Aleali May’s New Clarks Wallabee Is a Corduroy Dream
Swapping leather for ribbed corduroy, Aleali May’s new Clarks Originals collaboration brings a tactile, LA-informed twist to the iconic silhouette.
Name: Aleali May x Clarks Originals Wallabee
Colorway: Grey Combi, Beige Combi
SKU: 26185905, 26185907
MSRP: €170 EUR
Release Date: May 21
Where to Buy: AFEW
Aleali May and Clarks Originals are teaming up for two collaborative Wallabee models, expanding the LA-based creative’s collaborative footwear portfolio beyond the traditional sneaker realm. Shifting her focus to a certified staple of global streetwear, May brings her signature design language and elevated curation to the iconic silhouette, delivering a highly tactile update for the upcoming season.
A granular breakdown of the new release reveals a rigorous focus on the shoe’s physical construction. The upper is completely overhauled with a thick, ribbed corduroy fabric, introducing a rigid and dimensional feel to the classic moccasin shape. This heavy textile application naturally highlights the model’s signature raised toe box stitching, functional lacing system, and structural seams. To balance the updated upper, the shoe is strictly anchored by Clarks’ foundational natural crepe sole, maintaining the proprietary tooling and standard underfoot mechanics that define the franchise.
The two-piece capsule arrives in designated “Grey Combi” and “Beige Combi” palettes. These specific tonal executions intentionally allow the ribbed texture of the corduroy to dictate the visual contrast of the shoe, rather than relying on aggressive color blocking. By focusing entirely on this localized textile application and preserving the signature crepe foundation below, the release delivers a highly structural, spec-driven approach to an everyday footwear staple.
May is no stranger to redefining classic footwear, having built a formidable reputation by seamlessly bridging the gap between luxury fashion and authentic streetwear. For this latest project, she turns her attention to the Clarks Wallabee, a model with a massive cross-cultural legacy spanning from Jamaican dancehall to ’90s New York hip-hop. This partnership beautifully merges her nuanced, Los Angeles-informed styling with the heritage brand’s storied structural framework.
