Clarks Originals Wallabee Sizing: A Brief History & How They Fit

The Clarks Originals Wallabee is one shoe that’s reached all four corners of the earth. First released in 1967, the shoe took all that was loved about quintessential British design and made it so much more. Having focused their marketing tactics on North America, the Clarks Wallabee took over the US and Caribbean markets, yet has hip-hop music and culture to thank for its popularity.

An icon of fashion, music and culture, it's no wonder the Wallabee is still as in-demand today as it was over 50 years ago. But the questions everyone's asking is, how do Clarks Wallabees fit?

The Clarks Desert Boot from the ‘50s was already popular in Kingston, Jamaica, so the release of the Clarks Wallabee took advantage of this and stood to represent top-quality British design and reliability, whilst providing a hard-wearing shoe. The early ‘80s saw mass immigration from Jamaica to New York - and sure enough, the Wallabees accompanied. Seen all over Brooklyn, the Wallabee was adopted as the go-to shoe to rock by ‘90s hip-hop stars, and of course this trend made its way back to Europe. The Clarks Wallabee was re-imagined once again within the rise of Britpop by the likes of Oasis, Blur and The Verve.

Classy, comfortable and a streetwear essential, the Clarks Wallabee is making its way into rotations everywhere. Having collaborated with the likes of Aimé Leon Dore, Ronnie Fieg, Carhartt WIP, Supreme and Stüssy, it’s no wonder that demand for the humble Wallabee has increased exponentially in recent years. Even Drake and Kanye have been spotted in them!

Coming in both low-cut and boot-style silhouettes, the Clarks Wallabee is so popular as it is the perfect alternative for when sneakers don’t feel quite appropriate. Constructed from premium materials, including luxe suede from England and the occasional use of sheep fur, the Wallabee is certainly worth the price tag and will elevate any ‘fit regardless of the occasion.

Often fitting larger than other sneakers in your collection, first-time buyers of the Clarks Wallabee (boot or otherwise) will be wondering what size to cop. Perhaps you have your eye on the recent Kith x Clarks x New York Yankees collaboration, or just fancy a pair from your local Clarks? Either way, you’ll be wondering if Clarks Wallabees run true to size. Are Clarks Wallabees narrow or wide? Should you size down? We’ll answer all of these queries and more, but generally you may need to size down 0.5 to get the perfect fit.

Often, the Clarks Wallabee is said to run big due to the square toe. There’s loads of room to wiggle your toes, meaning that those with narrower feet may benefit from dropping down half a size. However, if you plan on wearing thick socks in the winter, then your true size will fit just fine. With the boot style, it’s worth bearing in mind that the ankle can make the silhouette a little difficult to get on, so sizing down may cause issues with this. If you can make it to a Clarks store to try a pair on for yourself, this is definitely worth doing. This way you’ll know for the future when you’re trying to cop the next hot collab. Also consider that the suede/leather stretches a little over time with wear, so even if they feel tight to begin with, they will most likely be fine once you’ve worn them in.

I bought my true size when purchasing my Clarks Wallabees. I have to admit the toe box is bigger than what I’m used to, but not so much that I would consider sizing down. If you have narrow feet I would definitely recommend sizing down though.

Clarks Wallabees have a speedy breaking-in process, which is amazing. Though, it’s worth acknowledging that they do stretch considerably thanks to the soft and supple suede used. I’ve never had a pair of shoes fit me better!

The crepe sole unit used on the Wallee provides maximum comfort that can’t be challenged! I’ve found smart shoes often don’t provide the comfort I can find with my trainers, but this is absolutely not the case with the Wallabees.

I have narrow feet, so I sized down a whole size in my Supreme x Clarks Wallabees. In this particular iteration, the woven upper stretches considerably due the construction. At first they felt a little tight so I was dubious, but after much wear I can say they are now the perfect fit. It was definitely worth the breaking-in period.

Coming constructed from leather and suede, you need to be careful when cleaning your Wallabees. For the leather styles, use a soft-bristle brush and a specialist leather cleaner (take a look at our best cleaning products right here), and for the suede you need to use a very slightly damp cloth or a special suede brush.

The soles are easy to clean by wiping away the dried dirt or mud with a dry cloth, before going in with a washing-up liquid and water solution to clean up any stains. Don’t over saturate the soles with water, you might have to repeat the process several times to get your desired results.

If I had to choose, Clarks Wallabees definitely run big. I bought my true size, but I’ve heard of people sizing down as they do stretch over time and the square toe box is particularly big.

Clarks Wallabees are a streetwear staple. They’re perfect for dressing up with a suit, but look equally good with a pair of cargos and a fleece. They’re honestly one of the most versatile pairs in my rotation and I'm so glad I bought them! I like wearing mine with my Carhartt WIP denim cargos and a Stüssy sweatshirt.

Aimé Leon Dore’s FW21 drop with Clarks was insane. I know that not everyone is a fan of animal print, especially when it comes in this amount, but I just thought the snake print suited the luxe Wallabee boot so well. The clothing that came alongside the collaboration also provided all the earthy tones and neutrals that suited both the Wallabees available and the rest of my wardrobe perfectly.

From Pakistan to Jamaica, to New York and back to the UK, the Clarks Wallabee is proving that the streetwear scene is not just Nike Dunks and Arc'teryx. Perfect for dressing up or down, your shoedrobe is definitely not complete without a pair. Year by year, the Wallabee is only increasing in popularity, so if you have the chance to cop one of the collaborations, then definitely take it. Easy to style and easy to clean once you know how, you won’t regret purchasing. Which will it be? The low-top style or the boot? Maybe one of each is the way forward!

One of the most divisive when it comes to sizing, your best bet is finding a pair of Wallabees to try on before buying. However, if you’re willing to take a punt then go for your true size if you have wide/normal-sized feet, and half a size down if you have narrow feet. Remember that they do stretch, so if you’re thinking they’re feeling tight, that’s okay as in a few wears’ time they will be perfect.

Check out our other sizing guides here to find your perfect fit, every time…