Mens Boots

Men's boots at Clarks: the quick guide

Clarks has been making shoes since 1825, and the men's boot range comes in three families: crepe-soled Originals like the Desert Boot and Wallabee, leather Chelsea boots, and lace-up ankle boots and chukkas. Most styles come in our standard men's G width, many have removable insoles for orthotics, and the Originals come in half sizes from 6 to 13.

Choose by what you'll wear them with:

• Jeans, chinos and everyday wear: the suede Desert Boot or Wallabee Boot.
• Office, suits and smart trousers: a polished leather Chelsea such as the Niall or Ranger, or the lace-up Cross.
• Weekends and cooler months: the hiker-inspired Torhill Hi or the Bushacre 2 chukka.

The Desert Boot and the Wallabee Boot

The Desert Boot was designed by Nathan Clark and launched in 1950: two eyelets, a suede upper and a natural crepe sole. It runs slightly large, so if you're between sizes, go down half. The Wallabee Boot followed in 1967 with a moccasin construction and a roomier fit across the top of the foot, and most people size down half. Both sit in the wider Clarks Originals men's range.

Chelsea boots

Elastic side panels, a pull tab and no laces make the Chelsea the easiest boot to live with. Polished black leather works with a suit, while brown and cognac suit denim and chinos. The Ranger is cut as a wide fit, and a few styles, such as the Dorset and Ollie, use EU sizing (40 to 47), so check the size guide before you order.

Lace-up ankle boots and chukkas

For a dressier lace-up, the Cross comes in polished black or dark brown leather and sits comfortably alongside our men's work shoes. For casual wear, the Torhill Hi is a suede hiker-style boot with a cushioned footbed, the Zathan is a clean suede ankle boot, and the Bushacre 2 is a lightweight suede chukka.

Getting the fit right

G is the standard men's width at Clarks, which is roomier than many brands. If a boot feels tight across the ball of your foot but loose at the heel, you need more width, not a bigger size, because going up a size moves the heel and creates slip. Many styles have a removable insole, so you can fit a custom orthotic; if yours is thick, go up half a size. Leather softens and gives slightly across the forefoot over the first few weeks, and suede gives a little more.

Black or brown first?

If you're buying one pair, dark brown does more: it works with navy, grey, khaki and denim. Choose black if you wear a lot of black or charcoal tailoring, or your workplace has a strict dress code.

Suede or leather for Australian weather?

Suede breathes well in warmer months but needs a protector spray before first wear and a brush after rain. Leather is the better choice for wet winters, because you can wipe it dry and condition it. Our shoe care range has leather conditioner for your leather pairs.

Are Clarks boots still good quality?

It's a fair question. Like most footwear brands, Clarks now manufactures mainly in Asia. What hasn't changed is the construction of the icons: the Desert Boot and Wallabee are still made with natural crepe soles, which specialist cobblers can replace, so a well-kept pair can be resoled rather than thrown out.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a Desert Boot and a chukka?

A chukka is any ankle boot with two or three eyelets. The Desert Boot is the original Clarks chukka, with two eyelets, a suede or leather upper and a crepe sole.

Do Wallabees run big?

Yes. Most people size down half a size in the Wallabee because of its roomy moccasin fit.

Are Clarks Chelsea boots waterproof?

They're not waterproof. Leather handles light rain, especially with a protector spray, but they're not made for heavy downpours or puddles.

Can I wear Chelsea boots with a suit?

Yes. Plain black or dark brown leather Chelsea boots work with suits outside strict corporate dress codes. Suede and chunky soles are more casual.

How do I look after crepe soles?

Brush them with a stiff brush to lift dirt. They darken with wear, which is normal. Keep them away from strong heat, which softens crepe.

What width are Clarks men's boots?

G is our standard men's width, which is roomier than many brands. The Ranger is an EE wide fit. Check each product page for the widths available.

How long do Clarks boots last?

It depends on how often you wear them and how you look after them. Rotating pairs, conditioning leather and fixing heels early all help, and crepe-soled Originals can be resoled by specialist cobblers.