By Lillie Braden
Edited by Ella Querin
What do both my mom’s 1970s high school wardrobe and Tyler the Creator’s 2020 Grammy’s look have in common? Here’s a hint: crepe soles, suede exteriors, and an iconic square toe silhouette.
Clarks’ Wallabee sneaker, released in 1967, stands the test of time. Quickly gaining popularity in North America, the German-moccasin inspired shoe was branded as “one of the most comfortable shoes in the world,” with an early advertisement placing the sneaker against a scenic backdrops of a park trail, emphasizing both the comfort and practicality of the once $30 sneaker to the average, middle-class wearer.
But decades after their initial release, the image of the Wallabee was forever changed. Blurring the line between a casual sneaker and dress shoe, their claim to fame came in the 1990s, as they were adopted by the most influential rappers of the decade. They became the go-to sneaker for artists like Wu-Tang Clan, being mentioned in their song lyrics, music videos, and depicted across album covers like Ironman (one by the self-titled “Wallabee Kingpin” Ghostface Killah).
From Wu Tang Clan’s “Gravel Pit”: “Follow me, Wu-Tang gotta be, The best thing since Starks and Clark Wallabees”
As the signature shoe of New York hip-hop, the popularity of this Clarks’ original has only grown. Threaded through generations of rappers, Wu-Tang’s love for the Wallabee has been passed on to artists of more recent decades. Kanye West and Drake, to name a few, are often spotted in this sneaker, with their paparazzi photos serving as a new form of advertisement for the brand.
With this prominence in the hip-hop scene, strategic collaborations were made between Clarks and brands like Supreme and Kith, whose target markets overlap significantly with hip-hop fans. The bright colors, distinctive patterns, and notoriety of these collabs are commensurate with higher price tags, however, ones that reach almost CA$800 on websites like StockX and Grailed, increasing the exclusivity of the shoe while expanding its presence in higher-end markets.
While “sneakerheads” scramble to buy the rarest, most expensive versions of the Wallabee, how do I, a 20 year-old McGill student, who doesn’t seek out brands like Supreme or, honestly, listen to much rap, feel about this square-toed sneaker? Well, it’s a love-hate relationship, one that comes down to proper styling and the affordability of this beloved sneaker.
What I like most about Wallabees is that they complement outfits with more oversized silhouettes. Paired with baggy jeans or an on-trend pair of “jorts,” their boxy frames make more of a statement than, say, your classic pair of Converse or Adidas Sambas, but don’t strip an outfit of its simplicity and relaxed look.
If your heart is set on Wallabees but baggy jeans aren’t for you, opt for a pair of parachute pants. I recommend the ones sold by Jaded London, as their style and color palette fits perfectly with those of the Wallabee.
When pairing the Wallabee with jorts or other shorter pants, I recommend adding white crew socks that peek out of the shoe (for both high and low tops). These not only add to the casual appearance of an outfit, but will add an illusory sense of height to the sneaker which will balance out the shorter length of the pants. Another bonus: socks will act as a blank canvas which highlights the shape of the shoe, drawing more attention to your footwear.
Another positive about the Wallabee: it was designed as a unisex shoe. Although styled heavily by notable male celebrities, the Wallabee, to me, was designed to be paired with a maxi-skirt. While you can play into masculine-feminine juxtaposition by wearing a flowy skirt, I think that a skirt with more structure would be an interesting way to complement the boxiness of the shoe. Sticking with the white crew socks mentioned earlier, this is a simple way to style the Wallabee, one that verges from the outfits worn by the male archetypes of the hip-hop world.
Now let’s talk color, a feature of the Wallabee where there is a seemingly endless array of choices. While the classic Wallabee colorways speak to a more subtle look, with their “maple suede” version being the most infamous option, you may want to invest in the Wallabee as a statement shoe. With colors ranging from “Terracotta” to “Cactus Green,” prints from zebra to tie dye, and materials from corduroy to leather, everyone is sure to find the pair they’re looking for.
While the positive of the Wallabee comes with its boxy shape, visible stitching and its range of styles, their downfall rests on these same attributes, as these elements of the shoe’s design don’t make them the most versatile. I would steer away from pairing these sneakers with tighter jeans, or any tight pant for that matter. The bulky appearance of the shoe contrasted against this slim silhouette will make the look feel disproportional, ultimately leaving the shoe to be more of an eyesore than a timeless piece.
Another positive and negative: the Wallabee’s price tag. Even the most basic colors and materials cost upwards of CA$210. While this is definitely not the most expensive shoe on the market, they aren’t exactly the most accessible either. That being said, the shoe’s durable rubber soles are designed to last, although suede is highly susceptible to staining and stretch with wear. But who likes the spotless, fresh-out-of-the-box look anyway?
Overall, I think that the Clarks’ Wallabee is a shoe that will always be “in style.” Durable, comfortable, versatile, and unparalleled in appearance, these are sneakers that, when styled in similar ways to the hip-hop icons that rebranded the shoe, are sure to capture people’s attention and make our parents believe they were trendy way back when.
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