Clarks shoes

Clarks, formally known as C. & J. Clark International Ltd, is a legendary British footwear brand founded in 1825 by brothers Cyrus and James Clark in Street, Somerset, England. The brand gained international fame for its innovative designs, most notably the iconic Desert Boot launched in 1950 and the casual Wallabee.

Historically, Clarks manufactured its products in the United Kingdom; however, in 2005, the company shuttered its last remaining UK factory to move production entirely overseas to remain competitive. Today, the manufacturing process is distributed across multiple countries, including Vietnam, India, China, and Cambodia, where specialized factories produce their diverse range of leather and textile footwear.

In early 2021, the brand underwent a significant ownership shift. After nearly two centuries of being majority-owned by the Clark family, the Hong Kong-based private equity firm LionRock Capital acquired a majority stake in the company. This acquisition was supported by Viva China Holdings Limited (now known as Viva Selection Limited), which is controlled by Olympic gymnast Li Ning. This transition has provided the capital necessary for the brand to expand its presence in the Asian market while maintaining its heritage design roots in the UK.