Originals

Clarks Originals: the quick guide

Originals is home to the shoes Clarks is best known for: the Desert Boot, the Wallabee and the Desert Trek. They're simple suede and leather designs, many on soft crepe rubber soles, and they've been worn by everyone from students to musicians for decades.

Which one is which?

• Desert Boot: an ankle-high lace-up boot with two eyelets. The easiest one to wear with anything.
• Wallabee: a moccasin-style shoe or boot with a roomy, relaxed fit and a thick crepe sole.
• Desert Trek: a low shoe with a seam running down the middle of the toe.

Shop men's Originals, women's Originals or Originals loafers.

Sizing: read this before you order

The Wallabee is roomy, so most people size down half a size. The Desert Boot fits closer to true size but has a fairly relaxed shape. If you're between sizes in a Desert Boot, go with your usual size and adjust with laces or socks.

Living with crepe soles

Crepe is natural rubber. It's soft and springy underfoot, which is why people love it. It also picks up dirt, darkens with age and can be slippery on wet tiles or polished floors. Crepe softens in strong heat, so don't leave pairs in a hot car or dry them next to a heater.

Can you wear them in summer?

Yes. Suede Desert Boots and Wallabees are lighter than most boots, and they look good with shorts and no-show socks. In a wet winter, leather versions are the more practical choice.

Frequently asked questions

Do Wallabees run big?

Yes. Most people size down half a size in the Wallabee.

What's the difference between the Wallabee and the Desert Boot?

The Wallabee is a moccasin-style shoe with a roomy, relaxed fit. The Desert Boot is an ankle-high lace-up with a closer fit. Sizing is not always the same between the two.

How do I know my Clarks Originals are genuine?

The safest way is to buy from Clarks or an authorised retailer. Fakes are common on marketplaces, and the usual giveaways are a very low price, poor stitching, a hard plastic-looking sole instead of natural crepe, and missing or misspelt branding inside the shoe.

How do I clean suede Originals?

Let them dry, then use a suede brush and a suede eraser on marks. Spray with a suede protector before wearing. Don't put them in the washing machine.

Are crepe soles slippery?

They grip well on dry ground but can be slippery on wet tiles and polished floors. Take care on wet days.

Can Originals be resoled?

Yes. Many cobblers can replace crepe soles. Ask for a crepe replacement if you want to keep the original feel.