Clarks was founded back in 1825 by brothers Cyrus and James Clarks. The company, based in Somerset UK, is the world's leading brand for «everyday footwear».
Nathan Clark, great-grandson of James, discovered the «Desert Boots» during his service in World War II in Burma and India. There, soldiers from South Africa wore Chukka-like boots. The Desert Boots were very popular with the soldiers because they were more comfortable than military boots.
Back in England, however, his idea had a rough start. The decision-makers in the company were convinced that such shoes could not be sold. However, through a series of detours, the boots became popular around the world and have become a style icon, accounting for much of Clarks success.