How to Spot Fake Crocs: Tips for Checking the Authenticity of Your Crocs

Crocs are one of the most popular brands on the market. As per a Crocs press release, their 2021 annual revenue was $2.3 billion, an increase of 67% over the previous year.

With such popularity and money at stake, it’s no surprise that Crocs counterfeit products are flooding the market. Some of these fake Crocs are very convincing and can be hard to spot, even for experienced shoppers.

Therefore, to avoid getting scammed, it is important to know how to spot fake Crocs. In this article, we will explain different methods of identifying and spotting fake Crocs.

The article also includes tips for recognizing fake LiteRide Crocs, things to remember when buying Crocs online, and what to do if you find a fake Croc.

Finally, we’ll discuss whether or not fake Crocs are worth it and then answer some frequently asked questions. So, please feel free to jump ahead to whatever section interests you the most.

Before we dive in, here is a quick overview of methods for spotting fake Crocs.

14 Ways to Spot Fake Crocs

1. Inspect the brand’s logo
2. Check the company’s lettering
3. Examine the packaging
4. Look at the tags on the Crocs
5. Compare the information on the shoe tags to the actual product
6. Examine the Croc’s structure
7. Check the circulation nubs on the insole
8. Check the quality of the materials used
9. Inspect the outsole
10. Sniff your Crocs
11. Measure the shoe size
12. Verify the color
13. Look for any missing parts
14. Search for any other defects

Table of Contents show

How to Identify Fake Crocs

Inspect the Logo

One of the easiest ways to tell if a pair of Crocs is fake is by inspecting the logo. Counterfeiters frequently get the Crocs logo wrong.

Crocs have a crocodile on their logo, which is named “Duke.” The logo is named after the company’s co-founder, Lyndon Duke Hanson.

The logo is placed on the ankle strap where it meets the main body of the Crocs. It can be found on both the left and right sides of the rubber clogs.

The original logo is designed with extreme detail. The crocodile in the logo is of white color. It also has a few key features that are often not replicated correctly on fake Crocs.

The original logo has the following details.

1. The crocodile has two big humps on his head, followed by smaller humps.
2. The crocodile in the logo has two eyes.
3. He has two arms with three fingers on each hand.
4. The crocodile has two nostrils.
5. There are four stripes across the crocodile’s chest.
6. The logo is shiny and fixed to the shoe.

Therefore, If the logo misses out on any of these exact details, it’s likely to be a fake Crocs.

Take a Look at the Company’s Lettering

The company’s lettering is another crucial detail to look at when trying to identify fake Crocs.

Crocs shoes have the company name written on the ankle strap and the outsole. The company name is written in all small letters. The letters are bold and easy to read. Also, they are well-spaced out and aligned.

Therefore, if the company name is spelled using mixed lettering (some small and some capital letters) or spelled and aligned incorrectly, it’s probably a fake Croc.

Check the Packaging

Real Crocs comes with brand-specific packaging.

Crocs are never sold in generic cardboard shoeboxes. Instead, they come wrapped in a transparent plastic bag. This plastic bag has the brand logo “crocs” with a ™ symbol.

In contrast, fake Crocs often come in generic shoeboxes with no brand logo or markings. The shoes are also wrapped in a cheap plastic bag that is not transparent.

So, if you’re purchasing Crocs and the seller is trying to sell them in generic packaging, be very careful. It’s most likely that you’re being sold a fake product.

Take a Look at the Shoe’s Tags

When you buy a pair of Crocs, they come with a few tags. These tags contain a fair amount of information, such as.

• Name of the shoe model
• Shoe’s color
• Shoe’s fit (relaxed, roomy & standard)
• Product code
• Size of the shoe
• Barcode
• Country of manufacture

If your Crocs do not come with any of these tags, then it is a huge red flag. These are the basics that every Croc shoe should have.

Another way to tell if the Crocs are fake is by checking their spelling and grammar. Fake Crocs often have misspelled words or incorrect grammar on their tags. In addition, the printing on the tag is often blurry and unclear.

Match the Shoe Label Details with the Product Itself

Once you have the shoe with all the tags in front of you, it’s time to start matching the details on the label with the actual product.

First, take a look at the name of the shoe model. Check if that is the shoe model you’re holding in your hand. If not, then it’s most likely a fake Croc. If you are unsure about the shoe model, please visit Crocs’s official website and check for the model there.

Second, check the color of the shoe. The tag should mention the exact color of the Croc. If it doesn’t, then that’s another red flag.

Third, check the size information on the tag. Compare it with the size written on the outsole of the Croc. If they don’t match, then you’re probably holding a fake Croc in your hand.

Look at the Shape and Structure of Croc

When you look at Crocs from the side, they should have a specific shape and structure. The front part of the shoe (the toe area) should be slightly elevated, and the heel area should be lower than the toe area.

Also, Crocs Clogs have holes on the upper of the shoe. These holes are for ventilation and can be used to attach Jibbitz. There are exactly 13 holes on each pair of Crocs Classic Clogs.

So, If the Crocs that you’re looking at don’t have these features, they are most likely fake.

Examine the Circulation Nubs on the Insole

On the insole of every Croc, there are certain raised areas or circulation nubs. These nubs help to massage your feet and improve blood circulation.

Authentic Crocs have these nubs on the entire length of the insole. They are evenly spaced out and have a smooth finish.

On the other hand, fake Crocs often have these nubs only on the heel or toe area. They are usually not evenly spaced out and have a rough finish.

Inspect the Quality of Material Used

The brand Crocs is well-known for using high-quality, comfortable, and durable material in its footwear. The material used in Crocs is called “Croslite.” It is a proprietary closed-cell foam resin that cushions and makes the shoes super comfy.

However, if you are on your feet for long durations Crocs may not be the ideal footwear. Read our article “Are Crocs Good for Standing All Day” if Crocs are the right choice for you.

On the other hand, fake Crocs are often made of cheap plastic that feels hard and uncomfortable. These shoes are also quite heavy and make a lot of squeaking noise when you walk in them.

Check the Outsole

The outsole of Crocs is another area where you can easily spot a fake. The outsole of real Crocs contains a lot of information. This includes.

• “crocs” logo in the middle with a ™ (trademark) symbol.
• Place of manufacturing (name of the country where Crocs were made).
• Sizing information for both men and women. (Shoe sizes are written in perfect circles. The letters “M” and “W” are located above the circles indicating “men” and “women” sizes, respectively).
• Link to the official Crocs website (www.crocs.com).
• The words “boulder, colorado.” (Indicates the origin of production)

So, if the outsole lacks any of this information or has spelling mistakes, it’s most likely an unauthentic Croc.

Another way to spot a fake Croc by looking at the outsole is by checking the pattern. Genuine Crocs have a distinct and recognizable pattern on the outsole. On the other hand, fake Crocs often have a completely different pattern or no pattern.

The best way to check the outsole pattern is by visiting Croc’s official website and comparing it with the images of the shoe model you’re holding. If they don’t match, then you have fakes in your hand.

Smell Your Crocs

Smelling Crocs is probably the most unorthodox method on this list, but it’s also the most effective one.

Crocs knockoffs often use strong chemicals and adhesives during the manufacturing process. These chemicals often have a powerful and unpleasant smell that is hard to eliminate.

So, the next time you’re looking to buy Crocs, give them a good sniff before you make your purchase. If they smell bad, then they are most likely fake.

Measure the Croc’s Size

The size of Crocs is another area where replicas differ from the originals.

Original Crocs have perfect and consistent sizing. They are sized according to Croc’s standard size chart. This means that a size M Croc will always have the exact measurements, regardless of the model or style.

On the other hand, replica Crocs often have inconsistent sizing. In fact, two identical Crocs from the same factory can have completely different measurements. Additionally, replica Crocs are not sized according to Croc’s standard size chart.

So, if you have already purchased a pair of Crocs and are unsure about their authenticity, the best way to check is by measuring them. Compare your measurements with Croc’s size chart and see if they match. If not, then you have a fake pair of Crocs.

Check the Colour of Your Crocs

Crocs are sold in a rainbow of colors. They even have attractive names like Blue Bolt, Orange Zing, Taffy Pink, Turq Tonic, etc. Being sold in such a wide variety of colors is one of the reasons why Crocs are so popular.

However, this also makes it easy for replica manufacturers to dupe buyers. This is because they can produce Crocs in any color they want, regardless of whether it’s an official Croc color or not.

So, to spot a replica Croc, you need to pay close attention to the color of the shoe. To check if the color is official, visit Croc’s website and see if that model is available in that particular color. If it’s not, you have a replica Croc in your hands.

Check for Any Missing Parts

Crocs knockoffs often come with missing parts. The heel strap, for example, is a common victim of this.

This is especially common in Crocs models like.

• Crocs Classic Clog
• Crocs Literide Clog
• Crocs Classic All-Terrain
• Crocband™ Terrazzo Clog
• Crocs Baya

Look For Any Other Defects

Replica Crocs often have many defects. This is because they are usually made from lower-quality materials with inferior craftsmanship.

So, when you’re inspecting Crocs, be on the lookout for any defects. These can include.

• Crooked or misaligned logos
• Poorly sew seams
• Wonky stitching
• Rough or sharp edges
• Deformed vent holes
• Poorly shaped straps
• Glue stains
• Scuffs or scratches
• Lack of grooves on the outsole
• Sizing issues with one shoe being bigger or smaller than the other.

If you find any of these defects, then there’s a good chance that you are holding a fake Croc.

How to Spot Fake Crocs LiteRide Clog

Crocs LiteRide Clog is one of the most popular Crocs models. “LiteRide” is a foam material that is softer, lighter, and more comfortable than the Croslite material used in other Crocs models. LiteRide is Crocs’s proprietary foam material, and it’s not used in any other shoe brand.

Since LiteRide Clogs are so popular, replica manufacturers often target this model. However, there are several ways to spot a fake LiteRide Clog.

So, if you’re looking to buy Crocs LiteRide Clog, here are some things to look out for.

1. Logo
2. Insole Material
3. Upper of the shoe
4. Shoe tags
5. Any defects

Logo

The logo of Crocs on its LiteRide clog differs from the logo on other Crocs models.

Instead of “Duke,” the LiteRide clog features the wordmark “crocs” embossed in all lowercase letters. Duke does not appear on the LiteRide clog at all.

The logo “crocs” appears five times on each LiteRide Crocs shoe. They are placed in the following locations.

• Insole – You’ll find “LiteRide by Crocs” printed on the footbed.
• Ankle strap – Placed where the ankle strap connects to the shoe’s main body.
• Outsole – Placed on the heel area inside an oval-shaped design
• Back of the shoe’s sole – You’ll find “Crocs” printed on the back of the sole, near the heel area.

If the Crocs you’re looking at has a different logo or incorrect spelling, or you can’t find the logo in any of these places, then it’s probably an imitation Croc.

Also, if you find the Duke logo anywhere on the LiteRide Croc, it’s definitely a fake.

Insole Material

The insole of Crocs LiteRide Clogs is made from a material called “LiteRide.” This material is extremely soft, comfortable, and lightweight. Also, the insoles have a unique pattern that differs from other Crocs models. This unique pattern is made up of small, raised oval-shaped dots.

To spot a fake, you must pay close attention to the insole material and the pattern. If the insole lacks the design, it is a huge red flag. Also, if the insole is made from a material that feels hard or rough, then it’s most likely a replica Croc.

Shoe Upper

The upper of Crocs LiteRide Clog contains a lot of small holes. These holes are perfectly round and evenly spaced. They are placed in a grid-like pattern, and they help the shoe to ventilate and dry quickly. Additionally, these holes are not big enough to hold Jibbitz.

Therefore, if your Crocs LiteRide has no holes, or the holes are too big or irregularly shaped, it’s probably not an authentic Croc.

Shoe Tags

Crocs LiteRide Clog comes with all the standard tags included with other Crocs models. However, there is one major difference.

The LiteRide Clog includes an additional tag. This is a rectangular tag that has “LiteRide by Crocs” printed on it. This rectangular tag is made of LiteRide material and has the same color as the insole.

If your Crocs is missing this LiteRide tag, it is a significant cause of concern.

Defects

As we mentioned earlier, fake Crocs often have many defects. Therefore, your Crocs are not authentic if you notice any of the following flaws.

• Missing parts like ankle strap or holes on the upper
• Crooked or misaligned logos
• Poorly sew seams
• Wonky stitching
• Rough or sharp edges
• Deformed vent holes
• Poorly shaped
• Glue stains
• Scuffs or scratches
• Lack of grooves on the outsole
• Sizing issues with one shoe being bigger or smaller than the other

7 Things to Remember When Purchasing Crocs Online

With online shopping becoming increasingly popular, the chances of getting scammed are also increasing. It is challenging to spot a fake Croc when you’re buying it online. However, there are still some tips to avoid getting scammed or purchasing fake Croc.

Here are some tips to avoid being scammed when buying Crocs online.

Only Buy From Official Stores, Websites, and Authorized Crocs Retailers

This is probably the best way to avoid getting scammed. When you buy from an authorized store and retailer, you can be sure you’re getting a genuine product.

You can visit the Crocs store locater webpage to find a list of all the authorized stores and retailers near your area.

Check the Seller’s Feedback

Look at the seller’s feedback score and see what other buyers have said about their experience. If the seller has mostly negative or no feedback, then it’s best to avoid them.

Check the Return Policy

Before making a purchase, always check the return policy of the website or store. Make sure they offer a full refund if you’re unhappy with the purchase. This will give you some sort of assurance in case you receive a fake Croc.

Check the Packaging Upon Receiving the Product

When you receive your Crocs, ensure the packaging is intact and not tampered with. If the packaging looks suspicious or misses any of the tags as mentioned earlier, then it’s likely that the Crocs are fake.

Inspect the Product Carefully

Once you receive the Crocs, scrutinize them. If you find any irregularities or defects, then don’t hesitate to return them.

Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals

If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t get lured in by ridiculously low prices.

Crocs rarely offer huge discounts; if they do, you can find them on their official website.

Do Your Research Before Buying

Before making a purchase, always do your research about the product. Read reviews, watch videos, and compare prices to get an idea about what you should be paying for the real thing.

This research will also help you to spot a fake Croc easily. For instance, if you know that the original Crocs LiteRide is priced at $59.99 and you come across a seller selling it for $15, it’s obviously a fake Croc.

What to do When You Spot a Pair of Fake Crocs?

If you spot a pair of fake Crocs, the best thing to do is report it to the Crocs company. You can contact Crocs customer service and file a complaint against the seller. This will help them take action against the store or website.

If you come across counterfeits on e-commerce platforms like Amazon and eBay, you can also report the platform. This will help them remove the listing and prevent other buyers from getting scammed. You can also leave a negative review to warn other buyers.

If you’ve already bought a pair of Crocs and suspect they’re fake, then the best thing you can do is return them immediately. Most websites and stores have a return policy, so you should be able to get a full refund.

Are Fake Crocs Worth it? Are They Up To Par With Genuine Crocs?

I bought a pair of fake Crocs (LiteRide clog) to see if they’re worth it and live up to the hype. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the results.

Here is a summary of my findings.

• The quality of the material was extremely poor and felt cheap.
• Fake Crocs lacked breathability. It made my feet extremely hot and sweaty after 15 minutes of wearing them.
• The insole had no cushioning. They were extremely uncomfortable walking in, even for short periods.
• The sizing was completely off. I ordered a size up, and they were still too small.
• Fake Crocs had a strong unbearable chemical smell that didn’t go away, even after airing them out for days.
• Fake Crocs were extremely slippery despite having a patterned outsole. In fact, I slipped and injured myself while wearing and testing them. However, not all Crocs are slip-resistant. Read our article “Are Crocs Non-Slip?” to find more.
• They started falling apart after a week of daily usage.

Overall, I would not recommend buying fake Crocs. They’re uncomfortable, poorly made, and not worth your money. It’s best to save up and buy a pair of genuine Crocs instead. Authentic Crocs are a bit pricey, but they’re worth it in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Fake Crocs Similar To Real Crocs?

No, fake Crocs are not the same as real Crocs. There is a significant difference between the two.

Fake Crocs might look similar in their physical appearance, but they’re made with cheaper and low materials. As a result, they don’t last long and are highly uncomfortable to wear.

Do Fake Crocs Last Long?

No, fake Crocs do not last long. They fall apart within a few weeks or months of use since they are manufactured with low-quality materials and craftsmanship.

Where Are Real Crocs Manufactured?

Crocs have listed the following countries as their manufacturing locations.

Where Are Fake Crocs Manufactured?

Fake Crocs can be manufactured in any part of the world. However, most of them are made in China.

Is Made in China Crocs Original?

Yes, “Made in China” Crocs are original and authentic.

Crocs have manufacturing units in China and have listed China as one of its official manufacturing countries. The majority of Crocs sold in Asia are produced in China.

What Are Fake Crocs Called?

Fake Crocs do not have any official name. They are simply called “fake Crocs,” “counterfeit Crocs,” “knockoff Crocs,” or “rip-off Crocs.”

How Many Holes Should Crocs Have?

The number of holes in Crocs varies from model to model.

For example, the Classic Clog has thirteen holes on each shoe, whereas the Classic Crocs Flip has six holes on each shoe.

Fake Crocs VS Real Crocs – The Final Verdict

The market is flooded with fake Crocs. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of the difference between genuine and counterfeit Crocs, so you don’t get scammed.

As we’ve seen, there are many ways to spot fake Crocs. The most important thing is to pay attention to the details and do your research before making a purchase.

We hope the next time you’re out for Croc shopping, you will keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs and avoid buying unauthentic Crocs.

Have you ever bought fake Crocs before? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below.