Cottage "hole shoes" tangible advice recommended not to buy cheap

"Hole hole shoes," also known as garden shoes, are characterized by their wide design and a central hole that gives them their name. These shoes have become extremely popular in recent times. A reporter visited the market and found that most of the cheap "hole shoes" available are actually handmade or cottage-made products. Experts warn that these counterfeit "hole shoes" are made from regular plastic, and wearing them for long periods can lead to foot-related health issues.

Many of the cheap "hole shoes" on the market are "three-no" products — no production license, no quality certification, and no manufacturer information. This lack of regulation raises serious concerns about their safety and durability.

Originally designed as water-resistant sandals for boating, "hole shoes" were made from Crostile, a special resin that contains tiny air bubbles. This material offers excellent grip and comfort, and it softens with body heat to conform to the shape of the foot. Their popularity was boosted by celebrity endorsements, including appearances by Hollywood stars and even former U.S. President George W. Bush, which turned them into a fashion trend.

A genuine pair of "hole shoes" typically costs over 200 yuan at major department stores. However, in small shops and street stalls, you can find similar-looking shoes for just one or two dollars. During a visit to a local shoe market, the reporter noticed that many soles had faint or unclear "Crocs" logos, making it easy to spot fakes. Most of the shoes lacked any product labels or safety information. The reporter also detected a strong chemical smell when examining the shoes.

The shop owner claimed that the "hole shoes" sold here are "stock items" and should be safe to wear. When asked about the absence of brand logos and potential safety risks, the owner replied, "These are just affordable, personalized shoes. They’re not harmful."

Recently, several cases of injuries caused by slipping while wearing "hole shoes" have been reported in Shenzhen. One pregnant woman, Wu **, who was three months along, slipped on an elevator after buying a pair for 20 yuan from a roadside vendor. She ended up in the hospital due to a sprained foot, but fortunately, the baby was unharmed. Wu ** described how her feet felt like they had slipped out of the shoes before she could react, causing her to fall.

Mr. Yan, a veteran in the shoe retail industry, explained that counterfeit branded shoes are often categorized into three types: "Special A," "A," and "B." "Special A" products mimic the real ones closely, using similar materials and designs, and are sometimes produced by OEMs. "A" grade counterfeits are more common in the market, while "B" grade ones are poorly made, often using cheap plastic and sold at very low prices — some as low as 6 yuan per pair.

Health experts advise against wearing counterfeit "hole shoes" because, although they look similar, they are not made with high-quality, anti-slip, breathable materials. The materials used in these fake shoes are often inferior, leading to poor breathability and increased risk of foot infections. Additionally, the glue and dyes used may contain harmful chemicals that can irritate the skin. For vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, and children, wearing these shoes increases the risk of accidents due to poor grip and support.

Experts recommend that consumers avoid buying cheap, unbranded "hole shoes" unless they are certain of the product's quality. It is safer to purchase from authorized retailers or well-known stores to ensure authenticity and safety.