they sale things at less than retail prices. This is essential for those of us on a budget because the more money you save, the more sneakers you can buy. Fake sneakers are now flooding Internet sites and auction sites like ebay. This could deter legit sellers from posting kicks but more importantly, it makes it difficult to determine authenticity sometimes.
Besides the outlandish colorways and market overhaul, fakes are built to specification unlike traditional sneakers. Have you ever held a fake pair of Jordans? I have been ripped off twice on ebay and I know the feeling of fake kicks. They are low grade; they don’t run true to size, and the smell weird. With a complete lack of standards in quality, they are built for nothing more than stunting like you have made it. (I was lucky enough getting my money back both times) Sadly, there is nothing you can do about fake sneakers. Their impact of sneaker culture thus far has been one of dramatic proportion. The only thing any of us can do is stay official and true to ourselves. Counterfeit sneakers are just another sign of the complete lack of standards larger society has held itself to."
This is just my personal opinion but the bottom line from ^^^, fake sneakers are bad because people who sell fakes claim them to be real, therefore harder to differentiate. Thats the gist of what I read. Fake everything hurts the consumers who are brand loyal, and hates it when they see someone where their favorite brand but faked out. Fake clothing, purses, and designer stuff are ALL OVER the FASHION DISTRICT in LA. Its how people make their money. IF youve actually been there, you will see that the majority of them are not living the "good life". They are people trying to get by and the people who buy their "fake" handbags, jeans, sneakers, etc are the ones paying their bills. So yeah, I GUESS fake
is hurting the economy, but which side of the economy? I only see it hurting the major corporations, not consumers. I'm only saying this because Ive been to the fashion district and see what goes on. Their are also undercover people who confiscate fake handbags and whatnot from sellers, and for most of them, the fake stuff is their major source of income. Pretty sad really. But yeah, I just wanted to speak my mind, its one thing to say fake stuff should be looked down upon because its not authentic, but to say its hurting the economy, it just sounds ridiculous from the point of view of the majority of this country who are struggling to get by. Also, I don't see how it hurts the consumers who buy the sneakers. If the price for something does not look right, chances are, they are not authentic. Also if purchasing shoes for a large sum of of $$$, you should make sure that the place guarantees authenticity. You just gotta take extra precautions is all. And as far as the resell value issue, don't be mad that EVERYONE doesnt care if you have 500 dollar sneakers on. There are those who can care less and would buy fakes for 450 dollars less for the same exact design, and won't look at their feet every 3 minutes to make sure they havent gotten dirty. Again, I'm not trying to start arguments, its just my opinion.
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