The infamous Singapore-based fashion retailer SHEIN recently walked the razor’s edge after listing knockoff Air Jordans on its website, causing a swift and explosive internet frenzy before promptly removing them.
In addition, the fast fashion e-commerce platform has also listed the “Chunky Slip-On Calf High Boots” for R2,138. These red boots are an exact replica of the distinct MSCHF’s Big Red Boot design, which carries a retail price tag of $350 (approximately R6,800 in Rands).
The knockoff Air Jordan designs have since been removed from the site, however, the MSCHF Big Red Boots are still listed for sale, in sizes UK3.5 to UK7.5.
It’s no surprise to see such intriguing developments in the vibrant world of fast fashion. Even our local e-commerce giant Takealot has confidently listed what seems to be Kanye’s Foam Runner knockoffs, priced at a shocking R299. The original pair retails for R1999 and fetches over R6000 on the resale market.
Takealot removes YEEZYs and Jordans from its website—were they fake?
Upon removing the listing, SHEIN told TMZ that the third-party sellers were to blame for the Jordan knockoff listings. Does the same go for Takealot listings?
We know that the counterfeit sneaker market continues to boom locally, with the YEEZYs, Air Jordans, and Nike Dunks being some of the most coveted — and highly knocked-off sneakers.
Also read: Selling counterfeit sneakers is a big business, and will always exist.
A lot of e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay have faced backlash from the likes of Kanye and Nike for listing unlicensed and counterfeit products. And unfortunately, a lot of these platforms have not carefully policed the authenticity of the products sold by their merchants.
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