Clarks Desert boots. Any feedback?

Sempertoy

Explorer
Looking at purchasing a pair of beeswax leather desert boots. I have read great reviews about them. They seem to be a good do anything boot, I wont be hiking in them or anything. Just casual wear. If anyone has any experience with them please share.
 

1911

Expedition Leader
Ah, the original brothel creepers! I have had several pair and like them, but casual wear is all they're good for - there's no support at all. Be careful if you're not familiar with British shoe sizing, it is different than U.S. shoe sizes.
 

Leo504

Brewmaster
I've got a pair and worn them for a few months now. They look good, but like 1911 said, no support and casual wear only. I got hot heals last week after only walking about 2 miles.
 

Martyn

Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
I grew up wearing this style of shoe, Clarks when I was a kid and then handmade Velskoen from Swakopmund . Very hard wearing and comfortable. They all seem to come with a crepe sole, I have replaced a few of them with Vibram soles for better traction. Recently I have added a gel insole into the shoes for more padding, especially at the heel. As others have said there is little support at the ankle, but I have done everything but the most arduous mountaineering in mine.
 

UK4X4

Expedition Leader
"Clarks when I was a kid"


Your right Martyn that was when they were in fashion------I think I was 7


thats 40 years ago:Wow1:
 

TangoBlue

American Adventurist
"Clarks when I was a kid"


Your right Martyn that was when they were in fashion------I think I was 7


thats 40 years ago:Wow1:

That sounds like sas-talk, boy. I had them when I was a teenager in the 70's; very fashionable. That wasn't that long ago... I better not catch you on my grass...
 

UK4X4

Expedition Leader
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Martyn

Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
I think I am the "Imelda" of Desert Boots. I can see three pairs from where I am sitting right now.
 

TexasTJ

Climbing Nerd
I wore a Pair daily to work for about two years. The only real complaint I had is that the soul went from light natural rubber colored to Brownie Gray in about three months. Again is was with daily wear.
 

Jonathan Hanson

Well-known member
The Clarks are classics, but they do get a premium for them. In Africa these days almost everyone wears the Bata version, which costs about $20 per pair, although you have to put up with the goofy "Safari" logo on the upper. Either is a wonderful warm-weather shoe if you don't need a lot of support.

In Zimbabwe and near parts you can buy locally made veldschoen, which use similar construction, for around $30. Here they're imported by Westley Richards and cost $200.
 

ssssnake529

Explorer
I have a pair and love them. Use them as casual kick around shoes, and use them for walking around in the desert. (Gum soles have great traction on desert slick rock and sand stone.)

Great shoes.
 

Redrock

Observer
They're great for daily use, look excellent with jeans and chinos, and are well-cushioned, but they're not really for active use.
 

Sempertoy

Explorer
Well since picking mine up I have worn them almost daily. I really like them. They dont offer a lot of support and I think if I were on my feet much more I would need something with a little more support. I plan on picking up a pair of redwing 877's in the near future.
 

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