Clarks Boat Shoes: What Leather Makes Them?

Clarks is a British footwear manufacturer and retailer that was founded in 1825 by Cyrus Clark in Somerset, England. The brand has since expanded internationally, with stores in the UK, Ireland, the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. Clarks uses a variety of materials for its shoes, including leather, suede, and textiles. The type of leather used by Clarks for its boat shoes will be the focus of this discussion.

Clarks uses by-product leather from the food industry

Clarks is a British footwear manufacturer and retailer founded in 1825 by Cyrus Clark in Somerset, England. The company has been producing some of the UK's finest shoes for almost two centuries and is known for using high-quality materials that ensure durability and style.

Clarks uses leather from the very beginning of its journey in crafting shoes. The company values leather for its incredible natural properties, believing it to be the most conscious choice for reducing the footwear industry's resource use and environmental impact.

Clarks is committed to sustainability and responsible leather manufacturing. As a founding member of the Leather Working Group (LWG), Clarks upholds stringent environmental, animal welfare, and supply chain policies. Notably, Clarks only uses by-product leather from the food industry, ensuring that no part of an animal goes to waste. This ethical approach to leather sourcing is a key aspect of Clarks' sustainability efforts, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.

The leather used by Clarks is sourced from reputable tanners, ensuring that the hides are a by-product of the food industry. This commitment to using by-product leather is in line with Clarks' values and demonstrates its dedication to making conscious choices throughout its supply chain.

Clarks' use of by-product leather from the food industry is a testament to its sustainability and ethical practices. By utilizing what would otherwise be waste, Clarks reduces its environmental footprint while still delivering durable and stylish footwear to its customers. This approach aligns with Clarks' history of innovation and responsibility, ensuring that the company remains a leader in the industry.

In addition to its commitment to using by-product leather, Clarks also offers a range of non-leather alternatives for customers who prefer to avoid animal-derived products. The company provides shoes made from textiles and synthetic leathers, demonstrating its dedication to inclusivity and meeting the diverse values and beliefs of its customers.

The company is a founding member of the Leather Working Group

Clarks has been producing some of the UK's finest shoes for almost two centuries. The brand is renowned for using high-quality materials that ensure durability and style. Leather is a key raw material for Clarks, and the company is committed to supporting responsible leather manufacturing across the globe.

Clarks is a founding member of the Leather Working Group (LWG), an independent collective that ensures tanneries around the world are assessed to a common set of standards and promotes sustainable environmental and business practices within the leather industry. The LWG was first formed in 2005 as a collaborative initiative between footwear, apparel, and upholstery brands and leather manufacturers. Today, it is the world's largest leather industry-specific stakeholder organisation, representing over 2000 stakeholders in over 60 countries.

Clarks' membership in the LWG demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. The company only uses by-product leather from the food industry, which would otherwise end up as waste. Clarks also holds its suppliers to stringent environmental, animal welfare, and supply chain policies.

The LWG offers audit standards to assess manufacturers within the leather supply chain, ensuring social responsibility and best practices in the procurement, use, storage, and disposal of chemical substances. The group is dedicated to reducing the impact of the leather industry and driving transformational change.

Clarks' involvement in the LWG aligns with its overall sustainability goals. The company works with reputable tanners and sources leather from tanneries that have achieved industry-leading environmental standards. Clarks is proud that over 90% of the leather it specifies for its footwear is sourced from tanneries with bronze, silver, or gold certification against the LWG Environmental Stewardship Protocol.

Clarks sources leather from tanneries with high environmental standards

Clarks is committed to supporting responsible leather manufacturing across the globe. The company is a founding member of the Leather Working Group (LWG), a global multi-stakeholder, member-led non-profit organisation. The LWG is dedicated to driving excellence in the leather industry, minimising the environmental impact of leather production, and challenging industry perceptions.

Clarks works closely with reputable tanners and holds its suppliers accountable to its policies. The company understands the importance of transparency in its supply chain and is committed to continuous improvement in this area. Clarks also offers a range of non-leather shoes made from textiles and synthetic materials for customers who prefer to avoid animal-derived products.

The use of leather in Clarks shoes is a conscious choice, as the company believes it is the most sustainable option. Leather is a durable and long-lasting material, and buying shoes that last contributes to reducing the footwear industry's environmental impact. Leather is also easy to care for and repair, and it ages beautifully, improving over time. As a natural material, leather allows the skin to breathe and shapes to the feet for a comfortable and individual fit.

The leather is durable, comfortable, and ages beautifully

Clarks has been producing some of the UK's finest shoes for almost two centuries. The brand was founded in 1825 by brothers Cyrus and James Clark in Somerset, England. Since its inception, Clarks has been committed to using materials they believe in. This includes leather, which is renowned for its durability, comfort, and ability to age beautifully.

Leather is a key raw material for Clarks, and the company prioritises sustainability in its sourcing. They only use by-product leather from the food industry, ensuring that no animal hides are sourced from farms involved in deforestation. Clarks is also a founding member of the Leather Working Group (LWG), a global organisation dedicated to driving excellence and sustainability in the leather industry. Over 90% of the leather specified for Clarks footwear is sourced from tanneries with environmental certifications.

The benefits of leather for footwear are numerous. Leather is naturally durable and long-lasting, making it a wise investment. It is also easy to care for and repair, ensuring that shoes can be enjoyed for many years. Additionally, leather ages gracefully, developing a beautiful patina over time.

Leather is also renowned for its comfort. As a natural material, leather allows the skin to breathe, keeping feet comfortable and healthy. It is also flexible and moulds to the shape of the wearer's feet over time, providing a personalised and feel-good fit. This makes Clarks shoes exceptionally comfortable, even during extended wear.

In conclusion, the leather used in Clarks boat shoes is carefully selected to ensure durability, comfort, and a beautiful ageing process. Clarks' commitment to sustainability and high-quality materials makes their shoes a wise investment for those seeking long-lasting and comfortable footwear.

Clarks also offers non-leather materials for its shoes

Clarks has been producing some of the UK's finest shoes for almost two centuries. The brand is renowned for using high-quality materials that ensure durability and style, with leather being a key raw material. However, Clarks also offers a variety of shoes in non-leather materials, catering to customers who wish to avoid animal-derived products.

Clarks recognises the importance of providing options that align with the beliefs and values of its diverse customer base. For those who prefer non-leather alternatives, Clarks offers a range of textiles and synthetic leathers. These materials provide breathability and versatility in different weather conditions, ensuring that comfort and functionality remain uncompromised.

The brand's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices is evident in its Vegan and Vegetarian Icon Collection. This collection features the iconic Desert Boot and cult classic Wallabee, crafted with vegan-friendly uppers, linings, and Forest Stewardship Council®-certified rubber crepe soles. By utilising non-animal derivative materials, Clarks delivers original style without compromising its values.

In addition to its vegan and vegetarian offerings, Clarks also takes into account specific leather types that some customers may wish to avoid. For example, the brand understands that some individuals may prefer to avoid pig skin leather. Clarks' dedication to inclusivity and respect for varying beliefs and values is reflected in its diverse range of products, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Clarks' non-leather materials, such as textiles, offer breathability and comfort while also contributing to the brand's sustainability efforts. By using materials that are recycled or easily recyclable, Clarks minimises its environmental impact and promotes responsible practices throughout its supply chain. The brand's commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by its involvement in the Leather Working Group, which promotes sustainable and environmentally appropriate business practices within the leather industry.

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