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 are 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. 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 & Embobag. Here are some things to consider prior to purchasing Shoe Charms on Ebay to avoid disappoinment. Be aware that MANY counterfeits are sold on Ebay. Just because the button on the back says Jibbitz does NOT make it authentic! Authentic Jibbitz are NOT soft & rubbery. Although they are rubber ~ they are more firm and compact than most other shoe charms. The writing on the plug (backstamp) will ALWAYS be clear, concise and legible if it is an authentic Jibbitz. I would always 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. If they are showing an illustration and claiming it's a Jibbitz that is a red-flag. Some of the most common counterfeits are listed below with photos. Also below is some general info on the two leading brands mentioned and why I recommend them.

Authentic Jibbitz are the original (first) shoe charms. Jibbitz is owned by Crocs LLC - the maker of the Crocs clogs. Jibbitz are true premium, high quality, die cut silica charms. As stated above, Jibbitz feel different than 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 COMMONLY FOUND ON EBAY

CINDERELLA'S CASTLE

On the left is the Counterfeit Cinderella's Castle.  As you can see it's much bigger in size measuring 1 1/4" across x 1 1/2" in height. The face color is almost white and the flags are black. In addition the back of the charm is brown. The Authentic Jibbitz on the right is grayish blue on the front AND back, feels much fimrer and more compact and has the same bluish-gray color flags. The detail is also much greater on the real Jibbitz castle. But please note that although the charm on the left is an obvious Fake - it has a Jibbitz logo on the plug. So, don't be fooled that just because it says "Jibbitz" that it is a Jibbitz. This counterfeit is currently listed on Ebay still as of today 05/28/2009.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

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.

FLORIDA GATORS

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. The back of the counterfeit is Navy blue and the real one is a lighter sky blue. And as always is common with counterfeits ~ the fake is soft and rubbery.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

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.

TENNESSEE TITANS

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!