The classic standard suede ones in the boot model and also the low-top model - both with the standard chunky sole. You can find them in "cola" (snuff suede) if you look on zappos - they have other suede colors.
The Wallabees are on my short list (along with Alden) as some of my favorite shoes. The chunky soles are what make the boot and low-top more comfortable than a desert boot. Try em - the new ones (made in Vietnam) are great quality.
A pair of dark brown suede Wallabees have been my go to shoe for the past few weeks. I'd forgotten I had them. Been wearing them with denim and cords.
Thanks man, I was set on a pair of those cola colored Ashcott's for a while until I finally picked up my Playboys. I used to wear the boot model (Clark's) daily to and from high school and I remember them feeling pretty clunky with my uniform. I'm gonna head down to Union Sq. and try out the cola suede low-tops in person... thanks for the feedback!
These are pretty interesting:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/120828079/vintage-1950s-mens-soft-off-white
Are you sure they're still doing cola suede, Jose?
They aren't on the site anymore.
http://www.clarksusa.com/eng/product/wallabee_men/26037982
Look for the colas in Zappos - for my money the chunky sole makes the shoe a classic. Opinions may vary but for me the classic is the way to go.
A lot of them in high school, late 70s, Northern Virginia. Not so many in college, 80-84, Ohio.
Then I didn't see them anywhere until 1990, when I took a teaching job in Richmond, Va. Ubiquitous on the younger crowd, which is how I think of them, and why I don't wear them. I think a middle-aged man who looks like Spencer Tracy after a rough week with K. Hepburn will look silly in Wallabees. Ditto cargo shorts, backwards baseball cap, and one of those little beards. (Although I would be much more likely to venture into Wallabee-land than Cargo Short-ville.)
Whereas Oliver will pull them off with his usual flair.
Last edited by Oliver (2014-02-14 18:20:37)
Last edited by stanshall (2014-02-14 18:41:57)
Looking at Zappos' selection, if I was going to do it, I think I'd go with the low-cut beeswax leather. I have a pair of Clark's desert boots in that and they have aged very nicely.
I've tried on the Wallabees a few times over the years, and I just hate how they look when I look down, like my pants just sit weird on them or something. I've always preferred the more streamlined deserts.
I attempted to buy a pair of Wallabees in Clarks once and mrs Armchaired laughed at them which put me off.
I wasn't 100% sure i wanted them anyway, on reflection i do not like them.
When I used to wear Wallabies I found them very slippy when there was any moisture at all on the ground. Far more dangerous than the infamous Florsheim suicide cleat. Also, they gave me back ache for some reason.
Last edited by Yuca (2014-02-15 04:26:26)