First off, let’s be real, the internet is FLOODED with fake Converse. It’s like a sneaker swamp out there. You think you’re getting a steal, but boom, you end up with some shoddy knock-offs that’ll fall apart after a week. Trust me, been there, done that, bought the t-shirt (and the fake Cons, sadly).
Now, about Kmart… I gotta say, I haven’t *personally* bought Converse from Kmart recently enough to give you a definitive “yes they’re ALL fake” or “no they’re ALL legit”. But, and this is a BIG but, it’s always good to be skeptical. You gotta use your brain!
See, the thing is, how do you even *know*? Like, how do you spot the fakes? Well, the internet’s full of tips. Apparently, you gotta scrutinize everything. Look at the pin stripe on the sole – if it’s all wonky and shaky, that’s a red flag. Check the Chuck Taylor patch – it should be a specific navy blue, not some wishy-washy color. And for god’s sake, look at the stitching! Are there threads sticking out everywhere? That’s a telltale sign of crappiness.
And don’t even get me started on the interior tongue. Apparently, that’s a good place to check for details. Honestly, it feels like you need a magnifying glass and a PhD in Converseology to tell the real ones from the phonies. It’s ridiculous, honestly.
Here’s my take: if the price seems too good to be true, it probably IS. If some random seller is promising Converse for like, ten bucks, and saying they’ll take a month to arrive because “they order it specially,” RUN. Just run. That’s like, Fake Converse 101 right there.
Honestly, your best bet is probably sticking to authorized retailers, like the Converse website itself. Yeah, it might cost a bit more, but at least you know you’re getting the real deal. Plus, you’re covered by consumer laws in Australia (if you’re in Australia, of course, since you mentioned Kmart Australia).
But hey, maybe you *want* some cheap, knock-off Cons to wear around the house, or to paint on or something. In that case, knock yourself out! Just don’t be surprised when they fall apart, and don’t expect them to feel as comfy as the real thing.