Clarks in Jamaica tells the story of the phenomenal popularity of Clarks shoes in Jamaica – from their initial journey from the quiet village of Somerset to the West Indies one hundred years ago, through to their adoption as the rudeboy and Rasta shoe of choice during the 1960s, and the filtering of this popularity into reggae and dancehall song lyrics. Featuring current and historic photographs, new interviews and never-before-seen material from the Clarks archive, particular focus is on the Jamaican singers, producers and musicians who have worn and sung about Clarks shoes throughout the years, including Little John, Vybz Kartel, Popcaan, Jah Thomas, Henry “Junjo” Lawes, Trinity and many more.

In the words of Jamaican producer Bunny “Striker” Lee: “From ever since, Clarks is a number one shoe inna Jamaica. Not just now, I’m talking from the 1950s come right up… Clarks stand the test of time inna Jamaica. All other shoes come and bow down at Clarks’ Foot. ”

Written and designed by Al Fingers. Photographs by Mark Read. Archive photographs by Beth Lesser, Peter Simon, Dave Hendley and others.

Author Biography

Al “Fingers” Newman was born and raised in London, UK. His previous books include DPM, An Encyclopedia of Camouflage, with Hardy Blechman (Maharishi, 2004), Fashion A—Z, An Illustrated Dictionary (Laurence King Publishing, 2009), Greensleeves, The First 100 Covers (Stüssy Deluxe, 2010), In Fine Style: The Dancehall Art of Wilfred Limonious with Christopher Bateman (One Love Books, 2016) and Covers: Retracing Reggae Record Sleeves in London with Alex Bartsch (One Love Books, 2018).

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