How Clarks became the hottest shoe brand — again

No longer simply the spot for school shoes.

Clarks, internationally renowned thanks to the Wallabee — a shoe beloved by everyone from David Bowie to Florence Welch, Liam Gallagher to Lebron James — celebrates its 200th birthday this year, as well as its return to the height of fashion. Searches for the Wallabee are up 382 per cent on TikTok, while a new campaign sees Gallagher front the brand in a pair of Desert Rain shoes, a rare Clarks silhouette which originally launched in the early 2000s.

After collaborations with hot London designer Martine Rose, Supreme, LA label Bodega and cool-girl campaigns shared “from Somerset to the world” to their 1.2 million followers and counting, the renaissance is officially underway.

“It’s an incredible honour for us at Clarks to celebrate our 200 year milestone. It’s a moment to reflect on the brand’s legacy, our values, and the roots that have shaped us,” says Dawn Porto, the Global Head of Product. “We have released our 200-year documentary From Somerset to The World, narrated by US rapper Yasiin Bey. The film highlights the Clarks journey from Quaker roots and school shoe beginnings to becoming a globally loved brand.”

Indeed, the brand's international history is sprawling, and fascinating. “Clarks has become a beloved brand in subcultures worldwide. In Jamaica, our shoes became a symbol of premium British craftsmanship, gaining iconic status in the Dancehall music scene and spreading across the country.

“Its popularity in New York surged during the late 1980s, often referred to as the 'golden era of hip-hop'. Artists such as the Wu-Tang Clan adopted Clarks shoes, wearing them religiously, referencing them in songs, and featuring them in music videos, such as 'Apollo Kids' by Ghostface Killah featuring Raekwon. In Japan, Clarks rose to prominence during the Ivy League trend in the 1960s, thanks to influential magazines like Men’s Club and Heibon Punch. The 1970s surfer boom introduced more of the Wallabee, further boosting its appeal,” says Porto.

Why does she think the brand is so timeless? “Clarks appeals to everyone – from children getting their first pair of shoes to adults who appreciate style and comfort, and older generations who’ve worn us for decades, we’re a truly cross-generational brand. Few footwear brands can claim such universal appeal. Iconic silhouettes like the Wallabee and Desert Boot remain a constant in our collections, with fresh updates and collaborations keeping them relevant. We don’t follow trends; we focus on what works, which is why consumers trust us.”