The Brogue, Monk Shoe and Oxford are all easily recognisable names of different types of footwear but none of these are celebrating their 65th Birthday this year and there is definitely no sign of this style of shoe being put out to pasture or drawing its pension. The Desert Boot has to easily be one of the most iconic and recognised forms of footwear ever produced.
It was inspired by Nathan Clark’s(see above), yes he of the Clark’s well heeled Dynasty, time in Burma during the war when off-duty soldiers wore a similar casual suede boot picked up in the bazaars of back town Cairo. First sold back in 1950, the first, and the true Desert Boot, is still crafted using the ‘Hand of Clarks’ detailing which stands it apart as the real deal; including leather from an English tannery named Charles F. Stead, still used today. The boot also includes authentic techniques such as ‘stitchdown construction’ where the upper is unusually turned outwards rather than ‘lasted-in’ under the insole.
Over the years such influential dapper figures as Bob Dylan, Steve McQueen, Paul Weller and Liam Gallagher have all been known as lovers of the crepe soled wonders and even figures within state Parliament and Royal establishments have been known to partake in the wearing of them.
In celebration of the iconic anniversary of Clarks Originals’ arguably most-loved silhouette; a special edition boot has been created in Maple Suede – complete with commemorative fob and statement sapphire laces. A fitting colour accent, as sapphire blue is the precious stone reflective of a 65th anniversary.
