Clarks is one of the world's oldest shoemakers, founded in 1825 in Street, Somerset, by brothers Cyrus and James Clark. From sheepskin slippers cut from off-cuts in a tannery, the brand grew over nearly two centuries into a global footwear icon. Today Clarks is best known for designing comfort-led footwear that combines British heritage craftsmanship with modern shoe technology.
The brand's most recognisable styles — the Desert Boot, the Wallabee and the Originals range — were born in the post-war era and remain bestsellers worldwide. The Desert Boot was inspired by suede chukka boots Nathan Clark spotted in Burma during World War II, and the Wallabee took its moulded leather form from a Norwegian peasant shoe. Both are now design classics that have appeared on everyone from sixties mods to contemporary streetwear devotees.
Beyond the heritage line, Clarks engineers comfort technology into every modern collection. Cushion Plus footbeds, Active Air technology and supportive leathers go into the brand's school shoes, work shoes, dress shoes and casual styles. Clarks school shoes have measured generations of British and Irish children's feet — the brand pioneered fitting widths (F, G, H) decades before competitors caught up.
Sizing in Clarks runs true to UK standards across most ranges. Several styles come in multiple width fittings, so if you have wider or narrower feet you'll find a Clarks fit. Children's shoes come in F (standard), G (wider) and H (extra wide). For adults, look for the fit indicator in the product description (D, E, EE or EEE).
Clarks shoes are designed to age well. Apply leather conditioner every few months to keep uppers supple. Brush off dirt regularly. Suede styles need a soft suede brush and a waterproofing spray. Goodyear-welted styles (look in the Originals range) can be resoled by a cobbler. With proper care, a good pair of Clarks can last five years or more.
Cordners has been Northern Ireland's footwear specialist since 1937. Family-owned across three generations, we've built our reputation on three things: choosing the brands customers can trust, fitting shoes properly using trained staff and free in-store measuring, and standing behind every pair we sell. Our stores across Northern Ireland stock the widest range of footwear in the region, and our online store brings that same expertise to anyone in the UK and Ireland.
Every pair is sourced directly from the brand or its authorised UK distributor — what you order is 100% genuine and comes with the manufacturer's full warranty. Free 30-day returns means you can try at home with zero risk. If the size or style isn't right, send them back at our expense. Free standard UK delivery on orders over £75, with next-day delivery available on orders placed before 2pm Monday to Friday. Click-and-collect from any Cordners store across Northern Ireland is free of charge, with stock typically ready within one working day. Need sizing advice? Visit any Cordners store for a free fitting from our trained team, or chat to us online during business hours.