The market for in-demand sneakers is red hot right now, leading some to purchase replicas of their favorite shoes created by counterfeit producers.

It’s no surprise to see replica shoes becoming popular right now when some sneakers are selling for more than $2,000 for a pair. It’s a no-brainer for some when replicas only cost a fraction of that cost.

To outsiders unfamiliar with sneaker trends, it might seem like a simple issue, but there are many layers and factors affecting the sneaker market, making it a complex decision when deciding whether to purchase a pair of replicas.

There are issues of having conflicting feelings about wearing what appear to be rare sneakers but are actually fakes made and sold by producers looking to make a quick buck.

Sales of replica shoes also have a big impact on the reseller market, where a pair of authentic sneakers can sell for thousands of dollars.

Why pay $2,000 for a pair of sneakers when you could pay $100 to $150 for the same-looking sneaker, except knowing that they are not authentic Nikes.

What are Replicas?
Replicas are basically “counterfeits.” But these are not the cheaply made knock-offs of luxury goods (handbags, watches, and tech gadgets) of which most people think when they hear the word counterfeit.

In this case, these are often made by the same workers who have produced shoes for companies like Nike and Adidas in Asian cities where they have operated since the 1980s. They are made by people who have the technical knowledge on the craft of sneaker-making. But instead of making these shoes in official company factories, replicas are made in underground operations to avoid detection from authorities.

Is making and selling replicas legal?
No. There are federal laws against trafficking counterfeit goods, and it is illegal under United States Code, Sec 2320. These replicas that are created overseas are not very expensive to make, but there are increased costs involved with the shipping and selling them away from traditional shoe resellers.

There are professional-looking websites where sneakers collectors can purchase replicas with large varieties of sizes and styles. You can purchase online with a credit card, but buyers should be aware that there are expensive shipping charges. There is also the possibility that U.S. customs officials could intercept the packages before they are delivered.

Buying products made in China is typically cheaper than buying American-made goods, but shipping costs can add additional costs when buying replicas. Shipping costs depend on whatever the weight of the item is, sometimes ranging from $50-$150.

How did it gain popularity?
Replica sneakers are starting to be a common trend for young sneaker lovers, especially among those who can’t afford to pay the high prices of authentic pairs.

Replica sneakers really gained a lot of popularity this summer through spreading on TikTok. A lot of creators on TikTok would get sent sneakers from people that sell replicas then they would review it on their accounts and recommend their followers to buy it. The creators would normally get whatever sneakers were sent to them and a promo code. The creators also show you the steps to buy the reps, where to go, how to ship it to your place, how to pay for it, etc.

What do shoe companies do to try to stop the manufacturers and sellers of replicas?
Nike themselves have been trying to crack down on this issue as much as they can. By using most of these companies selling counterfeits. There are other companies out there trying to stop the sale of replicas themselves by apps like Legitcheck.app which is an app and website. You basically pay a fee and send different pictures of the shoe and they legit check it for you.

Do replicas affect the value of authentic shoes?
The resale value of these sneakers goes down due to people asking themselves why would they buy these authentic sneakers when they can get the same shoes for less than half the price. So if people are putting their money into these replicas the resale value on some of these authentic sneakers will go down over time.