Casual style is a modern invention. Before the middle of the 20th century, all clothing was designed to be formal. Your outfit might vary in degrees of formalness — tuxedos for events, suits for daily wear — but there wasn’t really an equivalent of modern casual wear. Luckily for us, fashion started to change in the 1950s and 1960s, introducing easygoing looks into our wardrobes. With their history of innovation and adaptability at embracing changing trends, it’s no wonder Clarks was on the forefront of the casual fashion movement when they introduced their Desert Boot, one of the very first casual shoes, in 1950!
Clarks Desert Boot
Left: Clarks Men's Desert Boot in Beeswax Leather. Also available in Black Suede, Brown Suede, Oakwood Suede, and Taupe Distressed Suede. Right: Clarks Women's Desert Boot in Oakwood Suede. Also available in Black Suede and Beeswax Leather.
This cult classic style was inspired by the crepe-soled boots worn by British officers during World War II. Today, nearly 70 years after the style was first introduced, the Clarks Original Desert Boot remains fundamentally unchanged! The plantation crepe soles provide all-day comfort thanks to their natural bounciness and awesome traction. Plus, a cushioned midsole adds in an extra dose of comfort under foot. The uppers come in a variety of materials like supple leather, soft suede, and breezy canvas, and the laces make for a nicely adjustable fit. This classically cool style is also available for both men and women, so anyone can rock their Clarks!
The Clarks Men’s Desert Boot is $129.95*, and the Clarks Women’s Desert Boot is 119.95*.
Clarks Desert Boot Variations
Since introducing the classic Desert Boot, Clarks has taken the style and adapted it to different situations. These variations pack in just as much simple style as the original, but with just enough of a twist to keep things interesting!
Clarks Men’s Bushacre 2
The Clarks Men's Bushacre 2 in Black Suede. Also available in Beeswax Leather, Black Leather, Dark Brown, Grey Leather, Navy Leather, and Wheat Suede.
The Bushacre 2 is basically the classic Desert Boot. It has the same shape and style, the same upper materials, and the same laces. The difference? In the Bushacre 2, a rubber sole replaces the plantation crepe. If you don’t like the feeling of crepe soles but you do like the look of the Desert Boot, try out the Clarks Men’s Bushacre 2!
The Clarks Men’s Bushacre 2 is $99.95*.
Clarks Men's Wallabee Boot and Clarks Women's Wallabee
Left: The Clarks Men's Wallabee Boot in Brown Suede. Also available in Beeswax Leather and Maple Suede. Right: The Clarks Women's Wallabee in Maple Suede. Also available in Beeswax Leather and Black.
The Clarks Wallabee was first the comfort shoe, a moccasin designed by Lance Clark in 1965. Inspired by the Desert Boot, the Wallabees features plantation crepe soles, though it’s a much thicker piece of crepe on the Wallabee than on the Desert Boot. The Wallabee’s upper looks similar to the Desert Boot, though the two styles are constructed differently. It also features a lace closure for adjustability. If the original look of the Desert Boot isn’t your style, the Wallabee might have just the look you need! Plus, there are both men’s and women’s versions of this stylish moccasin.
The Clarks Men's Wallabee Boot is $139.95*, and the Clarks Women's Wallabee is 134.95*.
If you’re looking for casual footwear you can wear day in and day out, the Clarks Desert Boot (and its variations!) are perfect. Pair them with everything from denim to slacks for casual and comfortable looks that are anything but sloppy! Try on a pair of Desert Boots at your nearest Englin’s Fine Footwear location or shop our wide selection right here on the website and find your new favorite casual go-to.
*All prices are valid as of the posting date