Clarks
Clarks in short
Clarks is a British footwear brand founded in 1825 in Street, Somerset, best known for the Desert Boot and the Wallabee—both featuring lightweight natural crepe rubber soles. The fit is generous; crepe and suede require dry care and should be kept away from water.
Heritage and key facts
| Topic | Overview |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1825, Street (England) |
| Known for | Desert Boot, Wallabee |
| Categories | Casual footwear, boots, comfort shoes |
| Price tier | Mid-range |
| Signature detail | Natural crepe rubber sole |
Crepe soles are lightweight and springy, yet soft: they wear down faster on rough tarmac than standard rubber and tend to attract dust.
Which style suits you
- Desert Boot — two eyelets, suede upper, casual when paired with chinos or jeans.
- Wallabee — roomier and softer, featuring the distinctive moccasin seam.
- Desert Trek — with its central seam across the vamp, offering a striking silhouette.
- Smart lines — leather lace-ups with rubber soles designed for the office.
Caring for crepe soles and suede
Crepe requires different care compared to conventional rubber soles.
- Roughen the sole gently with fine sandpaper if it becomes slippery.
- Remove dirt from crepe with a crepe brush or cleaning eraser, never with water.
- Protect suede with a waterproofing spray before first wear and reapply regularly.
- Allow wet shoes to dry naturally at room temperature, stuffed with paper.
Buying in the Netherlands
Clarks operates standalone stores across the Netherlands and is widely stocked by shoe retailers. The Desert Boot runs on the larger side; taking a half size down is standard advice.
Explore more on Brands.nl
- Dr. Martens — Sturdier British boots with AirWair soles.
- Timberland — Warmer boots for wetter months.
- State of Art — Smart-casual menswear that complements this style effortlessly.
View all brands or browse the brand guides.
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Frequently asked questions about Clarks
- Do Clarks shoes run large?
- The Desert Boot and Wallabee fit on the generous side. Most people opt for half a size smaller than their regular trainer size.
- Are crepe soles slippery?
- They can be slick on wet stone or tiles. Lightly roughing the surface with sandpaper will noticeably improve grip.
- How do I clean a crepe sole?
- Use a dedicated crepe brush or rubber cleaning eraser. Soap and water will cause the sole to become sticky and dark.
- Where does the Desert Boot originate?
- Nathan Clark designed the boot in 1950, drawing inspiration from crepe-soled suede footwear British army officers had made in Cairo.
Geschreven door
Brands.nl editorial team
Brand editors — interior, fashion & lifestyle
Brands.nl is an independent Dutch brand guide that sells nothing itself. Our editors follow brands, materials and collections and describe them independently, so you know what you are buying and can find similar brands.
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Laatst inhoudelijk gecontroleerd: 5 september 2026