Clarks

The company began with the "Brown Petersburgh" slippers, handmade from sheepskin offcuts, achieving sales of 1,000 pairs per month by 1842. Throughout its nearly 200-year history, Clarks has created over 22,000 styles and developed manufacturing innovations including the CEMA machine in 1947, which molded rubber soles directly onto leather uppers. While manufacturing moved from the UK to Asia after 2005, Clarks continues to emphasize traditional construction methods and quality materials in its heritage footwear lines.

Clarks was established in 1825 when brothers Cyrus and James Clark began producing footwear in Street, Somerset, using sheepskin off-cuts from their rug-making business. The company's first product was the "Brown Petersburgh" slipper, handmade from these sheepskin remnants and reaching monthly sales of 1,000 pairs by 1842.

The company expanded under William Clark's leadership in 1863, when machinery was introduced to increase factory production capacity. This mechanization marked Clarks' transition from small-scale artisanal production to industrial manufacturing. In 1883, the company launched its first "Hygienic" shoe, designed specifically to fit the natural shape of the foot, demonstrating early innovation in comfort-focused footwear design.

A technological development came in 1947 with the CEMA (Clarks Equipment for Moulding and Attaching) machine, which changed production by molding rubber soles directly onto leather uppers. By 1957, over two million pairs were being produced using this machinery. The company continued to innovate with the introduction of Active Air technology in 1991.

Clarks received recognition at the Great Exhibition of 1851, winning awards that established its reputation for craftsmanship. The company maintained UK-based manufacturing until 2005, when production was moved to the Far East. The final domestic factory closed in 2019, coinciding with reported losses of £84.4 million, ending nearly two centuries of British manufacturing.

Clarks' well-known styles include the Desert Boot and the Wallabee, both of which have gained cultural recognition within heritage footwear circles.

The Desert Boot was officially launched in 1950, designed by Nathan Clark following his discovery of similar boots at a Cairo bazaar during World War II. The style gained recognition in Jamaica's dancehall and reggae scenes and has been adopted by various subcultures. For detailed specifications, construction methods, and cultural impact, see the dedicated Desert Boot article.

The Wallabee was launched in 1968 and represents Clarks' adaptation of traditional Native American footwear construction techniques. Originally called the "Grasshopper," the shoe features tubular construction and has maintained its place as a signature Clarks style. For comprehensive information about construction details and design evolution, see the dedicated Wallabee article.

Both styles feature hand-stitched construction details and continue to be manufactured using traditional craftsmanship elements, with the Desert Boot's suede supplied by Charles F. Stead tannery in Leeds for over 71 years.

Clarks has undergone changes in manufacturing location and methods throughout its history. While production was based in the UK for over 180 years, economic factors led to the relocation of manufacturing operations to Asia after 2005. The company now sources approximately 80% of its footwear from directly managed suppliers, with over 80% of production coming from suppliers with whom Clarks has worked for five or more years.

Current primary production locations include China, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, with higher-end products manufactured in Italy and the United Kingdom. The company has adapted to changing trade conditions, moving some manufacturing from China to Vietnam in recent years due to U.S. tariffs affecting import costs.

Construction specifications vary by product line, with heritage styles maintaining traditional methods. The Desert Boot features calf suede leather construction with a crepe sole, while the Wallabee uses tubular construction techniques that wrap leather around the foot without traditional lasting board components. Both styles incorporate hand-stitched details that reference the company's artisanal heritage.

Clarks has also implemented sustainability initiatives in its manufacturing process. In autumn 2020, the company launched Desert Boots with 100% FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified rubber soles, a development that took nearly two years to achieve proper chain of custody certification for the rubber supply chain. The company targets 50% of crepe styles to use FSC certified rubber, committing to sourcing deforestation-free, environmentally conscious natural rubber from Pará rubber trees, which produces biodegradable and sustainable crepe rubber.