Clarks Originals — The Desert Boot Since 1950
C. & J. Clark Ltd was founded in 1825 by Cyrus and James Clark in Street, Somerset — making them one of the oldest shoemakers in continuous operation anywhere. The Clarks Originals line, born in 1950 when Nathan Clark designed the Desert Boot based on the chukka boots he saw being made in Cairo for British officers, has become one of the most enduring pieces of casual footwear ever produced. The Desert Boot has barely changed in 75 years because it doesn't need to. English Brands stocks the Originals range in heritage colours and the iconic Wallabee silhouette.
What we stock
The Clarks range at English Brands focuses on the Originals line:
- Desert Boots in Beeswax (the original heritage colour), Cola Suede, Black Suede, Navy Suede
- Wallabee Boots in Beeswax — the moccasin-construction icon
- Desert London Derby Shoes in Chestnut Leather
All Clarks Originals at English Brands are part of the brand's heritage line — not the broader Clarks dress and casual catalogue.
Why Clarks Originals
The original Desert Boot — Clarks invented the modern Desert Boot in 1950. It has been continuously produced since, in essentially the same crepe-soled, two-eyelet chukka silhouette. Few designs have remained relevant this long without change.
Founded 1825 in Somerset — Clarks is among the oldest shoemakers anywhere in the world still in continuous production. The original Quaker family ethos shaped the brand for over a century before commercial pressures led to broader production.
Genuinely classless — Desert Boots cross all British cultural categories: musicians from the Beatles to Damon Albarn, business casual office wear, country weekend dress, sub-cultural styling. Few shoes work across so many contexts.
Crepe rubber sole — the distinctive crepe sole gives Desert Boots their characteristic comfort, grip, and slightly soft feel underfoot. The sole compresses with wear but is genuinely long-lasting.
Caring for your Clarks Originals
Desert Boots are mostly suede — care is straightforward:
- Brush with a suede brush after each wear to maintain the nap and remove surface dirt
- Apply suede protector spray before first wear and reapply each season
- Use a suede eraser for marks; avoid water exposure where possible
- Crepe rubber soles — wipe with a damp cloth; crepe can be cleaned with crepe-specific cleaning blocks if heavily marked
- Allow to dry naturally if wet — never use direct heat
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Clarks Originals made in England? Some Clarks Originals styles are still made in the UK, but the majority of Clarks production has moved abroad over recent decades. Specific manufacturing varies by model and year. Verify on the individual product page for current production location.
Why are crepe soles so distinctive? Crepe rubber is a natural rubber latex compound, originally used for its softness and grip. It compresses underfoot more than synthetic rubber, giving a slightly cushioned step. The slight discolouration and matte finish are characteristic, not defects. Crepe wears more slowly than it appears.
How do Clarks Desert Boots fit? Clarks Originals generally fit true to UK size, though Desert Boots have a slightly relaxed, casual fit rather than a precise dress shoe fit. If between sizes, most customers go with the smaller size — the suede will give slightly with wear.
Can crepe soles be replaced? Crepe soles can be replaced by a skilled cobbler, though this is rare — most customers wear out the upper before the sole. The original moccasin construction of the Wallabee makes resoling more involved than for cemented Desert Boots.
