The History of Clarks

Considered to have one of the most significant die-hard fan bases in footwear history, Clarks Originals (or Clarks) has thought differently from the very beginning. By connecting with countless subcultures worldwide, Clarks has established itself as a leader in the footwear industry. Additionally, the footwear label has collaborated with iconic brands like Supreme, Patta, Stüssy, BAPE, Neighborhood, and more. The label has created over 22,000 styles of Clarks shoes, sparking a revolution that has since defined a generation and captured the imagination of millions worldwide. Keep reading to learn about the history of Clarks footwear, its ties to communities, and how to wear its most iconic silhouettes.

Origins

Originally given the name C. & J. Clarks, Clarks was developed in Somerset, England, under the guidance of two brothers, James Clark and Cyrus Clark. Almost 200 years ago, in 1825, James Clark worked at the tannery owned by his brother Cyrus Clark. The tannery was tasked with crafting various rugs, off-cuts, and cast-offs. There, James came up with the idea of crafting a ‘foot-shaped shoe,’ such as a slipper. Sheepskin off-cut material was used to create this prototype, and after a few stitches and years, the original Clarks shoe was born. Some years later, in the late 1800s, James’ son William chose to merchandise this shoemaking process on a larger scale, leading to Clarks arriving at the forefront of technological innovation. By the time the early 1900s came, Clarks had become an iconic brand among those living in London. Over time, Clarks' shoes began to bleed into the British footwear industry, which led to a new footwear measuring system for children that allowed Clarks to create silhouettes for kids.

Throughout history, Clarks have had a stake in countless wardrobes. One of the brands’ most notable casual styles is the Desert Boot. Designed by the great-grandson of James Clark in the aftermath of World War II, Nathan Clark took the unique blueprint of Clarks and helped further establish it as a footwear legacy. Nathan was inspired by boots from bazaars in Cairo worn by British army officers. He served in the Royal Army Service Corps during the war, studying military issue gear closely. The soldiers' boots inspired him, resulting in him jotting down some quick notes and rough sketches, quickly adamant that Clarks needed to recreate it under the Clarks brand. The Desert Boot design was adopted rapidly by subcultures worldwide, having made an impression with its two-piece suede upper, lace-up aesthetic, and comfortable yet rugged crepe sole. The silhouette is arguably one of the most essential Clarks shoes ever created. Most notably, one of the first to help solidify the brand’s significance and association with unique subcultures worldwide.

Aside from the Desert Boot, another iconic Clarks footwear design is the Clarks Wallabee. Established in the ‘60s, the design combines a shoe and boot. It’s instantly recognizable with its clean and straightforward lines placed on a chukka boot-like moccasin construction and iconic crepe sole. Available in more colors than ever, its silhouette is presented in various leather and suede designs and printed imagery. The Clark Wallabee was an immediate success on the Caribbean island nation of Jamaica and eventually traveled to New York with the immigrated Jamaicans, eventually making a mark on the United States. Clarks as a brand, rather than just its shoes, was famous in and of itself. Bob Dylan and Steve McQueen often wore Clarks Wallabee’s, which soon planted the seed for different subcultures to grow a stake in the Clarks repertoire.

Perhaps Clarks shoes’ most distinctive feature that sets it apart from other casual shoes, slip-ons, clogs, loafers, and more is the premium crepe rubber in each silhouette’s outsole. The Crepe rubber first made its appearance in the Clarks Desert Boot and offered a softer sole for increased general comfort. Also known as plantation rubber, crepe rubber is a natural material made from latex that has been tapped from trees like the Pará rubber tree. Harvested in liquid form from the tree, this raw latex is then formed into a semi-solid substance that is crushed, pressed, and rolled into sheets using complex machinery. After it’s presented in solid construction, the crepe rubber is cut into soles for the brands’ shoes.

Clarks Wallabees & Hip-Hop: How The Two Came Together

English-American rapper and record producer Slick Rick recalled being surrounded by Jamaicans wearing Clarks when he first arrived in New York during the mid-’80s. Having had just migrated from England to the exciting city, it’s safe to say Slick Rick was expected to see less of the brand on the streets of The Bronx. Clarks maintained a cultural significance within the hip-hop community, while its styles sat between being a sneaker and a casual dress shoes. Clarks were initially seen being worn by Brooklyn Yardies in the ‘80s, and Clarks Wallabees became a common thread in New York’s ever-emerging hip-hop scene in the ‘90s. Legendary hip-hop faces like The Notorious B.I.B., Slick Rick, and Ghostface Killah were regularly seen sporting a pair of Clarks Wallabees. The hip-hop culture and Clarks label were simultaneously facing a fast upwards trajectory. Comfortable yet still representing class and style, these concepts were synonymous with the energy of authentic hip-hop culture.

Hip-hop and Clarks collided most notably with the American hip-hop group, the Wu-Tang Clan. The group’s love for the comfortable yet elegant shoes was massive, resulting in several references in the ‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’ record. One of the Wu-Tang Clan’s rappers, Ghostface Killah, was a self-proclaimed ‘Wallabee Champ’ who was often seen wearing a pair of Clarks Wallabees with baggy jeans. This pairing set the stage for future artists like Kanye West and Drake to integrate the shoe into their footwear rotation.

The Wu-Tang Clan’s love affair with Clarks was officially set in place in 2019 when the group’s Wu-Wear label collided with the footwear brand with an exclusive three-pair set of limited edition Clarks Wallabees. This drop commemorated the 25th anniversary of the roups’ 36 Chambers album. The Clarks Originals x Wu Wear collaboration featured three different colorways placed on a classic Clarks Wallabee silhouette: Blue and Cream, Caramel, and Sand. The partnership was available in men’s and women’s sizing, all of which featured digitally-printed nubuck uppers placed on a limited edition marble cake colorway. The comfortable silhouettes were treated with an iconic crepe sole with full leather trim and lining. Co-branded footbeds and fobs were placed, tying together this unique collaboration of craft and style.

How to Wear Clarks Wallabees

Available in more colors and variations than ever before, Clarks Wallabees are instantly recognizable with their premium design and iconic crepe sole. With both leather and suede designs, there’s plenty to choose from when adding a pair into any year-round wardrobe rotation. The Clarks Wallabees are overall relaxed, allowing them to blend seamlessly within casual and elevated outfits. A common way to wear Clark Wallabees is with denim jeans. A slim-fitting pair of jeans with a tapered leg is ideal, as the ankle boots won’t get lost underneath the jeans. Pair the overall look with a t-shirt, jacket, or button-down shirt for a more elevated look. More ideal for the warmer summer months, Clarks Wallabees with a pair of shorts is an excellent alternative for dressing up a summer look. These shorts can be any style, such as linen, denim, or chinos.

Since its original idea implemented by two brothers in England to becoming a household name, Clarks has collaborated with countless retailers, brands, and celebrities by highlighting its nobility and colliding with a myriad of subcultures around the globe. Having lived many lives, Clarks has become a footwear staple for many wardrobes and communities. Clarks continues to perform and innovate as time passes and is just getting started on making a mark within the fashion industry.

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