Clarks: 200 years of quality, style and innovation

In 2025, the legendary British brand Clarks notes 200-year anniversary – an impressive milestone, testifying to the brand’s continuing relevance, impeccable quality and global recognition. Since its foundation in 1825, the company has not only created shoes, but also set standards for comfort and style, remaining a symbol of British craftsmanship and innovation.

The anniversary is a significant event not only for the brand itself and its representatives, but also for millions of fans around the world who value high quality, comfort and timeless style. SOHO Fashion, as the official distributor of Clarks in Russia, celebrates the brand's anniversary together with its customers in the SOHO, Clarks chain stores and the sohoshop online store.

Brand History: Two Centuries of Craftsmanship

History Clarks started in a small English village Straight (Somerset County, UK), where the brothers Cyrus and James Clark In 1825 they founded a small
production of footwear from sheepleathers. Already in the middle of the 19th century, the company revolutionized the shoe industry by introducing the world's first shoes with anatomical last, which revolutionized the industry. This breakthrough laid the foundation for the brand's philosophy: Comfort and health of the foot are the most important thing.

In the 20th century, Clarks strengthened its position by releasing cult models that became style icons:

• Desert Boot (1950) – the most recognizable model created by Nathan Clark, which conquered the world with its simplicity and versatility.

Model Desert boot was created under the influence of military footwear worn by British officers during World War II in North Africa. The prototype was suede boots with crepe soles. Soldiers bought them at Cairo bazaars. They were light, comfortable and protected well from sand. The name Desert Boot refers to its African origin.

In 1949 year Nathan Clarke, the great-grandson of the company's founder Clarks, presented this model at a shoe exhibition in Chicago. Inspired by army boots, he adapted them for the civilian market. In their form, desert boots are "chukka boots", that is, ankle-high boots with two-hole lacing and a sole made of soft rubber (crepe sole). It is this sole that gives the boots the signature Clarks soft ride.

The success of the model came immediately after its arrival in stores in 1950, and in 1957 Desert boot became the first model Clarks, sold in more than one million pairs. To this day, desert boots are a must-have in a gentleman's wardrobe and a part of cultural heritage, combining military history, street fashion and British style.

Desert boot became a hit among the Mods, a British youth subculture. The boots were worn by musicians and actors such as Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Paul Weller, Steve McQueen, Brad Pitt and other Hollywood stars. Reggae and dancehall legends Dillinger, Trinity, Super Cat, Little John often mentioned Clarks in their songs.

• Wallabee (1960s) – the second cult model Clarks, is an analogue of moccasins with a thick sole made of the same natural rubber crepe sole.

Model Wallabee was influenced by the traditional footwear of the indigenous peoples of North America. Its prototype was soft moccasins with characteristic stitching and a flat sole. The brand Clarks decided to create a modern interpretation of these shoes, keeping the comfort but adding a European style.

These beautiful, practical and comfortable shoes, which can be easily combined with absolutely any look, became a real hit in Jamaica among Rude boys, and were worn by reggae performers.

Wallabee became a favorite among rap fans thanks to the group Wu-Tang Clan, which remains an icon of rap culture to this day. All the musicians of the group not only adored and wore Wallabee, they also sang praises of their favorite shoes in their songs.

The main character of the cult TV series "Breaking Bad" Walter White wore Wallabee in all episodes of the film. Style Icon David Beckham is also listed among the admirers Wallabee. The wave of love for these boots was picked up by rappers Kanye West, Drake, musicians from the group Oasis, Blur, Pharrell Williams and many other famous personalities.

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Desert Trek (1970s) – a Clarks legend that emerged as an evolution of the iconic model Desert boot... Characteristic feature Desert Trek is the central seam and the famous Trek Man emblem - a figure of a walking man, engraved on the heel.

The shape of the shoe last, which follows the natural contours of the foot, provides freedom of movement. Desert Trek, designed for people with an active lifestyle "on their feet", have become popular among students and travelers.

From classic brogues and oxfords to modern sneakers and sandals, Clarks maintains a balance between traditions and current trends. The brand's models have not gone out of fashion for decades. Collaborations with fashion designers make the brand popular among young people.

Over a long history Clarks collaborated with the most famous brands: Supreme, Palace, Kith, Moncler, Levi's, FILA, Wu Wear and many others.

Clarks Benefits as a Brand Heritage: Why Choose Them?

Материал. The brand collaborates with --Charles F. Stead - the leader of English tanneries specializing in suede leather. Suede Brontano - the foundation Desert boot и Desert Trek. All raw materials are obtained from high-quality, high-quality hides that meet strict technical requirements. The unique appearance is achieved by tightening the suede by 15-30% during a specially developed tanning process, which remains the hallmark of the brand to this day. Clarks.

SoleThe primary source of natural rubber is the sap secreted by the Hevea brasiliensis tree. Crepe (natural rubber) is made from latex that is carefully collected from 5-6 year old trees, processed, dried and compressed to the required size. Crepe – a waterproof, durable material with high elasticity and a natural shock absorber, which is also environmentally friendly.

Ergonomics and innovation.

The brand uses:

· own foot support system Cushion Plus, which reduces the load when walking, providing long-lasting comfort;

· technology Active Air for cushioning, which is a network of small channels and chambers in the sole that allow air to circulate with each step, absorbing shock;

· technology Unstructured. Special inserts in the insole allow the foot to breathe and provide a feeling of comfort thanks to soft inserts. The flexible sole moves with the foot, providing natural movement when walking and reducing the load on the joints.

Clarks designs shoes with the anatomical features of the foot in mind, providing comfort and support for everyday wear. The use of high-quality materials and technologies allows them to create models that are suitable for different types of feet and provide good cushioning, making the brand a popular choice for those who value comfort and style in shoes.