Clarks Wallabee
Maple Suede Shoe

Clarks Wallabees are probably my favourite shoe in the entire world… and for someone who has bought, sold and worn more shoes than normal people ever do in their lives, that is quite the statement.

The Clarks Wallabee is one of those shoes that seems to transcend eras, subcultures and trends. It is never really in fashion or out of fashion; it is just always there, adored by completely different groups of people all over the world.

The Wallabee might have one of the strangest journeys of any shoe ever made. Launched in 1968, it was based on a moccasin called the Grasshopper, made by German shoemaker Sioux. Clarks took the idea, gave it that brilliantly simple moccasin shape and big natural crepe sole, and somehow created a shoe that has spent nearly 60 years being adopted by completely different groups of cool people.

Jamaica really made Clarks a cultural thing. They became part of reggae and dancehall style before travelling with Jamaican communities to New York, where the Wallabee eventually became inseparable from ’90s hip-hop, most famously Wu-Tang Clan, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah. Meanwhile, back over here, they found their way onto football terraces, through Manchester, Britpop and onto the feet of people in bands like Oasis and Blur.

The shoes themselves are super minimal and, as a result, can be worn with pretty much anything. The maple suede comes from the lovely people at Charles F. Stead tannery in Leeds, who have supplied Clarks for years. The suede is soft, supple and looks all the better once you’ve added a few scuffs and a bit of dirt.

Then there is that wonderful natural crepe sole. Before trainers became an arms race of foams, plastics and increasingly complicated technology, this was how you made a shoe comfortable. Crepe is wonderfully simple: natural rubber, soft and slightly bouncy underfoot. If yours feel a little stiff when they first arrive, give them a bit of wear and warmth and they’ll soon loosen up.

These particular pairs also come with a spare pair of navy laces to remind you that you got them from TRiCKETT, and as a replacement for when you go full Wu-Tang, take your laces out altogether, lose them and eventually realise you do actually need something to stop your shoes falling off.

If you have narrow-to-average-width feet, or just prefer a snugger fit, I would suggest going down half a size. Otherwise, go for your normal size.

Clarks were one of the first brands to ever take me seriously. They even let me, along with a few other lovely people, create a gift pack to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Desert Boot back in 2015. So, ten-or-so years later, having the opportunity to stock what I think is one of the most iconic and culturally important shoes ever made feels genuinely special.

I’ve worn Wallabees for years, sold them before TRiCKETT even existed and will probably still be wearing them when I’m an old man shouting at whatever trainers cost £600 by then. It is a real honour to finally have them in our shop.