The Clarks Legacy: Quality Comfort for Nearly 200 Years
Clarks has an impressive legacy spanning nearly 200 years. Founded in 1825 in Street, Somerset by brothers Cyrus and James Clark, the company began by making slippers from sheepskin offcuts. The quality and comfort were evident even early on, as demand grew rapidly. By the 1840s, the brothers were joined by James‘ sons John and William, making it a family affair and shoemaking the core focus.
The innovation continued into the 20th century guided by the Clark family. In 1950, the iconic Clarks Desert Boot was launched, influencing casual shoe styles worldwide. Their attention to quality, fit and comfort enabled the company to thrive over generations.
Today, Clarks produces over 50 million pairs of shoes annually in nearly 1,400 stores globally. From professional dress shoes to school shoes for children, sneakers to sandals, their selection is varied. The company continues to emphasize comfort, fit, and responsibility in manufacturing.
The Clarks Reputation: Classic Styles Meet Modern Comfort
Clarks has cultivated a strong reputation over the better part of two centuries by continually improving their shoemaking while retaining their core values around quality, fit and comfort. Their classic styles like Wallabees and Desert Boots remain popular. At the same time, Clarks has introduced more contemporary styles with fresh new looks and cutting-edge comfort features.
They are known industry-wide for their comfort technologies like Air Circulation systems and lightweight cushioning. Specialized technologies like OrthoLite footbeds and dual density outsoles provide superior comfort and support all day long. Their comfort doesn‘t sacrifice on style either. The range of chic boots to fashionable sandals proves Clarks can span both worlds.
Review of Key Strengths
From their long track record to their innovative comfort technologies, Clarks offers consumers many advantages:
Timeless, quality styles: Core silhouettes like Wallabees, Desert Boots and Oxfords have remained relevant for decades thanks to quality craftsmanship and materials. These styles continue selling for good reason.
Cutting-edge comfort technologies: From cushioned Cloudsteppers models to supportive options like OrthoLite footbeds, Clarks comfort is accessible range-wide with features that provide actual support.
Diversity in selection: Flats, heels, sandals, slip-ons, boots, sneakers and more, Clarks has all bases covered from professional polish to laidback cool across men‘s and women‘s collections.
Good value: While not the least expensive, Clarks prices remain fair relative to competitors for the quality and comfort provided. Sales help increase the value further.
Strong reputation: Almost two centuries in the shoe game has earned Clarks respect as comfort footwear specialists. Their name carries clout.
Areas for Improvement
The mainly positive reviews indicate Clarks is getting a lot right. Still the brand can make strides in a few areas:
Modernizing certain styles: Some options like Wallabees could use subtle updates to increase appeal for younger demographics without losing their identity.
Expanded sizing and width availability: More size and fit diversity would prevent customers getting discouraged from ordering the wrong size or discovering a style doesn‘t fit properly. Additional width options helps.
Eco-friendly materials: Despite some strides with programs like ShoeShare, using more recycled and sustainable materials is better for the planet long-term.
Clarks Shoes Review: How Do They Stack Up to Competitors?
We compared Clarks against key comfort footwear competitors Dr. Martens, Ecco, and Rockport on a few key benchmarks:
Price: Clarks sits in the middle ground, more affordable than say European comfort brands like Ecco but priced higher than Rockport. Sales help provide value.
Selection: Clarks provides tremendous diversity from professional to casual for men, women and kids resulting in an edge over Rockport‘s and Dr. Martens‘ sometimes limited offerings.
Comfort technology: The specialized support from Cloudsteppers or OrthoLite across Clarks lineup gives it comfort tech advantages others lack.
Style: No question Dr. Martens has the edge in streetwise looks but Clarks keeps pace with sleek silhouettes, luxe materials and handcrafted detail.
While areas for improvement exist, Clarks remains ahead of nearest competitors through range, technology and heritage. Shoppers gravitate towards comfort brands they trust and Clarks continues building their comfort reputation after close to 200 years.
Review of Top Selling Clarks Shoes
Certain Clarks shoes stand out from the pack, earning bestseller status by blending style and comfort customers love. Here are top options with glowing reviews:
1. Wallabee Maple Suede
The easygoing comfort of the Wallabee maples rivals slippers. The clean, streamlined suede upper works for casual settings from brunch to barn parties with jeans or shorts. Praise for the cushioned comfort is matched by compliments on their "straight fire" looks.
2. Cloudsteppers Sillian Tino
The athleisure comfort of these knit sneakers make them a customer favorite. Breathable, super lightweight and flexible, they work for travel days, errands or just kicking back. One buyer says they‘re "like walking on pillows."
3. Lexi Marigold Q Sandals
Feminine and strappy, these sandals win fans with snazzy style and daylong comfort. The elevated EVA wedge, plush padded straps and soft synthetic lining spoil your feet. Women love wearing them with sundresses and dressy casual outfits.
4. fleece welt Trigenic
Merging casual styling with performance innovation, this trendy silhouette features three levels of cushioning for "cloudwalking" comfort. Contemporary good looks enable pairing with jeans, joggers, anything. The comfort and support floor reviewers.
Customer Reviews: Praise for Comfort with Some Quality Issues
Analyzing site reviews reveals customers overwhelmingly praise the comfort Clarks provide. Some concerns emerge involving quality and durability:
Praise for comfort technologies
OrthoLite, Cloudsteppers and Air Circulation Systems draw consistent raves for comfort. Words like "heavenly", "blissful", "soothing" describe the cushioned support. Many call their Clarks the most comfortable shoes they‘ve worn.
Love for iconic styles
In addition to comfort, buyers compliment the quality craftsmanship and materials used in classics like Wallabees, Desert Boots and Oxfords. For some, wearing their vintage Clarks feels like "stepping back in time."
Quality concerns
A portion of negative reviews cite issues with quality and durability over the past few years. Problems include quicker break down of materials like soles and eyelets compared to older models. Others report sizing being off.
While outliers exist, most reviews praise both classic styles staying relevant along with new releases advancing comfort. Addressing quality control could further improve sentiment.
Sales, Deals and Discount Codes
Scoring Clarks shoes for less is often possible thanks to regular sales promotions:
Official sales – The Clarks site features a sale section with certain styles discounted by 50% or more plus clearance under $40. Adding email signups can unlock future savings.
Seasonal promos – Look for periodic sales during peak times like back-to-school or holidays often advertised via email or online. Newsletter subscribers gain early access to seasonal deals.
Discount codes – Random sitewide sales may provide discount codes taking 10-25% off purchases by entering at checkout. Following their social feeds can provide first access.
Between major sales cutting prices in half to sitewide codes stacking for extra savings, keeping eyes peeled for Clarks deals enables smarter buys.
Where To Buy Clarks Shoes
Clarks operates nearly 1,400 company owned stores globally. In America alone over 500 retail stores exist where shoppers can browse and try on selections in person.
You can also order online direct from Clarksusa.com with free shipping and returns making convenience a priority.
Alternatively, Clarks shoes appear in-store and online across leading retailers like:
– Zappos
– DSW
– Nordstrom (including Nordstrom Rack)
– Macy‘s
– Marks & Spencer (UK retailer)
Wherever you choose to purchase, trying before you buy helps assess fit and feel. Clarks‘ 60-day free returns policy on web orders allows resending unwanted pairs.
Returns, Shipping and Support Contact Details
Understanding policies around shipping, returns and contacting support proves useful for online customers:
Free Shipping & Returns
Clarks provides free standard shipping on all US orders with typical delivery spanning 8-10 business days. Upgraded 2-day or next day shipping options cost extra. Returns are free as well via printable return labels you can request online.
Easy Returns
The 60-day return window begins at delivery. As long as shoes remain unworn, unused and undamaged expect refund processing within approximately 10 days after the returns warehouse inspects and confirms order.
Customer Service Contact
You can reach Clarks helpful customer support specialists via:
· Phone: 1 (877) 649-0277
· Email: [email protected]
· Facebook: @ClarksUSA
Specialists are available weekdays during East Coast business hours. Expect fast, friendly, effective assistance.
The Verdict: Clarks Shoes Are Usually Worth Buying
Given the decades-long legacy of quality craftsmanship guided by comfort, Clarks remain reliable footwear to turn towards across categories. Their best-in-class cushioning technologies provide real support whether you‘re on your feet all day or just seeking extra comfort. Iconic silhouettes haven‘t gone out of fashion because of smart designs and luxe leathers.
While some areas for optimization exist like eco-friendliness, options not fitting true to size or select durability concerns, the overwhelmingly positive sentiment across nearly two centuries signals an admirable track record. Clarks comfort pedigree and heritage continues appealing to consumers young and old. For your next pair of kicks, boots, sandals or dress shoes, strongly consider Clarks.
