Who invented clarks shoes?
Clarks Shoes Pair of children’s shoes made from leather and elasticated cotton, Clark’s shoes, about 1850. Museum no. B.212-1996 (click image for larger version) These shoes were made by the company now known as Clarks. They are made from black leather and elasticated cotton which stretches across the top of the foot to give more comfort. It also helps to hold the shoe on the foot and avoids the use of laces which can become knotted, or cause a child to trip. Clarks started off as a small company in a Somerset village in 1825 when two brothers, Cyrus and James Clark, started tanning sheepskins for rugs. Clarks soon turned their skills to making leather shoes when they bought newly invented Singer sewing machines. By the 1880s they were well known for producing high quality, comfortable shoes. They were one of the first manufacturers to use the different shape for the left and right foot which is now normal practice. However, these shoes are ‘straights’ – they are earlier in date and ea
