Are you searching for a casual style desert boot but aren’t quite sure how they will fit? We can help with the best Clarks desert boots sizing guide.
These leather boots have a crepe sole and were first produced in the 1950s. The design was based on boots worn by officers in the Second World War when they were off duty. Believed to have come from bazaars (the equivalent of our malls) in Cairo, Egypt, their design has not changed to this day.
Let’s take a look at their sizing and how you can make sure you get a good fit.
Clarks Sizing Guide
These boots are described by some as the most comfortable boots they have ever worn. Just like any other boots, though, having the right size will make sure they fit comfortably.
Clarks have a detailed sizing guide for their shoes and boots. They also have a feature on their product details to find your true fit for these boots. You enter your foot measurements and a few other details, and Clarks recommends the right size for you.
The boots come in men’s, women’s and children’s sizes, and in a variety of leather uppers. Both adult versions are only available in medium width fitting. The children’s styles offer medium and wide fittings.
Clarks recommends that you measure your feet to ascertain your correct size.
Measuring Your Feet as Recommended by Clarks
The manufacturer suggests that, to obtain your foot size, you should follow these steps:
- Stand barefoot with your heel against the wall or a vertically straight surface.
- The floor you stand on should also be flat.
- A ruler should be placed at the side of your foot, touching the wall or straight edge.
- Measure your foot, from your heel to the tip of your longest toe.
Pro Tip
Although it’s often assumed, your big toe might not be the longest one. Some people have a longer second or third toe.
How Should Clarks Desert Boots Fit?
These boots have an 11-inch shaft, and laces with four eyelets. The positioning of the laces is over the instep, which will help to hold your heel in the boots.
The boots should feel close fitting but not be tight. There needs to be room for movement at the toes, and they should not feel cramped, or be squashed against the front of the boots.
Tips to Ensure Clarks Desert Boots Fit Properly
When you try on Clarks desert boots, there are a few things you can do to make sure they will be comfortable after you buy them. These include:
- Wear the socks you intend to use with your desert boots. The sock thickness can affect how the boots fit.
- If your podiatrist has given you an orthotic, take it with you and put it in the boots.
- Likewise, if you use insoles, make sure you put them in the boots before you try them on.
- Lace the boots up and give them a test drive. Take a walk about, and make sure they flex in the right place. This should be at the ball of the foot.
- Make sure your toes have room to maneuver. They should not hit the front of the boot, or feel pinched by the sides of the boot.
- Your heels should sit comfortably in the boots and not slide out at all.
Pro Tips
Although these boots may stretch a little with wear, this will be minimal. Don’t be tempted to buy boots that are tight in the hope they will get bigger.
Feet tend to be larger at the end of the day. They can swell from walking around all day. This could, therefore, be the best time to try on boots to get a true fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Clarks Desert Boots Run True to Size?
The jury seems to be out on this one. Some find they run about a half size too big, while others find they are true to size. The best thing you can do is to try on your normal size as well as a half size down, and see which fits best. If you’re ordering online, make sure you can return them and buy one in each size, returning the ones that don’t fit.
I Find the Soles of My Clarks Desert Boots Very Flat—Can I Compensate for This?
You can use shaped insoles inside your boots, which will help support your arches and relieve that feeling of flatness. Try some like these from Snapsmile, which can be easily trimmed to fit your boots. They help hold your foot in the right position to relieve foot pain and fatigue.
My Feet Are Two Different Sizes, Which Size Should I Buy?
Follow the size of your larger foot. If you go with the smaller one, then you risk one boot being too tight. Although an expensive solution, you could buy two pairs of boots in both sizes and use the ones that correctly fit each foot.
Alternatively, use a padded insole inside the boot on the smaller foot. Something like this one from Happy Step could take up the slack.
Sizing It Up
Desert boots are a versatile addition to any wardrobe. They are casual boots that can be worn all year round, and you can dress them up or dress them down. Put them on with a suit for work, or wear them with shorts on the weekend.
Making sure the boots fit properly will mean years of comfortable wear. Take your time to make sure you buy the right size for your feet. Remember to check for that wiggle room at the toes and no slippage at the heel.
This video gives you a full review of Clarks desert boots.
We hope you found our guide to Clarks desert boot sizing enjoyable and useful. Do you own some Clarks desert boots and have any insights you would like to share? Leave us a comment.
Please don’t forget to share with others too, so they can benefit from our tips as well.
