The original Desert Boot was designed in 1949 by Nathan Clark of C & J Clark, the shoemaking family based in Somerset and launched at the Chicago Shoe Fair a year later. It's inspiration was a crepe-soled boot made from rough suede made in Cairo's fabled Old Bazaar for off-duty Eighth Army officers based in North Africa during the Second World War. It seems that this version was itself based on the shoes worn by South African soldiers, a design itself based on Dutch voortrekkers' veldtshoen shoes.
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| Clarks Original Desert Boots |
These comfortable shoes were quickly adopted for the preppy look in the US and later by that great style icon Steve McQueen and others. They were an essential element of many style movements, worn equally enthusiastically by groups as diverse as mods and British Army officers.
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| Steve McQueen desert boot style |
I've worn desert boots on and off since the early seventies - but hadn't done so for ten years or more, until I recently bought a pair. The original deserts boot from Clarks are a little narrow for me, so I bought one of their spin-off styles. The Safari Hat is made of taupe suede inspired by the original desert boot but built on a medium width last. I like their style and the fact that a share of the profits benefits African children orphaned by AIDS - a link to the desert boot's origins.
As you'd expect from their soft construction, desert boots are comfortable and stylish, particularly for casual wear. Ideal with jeans or chinos, they somehow balance a cool mod look with true classic style.
As you'd expect from their soft construction, desert boots are comfortable and stylish, particularly for casual wear. Ideal with jeans or chinos, they somehow balance a cool mod look with true classic style.
Cannot imagine life without them! I have owned many pairs since 1977 - I was even thrilled to be issued with a pair when I was posted with the RAF to Belize in the 90s - along with the khaki shorts, I thought I had been posted to the 8th Army in 1941!!
ReplyDeleteThey are perfect with jeans and cords.
Best wishes
Mark
Made in China and simply not the quality they once were.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mark - I hadn't realised they were issued by the military - any images? It's interesting how diverse a range of people they appeal to - true classics.
ReplyDeleteThanks GIS - Mine are made in Africa, Ethiopia - a good place to provide employment. They seem well-made.
it would be interesting to compare older model original desert boots to modern pairs to compare quality. Do you have any evidence to support claim that older better?
GF
Just posted a (somewhat blurred!) photo on instagram of my RAF issued desert boots (along with shorts, long socks and my kness!). Mark
ReplyDeleteYour boots look good and there is no doubt they are helping support a good cause.
ReplyDeleteOf course,Clarks were a Quaker company, with great values. The closure of the Clark's site in Somerset was a really sad event. It is now an outlet place I believe.
I did see that somebody Ireland was making another Clarks boot, The Wallabee, I think, on original lasts,a couple of years back.
I do love my desert boots but I don't think the insoles are as good now as in the old boots and the all round quality isn't what it was. I may just be prejudiced.
This summer I will probably replace them with the Sanders Playboy style boot, different price point but made in Britain.
Thanks for coming back with that response GIS. Yes, it's always sad when manufacture moves abroad and great when it comes back, as is happening more and more. Maybe Clarks one day?
ReplyDeleteI'll take a look at the other brands too.
You could try a good UK brand called Sanders - I've a feeling they may have what you want - good luck.
GF
I've been wearing Clarks in various forms for about 10 years, started with the desert boot but quickly became aware they I needed something comfier. I moved over the to Desert Trek style and was pretty happy, until I saw the Seam Trek, they're next on my list.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and nice choice. Oh and mine are both made in Vietnam.
Buckets & Spades
May I ask, please:
ReplyDeleteOther than width, what are differences between current model
Clark's desert boot and "Safari Hat" design?
Seems to be a stiffer sole, skimpier laces.
Thanks and keep up the good work.
Anon - as far as I can judge, the Safari Hat design is slightly less rounded at the toe and therefore (in my eyes) a more elegant shape. The sole isn't crepe and is possibly slightly thinner than the Desert Boot.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
GF
An classic that should be in every man's wardrobe, as they are both smart and casual. Clark's are very reasonably priced. They are also absolutely massive in Jamaica too. Love reading your posts GF
ReplyDeleteAstorflex make a fine DB and available online.
ReplyDeleteThe forthcoming relaunch of the Huton brand promises another interesting option.
The Clarks Anniversary edition Desert Boot is made in the UK, fabulous crepe sole and solid construction with sa few extra goodies in the box but £250 for a chukka you can' tre sole easily is a bit steep.