Finding the ideal balance between style, comfort, and quality in the world of footwear can be an exciting but difficult challenge.
Two prominent contenders in this quest are Cole Haan and Clarks known for their dedication to making shoes that seamlessly blend fashion-forward designs with optimal comfort. However, the question is if they offer the same features in their footwear.
This comparison will give a comprehensive review of both the Cole Haan and Clarks, exploring their overviews, signature design, innovative technologies, and the special qualities that make them popular. Let’s begin:
Comparison Table between Cole Haan and Clarks:
| Cole Haan | Clarks |
|---|---|
| Founded in 1928 | Founded in 1963 |
| Pumps, Loafers, sandals, Heels, sneakers, Espadrilles, Flats, Slippers, and others | Dress Shoes, Casual Dress Shoes, Loafers, slip-ons, Sandals, Flip Flops, Sneakers, and Desert Boots |
| Famous in the US | Popular in the UK |
| Durable | Less durable |
| Trendy styles | Timeless shoe styles |
| Modest break in period | Little to no break-in time |
| Size runs large | Mostly true to size |
| Subtle, everyday Colors | Bold, Neutral, Earthy tones |
Overview of Cole Haan:
Cole Haan is a shoe and accessory company dedicated to providing fashionable and practical footwear.
The brand was created in 1928 by Trafton Cole and Eddie Haan. The company began as a label for men’s footwear but has since extended to include shoes for men and women as well as accessories such as belts, handbags, sunglasses, and luggage.
Ultimately, they became one of the most popular lifestyle brands in the United States, but their primary focus remained footwear.
They relocated its headquarters to Maine from Chicago, where they had developed a high-quality brand.
The company was sold to George Denney’s partners in 1975. Over the course of a decade, Cole Haan grew into a leading American footwear brand and entered the retail market.
Then, in 1988, they teamed up with Nike to combine their traditional shoe quality with the latest innovations in athletic footwear. This development is still reflected in their unique aesthetics.
After years of working together, Nike and Cole Haan announced their separation.
In 2012, Apax Partners Worldwide purchased Cole Haan. Their current headquarters are in Greenland, New Hampshire, while their design center is in New York City.
The new ZEROGRAND models from Cole Haan are their best sellers, redefining the term “dress shoe.”
The collection brings in the future of formal shoes by innovating design and comfort. More than 300 Cole Haan stores are located in America, Asia, and the Middle East.
Overview of Clarks:
Clarks is an almost 200-year-old shoe brand that was founded in 1825, so it should come as no surprise that it’s one of the finest companies in the footwear industry.
Two famous brothers Cyrus and James Clark established the brand in Street, England, and they made the first slipper from scraps of sheepskin. Thereafter, they began manufacturing more styles of slippers and other footwear. As the years passed, James’ eldest son joined the shoemaking business, transforming it into a family business.
Over its nearly two-century existence, the brand claimed that it has offered more than 22,000 different varieties of shoes for men, women, and children, including desert boots, sandals, slip-ons, sneakers, dress shoes, work boots, walking shoes, and more.
Additionally, one of the Clarks’ iconic and most recognizable styles is their “Desert Boots” which are available in 12 remarkable colors, so you can choose one for every event as they look great with both casual and formal attire.
Furthermore, Clarks is committed to using only eco-friendly resources, they were an early member of the Leather Working Group (LWG) and are dedicated to promoting sustainable business practices in the leather industry.
The brand is also using a circular approach to better serve communities across the world. For instance, since 2008 they collaborated with UNICEF to establish the ShoeShare program. In this initiative, by collecting out-of-date or unwanted shoes, the brand has aimed to provide access to education for many children.
Major Differences between the Brands:
In this section I will take you through different aspects of Cole Haan and Clarks, helping you decide which brand aligns perfectly with your style.
1) Comfort:
Clarks incorporates innovative cushioning technology in their whole range of shoe and boot styles which deliver unparalleled comfort and enable extended wear without any foot discomfort.
Their footwear has a widely known feature called “Cushion Plus,” which effectively minimizes pressure on the forefoot and reduces the impact experienced when walking due to the strategically positioned, anatomically designed, dual-density foam.
Moreover, their “Cushion Soft’s” high-rebound inlay is concealed in the inner of these shoes, making them very comfortable to walk in.
Also, these shoes have an “Ultimate Comfort Baseline” that gives them a supportive feel and extra heel padding which enables the wearer to engage in prolonged walking activities with utmost comfort.
Last but not least, this brand prioritizes the development of anatomically correct footbeds because of that the arch is better supported and the wearer’s weight is distributed evenly ultimately minimizing strain on the body.
Alternatively, Cole Haan uses high-quality materials like supple leather, refined suede, and lightweight fabrics which serve a dual purpose by not only enhancing the visual appeal of the shoes but also improving their overall comfort.
Furthermore, their Grand. OS technology serves as a fundamental component of their footwear which focuses on lightweight cushioning, flexibility, and energy return.
Also, the brand integrates the 3D Lux comfort technology into all of its designs, ensuring sustained comfort for the wearer throughout the day.
Their footwear also has padded and flexible soles that mold to your foot as you move or walk to ease heel and arch pain.
However, some of their shoes might feel uncomfortable and need to be broken in until they conform to the foot contours.
2) Popularity:
Clarks’ footwear has consistently been the preferred choice among school-going youth in the United Kingdom. Over seven decades, it has gained significant popularity, particularly among Jamaican boys.
Furthermore, their collaborations with famous designers and artists have attracted the attention of fashion enthusiasts in need of trendy footwear options.
In addition to being featured in Vogue, PORT Magazine, and Proper Magazine, the brand’s footwear can be seen in songs, films, and television programs as cultural icons.
Conversely, Cole Haan is especially popular in its home country, “the United States”. The establishment of the brand in prominent urban areas and commercial complexes has played a major role in enhancing its reputation and appeal to American consumers.
Their footwear has always been a favorite of the elderly but now the brand has recently found success with today’s youthful creatives.
Also, in the Style Category, Cole Haan has been bestowed with the renowned recognition of being one of the “Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in the World for 2017” by Fast Company magazine.
3) Target Market:
Clarks provides a diverse range of footwear options targeting both male and female clients, including a collection designed specifically for kids. However, it is noteworthy that more than half of their customer base consists of males.
Currently, the company is aiming to target a younger population, particularly the premium consumer segment, who value exceptional quality footwear.
On the other hand, Cole Haan advertises its products as being suitable for “office use to work out to the off-hours” for men, women, and young adults. Their target market consists primarily of people in their mid-20s to late 30s who prioritize fashionable designs without sacrificing comfort.
4) Price:
Cole Haan and Clarks offer a range of footwear at different price points to accommodate various budgets. However, Clarks shoes are less expensive ranging from $45 to $170, whereas the price of Cole Haan varies with different styles and charges anywhere from $49 to $270.
5) Design:
Cole Haan has undergone a significant change in their shoe design, transforming its focus from being a manufacturer of dress shoes in England to establishing itself as a pioneer of innovation in the footwear industry.
The brand releases new collections every year that are on par with the most popular shoe brands and meet a set of high standards, such as superior cushioning, breathability, and durability.
Their design team considers today’s difficulties, such as the requirement to switch from formal footwear to athletic shoes when walking or working in an office, as well as the discomfort associated with wearing heavy winter boots to combat low temperatures.
This is how the brand created a collection of shoes that can function as “Oxfords on top” and “trainers on the bottom”, exhibiting versatility in their design.
In the end, whether in search of formal footwear for an event or casual trainers for daily use, Cole Haan seeks to offer fashionable choices that prioritize aesthetic appeal and practicality.
Conversely, Clarks’ shoe designs offer customization possibilities, including the incorporation of arch supports, orthotic insoles, and personalized footbeds, to accommodate individual needs. Their designers worked thoughtfully to create styles that can be worn anywhere.
According to the brand, their shoes are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and the process begins with the manual carving of a last from a single block of hornbeam.
The incorporation of advanced technologies, construction techniques, and contemporary materials further contributes to the brand’s commitment to offering exceptional footwear tailored to the demands of the modern world. However, it is evident from the quality of their products that they not only claim but also accomplish this.
Almost all of their footwear, including sneakers, loafers, ankle boots, trainers, sandals, and even flip-flops, is iconic and never goes out of style.
Conclusion: Which Is Better?
When comparing Cole Haan and Clarks, it becomes evident that both brands possess unique features that effectively cater to different requirements. The main difference between Clarks and Cole Haan footwear lies in their specific designs.
The footwear made by Clarks is widely recognized for its enduring and traditional aesthetic. The capacity of its products to appeal to a diverse range of consumers while retaining a timeless quality enhances its exclusivity within the market.
Cole Haan, on the other hand, is great for people who like trends and styles with a modern twist. Their footwear is carefully crafted, of the highest quality, and considered a true luxury.
Ultimately, both brands possess distinct features, thereby ensuring that customers can have shoe options that align with their values and priorities.