Clarks Shoes Review: Are They Worth the Investment?

As a shoe lover, I‘m always on the hunt for the perfect combination of style, comfort and quality. One brand that consistently catches my eye is Clarks. With nearly 200 years of shoemaking experience, Clarks is a well-established name in footwear. But are their shoes really worth the hype and the price tag? I tested out some of Clarks‘ most popular styles for women and men to give you the inside scoop.

About Clarks Shoes

Founded in 1825 by brothers Cyrus and James Clark in England, Clarks started out producing sheepskin rugs and slippers. The brand steadily expanded their range of footwear over the decades. Today, Clarks shoes are sold worldwide in over 1,400 branded stores and through thousands of multi-brand retailers.

Some key facts about Clarks:

• Headquartered in Somerset, England with offices and stores around the globe
• Sells a wide range of casual and dress shoes, boots, sandals and more for women, men and kids
• Known for their classic Desert Boots launched in the 1950s – a style icon
• Focuses on high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship and innovative designs for supreme comfort
• Partners with UNICEF on the ShoeShare initiative, donating used shoes to help kids in poverty access education

Now that you have some background on the brand, let‘s dive into my hands-on (or rather, feet-in) experience with some of Clarks‘ bestselling shoes.

Clarks Women‘s Shoes Review

I tested out three of Clarks‘ most popular styles for women in different categories – heels, sandals and boots. Here‘s how they measured up:

Sheer 55 Buckle Black Patent Leather Heels

These sleek block heel pumps put a modern twist on the classic Mary Jane silhouette. The glossy black patent leather and dainty buckle detailing give them a polished, feminine look that can easily transition from the office to date night.

Fit & Comfort: I found the cushioned footbed provides good support, while the sturdy 2" block heel feels stable to walk in. The buckle strap helps keep your feet secure. I‘d recommend going up a half size as they run slightly short. After a full day of wear, my feet weren‘t aching like they usually do in heels.

Quality: The leather lining and sockliner feel soft and substantial, not flimsy. After several wears, I haven‘t noticed any scuffing on the patent leather. The stitching and sole are holding up well. For the $110 price tag, I‘m impressed with the quality.

Verdict: If you‘re looking for a pair of comfortable low heels you can actually walk in, the Sheer 55 pumps are a solid choice. They‘re versatile, well-made and won‘t destroy your feet.

Lexi Marigold Q Blush Pink Leather Sandals

With their slim criss-cross straps and summery pastel shade, these Lexi Marigold sandals scream warm weather chic. The soft pink hue and dainty laser cutout details give them a feminine, flirty vibe.

Fit & Comfort: The cushy Ortholite footbed feels like walking on a cloud – perfect for long days on your feet. There‘s decent arch support and the cork-like midsole offers good shock absorption. I love the adjustable ankle strap for a secure fit.

Quality: The full-grain leather straps are butter-soft and mold to your feet with no rubbing or blisters. The rubber outsole has great traction to prevent slips. After a full season of frequent wear, they still look pristine.

Verdict: Hands down my favorite sandals of the summer! They‘re so comfortable, I forget I‘m even wearing them. The quality is outstanding and they go with everything from sundresses to cutoffs. Well worth the $100 price in my book.

Clarkdale Arlo Dark Olive Suede Ankle Boots

When boot season rolls around, I reach for these Clarkdale Arlo ankle boots again and again. The rich olive green suede and streamlined silhouette give them an effortlessly cool look.

Fit & Comfort: The super soft suede interior and cushioned insole make these a dream to wear all day long. There‘s a convenient side zip for easy on and off. The 2" stacked heel gives you a little lift without sacrificing stability. I walked for miles in these on a city trip with no discomfort.

Quality: The suede leather is thick and luxurious with a durable weatherproof finish. The rubber crepe outsoles have plenty of traction and show barely any wear after a full season. The YKK zippers are smooth and sturdy.

Verdict: An undeniably stylish and versatile boot that is somehow miraculously comfortable too. If you‘re willing to shell out the $160, the quality craftsmanship and materials make them a worthwhile investment in my opinion.

Clarks Men‘s Shoes Review

For the guys, I had my husband test drive a few of Clarks‘ top-rated men‘s shoe styles. Here are his thoughts:

Desert Boot Oakwood Suede Chukka Boots

The iconic Clarks Desert Boots have been a menswear staple since the ‘50s – and for good reason. These classic chukka boots in a neutral oakwood suede are the perfect combo of rugged and refined.

Fit & Comfort: The crepe rubber soles are bouncy and provide great shock absorption for all-day comfort. The soft suede uppers mold to your feet like a glove. The ankle height hits at just the right spot to prevent rubbing.

Quality: My husband has had his Desert Boots for over two years and they‘re still going strong. The suede ages beautifully and the stitching and soles are holding up incredibly well to near daily wear.

Verdict: Every guy needs a pair of go-to boots and the Clarks Desert Boots are a foolproof choice. They look equally sharp dressed up with chinos or dressed down with jeans. An easy way to instantly elevate your style.

Atticus Lace Tan Leather Derbys

Searching for the perfect everyday work shoes? Look no further than the Atticus Lace derbys. The classic tan leather and brogue details are timeless and professional.

Fit & Comfort: The leather-lined memory foam insoles are a revelation – it‘s like walking on marshmallows! The shock-absorbing rubber soles and breathable leather uppers keep your feet happy all day. The rounded toe box provides plenty of wiggle room.

Quality: Clarks doesn‘t cut corners on their leather. It‘s top-grain, ultra-soft and flawless. The welt stitching attaching the soles is precise and durable. With proper care, these will last for years.

Verdict: My husband reaches for these nearly every day. They‘re his most comfortable work shoes by far. The $130 price tag reflects the exceptional quality and craftsmanship. A smart investment if you‘re on your feet a lot.

Cotrell Walk Tobacco Oily Leather Loafers

For a casual Friday or weekend look, you can‘t beat the easygoing style of the Cotrell Walk loafers. The rich tobacco brown leather and moc toe stitching give them a cool, slightly rugged vibe.

Fit & Comfort: The Ortholite footbed and EVA midsole offer springy, flexible cushioning with each step. The slip-on design makes them a breeze to kick on and off. The oily leather is soft and forgiving, molding to your feet over time.

Quality: Clarks really nailed the distressed look of the leather – it has a nice worn-in effect that masks scuffs and creases. The rubber nub outsole is grippy and hard-wearing. All the stitching is intact after frequent wear.

Verdict: The perfect compromise between a dress shoe and a sneaker. Comfortable enough for all-day adventures but still polished. The sub-$100 price point is the cherry on top.

What Customers Are Saying About Clarks

Of course, my opinion is just one data point. I combed through hundreds of customer reviews on Clarks.com and other retailer sites to see what the general consensus is. Here‘s what I found:

The vast majority of reviews for Clarks shoes are positive, with many customers praising the:

• Superb comfort, even after long hours on your feet
• Excellent quality, durability and construction
• Classic, versatile styles that work for both casual and dressy outfits
• Accommodating fits, especially for wide feet and high arches

On Clarks.com, most of their bestselling shoes have 4.5+ star ratings. Some top-rated styles with glowing reviews:

• Marigold Step sandals: 4.6/5 stars from 118 reviews
• Desert Boots: 4.7 stars from 132 reviews
• Sheer 55 pumps: 4.3/5 stars from 77 reviews

On Zappos, Clarks shoes have an average rating of 4.4/5 stars across over 7,500 reviews. Some popular picks:

• Cotrell Walk loafer: 4.4/5 stars from 166 reviews
• Clarkdale Arlo boot: 4.2/5 stars from 51 reviews

Negative reviews are quite rare, but a few customers noted issues with:

• Inconsistent sizing between styles
• Longer break-in periods for stiffer leather
• Premature wear on some outsoles

However, many reviewers rave about Clarks‘ responsive customer service and generous 60-day return policy. It‘s clear Clarks takes customer feedback seriously and works hard to resolve any issues.

Is Clarks A Good Brand? My Verdict

After thoroughly testing Clarks shoes myself and scouring hundreds of customer reviews, I can confidently say that yes, Clarks is an excellent shoe brand that delivers on their promises of quality, comfort and style.

While Clarks shoes are pricier than some competitors, I believe they‘re worth the extra cost for the:

• Use of premium, supple leathers, suedes and shock-absorbing soles
• Superior construction, stitching and attention to detail
• Unbeatable out-of-the-box comfort and minimal break-in time
• Timeless, fashionable designs that offer great cost-per-wear

If you‘re willing to invest $100-$200 in a pair of well-made, ultra-comfy shoes that will last for years, Clarks is a solid bet. Their classic, versatile styles won‘t go out of fashion anytime soon. Plus, their stellar reputation for quality and glowing customer reviews offer peace of mind.

As someone who values comfort and quality over chasing trends, I think Clarks shoes are a smart buy. While I love a good deal, years of suffering in cheap, unsupportive shoes have taught me that it pays to invest in your feet. Trust me, your toes will thank you!

Where to Buy Clarks Shoes

You can shop the full range of Clarks shoes directly on their website, Clarksusa.com. They offer free shipping and returns on all orders, so it‘s easy to find your perfect fit.

Clarks also has a global presence with over 1,400 branded stores around the world. You can use their online store locator to find a location near you.

If you prefer to shop around, Clarks is sold at many major retailers, including:

• Macy‘s
• DSW
• Zappos
• Nordstrom
• JCPenney

Department stores like these often have a wide selection of Clarks styles and sometimes run sales, so it‘s worth checking them out.

Clarks Coupons & Deals

Clarks frequently has promotions on their website, so it‘s worth signing up for their email list to get deal alerts and exclusive offers. For example, at the time of this review, they were offering 20% off sale styles with free shipping.

Following Clarks on social media is another way to stay in the loop on limited-time deals. They post sale announcements on their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

You can also find Clarks coupon codes on deal websites like RetailMeNot and Slickdeals. Some past offers have included 30% off sitewide and $25 off a purchase of $150+.

Clarks Sizing Tips

In general, Clarks shoes run true to size for the most part. They offer medium and wide width options, so there‘s a fit for everyone.

However, some customers find certain styles run slightly large or small. Heeled pumps like the Sheer 55 tend to run a smidge short, so going up a half size is recommended.

When in doubt, take advantage of Clarks‘ stellar free return policy and order a few sizes to try on at home. Their customer service team is also happy to provide fit guidance via phone or chat.

How to Clean Clarks Shoes

With proper care, your Clarks shoes will last for years. Here are some quick tips for cleaning and maintaining your shoes:

• Gently brush off dirt and debris with a soft bristled brush
• For stubborn stains or scuffs, carefully spot clean with a damp cloth and leather cleaner
• Stuff shoes with paper towels and air dry away from direct sunlight or heat
• For suede, use a suede brush to remove marks and restore the nap
• Apply a water resistant spray before wearing in wet conditions
• Take your shoes to a local cobbler for resoling and repairs as needed

With just a little TLC, your Clarks shoes will continue to look and feel great wear after wear.

Conclusion

After putting Clarks shoes to the test, it‘s clear that their stellar reputation for quality, comfort and style is well-earned. Their timeless designs, premium materials and expert craftsmanship set them apart from the competition. While they may cost more than the average pair of kicks, I believe they‘re a smart long-term investment in the health and happiness of your feet.

Whether you‘re pounding the city pavement, dancing the night away or exploring the great outdoors, Clarks has a comfortable, durable shoe to meet your needs. So go ahead, treat yourself to a pair (or two, or three…). With their incredible range of styles for women, men and kids, you‘re sure to find your perfect sole mate.