Raheem Sterling and Clarks Originals' Collaboration is an Ode to Jamaica
A shoe steeped in rich cultural heritage.
After recently featuring as the face of Clark Originals’ recent collaborative release with BAPE, England and Manchester City footballer Raheem Sterling has unveiled his own work with the British footwear brand: a Clarks Originals Wallabee inspired by Jamaica and its rich cultural heritage.
Born and raised in the Maverley district of Kingston, Jamaica, the day-to-day life of Sterling’s birthplace continues to play a big role in his life. Moving from Jamaica to Wembley as a child, Sterling saved up enough money to buy his first pair of Wallabees for school and still talks about the dip and power they gave on the playgrounds.
A style that has been loved in Jamaica since it was first released back in 1967, Sterling’s own design arrives in a striking khaki colourway, with dual branded fobs and socks that all feature his signature. Each pair comes with two sets of waxed cotton laces for easy personalisation and Clarks Originals’ signature crepe outsoles have also been dyed black to add an arresting element of originality. The tongue lining features the Jamaican national motto – “Out of many, one people” – while the upper pays tribute to the year Kingston was founded, 1692.
Clarks Originals has also set up a community partnership with Maverley Primary & Junior High School in Kingston, Sterling’s alma mater, as well as making available a pair of brand new Wallabees for all the kids at the school. Likewise, Sterling’s Wembley school has also been considered with a donation of shoes made to the school where he learnt to finesse his skills in his Wallabees.
The Raheem Sterling x Clarks Originals Wallabee launches on September 3 exclusively via the size? and Clarks Originals’ webstores.
In other footwear news, size? and adidas Originals have unveiled their Shanghai-inspired City Series release.
