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Clarks has become a staple footwear since its start in 1825 as a family-founded slipper company. Over time, they expanded beyond the cozy slip-on, developing the first foot-shaped shoes and making a name as a brand that crafts comfortable footwear that’s also fashion-forward.
Since their origin, Clarks shoes have been on the feet of British soldiers, rappers and even rock stars. And it’s the Desert Boots that have cemented themselves as a “timeless” shoe with roots in reggae, folk and rock.
Liam and Noel Gallagher of the band Oasis performing for the “Teenage Cancer Trust” concert at Albert Hall in London, England. February 6, 2002.
Dave Hogan/Mission Pictures/Getty Images
It doesn’t take too much digging to find Oasis lead singer Liam Gallagher wearing a pair of Clarks Desert Boots. Throughout the ’90s, he could be seen pairing most of his outfits, on and offstage, with a pair of the boots — most notably when he won a Brit Award in 1996 for best album and on the street in 2020. Bob Dylan is another artist who could be seen wearing the simple boots, in addition to The Beatles, who were known to wear the shoes at times.
Desert Boots’ popularity spans across countries, at one point taking over Jamaican fashion, according to reporting by Vogue. The shoes became a major staple in reggae clubs, and the growth in sales led Clarks to redesign the shoe with a longer, narrow toe in an effort to cater to Caribbean style.
Keep reading to shop the Clarks classic shoe below.
Clarks
Desert Boot – Dark Khaki Suede
Rather than reach for your typical white sneakers, these dark brown boots bring a polished look using a luxurious suede material and matching upper and sole shade. Originally released in the ’50s, the style remains a popular pick and is topped off with “unfussy” laces.
Clarks
Desert Boot – Sand Suede
Not only can you see Gallagher wearing a similar shade of the Desert Boot, but the light brown colorway can be paired with everything from jeans to trousers without taking away from your statement shirt. The outer suede material brings a polished yet laid-back look that’ll help complete your outfits in style.
Clarks
Desert Boot – Black Polished
Giving off a more dressed up appearance is the Black Polished version of the Clarks boot. It comes with a premium leather material for added comfort and durability. You’ll also find the classic fobs by the laces as well as a rubber crepe sole for additional support.
Clarks
Desert Boot – Black Distressed Croc
Clarks’ latest iteration of the Desert Boot is a distressed croc style that represents the brand’s shift towards more modern designs. Taking inspiration from Tokyo’s Urahara fashion scene, the shoe comes in the classic Desert Boot shape with an elevated twist. The upper comes with a distressed leather material paired with flat lacing and the classic crepe sole found in any of the Originals shoes.
Beyond the Desert Boot, Clarks Wallabees have become the shoe to sport in hip-hop, with artists including Tyler, the Creator, Drake and the Wu-Tang Clan seen sporting the everyday shoe on various occasions. The love for the style goes beyond being seen on rapper’s feet, which you can hear in Wu-Tang’s “Gravel Pit” when Method Man raps: “The best thing since stocks in Clark Wallabees.”
For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best jelly shoes, platform boots and knee-high boots.
