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But it’s also a booming industry that was created, ironically, by some sneakerheads’ obsession with authenticity. Chan used to share that obsession — until it got too expensive. One of Chan’s newest products is a near-perfect copy of a recently released, special edition Converse All Star sneaker, designed by fashion luminary and Off-White brand founder Virgil Abloh. Chan’s version costs $80 — which is a great deal, considering that buying a legit pair could cost you $1,500. Authentic shoes not only flaunt impeccable craftsmanship but also prioritize comfort and fit. Brands go to great lengths to ensure their designs not only look good but also feel great on your feet.

A true hypebeast wouldn’t be caught dead using it, for fear of being “called out” as a poser. But after two years of dealing with fanatically paranoid customers, Chan has lost his taste for that drama in his personal life. After all, it’s a sketchy proposition from the get-go, because the entire operation is illegal.

With Rafaello’s lifetime experience you can be sure to find a replica shoe style but customized to you so it’s a perfect fit and also with different leather and fabric if you want. Presented here in white leather with gray suede, Maison Margiela’s Replica sneakers have gained icon status among the fashion set and sneakerheads alike. Crafted in Italy from calf leather, they have a lace-up front, a padded tongue and collar, and a rubber outsole. Those in-the-know will instantly recognize the white stitch at the heel – a marker of the brand.

It only matters when you try to pass things off as real. When you try to get the world to believe that you’re something that you’re not. That you try to sell a fake product to someone as an authentic one. Or when you try to get over on someone who’s buying your shoes at StockX (the verifiers should know better anyway). They ensure that their replicas are crafted from the same materials as the originals, making their knock off shoes almost indistinguishable from the real kicks.

In consumer capitalism we’re taught that the things we buy are a direct representation of how much we’re winning (or losing) at life. I own a pair of snide Céline sunglasses