I recently rediscovered Clarks Dress Shoes (for men) by purchasing a a pair of like-new black leather showroom samples on eBay . This is my second time purchasing Clarks. The first was a pair of casually-styled Clark’s shoes I owned some years ago. That original pair proved to be the most durable and hard-wearing rubber-soled shoes I’ve ever owned. Does this new pair combine classic ‘dress shoe’ good looks with Clarks’ legendary durability? Read on to find out!
My Clarks Dress Shoes (Thrifted) Review
I prefer rubber-soled dress shoes over leather Goodyear-welted shoes for everything but the most formal occasions. Rubber-soled shoes can offer athletic-shoe-like comfort for all-day wear. The challenge is finding a pair of rubber-soled dress shoes that look as good as their Goodyear-welted equivalents. This has become more of a challenge as business dress codes have relaxed. Rockport, long my favorite source of comfortable rubber-soled shoes, has fewer choices of late in their lineup that mimic traditional dress shoe styles. This is where the current line-up of Clark’s dress shoes stand out. They offer a wide range of classic shoe styles that pair well with suits and sport coats.
- Comfort and Material Quality: The shoes should feature high-quality materials, such as full-grain leather uppers and leather linings, which are known for durability and comfort. The use of a polyurethane sole is essential for those looking for the athletic shoe-like comfort, as it offers flexibility and long-lasting wear without the heaviness or rigidity sometimes found in traditional leather-soled shoes.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Sleek styling that mimics classic dress shoe designs is vital. The shoes should avoid the common pitfalls of rubber-soled shoes, such as bulky silhouettes or overly casual appearances, ensuring they remain appropriate for a wide range of occasions, from business meetings to semi-formal events.
- Durability: The longevity of the sole and the resistance of the upper material to wear and creasing are significant factors. Shoes that can endure considerable wear, especially on hard surfaces like pavement, without showing significant signs of wear, offer exceptional value.
- Care and Maintenance: The ability of the shoes to polish well and maintain their appearance with regular care is important. Products like Tarrago cream shoe polish and Saphir Mirror Gloss, along with tools such as a vintage electric shoe polisher and cedar shoe trees, should be effective in keeping the shoes looking their best. Additionally, the option to add protective measures like rubber toe plates can further extend the lifespan of the shoes.
- Brand Heritage and Style Range: A brand with a history of crafting quality footwear and a wide range of styles that cater to traditional and modern tastes alike can be a good indicator of overall satisfaction. The brand should offer designs that seamlessly complement formal attire, such as suits and sport coats, without veering into overly casual territory.