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| Credit: Graham Barber |
Every sub-culture has had a dabble in Clarks Originals, originally mods took the reins, but since then casuals have began to take delight in the crepe soled heaven that is Clarks Originals. Teaming them up with smocks, terrace parka's and Levi's Jeans/Cords (personal preference comes into play here) Clarks have grown since their original debut in the 50's when soldiers wore the Desert Boot in sandy conditions.
Nowadays, ask anyone who is clued in and they'll tell you "Clarks make the best Desert Boots". It's become common knowledge and Crepe soled connoisseurs like myself can sit and bore people for hours talking about model names and suede colours. Don't get me wrong I own my fair share of Loafers, Chelsea Boots, Bowling Shoes and many suede 60's inspired shoes, however when you get to the dilemma of what to wear on a day to day basis, Clarks come in and save you from endless hours of the essential footwear decision making. A good pair of shoes is what starts and makes a good outfit a wise man once told me (My father). Clarks allow your day to day clobber to stand out and be cleanly finished off with smooth crepe soles and distinctive shapes. I for one, feel Clarks can do no wrong, they constantly produce great products that last for years. I've had my brown suede Desert Treks for five years now and still they march on. Wearing a pair of Clarks instantly attracts attention. Like when one mod sees another in the street, a nod of approval is always the case when wearing a pair of Clarks.
Endless hours of searching in Clarks Outlets has become a regular thing for me and my fellow enthusiasts. It's a case of turfing through the shit to see that wonderful sight of gold insole which sparks immediate excitement within. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning when I find a pair of Originals in an outlet. My most memorable moment to date, was when I bagged a cream pair of 'Natalie's' which were priced at £39.99, even at that price I thought Steal! I approached the till feeling extremely pleased with my find, when the cashier stated that the sticker in the shoes was the wrong one. This made this already brilliant situation that little bit more special, when she then said that the shoes that the sticker belonged to had been reduced to £15. My day was made when she said I could have them for that price!! She also told me that many lads like me, "With sideburns and nice clothes" come looking for Originals and few are rewarded.
I believe Clarks will always be around! They are one of the shoe brands like Doc Martins for example, that continue to produce classic well loved styles whilst creating new products that people instantly fall for.
Clarks are a British institution. They are classic, cool and will always be around for generations to come! I for one, will always buy Clarks no other suede shoes really take my fancy. Clarks are superb at what they do and really do give you that great excuse, of buying their shoes as an 'investment' rather than a purchase. As a certain Mr Ben Sherman once said, "Looking good isn't important, It's everything" and Clarks certainly allow you to look good no matter what product of theirs you are wearing. Clarks Originals are for life, not just for Christmas...
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| Credit: Graham Barber |
