Clarks vs. Rockport: Everything You Need To Know

When it comes to shoe brands, there are countless options to choose from, and picking the right brand for your personal needs, style, and aesthetic can seem like a daunting task. Whether you’re in the market for a new pair of dress shoes, like Oxfords, derby shoes, Bluchers, or loafers, need water-resistant work boots, or are simply looking for your next pair of sneakers, the number of options available can be a little overwhelming – especially if you’re deciding between brands that seem to be very similar, like Clarks and Rockport. 

While both brands offer a wide selection of all different types of comfortable and stylish footwear for men, women, and kids, there are a few main differences between Clarks and Rockport, which are detailed below. Here’s everything you need to know about Clarks and Rockport, what makes them unique from one another, and some of the must-have products each brand offers. 

What Is Clarks?

Clarks is a shoe brand that was founded by Cyrus and James Clark in 1825, and with a company that’s almost 200 years old, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Clarks is one of the best brands in the footwear biz. Per their website, Clarks writes that “every pair of our shoes begins with a last carved by hand from a single block of hornbeam, advanced construction techniques, technologies, and contemporary materials help us deliver perfection tailor-made for the modern world,” and if you take one look through their product inventory on their site, it’s easy to see that they accomplish just that. 

Clarks carries a variety of footwear for men, women, and kids – over 22,000 Clarks styles throughout the company’s almost-two-century history, to be exact – including desert boots, work boots, sandals, slip-ons, sneakers, dress shoes, walking shoes, and more. Clarks also carries a selection of accessories, like socks and shoe care items. 

Clarks also prides themselves as a company on their sustainable materials – particularly leather – and they are the founding members of the Leather Working Group (LWG), a “collective dedicated to promoting sustainable and appropriate environmental business practices within the leather industry.”

What Is Rockport?

Rockport is another trusted shoe brand that’s been around for decades, although not nearly as long as Clarks has, and was founded in 1971 by father-son duo Saul and Bruce Katz when they “began making casual and dress shoes that feel like sneakers.”

“We’re dedicated to more than mere aesthetics, and our commitment goes far beyond our drive to innovate,” the company’s mission statement reads. “We spend countless hours poring over every detail because ultimately, it’s not about us, or the shoes. It’s about you.” 

Rockport offers a wide variety of shoes for men, women, and kids, including walking shoes, boots, sandals, sneakers, Oxfords, slip-ons, and more. Rockport shoes are also considered to be very comfortable and are suitable for all-day wear. 

What Are the Main Differences Between Clarks and Rockport?

While Clarks and Rockport both offer a similar selection of products, there are a few minor differences between the two shoe brands. One of the main differences between Clarks and Rockport is that Rockport offers a large selection of high-quality, weather-proof shoes, which is a key factor for some people when choosing between the two brands. While Clarks does carry some water-resistant and weather-proof styles, Rockport has a bigger selection. 

Another main difference between the two shoe brands is sustainability. As previously mentioned, Clarks has put an emphasis on sustainability for years, using responsibly sourced leather for their boots and shoes. Additionally, Clarks has multiple collections of shoes made from eco-friendly materials, like their Acely collection, which “contains Lyocell canvas uppers made from eucalyptus, combining sustainable materials and comfort into one shoe.” Clarks also offers shoes that are made with non-animal derived materials, meaning vegans and vegetarians can rest peacefully knowing what their shoes are made from – not animals. 

As far as pricing goes, both brands fall into a similar price range, depending on the style of shoe. Obviously, boots and dress shoes will set you back a little more than either brand’s sandals or casual shoes, but that’s to be expected. 

Must Have Shoes From Clarks

If you’re going to grab a pair of shoes from Clarks, there’s no better choice than the Clarks Originals Desert Boots, one of the brand’s most iconic designs of all time. These bad boys are perfect for sprucing up a casual or smart casual outfit and look great with fitted denim, a plain tee, button down, or a crewneck sweatshirt. They also are available in a whopping 12 colors, so you’re guaranteed to find a color for every occasion. 

For a modern twist on a classic dress shoe, try the Citi Stride Lace In in Tan Combi which pairs well with dark denim, a button down, and a sweater — perfect for impressing your partner on date night. If you’re looking to score a new pair of casual kicks, then you really can’t go wrong with the Aceley Lace in Navy Canvas, which are perfect to wear with joggers and a tee or hoodie while running errands, grabbing coffee, or taking your pup on a leisurely stroll. 

Must Have Shoes From Rockport

If you think shoes from Rockport are more your style and are looking for some kicks that are water-resistant and stylish, check out the Rockport Men’s XCS Plain Toe Oxford, which features “a lug sole for extra grip on rugged city terrain” and truTECH technology, which helps provide shock absorption with every step – meaning that not only will your feet stay dry, but you’ll feel like you’re walking on a cloud all day long. Wear them to the office with chinos and a sweater, then out to happy hour with your co-workers, rain or shine.

If you’re on the hunt for a sleek pair of boots in anticipation of the cooler temperatures, try the Men’s High Toloni Boot in Black and pair it with black skinny denim, a black zip-up hoodie, and a black leather jacket for a seriously cool, edgy yet refined rocker look. For those who live in warmer climates or are trying to soak in the last days of summer, check out the Men’s Preston Venetian Loafer, which comes in tan, black, and midnight suede. Pair with fitted shorts that hit above the knee or chinos cuffed at the ankle, and top with a funky patterned short sleeve button down for the ultimate farewell to summer look.