The Case for
the Wallabee

When the Clarks Wallabee was originally introduced in the early 1960s, the shoes were made in Kilkenny, Ireland at the Padmore & Barnes factory. From 1964 to 1987, Clarks maintained ownership of the factory, where they first invented the Wallabee's signature silhouette. Although both companies have since parted ways, there's a definite difference in the construction of today's Clarks Wallabees and the recently-resurrected Padmore & Barnes in-house line—where you can find the P204 shoes and chukka boots still honestly handcrafted in the same place they were born. While Wallabees are a polarizing style often associated with either the prep set or hip-hop culture and the Wu-Tang Clan, they're a comfortable and surprisingly versatile footwear choice. The slightly square toe and thick crepe sole can add just the right amount of contrast to a pair of jeans, chinos or military jacket. Plus with St. Patrick's day coming up, they're an ideal way to go Irish.

25,000
 
The number of shoes manufactured by hand each week at Padmore & Barnes' Kilkenny factory during its peak.
 

Published on

March 4, 2013

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