THE SHOE THAT CHANGED THE SHAPE OF FOOTWEAR

HAPPY ‘WALLABY’ DAY

Legend has it that on 26th April 1971, an alarm was raised at New York’s John F Kennedy Airport, with customs teams rapidly assembling cages to accept the 4,176 Wallabees that were expected to arrive that day from Clarks. Customs called Clarks to check the animals were safe to handle and to discuss the lack of paperwork supplied to transport this number of live animals. There was a sense of relief (but also fury) when airport staff were informed that the creates did not, in fact, contain live animals, but the new Wallabee shoe silhouette.

DEFINED BY SIMPLICITY

The Wallabee is crafted from just two pieces of suede with a tubular construction technique. This means the upper is assembled with the vamp and side panel to create a tube shape, this gives an instantly recognizable silhouette.The appeal of their next-level comfort, premium quality and casual styling, made the Wallabee a perfect alternative for sneakers, and has rapidly become a mainstay within sneaker and streetwear culture as the nonconformist choice.

To celebrate a style that has shaken things up from day one, Clarks has today announced the first ever Wallabee Day which will take place every year on 26th April, encouraging it’s global community of wearers to share their love of the iconic shoe.

For it’s inaugural Wallabee Day, Clarks has teamed up with Wu-Tang Clan member and legendary Wallabee wearer, Raekwon, to officially usher in the celebration via the Clarks Originals Instagram account, starting with an announcement on 4th April.

THE STYLE CLASSIC

Crafted in 1968, the Wallabee’s design philosophy was rooted in ultimate comfort , with its unprecedented foot shaped toe, true moccasin construction, and spongey natural crepe sole. However, what no one at the time could have foreseen is how global style communities have adopted, adapted and embraced it, pushing the shoe to icon status from it’s humble beginnings in Somerset. From football terraces in the UK, to the streets of New York and Shibuya Tokyo. It is a shoe that is just as at home in school halls as it is in Jamaica’s dancehall scene. Its adorned album covers of hip-hop royalty and Brit-Pop legends – but no matter who wears it, the king of casual footwear is always a good look.

Throughout the month of April, Clarks will be celebrating through a series of activations, customizations, incredible content releases, and a social media competition that allows the Clarks community to show off their creativity.