Brand Profile
Based in Somerset, England, Clarks have been shoemaking pioneers since 1825, when founding brothers James and Cyrus created their first profile using a radical combination of innovation and craftsmanship –a combination that remains at the heart of everything we do. Now. As always. Our icons remain true to our craft, our heritage and our inspirations. Their distinctive silhouettes set them apart. So too do details and construction techniques that combine craftsmanship and innovation in equal measure. Since the very beginning, we’ve always done things differently, inventing advanced construction techniques and contemporary materials that help us deliver tailor-made perfection in the most sustainable way possible. The premium suede is still supplied by historic English tannery Charles F. Stead - each piece plays a vital part in delivering the perfect shape, one that moulds to the wearer’s foot and makes each pair completely unique. Our latest season introduces; FSC certified crepe, water saving leather and recycled materials helping us to step lightly and reduce our impact even further.
DESERT BOOT
The world’s first ever dress casual shoe, our Desert Boot remains as instantly recognisable today as it was in 1950 for one very simple reason - every last detail remains the same. The inspiration for Nathan Clark’s seminal creation came from a seemingly improbable source – a rough suede boot from Cairo’s Old Bazaar, popular with off-duty army officers. After making initial sketches and even a newspaper prototype while sat cross-legged on a tent floor in Burma, Clark constructed a sample on his return home to Glastonbury – a sample that would go on to become the boot we all know, and love, today. When the original Desert Boot was first created by Nathan Clark in 1950. They said...”It’ll never sell.”
WALLABEE
Unaltered for over 50 years, the Wallabee made a big impression from the moment it first stepped out of our workshop. When the Wallabee was first introduced they practically flew straight onto the album covers of reggae’s most influential artists. In the years since, it’s been embraced by everybody, from Hollywood A-listers to hip hop royalty. Whether it’s Hollywood A-listers or hip-hop royalty, Jamaican dancehall artists or mart-suited MODs, the inherent elegance and flair of Clarks Originals has seen them adopted by subcultures all across the globe. From the original Desert Boot to the iconic Wallabee, every pair they make has instantly recognisable handwriting that marks them out and sets them apart.
DESERT TREK
Originally known as ‘Six Toes’, the Trek’s unusual foot shape was crafted around the innovative Nature form last. Featuring the classic ‘Trek Man’ emblem and distinctive central butt seam from the first pair, it endures as a design classic unaltered for more than 40 years.