Clarks Desert Boots

   
The Clarks Desert Boot was an idea Nathan Clark brought into fruition, but it wasn’t until fifty-eight years later the revolution began for me. Created on July 7, 1950, the Desert Boot hasn’t changed much since its beginning and remains a go-to choice for many. With close to no change to its design comes the realization of this particular desert boot’s significance.

 “I got the idea from crepe-soled rough suede boots which officers in the Eighth Army were in the habit of getting made in the Bazaar at Cairo.” — Nathan Clark

Nathan Clark, the mastermind behind this iconic pair of footwear, was also responsible for introducing them to the States. He then displayed them at the Chicago Shoe Fair, and this showing was a success. This was only the beginning. The sales for the Desert Boot sky-rocketed after the fashion editor of Esquire gave them editorial credits. The Clarks Desert Boot is proof that simple design along with minimal detailing can attract the attention of those who prefer a product of quality over anything else.

Simple, authentic, tough, rough, and rugged are all words that can be used to swiftly describe the Desert Boot’s design and aesthetic. Suede and leather are the two materials which complement the boot best…making it even more versatile and easy to pair with almost anything. The four eyelets on the boot further exhibit its straightforward design. What’s a beautiful pair of footwear without a great-supporting sole? The most charming, yet most important part of the Desert Boot has to be its signature crepe sole. Like any praiseworthy sole, the crepe sole was built to endure. Whether you call them crepe soles are “cheese bottoms” like the Jamaican people, the endurance and comfort they provide almost goes unmatched.

The Desert Boot was the very first Clarks Original. In any other Clarks Original today, you can easily see the Desert Boot’s characteristics. All other Clarks Originals stem from the Desert Boot’s simplistic and natural design, shining light on its importance.

This boot has stood the test of time. You don’t have to be from London to recognize the Desert Boot’s quality. “Les Clarks,” as the French call them, have been around for sixty-one years. Going almost unchanged since its conception, it is more than safe to say my favorite pair of footwear isn’t going anywhere. I pledge to wear my Clarks Desert Boots until the crepe soles fall apart.