Clarks Originals

Clarks Originals stands as one of the most iconic names in British footwear, renowned for its Desert Boots, Wallabees, and Desert Trek silhouettes. Since 1825, Clarks Shoes have defined generations of style, combining authentic craftsmanship, premium materials, and modern comfort.

A Legacy of Craft and Style

Founded in Street, Somerset, by Cyrus and James Clark, the brand began with handmade slippers crafted from sheepskin off-cuts. Over nearly two centuries, Clarks has evolved into a symbol of British heritage footwear, celebrated worldwide for its timeless style and innovation.

The Iconic Desert Boot

The Clarks Desert Boot, designed by Nathan Clark in 1949, was inspired by lightweight suede boots discovered in Cairo’s bazaars during his military service. Its crepe sole and clean silhouette captured the attention of style-conscious men everywhere.
By the 1960s, Mods and casuals had made the Desert Boot a staple of Mod Revival culture — pairing perfectly with tailored suits, Levi’s jeans, and fishtail parkas.

Wallabees, Desert Trek & More

From the effortlessly cool Wallabee Shoes and Wallabee Boots to the distinctive Desert Trek, every design in the Clarks Originals Footwear collection reflects a commitment to quality and authenticity. Newer styles like the Godney Moccasin and the relaunched Clarks Originals Weaver Shoes reinterpret the brand’s legacy for today’s laid-back, modern wardrobe.

Clarks Originals at Atom Retro

Atom Retro is proud to be an authorised UK stockist of Clarks Originals Shoes, bringing you authentic designs from one of Britain’s most celebrated heritage brands.

Our curated collection includes:

• Clarks Desert Boots – the timeless original, crafted in suede and leather.

• Clarks Wallabees – distinctive moccasin-inspired classics.

• Clarks Desert Trek – a cult favourite with a central seam design.

At Atom Retro, we celebrate the deep connection between Clarks Originals, Mod fashion, and retro style — where heritage meets modern individuality.

Clarks Originals – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What makes Clarks Originals different from other Clarks Shoes?
A: The Clarks Originals range features the brand’s most iconic designs — including the Desert Boot, Wallabee, and Desert Trek — all crafted with premium suede, natural crepe soles, and authentic construction. These styles celebrate the heritage of Clarks while maintaining modern comfort.

Q: Are Clarks Desert Boots still in style?
A: Yes — the Clarks Desert Boot is timeless. Its minimalist design and versatility make it perfect for both casual and smart-casual looks. Worn by Mods, musicians, and style icons alike, it remains a defining piece of retro British fashion.

Q: What are Clarks Wallabees known for?
A: The Wallabee Shoe is celebrated for its soft suede upper, crepe sole, and comfortable fit. Its distinctive moccasin design offers a laid-back, stylish alternative to traditional shoes — ideal for everyday wear.

Q: Can I buy Clarks Originals online?
A: Yes. Atom Retro is an official stockist of Clarks Originals Footwear, offering genuine Desert Boots, Wallabees, and Desert Trek Shoes with fast UK delivery and easy returns.

Q: Why are Clarks Originals popular among Mods and Retro fashion fans?
A: In the 1960s, Mods embraced Clarks Desert Boots and Wallabees for their clean-cut style and versatility. Today, these shoes remain icons of Mod Revival, Casual culture, and British heritage fashion — perfectly represented at Atom Retro.

Discover Clarks Originals at Atom Retro

Explore authentic Clarks Originals Shoes at Atom Retro, including the iconic Desert Boot, Wallabee, and Desert Trek collections.
Shop timeless heritage footwear that bridges classic design and modern comfort.

The Origins of Clarks.

Founded in Street in Somerset, England in 1825 by Cyrus Clark, Clarks originally made sheepskin rugs. By 1828 the company had grown sufficiantly enough for Cyrus to employ his younger brother, James as an apprentice. James decided to utilise the off-cuts from the rugs to make slippers, and the Clarks we know today was born. 

Moving forward to the 1940s and Nathan Clark, the great-grandson of James Clark, was an officer in the Royal Army Service Corps posted to Burma in 1941. Before leaving home, his brother Bancroft tasked him with gathering information on footwear that might be of use to the Clarks Shoes company while he was travelling the world. Nathan's main discovery and design was the Desert Boot. 

While in the army, Nathan came across a suede ankle boot, which had been manufactured in the bazaars of Cairo, Egypt. The boots was perfect for the North African climate, practical and light, but Nathan also saw potential for the boot to be worn by civilians too. He sent sketched and rough patterns cut from newspaper back home, but when he arrived back himself, no work had been done. In fact, no one else at Clarks liked the idea of suede boots. In the UK at the time suede shoes and boots were associated with 'lounge lizards' and other disreputable characters. 

Nathan perservered. He made his own prototype of the desert boot and took it to the Chicago Shoe Fair in 1949. The Americans loved it immediately. Esquire magazine ran an extensive editorial on the boots in early 1950 and they were soon available for sale in the US, long before the UK. Eventually it took off in the UK too in the 1960s, initially sold through shops in Regent Street, London and featuring a Union Jack sewn onto the tongue, aimed at tourists - but it was the 60s Mods who took the Desert Boot and made it a defining element of the Mod style. 

Further Reading:

Liam Gallagher x Clarks Originals Desert Rain Collaboration: Iconic, Then, Now & Always - Clarks Originals and Liam Gallagher reunite for a highly anticipated collaboration, celebrating 200 years of Clarks.

The Clarks Originals x Jamaica Connection - The story of an enduring relationship that goes back decades. It has been mentioned that Clarks could be considered Jamaica’s national shoe!

The Ultimate Pair of Desert Boots: Clarks Originals Arrives - The history of Desert Boot and the origin of a Clarks Originals Footwear Icon!