Clarks: Comfort Built on Nearly 200 Years of Shoemaking
Clarks shoes bring a specific kind of comfort to DSW Canada shelves, built on construction details that trace back to 1825. The Clark family started making shoes in Street, Somerset, England, and that heritage still surfaces in silhouettes like the Desert Boot and the Wallabee. Clarks doesn't chase every trend; it refines a handful of shapes and keeps improving what's underfoot. That focus explains why the brand spans dress, casual, and outdoor shoes, each built around a cushioned sole and a shorter break-in period than most leather footwear.
Clarks Silhouettes Worth Knowing
The Desert Boot, introduced in 1950, uses a crepe sole and suede upper that hasn't needed much updating since. The Wallabee moccasin-toe shoe shares that same low-profile crepe sole but leans dressier with its lace-up front. Clarks also makes loafers, oxfords, and slip-ons for everyday wear, many built with an Ortholite footbed for step-in cushioning.
Sizing runs true for most styles, though suede uppers on the Desert Boot and Wallabee stretch slightly with wear. Half sizes and wide widths are available on select styles, which matters for shoppers who've struggled to find room in narrower brands. Wide-width Wallabee and Desert Boot options ship in men's and women's sizing, so shoppers can size across gender lines without guesswork.
Choosing Clarks for Canadian Weather
Suede needs a protector spray before it meets slush, and Clarks' leather uppers hold up better through a wet Toronto spring than most fabric alternatives. For colder months, look for Clarks styles with a gum or lugged sole for extra grip on ice. Warmer months call for the brand's breathable leather loafers and slip-ons, which handle a short summer without overheating feet. DSW's VIP program tracks points on every Clarks purchase, worth setting up ahead of checkout for Canadian shoppers.
FAQ
Are Clarks shoes true to size? Most Clarks styles fit true to size, though suede designs like the Wallabee loosen slightly after a few wears.
What is Clarks known for? Clarks is known for the Desert Boot and Wallabee, two crepe-soled silhouettes the brand has produced since the 1950s.
Do Clarks shoes come in wide widths? Select Clarks styles are available in wide widths within the brand's dress and casual lines.
