This shoe has hip-hop history: why you shouldn’t underestimate Clarks
3.7.2024
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
You’ll struggle to find another shoe that’s so ingrained in music history as the Clarks Wallabee. But that’s not the only reason why you should take notice of the British brand.
The Clarks brand may not scream coolness to some of you. If that’s the case, it’s high time to make that connection. Why? Because the Clarks Wallabee, a simple suede lace-up shoe with a rubber crepe sole, is basically hip-hop and Britpop royalty. And therefore probably the epitome of cool.
The shoe owes its stellar music career to none other than the entire Wu-Tang Clan. Since the release of their debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in 1993, the members have been wearing the Wallabee on repeat. They even dedicated a line in their track Gravel Pit to it as well as giving it a short appearance in the video.
Clan member Ghostface Killah’s love goes even deeper. He called his 2008 solo album The Wallabee Champ.
But it’s not just the US hip-hop scene – including Pharrell Williams, Drake, Kanye West and Tyler, the Creator – that’s in love with the Wallabee. In the late 90s, the shoe established itself as an essential outfit element of many a bad-tempered Britpopper.
Source: Instagram @theverveofficial
Timeless classics and contemporary trend pieces
What a true design classic with an impressive portfolio. But the Wallabee is by no means the only thing Clarks has to offer. Established in Somerset, England, in 1825, the brand is said to have earned the founding brothers Cyrus and James a meeting with Queen Victoria after the Great Exhibition in London in 1851. According to the German Wikipedia entry, it’s «the world’s biggest shoe brand outside of the sports shoe lifestyle segment». It also made the renowned streetwear bible All Gone – The Finest Of Street Culture by Michael Dupouy several times.
Even if you’re not a fan of the Wallabee, you should still check out the Clarks range. Alongside other classics including the Desert Boot and the Torhill, timeless leather shoes and boots, sneakers and loafers also await. Not to mention cool highlights for all those who prefer to walk on trendier soles.
Source: Clarks
Source: Clarks
Header image: Clarks
Laura Scholz
Senior Editor
Laura.Scholz@digitecgalaxus.chAlways in the mood for good hits, great trips and clinking drinks.
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