Clarks Originals

Clarks Originals combines British shoemaking tradition with silhouettes that have long become part of international sneaker, music, and streetwear culture. At the centre is the Clarks Wallabee: a moccasin-inspired shoe with a distinctive foot-shaped silhouette and characteristic crepe sole that has been adopted by new scenes and generations again and again since the late 1960s. The Originals DNA is complemented by further classics such as the Desert Boot and Desert Trek – three independent designs that show why Clarks has significance far beyond traditional leather footwear.

The most important Clarks Originals models compared

Wallabee, Desert Boot, and Desert Trek do not follow a classic sneaker formula. Instead of sports performance, the focus is on natural shapes, suede and leather, simple lacing constructions, and crepe soles. Even so, the three icons differ clearly from one another.

Clarks Originals: from Somerset to international subcultures

The history of Clarks began long before Clarks Originals. Over generations, the British company developed a wide range of shoes and lasts, but some designs became relevant far beyond traditional footwear retail. These include, above all, the Desert Boot, Wallabee, and Desert Trek.

Clarks Originals was established in 1994 as the home of these especially enduring silhouettes. Rather than constantly creating entirely new shapes, the line thrives on developing existing icons through new materials, colours, and collaborations.

What is especially remarkable is how differently these shoes have been adopted culturally. Clarks models have appeared in British mod and music culture, Jamaica, hip-hop, and later streetwear and sneaker culture. The Wallabee in particular evolved from an unusual casual shoe into a globally recognisable silhouette.

Clarks Wallabee: the central Originals icon

The Clarks Wallabee was introduced in 1968 and still looks clearly different from classic sneakers and leather shoes. Its shape is inspired by a moccasin and is defined by a relatively broad forefoot, distinctive stitched construction, and characteristic crepe sole.

These unusual proportions are exactly what make the Wallabee so distinctive. It looks neither like a classic Derby shoe nor like a typical sneaker, yet it can be styled with both worlds. Some of the best-known versions use soft suede in natural colours such as Maple, Beige, Brown, or Black.

Over the decades, the Wallabee became a fixture in various music and streetwear scenes. Its cultural relevance did not come from one single campaign or a short-lived trend, but from new communities repeatedly adopting the model in their own way.

Why does the Wallabee look so different?

The Wallabee follows a different construction idea from a typical sports shoe. The clearly visible stitching around the forefoot and the broad, foot-shaped silhouette take inspiration from traditional moccasin constructions.

Then there is the crepe sole made from natural rubber, which gives the shoe its characteristic light, slightly translucent appearance and a softer underfoot feel. Together with the usually very minimal upper, this creates a silhouette that is clearly recognisable as a Wallabee even from a distance.

This simplicity is a major part of its strength. The Wallabee is defined less by technical details than by shape, material, colour, and sole.

Wallabee in suede or leather?

Suede is especially closely associated with the classic Wallabee look. Its soft, slightly textured surface fits the organic shape of the shoe and makes neutral colourways such as Maple or Sand look particularly characteristic.

Depending on the season, the Wallabee is also available in smooth leather and other materials. Leather can look cleaner and slightly more structured, while suede tends to convey the more typical relaxed Originals aesthetic.

Which material works better is therefore mainly a matter of style. If you want the classic Wallabee look, suede is usually the obvious choice. Leather versions can be interesting for a cleaner or slightly dressier appearance.

Desert Boot: the Clarks classic from 1950

The Desert Boot appeared as early as 1950, making it one of the oldest designs still continued under Clarks Originals today. Nathan Clark developed the shoe after drawing inspiration from footwear he encountered during his time in the British military. The defining elements were its simple ankle-high construction, minimal lacing, and crepe sole.

Compared with the Wallabee, the Desert Boot is slimmer, higher, and visually closer to a classic lace-up boot. At the same time, its reduced construction makes it feel more relaxed than many traditional leather shoes.

This makes the Desert Boot especially versatile between casual, heritage, and slightly smarter looks. While the Wallabee stands out more through its unusual shape, the Desert Boot is defined above all by simplicity.

Desert Trek: centre seam, crepe sole, and Trek Man

The Desert Trek was introduced in 1972 and features one of the most unusual constructions within Clarks Originals. Its most distinctive element is the central seam running across the forefoot and visibly joining the two sides of the upper.

This is complemented by the classic crepe sole and the so-called Trek Man motif at the heel. As a result, the Desert Trek remains clearly recognisable even without large branding.

Compared with the Wallabee, the Desert Trek feels flatter and even more strongly rooted in the heritage side of the brand. It is therefore an interesting alternative for anyone who likes the materials and crepe-sole aesthetic of Clarks Originals but deliberately wants a different shape from the Wallabee.

Wallabee, Desert Boot, or Desert Trek: Which Clarks Originals suits you?

The Wallabee is the most obvious choice if you are discovering Clarks Originals from a sneaker or streetwear perspective. Its broad, distinctive silhouette works especially well with relaxed and wide-cut trousers.

The Desert Boot is the more classic option. Its ankle-high construction and reduced shape allow it to work both casually and in slightly smarter outfits.

The Desert Trek is the more unconventional heritage alternative. Its centre seam, low profile, and Trek Man detail give it a distinctive look without appearing as bulky as the Wallabee.

How do you style Clarks Wallabees with sneaker-inspired looks?

The Wallabee works especially well where classic footwear categories are deliberately mixed. With wide denim, carpenter trousers, or cargo pants, it feels distinctly streetwear-oriented. With straight trousers or chinos, the look becomes calmer and slightly more refined.

Because the Wallabee is not a typical sneaker silhouette, it can create a strong contrast within a sneaker rotation. Instead of mesh, Air cushioning, or technical overlays, suede, natural colours, and a simple crepe sole take centre stage.

That makes it especially suited to outfits already built around wide fits, workwear, knitwear, overshirts, or understated streetwear.

What is a crepe sole?

Crepe soles are closely associated with the best-known Clarks Originals models. Traditionally made from natural rubber, they have a characteristic slightly irregular and often light, translucent appearance.

The material is relatively soft and flexible and contributes strongly to the characteristic feel and look of the Wallabee, Desert Boot, and Desert Trek.

Because of the properties of the material, crepe soles can develop visible signs of wear and become darker over time. This is not unusual for this type of sole and forms part of its characteristic ageing process.

Clarks Originals colourways and collaborations

A major part of today’s Clarks Originals world comes from repeatedly reworking classic silhouettes in new materials and colours. The Wallabee in particular, with its reduced construction, lends itself well to unusual suedes, leathers, patterns, and contrasting details.

Regular collaborations from streetwear, fashion, music, and other creative fields also play an important role. The basic shape often remains clearly recognisable while materials and design are reinterpreted.

You’ll find current Clarks Originals models and new Wallabee versions at 43einhalb. Announced releases can also be found in our Coming Soon section.