How to wear Clarks Wallabees (2024)

Born in the 1960s, our Wallabee shoes and boots have since become truly iconic, not just in the UK but around the world. Part of the Clarks Originals collection, they have been one of our bestsellers over the past 60 years, in no small part due to their popularity amongst those in the music scene.

The West Indies, particularly Jamaica, had a love affair with Clarks in the ‘60s, where Desert Boots and Wallabees became associated with reggae and laid-back living. The ‘70s saw this passion spread to New York, where the trend quickly caught on, and throughout the 1990s hip-hop legends Wu-Tang Clan championed the Wallabee. At the same time, they became a favourite of classic British bands including Oasis and Blur. With such an impressive line-up of fans, plus a classic silhouette and incredible comfort, it’s no wonder the style has become so iconic.

In this guide, we explain just what Wallabees are, with advice on how to style them and how to clean them.

What are Wallabees?

There are two styles of Wallabee, both born in the 1960s: the shoe and the boot. They are instantly recognisable, with clean and simple lines, a moccasin construction and our signature crepe sole.

The design has stayed very much the same since they were originally manufactured, but they’re now available in more colourways than ever before, from classic black, tan and beige to bright red, purple and yellow.

There are both leather and suede designs, so there’s plenty of variety to choose from, and while the leather styles are naturally more waterproof, our suede Wallabees come with a water-resistant treatment to provide added protection from the elements.

How to wear Clarks Wallabees (1)

How to wear Clarks Wallabees

Wallabee shoes and boots are relaxed in nature, so they work well with all sorts of casual and smart-casual outfits. When styled correctly, they can be worn year-round.

Outfits to wear with wallabees

Wallabees with jeans

The casual feel of Wallabee shoes and boots mean they work wonderfully with denim. They’re more casual that a smart shoe but more formal than a trainer, making them the ideal smart-casual footwear.

In terms of the best jeans to wear with them, look to slim-fitting styles. A tapered leg means that the boots won’t get lost underneath them. If your jeans are on the long side, try rolling up the legs so that they sit just above the tops of the boots or so that a bit of ankle or sock is exposed if wearing Wallabee shoes. Complete the look with a t-shirt and bomber jacket or a shirt and overcoat.

Wallabees with chinos

Both chinos and Wallabees are associated with smart-casual dressing, so together they’re a match made in heaven. Wear them with a check shirt and add a blazer if the occasion calls for it.

Wallabees with shorts

Wallabees are a good alternative to trainers or espadrilles in the summer when you want to dress up your summer look. They go with just about any style of short, particularly chino or linen shorts that already err on the side of smart casual.

What socks to wear with Wallabees

There are a few options when it comes to the socks you could wear with your Wallabees. In summer you can choose to wear no-show socks, so that your ankles are exposed, while in winter you’ll want to wear longer socks to keep your ankles warm. Opt for a pair of socks in a similar hue to your shoes or boots for a consistent, put-together look.

How to wear Clarks Wallabees (2)

How to clean your Wallabees

To clean leather Wallabies, use a soft bristle brush and specialist leather cleaner, or for suede styles, rub them with a damp, lint-free cloth or a specialist suede brush. For a full guide to cleaning suede, read our article on caring for suede shoes.

To clean the soles of your Wallabees, start by removing any mud or dirt with a clean and dry cloth. You may wish to do this outside or over the sink to avoid too much mess. Once the worst of the debris has been removed, dip a clean cloth in a solution of water and washing-up liquid and wring it out so that there’s not too much moisture. Being careful not to get any of the solution on the suede or leather, rub the sole to loosen any remaining dirt, washing out your cloth frequently and repeating until the soles of your Wallabees are completely clean. Let the soles air dry.

Now that you know everything there is to know about this iconic style, explore the full collection of Clarks Wallabees or find out more about another one of our classic styles: the Desert Boot, with top tips on how to wear them to all manner of occasions.

How to wear Clarks Wallabees (2024)

FAQs

How do you wear Clarks Wallabees? ›

For extra style points, opt for a ripstop version and tie them up to show your Wallabees off in full. If you prefer something more cozy, pair your Wallabees with some elevated sweatpants and a nice sock. As with cargo pants, that loose silhouette with a tight cuff looks dope with this shoe.

Do you take the tag off Wallabees? ›

The shoes' uppers are stamped with tiny OVO logos, and a fringed tag featuring Drake's golden owl is attached to the laces. Of course, the tag is removable—but if you're shelling out for OVO Clarks, you won't likely be inclined to remove it. It's fair to say that if Drake can't get the kids into Wallabees, no one can.

Are Clark Wallabees in style 2022? ›

Fast forward to 2022 and the Wallabee is still one of Clarks best sellers, and with sixteen different finishes, you can pick the one that suits you best. I say you can't go wrong with beeswax, dark brown suede, or my personal favorite, the hairy oak suede.

Should you size down in Wallabees? ›

FIT: Although a lot of people wear true to size, for the perfect fit it's suggested that you should go 0.5 down as the Clarks Wallabee runs slightly bigger than your typical sneaker silhouette. COMFORT: The signature thick sole on the Clarks Wallabee is very comfortable - arguably more so than most sneakers!

Are you supposed to wear socks with Clarks? ›

In summer you can choose to wear no-show socks, so that your ankles are exposed, while in winter you'll want to wear longer socks to keep your ankles warm. Opt for a pair of socks in a similar hue to your shoes or boots for a consistent, put-together look.

Why are Clarks Wallabees so popular? ›

“Like most iconic Clarks shoes, the Wallabee is simple, comfortable, and totally unique in shape,” explains Tara McRae, Clarks CMO, on why the silhouette found unrivalled popularity. “It's a style that sits between sneakers and casual dress shoes – and people can style it so many different ways.

Do people still wear Clarks Wallabees? ›

With a moccasin inspired suede upper and crepe sole the Wallabee remains an iconic footwear staple.

How long do Clarks Wallabees last? ›

They're great for work, casual, social, whatever, and are super convenient to take off and put on. I once bought a knock-off pair of wallabees that lasted maybe 2 months before the seams started to break up. Then I bought a real pair (the sand ones), and that lasted me over a year, and could have lasted plenty longer.

Are Clark Wallabees good for walking? ›

They are extremely comfortable and flexible and are better than tennis shoes for actively walking and standing.

Are Wallabees cool again? ›

Clarks' Wallabees are now cooler than ever. According to Google Trends, searches for Clarks Wallabees have spiked by 150% in the last year alone and if you have a quick scan of any British high street, you're sure to spot them nestled onto the feet of somebody, old or young.

Who made Wallabees popular? ›

Fixed at the forefront of The Verve's best-selling release Urban Hymns, Wallabees became a favourite among Brit Poppers including Blur and Oasis through the '90s. Elsewhere, such iconic figures as LeBron James and Breaking Bad's very own Walter White are known to be wearers of the shoe.

What is the most popular pair of shoes 2022? ›

NIKE X LOUIS VUITTON AIR FORCE ONE

The result, an expansive collection of luxury interpretations of the Air Force One, became the most coveted shoe of 2022.

Is it better to size up or down in shoes? ›

Buying a sneaker that is slightly larger than your foot allows for better circulation which minimizes swelling. If one foot is slightly larger than the other go for the bigger size and always consider the kind of socks you plan to wear with your shoes.

How are Clarks supposed to fit? ›

Perfect-fitting shoes should feel snug, but not too tight or too loose. It's normal to get a few blisters during the breaking-in stage.

Do Clarks come up big or small? ›

Clarks shoes are generally true to size, however we would advise you measure your feet to find out the exact length and width that you need. As Clarks shoes are designed to keep your feet happy and healthy you'll find that the majority of their shoes come in half sizes, too!

Can you wear Wallabees in the rain? ›

The Verdict

Your Wallabees will require a little bit of care, though. You'll need a suede brush to keep the nap even. Small, circular motions all over the shoe should do the trick — just avoid wearing 'em in the rain or through standing water unless you've waterproofed them first.

Why do people put Clarks in the freezer? ›

The cold temperatures slow down the damage to the material's texture and colour and protects the base.

Do podiatrists recommend Clarks Shoes? ›

Well, the known brands like Clarks and Startrite are always a safe bet.

Who wears Wallabees? ›

The Wallabee had a big impact on the culture, and you can charge that to the Juice Crew, Slick Rick and Dana Dane all the way up to the Wu-Tang Clan, even Biggie wore Wallabee's.

What year were Wallabees popular? ›

Famously worn by 90s hip hop stars Wu-Tang Clan, they were just one of many big names to be part of the rise. MF Doom was gifted a pair of customised, Knicks-inspired Wallabees in the mid-90s, and sales rocketed.

Why do Clark shoes fall apart? ›

The term hydrolysis refers to the chemical breakdown of the polymer used when making shoes with Polyurethane soles and occurs over several years, resulting in soles 'disintegrating' when stored in certain conditions for long periods of time.

What is so special about Clarks shoes? ›

#1 Reason - High Quality. Since being founded in 1825, Clarks has been a mainstay of high-quality shoe manufacturing. With 197 years of experience under their belt, you can rest assured that these shoes will last for a very long time. Many people say that they've owned a pair of Clarks shoes for 20+ years!

Are Wallabees good for winter? ›

They also have a Gore-Tex lining and a rugged Vibram sole, which is a far better winter choice than the gummy sole on the others.

Why do Jamaicans wear Clarks? ›

The phenomenon of Clarks in Jamaica is about a lot more than footwear – it tells the story of the relationship between the island and the UK over 100 years. The shoes can be traced back to the colonial era. Clarks were sold in the 20s, and seen as aspirational shoes because they came from Britain.

Are Wallabees trendy? ›

The Wallabee boot has been name-dropped by the likes of GZA, Raekwon, Scarface, Slick Rick, and LL Cool J, yet remains an on-trend style that pairs well with sweatpants, maxi skirts and cargos alike.

Do Wallabees add height? ›

In soft black nubuck with whip-stitch detailing and hand-stitched details on the heel, Wallabee Craft has a wedge crepe-wrapped sole for added height and grip.

Do Clarks need to be broken in? ›

It usually takes around 3 to 4 weeks until your new shoes should begin to feel more comfortable. We understand you want to break into new shoes fast. However, the breaking-in process depends on multiple factors, such as the style of shoe, its material and how often you wear your shoes.

Do Clarks Wallabees have arch support? ›

High or low, the Wallabee is certainly the most comfortable Clarks of the Originals range. A cross between a moccasin and a sneaker, its crepe wedge sole will give more support to your arch than the previous ones.

What is another name for Wallabee shoes? ›

The Wallabee is Clarks' moccasin shoe, first introduced in 1967. Originally designed by a Germany company named Sioux and christened The Grassshopper, Clarks struck a deal allowing for their version of the shoe to be made in Ireland, under contract by Padmore & Barnes. A vintage Clarks Wallabee advert.

What do you clean Wallabees with? ›

Keep your Clarks Wallabees clean and buttery with our #suedecleaning kit. Clean all of your favorite things with just a pump and a scrub. ... Good for the sole.

Are Clarks still swapping old shoes for new? ›

Thank you for subscribing!

Clarks has been forced to scrap its free school shoes replacement scheme and is now honouring its promise another way.

What is the meaning of Wallabee? ›

noun. wal·​la·​by ˈwäl-ə-bē plural wallabies also wallaby. : any of various small or medium-sized kangaroos.

Are Wallabees unisex? ›

Wallabee - Unisex | Clarks originals, Slip on sneaker, Pure products.

What shoes will be popular in 2023? ›

In 2023, sleek, heeled, black leather boots will be the most popular shoe on everyone's feet. The key to this trend is wearability—the heel height itself shouldn't be very high at all! Instead, look for a boot with a kitten heel height.

What is the number one selling shoe? ›

First up is the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Patent Bred, followed by Nike's Dunk Low Jackie Robinson, the New Balance 550 White Grey, Nike Dunk Low Racer Blue and the A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 4.

What shoes do people wear everyday? ›

Read on to learn about some common types of shoes for daily use:
  • Loafers. Loafers are slip-on with a low-cut vamp. ...
  • Brogues. Brogue shoes have an element of style. ...
  • Sandals. Sandals are an ideal choice for women who want to wear their feet. ...
  • Sneakers. ...
  • Lace-up Shoes. ...
  • High and Low Tops.
Sep 22, 2022

Does 0.5 shoe size make a difference? ›

Is a Half Size in Shoes a Big Difference? A half-size represents a 1/8” difference. It may not seem significant but is enough to distinguish between comfort and discomfort. Because there is no standardisation for shoe sizing, a half size difference will also depend on the brand of shoe.

Is it better for shoes to be tight or loose? ›

Is it better for shoes to be tight or loose? Shoes that are on the tighter side are likely to rub, and since this friction can cause blisters, it's best to have a bit of wiggle room.

How do you tell if shoes are too big or too small? ›

Stand up and make sure there is 3/8" or 1/2" (about the width of your finger) between your longest toe (usually the second toe) and the end of the shoe. Always stand and walk around in the shoes to see if they are comfortable, fit well, and don't chafe or rub anywhere. Your heel should not slip or slide while walking.

Should my toes touch the end of my shoes? ›

As a rule of thumb (or toe), you should have about 3/8″ to 1/2″ of room from the tip of your longest toe to the end of the shoe. Your big toe is not automatically your longest toe. Pick the shoes that match your foot shape.

What happens if your shoes are too big? ›

Other painful effects of wearing shoes that are too big include: Corns and calluses: caused by excessive pressure on the toes. Metatarsalgia: caused by too much pressure on the balls of your feet. Disrupted natural stride: resulting in Achilles tendonitis, arch pain, and pain in the calf muscles.

How much space is too much in shoes? ›

You should be able to slide your finger between them with little force. If your finger cannot fit, the shoes are too tight. If your finger has too much room, the shoes are too large. Your toes need wiggle room so that you don't get blisters, calluses or damaged toenails.

How long do Clark Wallabees last? ›

They're great for work, casual, social, whatever, and are super convenient to take off and put on. I once bought a knock-off pair of wallabees that lasted maybe 2 months before the seams started to break up. Then I bought a real pair (the sand ones), and that lasted me over a year, and could have lasted plenty longer.

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