CLARKS AND JAMAICA

A (very) brief history

The tale of our journey from rural Somerset to the
dancehalls of Jamaica takes in the South African
veldt, the souks of Cairo and the streets of London
– but it really begins with the launch of Clarks Desert
Boot at the Chicago Shoe Fair in 1949.
With its unique mix of British gentility and roughness
– not to mention its practicality – it was quickly
adopted by the residents of Kingston’s burgeoning
concrete jungle. It became so popular in fact, that
shops would sell out of stock within days of any new delivery.
By the late 1960s and 1970s the Desert Boot had
become so synonymous with the Jamaican music
scene, and rudeboys in particular, that infamous
police enforcer, Superintendent Joe Williams, was
known to raid the outdoor dances held by Sir
Coxsone Dodd’s legendary sound system. He would
then split the crowd into Clarks and non-Clarks
segments, or as he saw it, separate the rudeboys
from all ‘nice and decent people’. The main outcome
of all this? Lots of people walking the street barefoot.
As is so often the case though, this official censure
only served to heighten the appeal of Clarks in
Jamaica, and when the Wallabee and the Desert
Trek - which were instantly renamed “bankrobbers”
- were released, they practically flew off the shelves
and straight onto the album covers of reggae’s most
influential singers and DJs.
Clarks shoes have occupied a special place in Jamaica’s
collective wardrobe ever since, and people are still
invariably asked to “carry down a Clarks” whenever
they fly out to Kingston.

Giving back

Clarks relationship with Jamaica has given us so much
over the years that it is only right Clarks give something
back. Which is why They will be donating to Maverley
Primary & Junior High School in Kingston, plus securing
school shoes for all the kids at the school. They will also
be making a series of regular charitable donations to
communities in Jamaica to continue nurturing Their long
standing relationship with the island.

The Launch
To support the launch of the product, a documentary
will be released showcasing the unique story of
Clarks and Jamaica, including interviews with some
recognisable stars. There will also be the long-awaited
re-release of the Clarks in Jamaica book along with
strong content created by influential friends of the
brand wearing the product.

Features

The webbing and footbed feature a strikingly bold pattern,which has its roots in traditional Jamaican clothing.
The uppers of both profiles feature embroidery based on the Jamaican flag - a reference to some of our
previous Jamaica inspired products.The bespoke fobs, which are exclusive to this collection,
pay further homage to the iconic Jamaican flag.Coloured aglets provide an extra element of vibrancy and

exclusivity. Our unique double stitch down construction utilises green
and yellow thread for further flare and individuality.

IN STOCK NOW

ORDER NOW!