Old style never dies. Clarks Originals is living proof of this, with classic models being worn by many for decades. New to Foot Patrol is the Clarks Originals collectio: The Desert Trek & The Wallabee Boot.
The Wallabee (created by Lance Clark) was developed in 1961 from inspiration of a moccasin made by a company called Sioux. This classic model has been imitated by many, and will never go out of style. Featuring the crepe sole that acts as great shock absorbers which is made from the para rubber tree. Even down to the suede, which to this day is supplied by a tannery in the North of England (with roots dating back to 1893).
We have two Wallabee boot models: The classic Maple Suede, and the collaborative effort from Japanese clothing manufacturer Loopwheeler. The Maple suede Wallabee screams ‘butter’ (Wu-Tang fans know what’s up). From the smooth buttery suede, to the sticky crepe sole, the Wallabee boot makes a perfect choice for some alternate footwear in summer. Looking good with shorts or selvedge denim, this is definitely one you want stacked with the rest of the footwear collection. The Clarks Originals x Loopwheeler model features a black suede toe-box/tongue, with the grey Loopwheeler material wrapped around the side panels, and the blue Loopwheeler pull-tab on the heel. The most interesting feature of this shoe is the sole. Around the crepe mid-sole, it looks like it has been dyed black (almost looking worn), with the outer-sole being the classic gum coloured crepe sole we are all used to.
The Desert Trek was born a decade after the Wallabee. This model was based on a style discovered in Holland by the wife of an abstract artist. This shoe came around at a time where the oil crisis (in the 70s) meant leaving the car at home and walking, making the Desert Trek the answer.
The Desert Trek models consist of a Mahogany leather and a Brown suede model. Featuring the recognisable vertical stitched seam running from the tongue to the edge of the toe-box, and large stitch detailing along the mid-sole. A tan suede heel patch with the etched ‘Desert Trek’ logo, coloured crepe mid-soles, also not forgetting the classic suede/leather patch attached to the laces. Again something for those looking for an alternate to sneakers.
Also on the co-lab tip like Futura 2000, and contemporary artist Pete McKee, Clarks Originals can now add to the roster with the collaboration between themselves and the Japanese brand Loopwheeler. They have been re-invented celebrating ‘Six Decades of Looking Forward to the Past’, surviving each generation and making them its’ own
The Clarks Originals Wallabee Boot Maple and Loopwheeler Wallabee Boot is available now both in-store and for mail order from a UK7 – UK11, at £80. The Desert Trek Mahogany leather and Brown suede are also available now from a UK7 – UK11, at £70.
Tags: Black, Clarks Originals, Collaboration, Dark Brown, Desert Trek, Grey Marl, Leather, Loopwheeler, Mahogany, Maple, Since 1950, Suede, Wallabee Boot