There are shoes—and then there are icons. And few have walked the line between form, function and cult status quite like the Clarks Wallabee. And this year, as Clarks celebrates an extraordinary 200 years of shoemaking, the brand is also spotlighting World Wallabee Day—a global celebration of creativity, cult-status, and a silhouette that has stood the test of time.
From British schoolyards to global street style
Founded in Somerset, England, Clarks is woven into the fabric of British life. For many, the name is synonymous with memories of schoolyard days and first-day-of-term outfits. But in the 1960s, this heritage brand made an unexpected style play—with the launch of the Wallabee.
A moccasin-inspired design with a chunky crepe sole and soft suede upper, the Wallabee defied trends—and that’s exactly why it became iconic. It’s been a favourite in underground style movements across Kingston, London and New York, where it was styled with everything from tailored trousers to tracksuits. And over the decades, it’s been adopted by Britpop frontmen like Liam Gallagher and hip-hop heavyweights like Ghostface Killah. It’s also had high-profile collaborations with Supreme and Moncler which have worked to keep it on the radar of fashion fans. And if you grew up in Auckland in the early 2000s, chances are you saw them everywhere—worn by teenage boys chasing both comfort and cool.
The appeal: Timeless, effortless, original
What is it about the Wallabee that keeps it relevant? It’s simple: the shoe doesn’t try too hard. It’s minimal, boxy silhouette and spongy sole offer a kind of understated charm that makes it a chameleon—easily dressed up or down. World Wallabee Day is about not only honouring that iconic silhouette but it’s about celebrating the people who wear it. From the streets of Tokyo to the corners of London and the laneways of Auckland, Wallabee fans are styling theirs in bold, personal ways. So if you’re looking to step into something with soul and story—make it the Wallabee. With two centuries in the making it’s a true original that seemingly just gets better with time.
Clarks x Wallabee: 200 Years of Footwear Legacy
1825
Clarks is founded in Somerset by brothers Cyrus and James Clark. They craft slippers using sheepskin off-cuts.
1950
The original Clarks Desert Boot is launched.
1967
The Wallabee debuts and is instantly recognisable for its moccasin-inspired construction and crepe sole.
1970s–1980s
The Wallabee gains popularity in Jamaica, embraced by youth culture and reggae artists.
Late 1980s–1990s
Wallabees are worn by hip-hop artists and becomes synonymous with rap’s golden era. during rap’s golden era.
2000s
Wallabees appear in both high fashion and underground style scenes alike.
2018–Present
Clarks collaborates with musicians, including Liam Gallagher.
2025
Clarks turns 200. The brand launches From Somerset to the World, a global documentary celebrating its heritage, subcultural relevance, and resonance in contemporary fashion.
