[galligator]

At this point, copies that do not infringe on trademark are legal. If I see a legal inspired style, I may buy it. Particularly since I buy for style & comfort. It is particulary difficult since the original style may be one that you have never actually seen (as many of us live in small towns with few mid - high end stores). I do draw the line at actual fakes and shoes that go out of their way to misrepresent who the designer is (ie, certain styles of Oh Deer/Madden that were blatant CL copies down to the red sole). I also am appalled at the number of fakes out there with trademark elements & faked designer tags that are sold to unsuspecting folks for $200-600 who don't know any better.