When it comes to comfortable, casual shoes, two brands stand out from the crowd – Clarks and Hush Puppies. Both Clarks and Hush Puppies have been around for decades, offering classic shoe styles known for their comfort and quality.
But how do these iconic brands compare?
In this comprehensive article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Clarks and Hush Puppies, including their key features, pros and cons, and how they stack up against each other. We’ll cover topics like materials, comfort, style selection, pricing, and more to help you decide which brand is right for your needs.
Whether you’re looking for leather dress shoes, casual sneakers, or slip-on styles, both Clarks and Hush Puppies have options worth considering. Keep reading to learn which brand comes out on top!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Clarks | Hush Puppies |
| Year Founded | 1825 | 1958 |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Key Materials | Leather, suede, fabric | Leather, suede, fabric |
| Known For | Wallabees, Desert Boots | Comfort casuals, loafers |
| Notable Technologies | OrthoLite, Cloudsteppers | Bounce, ZeroG |
| Width Options | Medium, wide, extra wide | Medium, wide, extra wide |
| Price Range | $50-$200 | $50-$150 |
| Made In | China, Vietnam | China, Vietnam, Indonesia |
Overview of Clarks
Clarks is a British shoe brand that has been in business for nearly 200 years.
Founded in 1825, the company has a long heritage of shoemaking.
Clarks is best known for their classic Originals styles like the Wallabee and Desert Boot.
The brand focuses on comfort, fit, and quality. Many of their shoes feature technologies like OrthoLite insoles and Cloudsteppers cushioning to provide all-day comfort. The uppers are made from smooth leathers, nubuck, and suede.
Clarks offers shoes in medium, wide, and extra wide widths to ensure a good fit.
In addition to their famous Originals, Clarks carries dress shoes, sandals, slip-ons, and casual sneakers. While made overseas, Clarks controls the production and quality of materials. Price points range from $50 for simple flats up to $200 for certain leather styles.
Pros of Clarks
- Long history and brand recognition
- Known for comfort right out of the box
- Quality leather materials
- Many classic, vintage-inspired styles
- Wide range of widths for good fit
- Reasonable pricing for the quality
Cons of Clarks
- Limited selection of athletic/performance shoes
- Some models can feel heavy
- Break-in period for leather shoes
- Most models not waterproof
- Sizing can run large
Overview of Hush Puppies
Hush Puppies is an American brand that got its start in the 1950s.
The iconic name comes from the idea of “quieting barking dogs” with a comfortable shoe.
Hush Puppies quickly became known for their casual, easygoing styles.
The brand uses comfortable, flexible materials like leather and suede.
Many of their shoes feature proprietary technologies like Bounce for cushioning and ZeroG for lightweight flexibility. Hush Puppies specializes in loafers, oxfords, and slip-on casuals.
While Hush Puppies are made abroad, the company closely controls the manufacturing process. Their shoes typically cost $50-150 dollars, providing good value for the comfort. Hush Puppies come in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
Pros of Hush Puppies
- Brand has a relaxed, casual vibe
- Soft, flexible leather right out of the box
- Well-cushioned, shock-absorbing soles
- Designed for all-day wear
- Wide range of sizes and widths
- Affordable pricing for quality
Cons of Hush Puppies
- Fewer dress shoe and boot options
- Sizing can be inconsistent
- Some models lack arch support
- Limited waterproof options
- Mostly casual styles
Comparing Key Features of Clarks And Hush Puppies Shoes
Now that we’ve provided an overview of each brand, let’s take a detailed look at how Clarks and Hush Puppies compare across some key features:
- Comfort
Both Clarks and Hush Puppies are known for comfort. However, Hush Puppies tend to feel softer and more flexible right out of the box. Hush Puppies feature technologies like Bounce and ZeroG to provide lightweight shock absorption.
Many Clarks shoes have a slight break-in period as the leather forms to your foot. However, Clarks comfort technologies like OrthoLite and Cloudsteppers do provide cushioning where you need it.
For all-day wear, Hush Puppies edge out Clarks a bit in initial comfort. But after break-in, Clarks are quite comfortable as well.
- Style Selection
When it comes to style selection, Clarks offers more variety overall.
The brand has a wide selection of leather dress shoes, boots, sandals, clogs, and casual sneakers to choose from.
Hush Puppies focuses more exclusively on casual and comfort shoes like loafers and oxfords.
Clarks has more vintage, heritage designs, like the iconic Wallabee and Desert Boot.
Hush Puppies styles tend to have a more modern, relaxed vibe. Those wanting primarily casual shoes may prefer Hush Puppies range.
But Clarks provides more versatility.
- Quality & Durability
Both brands use quality leather and suede materials that can last for years with proper care. Clarks and Hush Puppies shoes may scuff or show creasing over time but typically hold up well. The brands control their overseas production for consistency.
Some Clarks leather shoes take a bit longer to break-in but mold well to the feet. Hush Puppies suede and leather feels flexible right away. Any quality differences come down to specific shoe models and materials.
Overall, both provide good durability when properly sized.
- Fit & Sizing
Clarks and Hush Puppies offer shoes in a variety of widths – medium, wide, and extra wide. This helps accommodate different foot types. Both brands can run slightly large in size.
Trying shoes on in person is recommended for best fit.
Hush Puppies sizing tends to vary more between models while Clarks fits remain more consistent. For narrow feet, opt for medium width and size down if needed.
Those needing wider sizes may have better luck finding the right fit with Hush Puppies.
- Pricing
Pricing is similar between the two brands. Simple flats and slip-ons can start around $50. Leather loafers, oxfords, and sneakers tend to cost $80-120. Higher end materials like waterproof leathers or suedes may reach $150-200.
Hush Puppies prices skew slightly lower overall, with more styles under the $100 mark. But during sales, you can often find comparable Clarks and Hush Puppies shoes in the same range. The pricing provides reasonable value for the materials and construction.
Clarks Vs. Hush Puppies: Which Is Best For You?
Deciding between Clarks and Hush Puppies comes down to your footwear needs and preferences:
- Clarks is the better choice for those wanting more dress shoes, boots, and versatility. Their wide range of classic styles accommodate business casual to formal wear.
- Hush Puppies are ideal for laidback comfort and those wanting primarily casual shoes. Their bounce technology and soft materials provide easy wearability.
- If you need wide width shoes in sizes hard to find elsewhere, both brands are good options to try. They cater well to wide feet.
- For all-day comfort right out of the box, Hush Puppies have a slight edge. But Clarks shoes break-in nicely to mold to your feet over time.
- Budget shoppers get good value with both. Simple styles under $100 are available, with premium leathers and suedes reaching up to $200.
While Hush Puppies excel at casual comfort and Clarks offer more versatility, you can’t go wrong with either shoe brand. Both provide quality materials, good fit, and classic styling at reasonable prices. It just comes down to your personal needs and wardrobe.
Also Read: Reasons For Bruno Mac Shoes Being So Cheap.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Clarks shoes are known for their good quality and materials. The brand uses high-grade leathers, suedes, and nubucks sourced from reputable tanners. These materials mold well to the foot over time. Clarks quality control oversees manufacturing to ensure consistency. With proper care and sizing, Clarks shoes typically hold up well for years of wear.
Yes, Hush Puppies is considered a good quality brand, especially when it comes to comfortable casual shoes. They use soft, flexible leathers and suedes that feel broken-in right away. Technologies like Bounce and ZeroG provide reliable cushioning and shock absorption. With a wide range of sizes and widths, Hush Puppies accommodate different foot types. Their shoes may not be the most durable for heavy wear, but for easygoing daily wear, Hush Puppies deliver on comfort and quality.
Some top alternatives to Clarks include:
1. Rockport – Similar classic styling and comfort technologies at lower prices
2. Ecco – Known for comfort and support with more sporty and modern styles
3. Florsheim – Well-made dress shoes at comparable prices to Clarks
4. New Balance – Provides more athletic shoe options with similar quality
5. Orthofeet – Specializes in extra depth and orthotic-friendly shoes
6. Allen Edmonds – Higher end leather dress shoes with sleek crafted styles
While not exactly the same, these brands offer comparable quality, materials, comfort and support. testing out different fits and styles can help find the right Clarks alternative for your needs.
There are a few key things that make Hush Puppies shoes special:
1. Right Out-of-the-Box Comfort – The leathers and suedes are unstructured and flexible, reducing break-in time.
2. Lightweight Cushioning – Proprietary Bounce and ZeroG technologies provide shock absorption without heft.
3. Casual Styling – Hush Puppies are designed with laidback, easygoing styles in mind.
4. Machine Washable – Many Hush Puppies are washable, making care and cleaning easy.
5. Wide Range of Sizes/Widths – They accommodate narrow, wide, and hard-to-find foot sizes.
6. Affordable Prices – Given the materials and technologies used, Hush Puppies deliver comfort and quality at reasonable price points.
The combination of immediate softness, cushioning, and versatile sizing make Hush Puppies a go-to choice for casual comfort right out of the box. Their relaxed styling also reflects the easygoing, unpretentious nature of the brand.
Also Read: How Meermin And Loake Shoes Are Different?
Wrapping UP
When comparing Clarks and Hush Puppies shoes, both brands have their advantages. Clarks offers more versatility and style selection. Hush Puppies delivers easy comfort and laidback casual designs.
Factors like fit, intended use, and budget can help determine which is better for your needs. Try both brands on in-store to get a feel for sizing, materials, and comfort. Look for sales around holidays to get quality shoes at discounted prices.
With iconic heritage and quality materials, you can’t go wrong choosing either brand for affordable, comfortable footwear. Now that you know the key differences and pros and cons, you can decide whether Clarks or Hush Puppies better matches your wardrobe and lifestyle.
