Originating in Ireland and introduced in the 1960s, the Clarks Wallabee draws inspiration from moccasin design. The genesis of their footwear concept traces back to the 1880s, when William Clark envisioned a shoe tailored to provide optimal comfort and practicality by conforming to the foot's contours. It wasn't until the 1950s that Nathan Clark pioneered the iconic crepe sole for the Wallabee. A decade later, Clarks perfected the Wallabee's silhouette, which has remained an unchanged icon for over fifty years.
History Behind The Clarks Originals Wallabee
Although the Clarks brand is deeply rooted in British tradition, the influence of the Wallabee extends far beyond its origins. Despite the shoe's initial popularity in the UK and Ireland, its appeal waned until Clarks shifted its marketing focus to North America.
This resulted in the integration of the Wallabee into Jamaican Rude Boy culture. During that period, there was a demand for products with a pristine appearance, moderate pricing, and English craftsmanship. Clarks' renowned reputation for durable quality played a significant role, coupled with the reported quietness of its crepe sole, making it a preferred choice among young Jamaican delinquents. This preference was so pronounced that the Desert Trek, a related shoe, earned the moniker "The Bankrobber." Clarks became deeply entrenched in Jamaica's pioneering music scenes during the 1960s and 1970s, culminating in the publication of a coffee table book on the subject in 2012. Vybz Kartel, in particular, has openly expressed his admiration for the brand on multiple occasions in his music.
The Jamaican influence gradually spread worldwide over the decades, with Wallabees becoming a ubiquitous sight on the streets of New York City. The global success of the Clarks Wallabee preceded its embrace by music icons in the early 1990s. However, it was in 1993 that the Wu-Tang Clan, a New York-based group of lyricists, notably featured the Clarks Originals Wallabee in their debut album, "Enter the 36 Chambers." Each of the nine members exhibited a fondness for these shoes, showcasing them in music videos and incorporating references to Wallabees in their lyrics. They elevated Wallabees to a symbol of coolness, using them as a benchmark against which they measured their own greatness.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the surge of acid house music in the late 1980s and early 1990s propelled Wallabee popularity. Despite their popularity, practicality remained an issue, particularly in venues like The Haçienda with its grimy floors. Furthermore, Britpop bands such as Blur and Oasis embraced Wallabees, solidifying their countercultural status, with Richard Ashcroft of The Verve notably donning a pair on the cover of 1997's "Urban Hymns."
After losing favour during the 2000s, largely due to the ascent of sneaker culture, Clarks has staged a remarkable comeback in the global fashion scene. Collaborating with streetwear labels, rappers, and other influencers, the brand has revitalized the Wallabee, with celebrities like Drake, Nas, and IAMDDB recently spotted sporting them. Among the most notable collaborations is with the pioneering Wu-Tang Clan, resulting in the creation of the 'Wu Shoe'. Additionally, brands such as Carhartt WIP, Drake's OVO, Supreme, and even Pokemon last year have all contributed their own fresh interpretations of the shoe.
The Wallabee's infiltration into various subcultures is unparalleled, akin to only a handful of shoes in history. While music has played a pivotal role in its enduring popularity, its understated, iconic, and utterly distinctive aesthetic holds universal appeal.
The legendary Wallabee makes its triumphant return this season in the iconic maple hue, as well as a selection of leather & suede drapes just in time for the new Spring season. Its unmistakable natural crepe sole remains untouched to ensure the iconic shoe maintains its perfect proportions - enhanced with waxy laces and tonal fobs.
Shop the iconic Wallabee & our full Clarks Originals collection below, available online & in-store now at Stuarts London.