Clarks
Clarks is a British footwear retailer known for everyday shoes, school footwear, boots and comfortable styles for adults and children. Founded in Somerset in 1825, the company has a long history of shoemaking and is particularly associated with children's shoe fitting, practical designs and classic styles such as the Clarks Originals Desert Boot.
From Somerset Shoemakers to a Footwear Brand
Clarks began in 1825 in Street, Somerset, when brothers Cyrus and James Clark developed a shoemaking business from a tannery. One of their early ideas was to turn sheepskin offcuts into slippers, making use of material that would otherwise have gone to waste.
The business grew over the following generations, developing footwear for different ages and everyday needs. Clarks became particularly well known for combining practical design with attention to fit, including measuring services for children's growing feet.
Today, Clarks sells footwear through its UK website and retail stores, with collections covering everything from children's first shoes to formal footwear and casual styles for adults.
Finding Shoes for Different Occasions
Clarks offers footwear for everyday wear, work, school and special occasions. Its range includes products across several categories:
- Women's Shoes: Flats, loafers, court shoes, sandals, heels and everyday footwear.
- Men's Shoes: Formal shoes, smart-casual styles, loafers, casual shoes and everyday trainers.
- Boots: Ankle boots, Chelsea boots, winter footwear and other styles for different seasons.
- Trainers and Casual Shoes: Everyday footwear designed for walking, leisure and informal occasions.
- Children's Shoes: First shoes, everyday footwear, sandals, trainers and boots.
- School Shoes: School footwear in a range of styles, including Mary Janes, lace-up shoes and other designs suited to school uniform requirements.
- Slippers and Comfort Footwear: Selected styles for indoor wear and everyday comfort.
- Shoe Care and Accessories: Selected products to help maintain and care for footwear.
Product availability varies by size, width, colour and style. Some designs are offered in different width fittings, while others may be available only in selected sizes.
Clarks Originals: Recognisable Designs
Clarks Originals is the brand's range of distinctive casual footwear, combining heritage designs with contemporary versions and colourways. Two particularly well-known styles are the Desert Boot and the Wallabee.
The Desert Boot was introduced in 1950 and remains one of Clarks' best-known designs. Its simple shape, suede or leather uppers and crepe-style sole have made it a recognisable choice for casual outfits across generations.
The Wallabee is another established Clarks Originals style, known for its moccasin-inspired construction and distinctive silhouette. Both designs have appeared in a variety of materials, colours and collaborations over the years.
Clarks Originals is generally positioned around casual and lifestyle footwear rather than school or formal footwear. Availability varies across the collection, and individual styles may be released in limited colourways or seasonal editions.
School Shoes and Children's Fitting
Choosing children's shoes involves more than selecting a size from a label. Length, width, heel fit and the way a shoe sits on a child's foot all matter, particularly while feet are growing.
Clarks offers in-store fitting appointments for children, including first shoes and school footwear. Trained store staff can measure growing feet and help parents assess which styles and sizes may be suitable.
Selected children's footwear is available in different width fittings, although not every style comes in every width. The available fitting options are shown with individual products.
For families who cannot visit a shop, Clarks also provides at-home measuring guidance and foot gauges for children, together with a size calculator. These tools can help estimate a Clarks size, but they do not replace a professional fit assessment when a child's footwear is uncomfortable or the fit is uncertain.
When choosing school shoes, consider the school's requirements, fastening type, durability and how the shoe fits around the toes and heel. Recheck the fit as a child grows rather than relying only on the size of their previous pair.
Comfort, Fit and Size Choices
Clarks offers a range of shoe shapes, sizes and width fittings across selected collections. Its sizing guidance includes whole and half sizes, alongside different widths where available.
Fit can vary between styles, even within the same brand. The intended use of the shoe, the shape of the toe, the fastening and the materials can all affect how it feels on the foot.
When shopping online, review the size guide and product details carefully. If a pair feels tight, slips at the heel or puts pressure on the toes, consider whether a different width or style may be more appropriate instead of automatically choosing a longer size.
Shopping Online at Clarks
The Clarks UK website allows customers to browse shoes by category, size and style, check product details and order for delivery or collection. Product pages provide information about materials, colours and available sizes.
Some products are sold directly by Clarks, while selected listings may be supplied by partner sellers. Partner products can have separate delivery and return arrangements, so check the details shown for the item before purchasing.
Stock and availability can change, particularly for popular children's sizes, school shoes and seasonal footwear. Check the available sizes and delivery options before completing an order.
Delivery and Collection
Clarks offers several ways for UK customers to receive online orders. Available options depend on the destination, product and service selected at checkout.
- Home Delivery: Eligible orders can be sent to a home address using standard or faster delivery services.
- Click & Collect: Orders can be sent to participating full-price Clarks stores for collection.
- Collection Points and Lockers: Selected orders can be delivered to participating parcel shops or lockers.
- Next Day Delivery: Faster delivery may be available for eligible orders placed before the applicable cut-off time.
Delivery charges, free-delivery thresholds, estimated dates and collection availability can change. Check the available options at checkout, particularly if you need shoes for a specific event or the start of a school term.
Returns and Exchanges
Clarks generally accepts eligible online purchases for return within 28 days of receipt. Sale items have a shorter return period of 14 days. Returned footwear must be unworn, unused and in its original condition and packaging, with proof of purchase.
Online purchases can generally be returned to a full-price Clarks store or through the online returns process. Postal returns can incur a charge, while exchanges through the returns process are free under the applicable terms.
In-store purchases must be returned to an eligible full-price Clarks store. Outlet and factory stores have different restrictions, and purchases from partner sellers must be returned through the relevant seller's process rather than to a Clarks store.
Faulty items may be handled differently from change-of-mind returns. Check the conditions for your purchase before arranging a return, and remember that statutory consumer rights apply separately.
Looking After Your Shoes
Proper care can help footwear retain its appearance and remain comfortable for longer. The best approach depends on the materials used.
- Leather: Remove surface dirt and use suitable products intended for the type of leather.
- Suede: Use an appropriate suede brush and avoid cleaning methods that may damage the finish.
- Fabric and Trainers: Follow the product's care instructions, as some materials cannot be washed or treated in the same way.
- Wet Footwear: Allow shoes to dry naturally and avoid placing them directly against high heat.
- School Shoes: Check soles, fastenings, heel wear and the fit regularly, especially while children are growing.
Care instructions differ by shoe and material. Check the product guidance before applying cleaners, polish or protective sprays.
Alternatives to Clarks UK
Shoppers comparing footwear can consider retailers with different price points, styles and specialities.
- Schuh: Offers a wide selection of casual footwear, trainers, boots and fashion brands.
- Office: Focuses on fashion footwear, trainers, boots and popular branded styles.
- Deichmann: Sells affordable footwear for adults and children, including everyday and school styles.
- Hotter: Specialises in comfortable footwear for adults, with a focus on fit and everyday wear.
- Jones Bootmaker: Offers leather shoes, boots and more formal footwear for adults.
The best option depends on the kind of shoe you need. For children's footwear, consider fit and width as well as style, while adults may wish to compare materials, comfort features, durability and price.
Disclaimer: FindShops is an independent UK shopping directory and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Clarks or its related companies. Clarks, Clarks Originals and related trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Product availability, prices, delivery services and return policies may change. Please visit the official Clarks website for up-to-date details.