Shoe Brand Age Comparison Tool
Check Shoe Brand Age
The oldest shoe brand in the world isn't a flashy new sneaker company with viral TikTok ads. It's a quiet, family-run workshop that’s been making shoes since before the American Revolution. That brand is Hush Puppies-wait, no. Actually, it’s Church's a British shoemaker founded in 1873 in Northampton, England, known for hand-stitched leather footwear. But even Church's isn’t the oldest.
The real answer? Clarks a UK-based footwear company established in 1825 in Street, Somerset, England, by brothers Cyrus and James Clark.
Back in the early 1800s, shoes weren’t mass-produced. They were made one pair at a time by local cobblers. The Clark brothers started out selling sheepskin slippers door-to-door. Their first big break came when they noticed how comfortable their slippers were compared to stiff leather shoes. They began experimenting with cushioned soles made from wool and rubber. That innovation-comfort-became their trademark. By 1840, they opened their first factory. By 1860, they were exporting to the U.S. and Canada. Today, Clarks still makes shoes in the same town where it started, and it’s still family-owned in spirit, even if it’s now part of a larger group.
Why Clarks Holds the Title
Some might argue that French or Italian brands like Eram or Salvatore Ferragamo are older. But Ferragamo was founded in 1927. Eram, a French brand, began in 1907. Neither comes close. Even Red Wing an American workboot brand founded in 1905 in Minnesota came decades later. Clarks predates them all by over 50 years.
What makes Clarks unique isn’t just its age-it’s continuity. While other old brands faded or changed names, Clarks never stopped making shoes. During World War II, they shifted production to military boots but kept their design language. In the 1950s, they launched the iconic Desert Boot, made from suede and crepe rubber. It became a global hit, worn by everyone from jazz musicians to college students. Even today, the Desert Boot is one of their top sellers.
How Other Old Brands Compare
There are other historic names in footwear, but none match Clarks’ unbroken lineage.
- John Lobb a British bespoke shoemaker founded in 1849, later acquired by Louis Vuitton
- Geox an Italian brand known for breathable soles, founded in 1995
- Dr. Martens a British workwear brand launched in 1960, inspired by German boots
- Brooks an American running shoe company started in 1914
John Lobb is older than Dr. Martens and Brooks, but it’s a luxury custom maker, not a mass-market brand. Clarks was the first to combine craftsmanship with scalable production. They didn’t just make shoes for the rich-they made them for everyone.
What Makes a Shoe Brand "Oldest"?
Not every old company counts. Some brands claim ancient roots but rebranded, merged, or stopped production for decades. Clarks never did. They’ve been continuously operating since 1825. That’s over 200 years of making shoes without a single year off.
Also, "shoe brand" here means a company that designs, produces, and sells footwear under its own name. That rules out cobblers who worked for others, or factories that made shoes for unknown retailers. Clarks owned its name, its factory, and its distribution from day one.
Even today, their shoes carry the same attention to detail. The soles are still made with crepe rubber. The lasts (the wooden molds shaped like feet) are still carved by hand. And every pair still goes through 200+ production steps.
Why It Matters Today
In a world of fast fashion and disposable sneakers, Clarks stands out because it proves longevity isn’t about marketing. It’s about quality. People still buy Clarks not because they’re trendy, but because they last. A pair of Clarks Desert Boots can easily last 10 years if cared for. That’s more than most brands can claim.
They’ve survived economic crashes, changing trends, and the rise of athletic footwear. When running shoes exploded in the 1980s, Clarks didn’t chase the trend-they doubled down on comfort and fit. Their research team still studies foot shape and gait patterns. Their 2023 collection includes shoes designed for people with diabetes, a niche few brands even consider.
Clarks didn’t become the oldest shoe brand by accident. It was built on three things: listening to customers, sticking to good materials, and refusing to cut corners. That’s why, even in 2025, you’ll find Clarks shoes in stores from Tokyo to Toronto.
What to Look For in Heritage Footwear
If you’re looking to buy a pair of shoes with real history, here’s what to check:
- Manufacturing location-Clarks still makes some models in England and Portugal. Shoes made in these places carry higher craftsmanship standards.
- Materials-Real leather, crepe soles, and stitched construction are signs of quality. Avoid glued soles if you want longevity.
- Model history-The Desert Boot, Wallabee, and Arklow are all originals from the 1950s-60s. These haven’t changed much in 60 years.
- Warranty-Clarks offers a 12-month guarantee. Most fast-fashion brands don’t even offer repairs.
These aren’t just shoes. They’re heirlooms. A pair of Clarks can be passed down. Grandparents buy them for grandchildren. Parents buy them for kids who outgrow them. That’s the kind of legacy you don’t get from a $30 pair bought online.
Where to Find Authentic Clarks Today
You won’t find Clarks in discount bins. They’re sold in department stores, their own boutiques, and authorized online retailers. Avoid third-party marketplaces like Amazon or eBay unless you’re sure of the seller. Counterfeit Clarks exist-often with fake logos and poor stitching.
The best place to start? Visit a Clarks store if you can. Try on a pair of Desert Boots in your size. Walk around. Feel the cushioning. Notice how the sole bends naturally with your foot. That’s the difference 200 years of refinement makes.
Is Clarks the oldest shoe brand still in operation?
Yes. Founded in 1825 in Street, England, Clarks has been continuously producing footwear under the same brand name for nearly 200 years. No other major footwear brand has operated this long without interruption.
What was the first shoe Clarks ever made?
The first product was a sheepskin slipper, made in 1825 by brothers Cyrus and James Clark. They sold them door-to-door before opening their first factory in 1840.
Are Clarks shoes made in the UK today?
Some are. Clarks still produces a small collection of premium shoes in its factory in Street, England. Most production has moved to Portugal and India for scalability, but the design and quality control remain rooted in the UK.
How do Clarks compare to Red Wing or Dr. Martens?
Clarks is older than both. Red Wing started in 1905, Dr. Martens in 1960. Clarks pioneered comfort-focused footwear for everyday wear, while Red Wing focused on work boots and Dr. Martens on rebellious style. All three are heritage brands, but only Clarks has maintained continuous production since the 1820s.
Why are Clarks shoes more expensive than other brands?
They use higher-grade leather, hand-finished details, and more labor-intensive construction methods. A pair of Clarks Desert Boots involves over 200 production steps. While cheaper brands use glue and synthetic materials, Clarks still uses stitching and natural soles-making them last longer and worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
The oldest shoe brand isn’t the loudest. It’s the one that kept showing up, year after year, making shoes that fit real feet. Clarks didn’t need influencers or viral campaigns. They just kept doing the work. And that’s why, 200 years later, people still trust them.
If you want shoes that last, that feel good, and that carry history in every stitch-look beyond the latest hype. Start with the original.