The Reason Why the "Desert Boots" from Clarks Originals Are Considered a Standout Among Casual Shoes

If you want to wear leather shoes that are as comfortable as sneakers and versatile enough to match various outfits, look no further than the "Clarks Originals" Desert Boots.

Launched in 1950, the appeal of these boots lies in their comfortable fit, thanks to the supple suede upper and natural rubber crepe sole, alongside a simple design that matches a wide range of styles.

Let’s trace the history of the Desert Boots, which have become synonymous with casual footwear.

First, let’s talk about the shoe manufacturer Clarks.

Going back 200 years, in 1825, brothers Cyrus and James Clark founded a company in the small town of Street, Somerset, located in the southwest of England.

Using leftover pieces from sheepskin rugs they sold, they innovated by creating slippers made of sheepskin lined with fur. The slippers, sewn by local cobblers, garnered rave reviews for their exceptional comfort.

Hence, the brothers established C&J Clark Limited, which became the foundation of Clarks.

A Journey to America & Back to Britain: Unprecedented Success

The Desert Boots were introduced in 1950.

During World War II, Nathan Clark, the fourth president of the company, stationed in Myanmar as a British Army soldier, was inspired by boots he saw there. These boots, made in a Cairo bazaar, featured a soft leather upper and natural rubber sole. After returning to Britain post-war, he attempted to commercialize these shoes.

However, there was considerable skepticism within the company, with many doubting that such an unusual design would sell. In response, Nathan devised a plan to showcase the boots at an exhibition in the United States, a decision that ultimately changed the fate of the Desert Boots.

When the boots caught the eye of an editor from "Esquire" magazine at the exhibition and were featured in a color photograph, they became a major hit in America.

This resulted in a surge of popularity back in Britain, particularly during the '60s when they became a trend among mods.

The popularity extended to Japan as well.

Officially, they are said to have debuted in 1971, but they were already known during the Ivy Boom of the '60s. Later, they remained a classic shoe that transcended trends during the French Ivy phase of the '80s and the Italian Classic phase of the '90s.

Their simple design, featuring fewer parts, allowed them to fit in with various styles, from suits to jeans, remaining timeless and versatile.

Today, the Desert Boots are marketed under the name "Clarks Originals" rather than just Clarks. This brand was established in the '90s when the "Wallabee" gained popularity in Tokyo and New York.

The young street fashion enthusiasts who favored Wallabees differed from traditional Clarks fans, prompting the decision to create a separate brand. Clarks Originals showcases iconic models like Wallabees and Desert Boots, as well as reissued models inspired by the archives.

Interestingly, Clarks Originals is particularly popular in Japan, which is also home to the only concept store. If you purchase shoes at their stores in Tokyo or Osaka, you receive a leather tag in your favorite color.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the materials and details.

The standout features of the Desert Boots are the leather upper and crepe sole.

The leather used for the upper comes from Charles F Stead and Co. in the UK.

Founded in 1904 in Yorkshire, this prestigious tannery has upheld traditional British tanning techniques and supplied leather to renowned high-end shoe brands.

Particularly well-regarded for the quality of its suede, the same suede has been utilized in Desert Boots since their launch. The supple texture of suede, which conforms well to the skin, along with its elegant grain and resilient, rich aging process, are among its appealing qualities.

The cushioning and high grip are thanks to the crepe sole.

The rubber sole, made from natural latex harvested from rubber trees and aged for an extended period, offers a unique plush cushioning along with a strong grip that firmly holds onto the ground.

Utilizing the stitch-down method, where the upper's edge is pulled outward and sewn to both the outsole and insole, it is said to reduce the entry of sand, enhance the sole's rebound, and improve walkability.

Incidentally, it's said that the difficulty of sand getting inside in the desert inspired the name "Desert Boots."

Among the various derivative models of the Desert Boots, the 75th Anniversary model "Desert Boots Wolf Suede" is a prime choice if you’re looking to buy now.

The highlight of this model, created to commemorate the 75th anniversary, lies in its classic color scheme that reproduces the original, and this wolf suede color is an exclusive color from Clarks.

The upper features a coarse suede seen in catalogs from the time of release. It boasts a rich hue and a textured feel. Additionally, the color of the shoelaces and stitching has been arranged in dark chocolate color, reminiscent of the original.

Moreover, the brand logo is embossed in a metallic color, and the tongue label denotes that it is a special edition in celebration of the anniversary. Even if you already own a pair of Desert Boots, this one is sure to pique your desire to own it.

When thinking of shoes in the 1950s, the options were mostly dress shoes and workers' boots. Born in such an era, the Desert Boots created a new concept of casual shoes.

Indeed, since its inception, this boot has hardly changed in appearance and can be considered the ancestor of modern casual footwear.

Its comfort is on par with sneakers, yet its simple design is as elegant as leather shoes, making it suitable for a wide range of styling. Even now and in the future, the Desert Boots remain an indispensable element of footwear wardrobes.