Must Have Monday! Clarks Desert Trek Review

Must Have Monday

There are shoes that transcend time and gender to become classics. The Clarks Desert Boot is certainly one of those shoes. I had to have them for the mere fact that they are a part of shoe history and I wanted them in my collection. Their oiled leather and crepe soles give them an urban, edgy look in one moment or pair them with some cords and they look rather collegiate. “They were originally modeled on a style made in the bazaars of Cairo and favored by off-duty British army officers”(clarks website) and debuted as the Clarks Desert boot in the early 50's. The Desert “Trek” made its mark in the 70's and is still on the scene today.

By today's standards they are a little heavy, they lack arch support and are a bit raw in their finish work. This does not mean you shouldn't have a pair. They do soften up with wear and if you have a foot that doesn't require arch support you will enjoy these shoes and their durability. These Desert Treks are also re-sole-able as they are still made with a stitch-down construction.

I love wearing mine with cushy socks to welcome the colder weather. They do remind me of my college days. I had more than one professor that wore them regularly. They are the perfect casual complement to jeans and sweaters. It takes all kinds to fill my closet and my Clark's Desert Treks are always at the ready.

Many local Clarks retailers carry the Desert Trek...so get a pair and join a long standing movement. You can also find them at: clarksusa.com, zappos.com, and shoes.com

Fitting Notes:

U.S. Sizing. These Desert Treks have broad but shallow toe box and are only offered in medium widths. They do not have a removable orthotic but due to their depth in the heel cup may accommodate slim ¾ length orthotics. They seem to run a bit generous in length and I ended up with a 7 ½ medium as opposed to my usual size 8. The laces do hold the shoe securely to the foot and they are a very flexible shoe.