This is a Clarks sizing and fit guide. Some types of Clarks can run a little big, while other styles fit true-to-size. Quickly, here’s what you need to know about some of the their most popular styles:
- Clarks Originals Men’s Desert Boot – This is one of the boots Clarks is most famous for. Classic chukka style made with premium leather and a crepe sole. I’ve worn these Clarks Desert Boots off and on for years. I personally order a half size down.
- Clarks Bushacre 2 Chukka Boots – These boots are also very popular because they are very similar to the Desert Boots. The main difference here is these boots have a synthetic sole instead of the crepe sole. These will provide a little more grip. I size down a half size.
- Clarks Cotrell Slip-on Shoes – Lightweight business casual loafer. This is one of the most comfortable slip-on loafers I’ve ever worn. It provides a very comfortable, unique feeling right under the heel of the foot. Almost a little bit of a spongy feeling when the heel lands. Great office shoe. These fit true to size for me.
- Clarks Cotrell Edge Oxford – These are very similar to the Cotrell loafers we just discussed, only this is the lace-up oxford version. Still has that awesome, ultra comfortable feeling under the heel when the foot lands. Another nice business casual option. These fit true to size in my experience.
- Clarks Tilden Cap Oxford – These are more of a business professional type oxford. They also have that soft cushion ortholite footbed that makes them easy to wear all day. I like the stretch panels near the top which makes the shoe flexible around the collar. True-to-size.
In this article we are going to focus on Clarks sizing using some photos of the shoes that I have owned. I have worn the Desert Boots off and on for 5+ years.
Clarks Sizing
As I mentioned at the top, Clarks sizing (in my experience) can vary depending what style of shoe you purchase. Some styles run big while others fit true to size.
In general, I have found Clarks chukka boots to run about a half size too big, but Clarks loafers and oxfords have fit true-to-size. Again, this is just my general Clarks sizing tip, that I have found based on personal experience. But it can vary style to style.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular types of Clarks shoes and use photos of the shoes I own.
Clarks Desert Boot Sizing
Clarks Desert Boots are perhaps their most famous type of men’s shoe. These are chukka style boots that can work both as casual boots and as office boots.
Here’s a look at my Clark’s Desert Boots:
How Do Clarks Desert Boots Fit?
In my experience, Clarks Desert Boots run about a half size too big. I personally had to size down. This was also the case for the Clarks Bushacre 2 boots, which are very similar to the Clarks Desert Boots (are chukka boots good for snow?).
Are Clarks Desert Boots Comfortable?
I find these boots to be very comfortable. I personally like the crepe sole and think it adds some cushion to my step.
Remember, crepe soles won’t offer the same type of grip as synthetic soles. If you are worried about grip, perhaps trying the Clarks Bushacre 2 boots would be better (synthetic sole).
How Long do Clarks Desert Boots Last?
I wear my Desert Boots a lot (because I like them). After about a year and a half the crepe sole really starts to wear to the point that I notice the boots aren’t as comfortable as they once were.
About that same time frame I’ll also start to notice the top of the boots start to lose some of their shape.
Overall though, I wear these boots a lot. If you only plan to wear yours off and on, you can probably get 3-5 years of extended use out of the Desert boots, if you treat them right. To read more, visit our article How Long Do Clarks Desert Boots Last?
Clarks Cotrell Loafers Sizing
The Clarks Cotrell Loafers are a popular type of business casual loafer that is very comfortable and easy to wear. These are slip-on shoes, made with leather uppers, and synthetic soles.
How Do Clarks Cotrell Slip-On Loafers fit?
As I mentioned earlier, in my experience, Clarks sizing can vary depending on style. For me, I have noticed their chukka boots run about a half size too big, but their oxfords and loafers run true to size.
Obviously, every foot is unique and every person is unique, but those sizing differences are what I personally have noticed. In my experience, these Clarks Cotrell Loafers fit true to size.
One thing I really like about these loafers is they are insanely comfortable under the heel. There is a spongy feeling when the heel lands and it makes these shoes very easy to walk in, and stand in.
They also have a stretch panel up near the front collar of the shoe. This adds comfort and flexibility and helps the loafer sort of conform to the shape of your foot.
And another thing that makes these shoes very easy to wear for a day of work, is they are very lightweight. I wear a size 12. My size 12 shoes weigh less than a pound:
Overall, these are great office shoes for those of you who prefer a lightweight, comfortable slip-on. They blend in nicely with both khakis and jeans.
Here’s a look at mine:
