Hi! Thanks for reading my guide. I've written this to hopefully clear up some common misconceptions about shoe charms and to hopefully prevent buyers from purchasing low quality shoe charms that don't last or may be counterfeits. I often hear shoe charms referred to as "Jibbitz" but not all shoe charms are Jibbitz. Jibbitz is actually a brand name of shoe charms just like Keds is a brand of sneaker or Coke is a brand of soda, Jibbitz is a brand of shoe charm and one of the two leading recognizable brands on the market. The other being Shoe-Doodles. With that said, I feel shoe charms shouldn't be disposable. They should be durable enough to be worn on a child's or adult's clog without falling apart. But unfortunately not all Shoe Charms are created equal. I've sold and worn Jibbitz and Crocs since 2005 when Jibbitz first hit the market. I sell shoe charms on Ebay and at my retail store where I carry several leading brands such as Jibbitz, Shoe Doodles & high quality non-brand, generic shoe charms. Here are some things to consider prior to purchasing Shoe Charms on Ebay to avoid disappoinment. Personally, I recommend the mentioned name brands but that's not to say that all non-name brand shoe charms are sub standard. However, in order to get your moneys worth if you are not purchasing a name brand I'd recommend  purchasing from a seller that is selecting high quality generics. The seller should be knowledgable and concerned about the quality of their product. The pictures of the items should be clear and close so you can see what type of charm you are actually buying. I would advise against buying a shoe charm that the listing shows an illustration of the charm rather than the actual charm. A good photograph gives you a true indication of color, quality and prescision of the design.  Generally if you purchase clothing and other name brand products for the quality, then you are going to be happier with name brand shoe charms also. Listed below is some general info on the two leading brands mentioned, why I recommend them and some photos of examples of counterfeit Jibbitz designs that are commonly found on Ebay.

AUTHENTIC Jibbitz are the original (first) shoe charms. Jibbitz are owned by Crocs Inc - the maker of the Crocs clogs. Jibbitz are true premium, high quality, die cut silica charms. Jibbitz feel different than most other charms because of their firm, compact, durable construction. For the most part they do not feel rubbery. They're firmly attached to the round installation post and if installed properly will last for many years and in most cases out live your clogs. The designs are clean, bright and easy to recognize on a Clog. They do not have "smeary" designs or flimsy construction that usually fall off while wearing. The suggested retail of Jibbitz from Jibbitz is $2.49 for regular designs and $3.00 for Licensed charms such as Disney, NFL, Warner Brothers and NCAA. Some highly collectible or limited edition Jibbitz will go for more such as $5.00 each for the Jibbitz Cinderella's castle that is exclusive to Disney World and Disneyland or the limited release of the Christmas "Gingerbread Minnie" or "Snowman Mickey" but the increase in price is simply due to the collectible value and not a suggested retail from Jibbitz. DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE SELLERS THAT STATE IN THEIR ADS that the generic charms retail for $2.49-$2.99 - that is the average retail for the HIGHEST quality charms on the market not the cheap imitations. So be assured if you buy Authentic Jibbitz you will get your moneys worth. 

The other shoe charm brand that is equal in quality and value to Jibbitz are authentic Shoe Doodles. These are my favorite brand because of the innovative designs. They recently started distributing designs with crystals in them that are adorable. They are also high quality, premium, top of the line, die cut silica with excellent color and clarity that will last for years. The main difference between  Jibbitz and Shoe Doodles is the installation post. While Jibbitz have a round plug that snaps into the holes of your clogs, Shoe Doodles have an oval plug back. I prefer it because of the ease of the installation and release makes the charm less likely to break. Shoe Doodles suggested retail is also $2.49 for regular charms and $3.00 for licensed charms such as Betty Boop, Wizard of Oz, Happy Bunny, Peanuts, Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears and  more.

Again, I highly recommend investing in 100% authentic Shoe Doodles or Jibbitz for the best value and the longest life but if you chose a design that is not a name brand be sure to purchase from a reliable seller that can guarantee it's quality to avoid throwing your money away.

Thank you for reading my guide. I hope it has been helpful. If so, please vote!

SOME EXAMPLES OF COUNTERFEIT JIBBITZ

On the left is the counterfeit New England Patriots and right is the Authentic Jibbitz. The immediate noticable difference is the white outline on the Authentic Jibbitz and the sharpness of the design. With the Gators below the first noticable difference is the yellow on the bottom of the counterfeit on the left and the authentic Jibbitz on the right has light green under the Gator head. 

Again on the left is the counterfeit Pittsburgh Steelers and on the right is the authentic Jibbitz. Note that the counterfeit on the left that the points on the stars don't touch and are not as sharp.

Below you will notice with the counterfeit Tennesee Titans on the left that the T has blue around the design and the T is solid white. The authentic Jibbitz does not have blue around the stars and the T is silver & white. Any of this information can be verified on Jibbitz's website also.

Also if you are purchasing a design advertised as a Jibbitz on Ebay. Check it against Jibbitz's website to make sure the colors match and it is actually a Jibbitz design. Thanks again for your interest!