To begin a series of features on our beloved Desert Trek, here’s an introduction to the how the legend started…
Based on a style discovered in Holland by the wife of an acclaimed abstract artist, refined under the watchful eye of Lance Clark in Ireland, and originally named ‘Six Toes’, the genesis of Desert Trek is almost as unusual as its design. Combining Clarks’ signature nature form last shape with a classic crepe sole and a raised centre seam, after its launch production in the USA alone went from 400 to 4000 pairs in just six months. And it wasn’t only the distinctive styling that proved to be popular. For millions, the oil crisis of the early 1970s meant leaving the car at home and walking. Comfortable shoes were called for and
Desert Trek was the answer. Untouched by the passage of time, except for the occasional addition of a new colour or finish, Desert Trek approaches its fourth decade as popular
today as it’s ever been.

The 40th birthday Desert Treks have been inspired by the original 1970s design and will be available in vintage leathers featuring a special version of our iconic Trek Man. 

Until their arrival… check out our current SS12 Desert Treks here and read what Proper Magazine’s article had to say on our AW12 collection here.

Independent stores across the world’s great cities from Rio de Janeiro, LA and Tokyo, to Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin (to name a few) opened their doors to eagerly waiting music fans and collectors.

With no exception, small record shops all over London were bursting at the seams with special vinyl releases in all forms. As some keen record collectors camped outside awaiting doors to open at 8am, we hit the streets bright and early to get involved. First stop was Portobello and at 8am the queues were already well formed around corners and down the streets. Among the crowds at Rough Trade West we spotted The Heartbreaks, who were there to see their specially released first album Funtimes in all its vinyl glory.

The band (confessed Clarks Originals fans) chose to sport Desert Boots and Treks for the day’s adventures. So, with a mission to invite fans and anyone willing, the four mischievous lads took us around the city on their big red double decker, performing at record stores all over town.
Watch out for up and coming Funtimes gigs here.

1.What did it feel like to win the competition?
It was a great feeling, totally unexpected.

2. What was the highlight of the tour?
The last track 'Whirring' when they decided to trash their instruments, they always string that track out but that was the best end I’ve seen to a gig in a long time, what a way to end the tour.

3. Which was your favourite gig and venue?
Probably the first night in Manchester. Victoria Baths was just a great location. The echo from when the band did their acoustic campfire session was just incredible. Considering they were playing huge venues across the states with the Foo Fighters not long before this, it really did feel like a truly memorable one-off experience. I loved hearing the new track 'Silent Treatment' in that setting.

4. What is your best piece of footage?
I'd have to say walking into Victoria Baths on the first night, and getting a sense of what Clarks Originals had put together. It just looked like the start of three completely unique gigs - and it was!

5. Would you go on tour again?
Definitely, I actually just got off a separate tour last week!

6. Was there anything you wished you'd filmed but didn't?
I would've liked to film a few more of the encounters with the band - most notably casually bumping into the drummer Matt at a takeaway after the show. They're a fan of cheesy chips incase you were wondering.

7. What were the band like to interview?
Yeah great, they were really receptive and I had a great time talking to them. Although I had some questions pre-planned, it just flowed into a casual conversation at times. Those are the best kind of interviews in my opinion.

Koji

1. What did it feel like to win the competition?
I just could not believe my eyes. I've finally won the miraculous chance for join the tour with a proper rock band. I said Ohhhh YEAHHHH

2. Did you meet the band?
I talked with band after the final show in London. They are great musicians and create a fun atmosphere, although sometimes I got the impression of loneliness from a long tour and recording. That may be the fate of great musicians.

3. Which was your favourite gig and venue?
I really loved watching the gig in the swimming pool at Victoria Baths in Manchester; construction of Europe and Asia is completely different from Japanese. The historical space made a brilliant atmosphere for a mini camp fire. This was one amazing night taking place at a venue I will never get the chance to go to again. All in all, fantastic.

4. What did you think of Clarks Orignals and The Joy Formidable working together?
Naturally they were fit for the style of the Clarks Originals, I think that they are really creative people and musicians. Ska, reggae, punk and rock, clearly they are true musicians of this age.

5. What is your best piece of footage?
I like the interview footage with them, as everyone is unique.

6. Would you do it again?
If I can get the chance I would love to join the tour again.

7. What did you talk to the band about when you interviewed them?
They toured in Japan couple of years ago so we talked about the experiences for me at that time.
The band's first Album " The Big Roar" which included the track seven called "Maruyama", they visited the Maruyama shrines in Kyoto, Japan. The melody is similar to traditional Japanese sound.

Andrea

1. What did it feel like to win the competition?
It was a big and unexpected surprise. I couldn't quite believe it when I first received the "you're a winner" e-mail.

2. What was the highlight of the tour?
Definitely the after-concert parties with the band and all the crew. It was so nice getting to know the band, chatting a while with them and getting to know some of their friends - while their music was still ringing in my ears.

3. Which was your favourite gig and venue?
Manchester for sure. The venue was simply awesome and the acoustics there were captivating and powerful. Also, it was the first time I got to see the TJF live, something I am not likely to forget in a while!

4. Did you think Clarks Originals and the joy formidable were a good fit together?
Yes they were. The tour was very well organised and the people from Clarks Originals I met were really nice and you could see they loved good music just like us.

5. What is your best piece of footage?
When I'm playing the hoodie in a Bristol alley, speaking about the concert we've just seen.

6. Would you go on tour again?
The answer is a big YES.

7. Was there anything you wished you'd filmed but didn't?
Maybe I should have recorded the after-concert parties some more, but I was so busy having a great time and drinking beer...

8. What were the band like to interview?
I was a bit nervous at the beginning, but they were very nice and so, after 30 seconds, it was like I was speaking with some friends of mine. Another big emotion!

There are 8 glorious shots so use the arrows in the top right to mosey on through the collection.

Follow Ravi on Twitter and Tumblr
 

Skating over several musical genres, The Joy Formidable are a hard band to classify, which makes them a perfect pairing with Clarks Originals, a unique brand which plays up to individuality throughout it's rich history in music. The Originals tour played up to this - unique venues filled with a unique sound giving the audience a unique experience. But it wasn't just those who won tickets who had an unique experience, Originals offered three rockumentary makers from around the world the chance to capture their experiences on camera. Here's what they say.

What was it like at the start of the tour?
Rhydian: It was great to be back in Manchester, we always have a good time there. It felt like we hadn't done anything acoustic for a while, or got really close to the audience, which was amazing.
Ritzy: Playing acoustically was really exciting, and playing our new songs was really exciting too. You always get the creative itch, and being able to share it was great.

What's your creative process like?
Rhydian: The songs come together in a variety of ways, we let the meaning dictate that process. We might be on the road and just grab a dictaphone, or we might be jamming on guitars. We try to keep it varied.

Which do you prefer, playing live or being in the studio?
Rhydian: There's not one more important than the other, we love experimenting with production and the sounds, and the visuals. Live has always been a big part of the band too, but being in a band isn't just about being on stage.

How much does your personal style bleed into your music?
Ritzy: It's nice to have a style and it's nice for that to be part of who you are but the minute that over takes the things that are more important, the creative side... there's a lot of style over substance, but I think your style should be easy and you shouldn't be too conscious about it.
Rhydian: It's about the music at the end of the day.

How do you pack when you go on tour?
Ritzy: I normally have the lightest. We call X's suitcase the bodybag. It's so well packed.
Justin: It's very ordered. But I need a lot of clothes because I sweat a lot while I drum.
Rhydian: It was easy to pack for the Clarks Originals Tour.

Which gig was the most exciting for you?
Rhydian: Just having the variety was great.
Ritzy: All of the places had meaning to us too - whether they were places our families were from or where we had lived.

What was it like working with Clarks Originals?
Ritzy: We loved the secretive element of the gigs, that people didn't know the locations till the last minute, it was exciting and anything that mixes stuff up a bit is brilliant. Without them we would still be in the studio instead of connecting with our fans like this, which at the end of the day, is what it all boils down to.

In today’s scene where the fashion and music landscape is forever evolving with new beats, new artists and new fashions that constantly challenge stereotypes and boundaries, only very few survive. Clarks Originals is one of those timeless brands that despite peoples ever changing tastes, they transcend decades to remain uber-cool whether you’re six or sixty and everything in between. 

Attracting a catalogue of celebrities from the music and fashion crowd, Clarks Originals have positioned themselves as the top comfort shoe of choice from the mod of the 60s and 70s, the hiphop crews of the 80s, house fans of the 90s to today’s Britpop crowd and fashionistas; their geek chic edge maintaining a certain love affair about it.  Famed for being the brainchild of the Desert Boot, Originals ticks the boxes for shoes that are as comfortable teamed with a deconstructed jacket and jeans as they are with baggy shorts and tees, the perfect formula for a cult brand that’s here to stay.

See our exclusive behind the scenes footage from the OriginalsLIVE gigs with The Joy Formidable through Manchester, Bristol and London!