The North has always had a soft spot for Clarks Originals, maybe it’s the attraction of the no-fills, working class, functional natural of the unisex boots or the fact that they come as a happy medium between smart and causal. Since the Mad-chester days in the early 1990s Clarks desert boots have been a staple for the “everyman” in and around the city. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic boot Clarks Originals have created 6 unique designs, each dedicated and inspired by its chosen decade. Each boots tributes itself to a iconic characteristic associated with the decade, with 3 boots for men and 3 for women. The 1950s pays tribute to the postwar working class, with Harris Tweed, 1960s lends itself to the iconic Liberty’s flora print, 1970s tackles Hippy with suede fringing, 1980s camps it up with acid washed faded denim, 1990s pays homage to Britpop with a Union Jack design and 2000s pushes things forward with a minimal design inspired by the original boot.
So which is the right boot for you? It’s a tough choice. Also comes the question of what’s next for Clarks Desert boots, things are looking good for the brand, with their shoes now selling themselves with minimal advertising. Each boot comes with a specifically design box, limited edition keyring and booklet entitled, “Six Days of Looking Forward to the Past”.
I wrote this article for Manchester Fashion Network, where I am currently on work experience. You got to hand it to Clarks, they make bloody good boots.
