Serial 【 Minor Good Illustrated] VOL.23 Clarks not wallabies.

Classic items from established brands are truly timeless. As the name "classic" suggests, they have a long history and reliable quality, so you never get tired of them, no matter how old you get. But this series is aimed at those with a bit of a rebellious streak. Here, I’ll introduce some lesser-known yet truly compelling items from those very brands. In this 23rd installment, we’ll look at some hidden gems from Clarks.

Photo_Arata Suzuki
Styling_So Matsukawa
Text&Edit_Yuri Sudo

More than sneakers, but less than dress shoes.

This is the perfect way to describe Clarks’ products. The brand boasts countless classics, including the Desert Boot, Desert Reck, Natalie, and the timeless classic, the Wallabee.

When they first appeared in Japan in 1971, it’s said that fewer than 40 pairs were imported, but in recent years, the Wallabee has experienced an explosive boom. With numerous variations now available, it’s no exaggeration to say that any fashion enthusiast owns at least one pair.

In the midst of all that, I came across this.

Clay Hill Boat (Navy Combination) ¥23,100

These boat shoes are inspired by the 1970s archive model "Fastnet." While they have a classic, retro look, they feature an "XTRALITE sole" that makes them suitable for athletic activities, ensuring a comfortable stride.

Above all, the two-tone combination of wine red and navy is incredibly stylish. The laces are also in the same colors, giving the shoes a distinctly classic vibe. Plus, the leather trim around the collar adds a touch of elegance—they look dressy even just sitting in the entryway.

Black Interstelle Leather 29,700 yen

Next up are these coin loafers. The vamp features a lavish depiction of Glastonbury Tor, a hill in Somerset, England. This beautiful location in England—the birthplace of Clarks—has been used as a motif on numerous occasions. For this design, we’ve used leather as our canvas to depict two different landscapes in an asymmetrical arrangement.

Looking at these two pairs, what strikes me is the confidence that comes from having made a name for themselves in the footwear industry over many years, and the playful touches made possible by their lineup of timeless classics. While they’re neither Maple nor Wallabee, I found a new side to Clarks right here.

Location Note: A long-established dry cleaner in Takanawa. The assistant manager is a pro at alterations.