I’ve been looking high and low for Clark’s Desert Boots.
Pacific Brands bought Clarks Shoes Australasia from the UK parent company seven years ago. At the time it was reported as having around $50 million annual sales, and the Pacific MD said it would help expand their presence in the premium segments of the children’s and adult footwear markets – really, the only premium shoe was the Clark’s Desert Boot.
I emailed Pacific to find out where they were sold and was told that, “Clarks Adults Shoes are no longer manufactured by Pacific Brands Footwear.” He later confirmed that, “the style of shoe you are after has been discontinued.”
Pacific is fighting cheap Chinese imports and, at the same time, discontinuing one of its best, most classic lines. That discontinuing of high quality/low performance lines is a big part of what spurred the growth of online filesharing, in music, and the associated long tail. I’m heading online. Only thing is, it’s harder to get the right size.
Isn’t it interesting that Pacific has put such a marketing and product diversification push into Dunlop Volleys (including that spurious attempt at grassroots marketing called “My Volleys” or something – they messaged me on Flickr once they saw I had a collection of photos of black Volleys), but Clarks has fallen by the wayside? This is because there’s no cool factor to Clarks.
I think Hush Puppies was a case study in The Tipping Point – a dorky shoe that the company relaunched because coolsies started wearing them. Stay true, Matt – desert boots will come good. But sadly, you probably won’t want to wear them once an army of hipster infants seizes on them.
Incidentally, Pacific’s “front-foot strategy” as outlined in that linked article is completely ridiculous! They aren’t fighting cheap imports at all; they’re PRODUCING them. It’s like, “We don’t want retailers to buy Chinese goods – we want them to buy OUR Chinese goods!”
Comment by Mel — December 19, 2007 @ 11:10 am
Keep an eye on what Rossi Boots are doing, Australian made is also a bonus.
Comment by Peter — February 7, 2008 @ 9:32 am
Try M Sprint in Collingwood, Vic. They used to have them. I’ll be looking for some this week. And maybe some ‘Rollers’, they were the best!!
Comment by Andrea — April 11, 2008 @ 2:31 pm
I saw Clark’s desert boots in a shoe store in Rome just last week. Pity I don’t have the name of the establishment. Perhaps you can track them down online.
I started to buy a pair myself, but the Mrs. talked me out of it. Grrrrrrrr. I think they are great!
Comment by Jim — July 3, 2008 @ 11:16 am
I like how this post’s taken on a life of its own. Links pouring in from all directions. Anyway, just got back from the states, where Clark’s Desert Boots are readily available – I bought the Desert Treks.
Comment by matt — July 4, 2008 @ 5:32 am
The Shoe Gallery (shoe shop)in Kangaroo Flat (Bendigo) has a hand full of pairs of Clark’s DBs in sizes 46 and up, in bone or black. Regrettably I wear size 39.
Comment by Steve — July 11, 2008 @ 4:16 pm
Rossi make a ripple sole DB in black for about $120. Not Clark’s, but a high qulaity boot and a classic.
Comment by Steve — July 19, 2008 @ 12:24 pm
Hi i wear an ankle brace on one foot and have a sole build up needed on the other and size 9.5 Black Rollers high desert boots were the best ever for me for walking nothing else compares and i would gladly buy 5 or 10 pairs if i could find them, please reply anyone who can help me. Thanks from Garry
Comment by Garry — January 18, 2009 @ 1:44 pm
Garry, assuming you’re in Australia, The Shoe Shed has Ripples by Rossi Boots for $100 or so, which are pretty much the same as rollers. I think they only have stores in NSW and SA though (but you might be able to get Rossi boots elsewhere). Hope this helps.
Comment by Stitch77 — January 22, 2009 @ 2:10 pm
M Sprint at Advance Footware look like the real thing. Haven’t tried them just found them in a google search. Problem is I am looking for a pair for my son, he is only 4.
Comment by Kate — February 14, 2009 @ 6:51 am
Kate, I tried on a pair of the M-Sprints. They look alright, but the thing that put me off buying them was that the sole is a foam-rubber type, like what’s found on ugg-boots. Didn’t seem like they’d be too durable or grippy on wet surfaces.
Comment by Stitch77 — February 20, 2009 @ 8:01 pm
Oh yeah, I just remembered that I emailed Pacific Brands a little while ago asking the same question as Matt (ie where can I get Clarks Desert Boots in Australia!), and got a reply saying they’re going to be releasing them early next year (2010)! Here’s their reply:
“Unfortunately, the Clarks Desert Boot is not currently available in Australia.
We have only recently acquired the licence for the Clarks Adults brand, so we are currently developing an exciting new range of Clarks Adults shoes which should be available in stores this time next year.
The launch of our new range will include everyone’s favourite Clarks shoe – The Desert Boot!
So, this time next year, you should be able to find the Desert Boot in Myer and David Jones stores Australia wide.”
Comment by Stitch77 — February 20, 2009 @ 8:06 pm
Rossi Boots are about to release a new incarnation of the desert boot with some design updates.
http://www.rossiboots.com.au
Comment by Peter — March 18, 2009 @ 5:52 am
I have looked everywhere for clark’s desert boots without any luck. They did not seem to exist anymore. And now I know the reason for this.
Comment by clarks shoes — March 22, 2009 @ 7:38 am
Rossi Boots DBs
The inspiration for the Rossi Boots DBs came with the revival of the
Rossi Ripple and customers requesting more of the stitchdown DBs style.
In a design sense what a new range of desert boots needed was a complete modern approach while
maintaining its true appeal, that being the stitchedown construction.
The design of the new DBs has been created without stepping away from the traditional desert boot concept.
The design lines are now softer, the leg height increased while retaining the three hole lace –up closure.
The DBs upper design is made up in three sections featuring a frenched back seam with secure tab over
the raw top line, the boots are fully lined in luxuriant kid leather with complementing eyelets and laces.
Every pair of Rossi Boots DBs is embossed with the “Rossi Boots logo on the tongue with the DBs logo on the outside ankle.
The latest Rossi Boots DBs are available in 3 leather selections of Black Suede, Dark Brown Oily Nubuck and Marbled Wheat Nubuck and feature Rossi’s unique DBs sole. With a UK size range of 6 – 13.
http://www.rossiboots.com.au/catalogue/catalogue_home.asp
Comment by Peter — May 14, 2009 @ 8:02 am
I also have been looking for 20+ years for DB’s. Came close to getting a pair in Melbourne last year, grrr but the wife wouldn’t let me. Better luck this year. If not I’ll go for ciaks.
Comment by Marty — May 23, 2009 @ 12:10 pm
I sympathize with you. Having a handbrake for a wife can be a pain in the proverbial. It is a shame that she will not allow you to live in the past. Mine will not let me take power tools into the bedroom!!
Comment by Nigel — May 24, 2009 @ 4:50 pm
I don’t know if Rossi putting a chunky sole on their DB’s is that smart a move when low, flat profiles are all the rage. Their black leather 4027 is a better look IMO. http://www.rossiboots.com.au/catalogue/catalogue_details.asp?prodID=202
Roller’s! Roller’s were cheap Polish crap from memory. They did a ripple knock-off and a suede boot with silver studs and a seam up the middle. The black one of these looked OK though.
Comment by Suedehead — June 13, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
Actually I’d buy the 4027 tomorrow if it came in black suede.
Hint, hint Peter. lol
Comment by suedehead — June 13, 2009 @ 2:18 pm
Gary with the ankle brace, I hope you’re still reading -
Several styles of the old fawn Rollers desert boots are sold by “M Sprint” of Croydon VIC and may be ordered online at advancefootwear.com.au. If you’re in Sydney the full range is carried by Hardwick’s Shoes, 83 Burwood Rd, Burwood. M Sprint could probably tell you which shops distribute them and online pics will show you the range.
They are 100% authentic down to the last stitch including the sole material, only the maker’s tag differs – I should know, I used to live in them. It was like finding an old friend rumoured to be dead!
The high boot (my favourite too) only seems to come lined.
Good luck! SC
Comment by Southern Cross — June 18, 2009 @ 4:08 am
http://www.advancefootwear.com.au
Ahh, the “custom”, that’s the style I was talking about.
M Sprint say the soles are EVA. Is crepe and EVA the same thing? I didn’t think so.
Comment by suedehead — June 20, 2009 @ 9:08 am
Yes I also contacted Pacific Brands. They told me Clarks Desert Boots would become available through Myer and David Jones Mid year 2009. I contacted the buyers of each store and they both told me NO
Comment by Kaz — June 21, 2009 @ 7:03 pm
Re the M Sprints :
“Kate, I tried on a pair of the M-Sprints. They look alright, but the thing that put me off buying them was that the sole is a foam-rubber type, like what’s found on ugg-boots. Didn’t seem like they’d be too durable or grippy on wet surfaces.”
Stitch77
Yeah crepe is real latex rubber whereas EVA is plastic.
Urgh, why’d they go & put slipper soles on them?
Comment by suedehead — June 25, 2009 @ 8:27 am
I love these shoes. My only prob is that I have UK size 3 feet and the Rossis only go down to a four. I remember the size 3 Rollers (made in Poland) I had int he early 1990’s. They were great but have now been worn to death. Will keep an eye on this page for more news
~U~
Comment by Urszula — June 28, 2009 @ 12:42 pm
Hi everyone, Lets keep the demand for desert boots alive. I have just come across Mandic a NSW based manufactuter that is making a beige desert boot. You can check them out and get your local stockist on their website. Search it out! I haven’t physically checked them out yet, they look ok and have a rubber sole, however, not crepe rubber. I agree the M sprint have filled a gap but they are a bit cheap and nasty. We need a quality replacement. Lets hope the original Clarks make a comeback soon.
Comment by Kaz — June 28, 2009 @ 4:54 pm
You can buy Clark’s desert boots from shoebuy.com who are now shipping worldwide. Probably be a bit pricey but I doubt they’d be less than $150 if sold here anyway.
Comment by Goose — June 29, 2009 @ 3:38 pm
Yes I bought from shoebuy, but be careful ( I think they have changed the photo now), but the colour Loden appeared beige but when I recieved them they were actually a dark greenish Grey. The suede photographed that way. When I took one to send to them I realized this. And yes again, it cost over $150 with the postage. There is also I site in England. They were however, a very good company to deal with, I used Paypal, and they were quick!
Comment by Kaz — June 30, 2009 @ 3:17 pm
Yep, Loden is a typically a dark greyish green. IMO that’s the worst thing about buying clothing thru the internet – the colour often turns out to be different to what you thought. Can’t go wrong with black though. :)
Comment by Goose — June 30, 2009 @ 4:31 pm
I had been searching for M Sprint (Rollers) desert boots and shoes everywhere and found them at ‘Hardwicks Shoe Store’ in Burwood Sydney . Give them a call anytime to check out their size availability. The staff were very helpful and ordered the size for me within a week.
Comment by Morgan — July 2, 2009 @ 9:25 am
Jeez you’re keen Kaz!
Sell for around US$85.00 in USA compared to 70 pounds in England. So it’s cheaper to buy from America but the range available in the UK seems better. Ahh, decisions, decisions.
Don’t think they’re worth paying close to $200 for though. Apparently the suede is much thinner in the new Vietnam made ones as well. Think I’ll be sticking to my Rossi ripples!
Comment by suedehead — July 2, 2009 @ 10:50 am
Also Clarks make a black leather version that is just about identical to Rossi’s 4027. So anyone wanting that should go with the Rossi.
Go Rossi, go Rossi! :D
P.S. Yes I will accept money for plugs.
Comment by suedehead — July 2, 2009 @ 11:31 am
Well I couldn’t help myself, I’ve ordered a pair of 4027’s, sight unseen for $99.00. Bargain! :D
Gotta say though, saw the Rossi DB’s for $199 & was kinda underwhelmed.
& I believe Clark’s may be available from General Pants stores for $150.
Comment by suedehead — July 3, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
Hey suedehead,
the Rossi are okay if you like ripple soles. But if you are a die hard Desertboot fan, the crepe soles are what does it for you!
Comment by Kaz — July 5, 2009 @ 9:19 am
I’m more into the style. Most of my shoes are chukka’s in fact. Chukka’s or chelsea’s.
But the black leather Clark’s sole looks green, doesn’t float my boat at all, unlike Japan’s “hairy” which definately does! :D
http://www.highsnobiety.com/news/2007/08/31/clarks-black-hairy-leather-collection/
Comment by suedehead — July 5, 2009 @ 5:16 pm
I saw a Msprint “Custom” model desert boot today that looked pretty sweet. They’ve replaced those terrible cheap looking soles for a stitched on, flat rubber sole like a sneaker. It really looks quite good.
Comment by Goose — August 9, 2009 @ 3:47 pm
Hey Goose, where did you see those? Are they the ones with that almost wedgie sole? We ended up getting the Mandic’s, they are Australian made (feel good factor) if any good I will be promoting those to keep availability local. Finger’s crossed.
Comment by kaz — August 10, 2009 @ 5:29 am
Yeah the wedge sole.
The suede’s thin but they’re lined & they didn’t seem to have a toebox so I don’t know how they’ll stand up to wear & tear but they look comfy.
Selling for about $80.
Comment by Goose — August 14, 2009 @ 1:26 pm
A friend told me to get my Msprint ‘custom’ boots at Harwicks Shoe store in Burwood NSW. The guy working there said that a lot of people have been searching for them and keep ordering double pairs in case they sold out, so I thought I’d give a heads up to others on where to get them. He said that the newer soles are harder wearing than the old soles.
Give them a call, cos it took me months to find mine.
Comment by ken — September 12, 2009 @ 4:15 pm
Hey everybody, Just found Clarks website in the U.k is celebrating the desert boot 60th year anniversary! prices vary, but roughly 90pounds so its a little steep with the exchange rate… But worth it to be transported back to primary school : )
Comment by nicko — September 14, 2009 @ 8:09 am
Sorry forgot to add link here it is!! http://www.clarks.co.uk/find/product-is-20332216
Comment by nicko — September 14, 2009 @ 8:11 am
I was recently in New York. DavidZ has a massive selection of Clarks desert boots.
They ship Intl as well.
http://www.davidz.com/products2.cfm/id/5936/attr1/6420/color/GREY
Comment by ryan — October 8, 2009 @ 6:37 pm
I bought a pair of Msprint Custom desert boots in April 2009 and I love them.
I used to wear Rollers Custom desert boots back in the early 90’s and these Msprint customs are just the same.
I recomend them to anyone. Those Clarks regular desert boots are very expensive. Buy Msprint instead.
I want custom desert boots size 6 in Black. Msprint doesn’t stock them..
Mik
Comment by Mik — October 11, 2009 @ 7:10 pm
Long live the desert boot hey! :D
I saw an old greaser wearing a pair of the old beige multi-panelled type recently, I thought they looked great. Must have been his Sunday best as they still looked in good condition, hehe.
I guess they were probably Rossi. I’d like to see them make a normal black suede boot as well, like someone else said previously. Seriously, no one over 25 should be wearing Ripples.
Comment by Mitch — October 25, 2009 @ 9:12 am
Johnson shoes in Singleton NSW Aussie were stocking the 3/4 desert boots and now are running out of stock. I have now got my son interested in a pair only to find I have to wait to see if they can chase a pair of size nine for him.
Second generation desert boot family.
Cheers
Comment by Darren Gill — December 2, 2009 @ 2:52 am
Given up waiting for Clarks to come to Australia and bought a pair of Hush Puppies DB’s (mens) currently in Myers, black & original only. Currently on sale for only $70. Usually $100.
Himself (the family shoe sceptic) so taken with them, he’s off tomorrow to get himself a pair.
Comment by Deb — March 11, 2010 @ 3:52 pm
Hey DEB,
Which Myers is that? What colour is original??
Comment by Kaz — March 13, 2010 @ 2:20 pm
Yeah I saw the Hush Puppies last week – they come in Black, Sand and Marron? which is kinda beige.
They look OK and have the crepe sole by the looks of things but damn, that suede is mighty thin and no toe box.
Comment by suedehead — April 18, 2010 @ 4:05 pm
I saw the Hush puppies desert boot, what a disappointment compared to the Clarks desert boot. Go to ebay for your best chance at getting the best of Clarks and check the video Vybez Kartel Clarkes music video.
Comment by red sean — April 25, 2010 @ 10:27 am
Wow, a whole thread dedicated to what I have been looking for this week, BD’s.
Tried on Hush Puppies at Myer on special for $70 but the left size 7 was a tad short for me (my left foot is tad longer than right) and the 8’s a real loose, so didn’t buy. Need a generuosly long fit and not wide. Italian shoes always fit me.
(Problem with little feat is one size up is a huge gap, same with bloody jeans, 32 to 34 is huge when you want a 33 and have no bumm (so 34 is baggy too), so must buy expensive Levis etc, as none others do mid size.)
Saw some beige cheepies in Target but not my size and no other store had them. Batsanis made some late last century but they did fall apart in the end, suede to thin.
The Rossis look the go, but hard to find as I must try them on first. No doubt on quality, always been a great Aussie brand and product.
Comment by jarno_au — May 16, 2010 @ 11:07 pm
K Mart in sand $25!! Cannot be beat
Comment by Opobrium — May 23, 2010 @ 10:26 am
These Ankle Boots are everything the add boasts. I had heel surgery last year and did not know if I would be able to wear these. They are extremely comfortable and sizing is accurate. Very nice styling, i am able to wear these boots.
http://anklebootshub.com/
Comment by Samara — July 12, 2010 @ 10:21 am