The Clarks Desert Boot: Made in England

Video

Film by Will Robson-Scott
Edit by Luca Campanale

Words

Inspired by a crepe-soled silhouette made in the bazaars of Cairo, the Clarks Desert Boot is one of the most iconic footwear styles of the 20th century. Designed by Nathan Clark in 1949 and unveiled later that year at the Chicago Shoe Fair, it was put into production soon after and went on sale in 1950. Widespread success followed and it remains relevant and immensely popular today, with more than ten million pairs sold.

To celebrate the Desert Boot’s 65th anniversary, Clarks is set to release a definitive, Northampton-made version, constructed on hand-carved wooden lasts from the original Charles F. Stead suede. Available from tomorrow, the limited edition model was the starting point for this behind the scenes film, which focuses on the shoe’s manufacture as well as its rich history and continued appeal.

—Clarks Originals

Comments

[Dr Mike Ockhurts]

Dull-------and not in an 'interesting' way either.

[American Cheese]

Clarks don't get it, these shoes have got nothing to do with the original. They were never made in Northampton and the concept was that they were simple and affordable. You'd be better off buying a pair of Church's desert boots.

[Old Scrote]

American Cheese is right. this is merely an attempt to make something "authentic" out of Clarks current situation - they closed their factory in the 1990s (not that they had much to do with Northampton, but that's where decent shoemaking still exists). The script skips ever so carefully around the facts - are they talking about these limited editions, or the old desert boots or the foreign made ones? More than a bit of passing-off going on here. Far nicer suede boots are available from genuine English shoemakers: Sanders (who make for Mark McNairy), Loake 1880. The Clarks desert boot is actually a pretty poor quality, ugly shoe, and useless in the wet. Life's moved on from 50 years ago, but you have to admire Clarks for making so much out of it. As for Church's, since Prada got involved you're better off with Crockett & Jones, Cheaney, Alfred Sergeant. There's some excellent makers out there. Most of Grenson are Indian made, despite their bluster - they're getting like Clarks with their talk of English heritage disguising another truth.

[American Cheese]

I'll always have a soft spot for Clarks and the desert boot in general but what does the price of these say about the quality of the Chinese made high street ones, that they're 3x inferior to those made in the UK (where they used to be)? Padmore & Barnes are still turning out great shoes from the same factory.

Old scrote talks sense, there are some A1 British shoemakers that make the finest quality shoes in the world. I'm a big fan of Church's despite the Prada connection. I went around their Northampton factory and it's just how you'd want your shoes made.