Worn by the world – the Wallabee is a shoe that changed the shape of footwear.
With its unprecedented foot-shaped toe, true moccasin construction, and spongy natural crepe sole, the Wallabee, as with all Clarks shoes, was created with ultimate comfort in mind. But what has taken this shoe from its humble Somerset beginnings to its iconic status on the world stage are the communities that have adopted, adapted, and embraced the shoe. Since 1968, the Wallabee has become a staple – from the football terraces of the UK to the streets of Shibuya, Tokyo. It is as at home in the dance halls of Jamaica as it is in the school halls of England.
The Clarks Wallabee had been successfully exported around the world by the time the shoe was first picked up by music stars in the early 1990s. But in 1993, a New York-based crew of wordsmiths calling themselves Wu-Tang Clan released their debut album Enter the 36 Chambers, with each of the nine members having a penchant for Clarks Originals Wallabees. In addition to being snapped in their favorite shoes and wearing them in their music videos, the hip hop collective even rapped about Wallabees, using it as a benchmark of coolness to which they would compare their own greatness. In one of their best-known singles, “Gravel Pit”.
“
WE NEED TO HAVE A WALLABEE DAY.
WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO SAY TODAY IS THE DAY
EVERYBODY THROWS THEIR JOINTS ON - RAEKWON
”
The Wallabee has adorned album covers of hip-hop royalty and Britpop legends – but no matter who wears it, this king of casual footwear is always a natural fit. For the inaugural Wallabee Day, we want to celebrate the adapters, the adopters, and those who have taken one of footwear’s most beautiful blank canvases and put their spin on it.
WALLABEES THEIR WAY
Throughout April, we will open up to the community of Wallabee lovers – offering a chance for them to submit Wallabees their way. This could be Wallabee-inspired art, photography, animation, or even the ultimate fit pic. All those who submit Wallabees their way will be entered to win a pair of some of our most coveted collabs from partners including Vandy the Pink and Shaun Crawford, plus a mystery box of special Wallabees.
