Throughout the month of April, Clarks has shown incredible creativity in reinterpreting its iconic model: the Wallabee. A true canvas for expression, this shoe offers endless creative possibilities. Holding a special place in pop culture, it stands out as THE mid-season shoe. Blending styles and eras, the Wallabee adapts to every look and every moment in time.
A bicentennial brand
Founded in 1825 in Somerset, in the southwest of England, Clarks is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. Over two centuries, the British brand has made its mark on streets around the world. Constantly reinventing itself while staying trendy, Clarks enjoys collaborating with big names, including streetwear labels Supreme and Aries, designers Daniëlle Cathari and Martine Rose, as well as the French collective Bisous Skateboard.
The secret to its success? Clarks knows how to surround itself with the most influential figures and offers them the ultimate creative playground: timeless pairs, endlessly customizable. Throughout the month of April, the brand chose to honor one of its most iconic models: the Wallabee.
Behind the myth
Created in 1968, the Wallabee is much more than just a shoe, it’s a powerful cultural symbol. Inspired by a German moccasin, it stands out with its crepe sole, sleek profile, and unmatched comfort. Unisex and timeless, the Wallabee appeals to all generations and fits effortlessly into every style. Whether paired with a suit at the office, straight-leg jeans, or weekend shorts, it adapts to every situation, embodying laid-back British elegance.
A standout color in the range, “Maple Suede» a maple-colored suede, has played a major role in the Wallabee’s success. Over the years, Clarks has expanded its color palette, making the Wallabee a pair that can be either understated or bold. This month, the brand launched three exclusive colors: pink, sand, and green, each adorned with a kangaroo keychain, a playful nod to the shoe’s origins.
From Kingston to New York: the epic tale of an icon
Born in the United Kingdom, the Wallabee was quickly embraced across the Atlantic during the late 1960s, particularly in the United States and Jamaica.
On the Caribbean Island, it became the emblem of the Rude Boys. Young men from Kingston, who were looking for an identity and social distinction while experiencing the chaos of the post-war period. Wearing Clarks soon became a symbol of social status, even a true totem of respectability. The impact was so profound that a book, Clarks in Jamaica by Al Fingers, brilliantly documented this deep emotional and cultural bond between the brand and the Jamaican people.
In New York, Jamaican communities played a major role in establishing Clarks’ reputation. When leaving their homeland, Jamaicans brought their favorite pairs with them, embedding the Wallabee firmly into the urban landscape of the Big Apple. On the East Coast music scene, iconic figures like Notorious B.I.G., Slick Rick, and Ghostface Killah made it a key element of their style. More recently, Tyler, The Creator has carried on this legacy through his own collaboration with Clarks, proving that the Wallabee continues to transcend generations without losing its edge.
A birthday month under the sign of creativity
Clarks once again proves its knack for collaboration by unveiling a first partnership with Japanese brand Needles. For the occasion, the Wallabee is subtly reimagined in two colors and, mainly in three different heights (low, mid, and boot). Needles’ signature touch appears in the butterfly logo and the peace sign buckle, discreet and delicate details, yet rich in meaning.
The final project of this month full of surprises: a collaboration spotlighting French creative Julien Boudet, also known as @bleumode. Reimagined through a highly personal sportswear aesthetic, the Wallabee here becomes the canvas for an intimate narrative, where superstitions blend with memories. Yet another proof of its ability to reinvent itself without ever betraying its DNA.
From the streets of Kingston to the fashion runways, the Wallabee has never left the spotlight. By celebrating it for an entire month, Clarks proves that true icons don’t chase trends, they create them.
