Brothers Cyrus and James Clark made their first shoe in 1825 but it wasn’t until over a century later in 1950 that the Clarks shoemakers would introduce the now iconic Desert Boot. In celebration of the 65th anniversary of the original desert boot, Clarks recently released a special rendition of the shoes first conceived in war but now worn today as a staple in casual footwear.
The 65th anniversary edition uses Bronto Suede from the English tannery, C.F. Stead who have been providing the suede for the very same desert boots since its premier. Details remain true to the original for the most part and there’s not much different in this pair compared to their non-celebratory desert boots.
The lighter sand suede is closer in color to what Nathan Clark first saw on the feet of off-duty Eighth Army Officers in Cairo and it’s still attached to a natural crepe sole. Other than that, the anniversary boots do come with sapphire blue laces to signify the 65 years. It’s not really anything to write home about, but if you’re really into Clark’s desert boots and somewhat obscure anniversaries, then this might be for you.
They retail for £89 or about $130USD and you can find them at the Clarks website.
