Clarks or Rockport? These two brands stand out in the footwear industry, pushing pretty decent models at decent price tags. And as John Wildsmith put it, you’re either in your bed or in your shoes. Thus, it’s important to take a look at these two.
Both Clarks and Rockport have a lot in common, including the use of full-grain leather for most of their offerings, some of which are pertinent to various dressed-up occasions and even work.
Considering that they market their products to the same buyers, it’s no surprise to find Rockport boots/Shoes that are pretty similar to their competitors on Clark’s line.
For example, consider the Men’s Escalades by Clarks and the Leader 2 by Rockport or Clarks men’s Stratton Limit Chukka boots and the Rockport Rugged Buck Waterproof boots.
It’s a perfect illustration of how these two manufacturers create a good deal of confusion in the eyes of the public. However, even with their close resemblance, at a glance, several features set both brands apart.
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Clarks Vs. Rockport: Boots
There’s no doubt that Clarks and Rockport are serious competitors in the footwear arena. These two brands display several designs, most of which are so comparable in style and colors. Even so, they all have some tell-tales that set them apart.
To start with Clarks, the Clarks Stratton Limit Chukka Boot is quite possibly the most handsome boot that Clarks has on their line today. It is a super flexible boot that takes a relatively short period to break-in properly and offers excellent comfort after that. This boot is available in three choices. Brown, Black, and black leather. In other words, it’s the kind of you boot you don’t struggle dressing up or down with.
True to its name, the uppers here are made from seemingly high-quality leather that feels soft and nice. The collar is adequately padded, so it’s friendly to your ankles. Clarks Stratton Limit Chukka Boot is a perfect example that brings comfort from the bottom up. It’s designed with Clarks Comfort technology that integrates an Ortholite molded footbed with a super flexible rubber lug outsole for much-needed comfort.
There’s also a mesh liner on the inside. That means both the comfort level and boot’s moisture management system are untapped. Not to mention that the padding also gives an antimicrobial treatment that provides a healthy shoe environment.
It’s also good to mention the Clarks Plus technology that’s comprised of solid heel support and a 1.25-inch heel that focuses on delivering a more sustainable standing and walking position.
Besides, the Clarks Stratton Limit Boots come with a 3-eyelet lacing system and collars that open wide enough so you can slip in and out of the boot with less hassle. They also have a suede pull-on loop at the back so you can put them on/off more comfortably.
Rockport Rugged Bucks Waterproof Boot
Rockport Rugged Bucks is a similar boot to Clarks Stratton Limit in various ways, including design. It is an excellent boot that takes the Stratton Limit’s features to even higher levels to deliver an intricate kick that can bear anything that comes your way without quitting.
While you don’t want to just take the words for it, let’s dissect the boot and figure out what it has to offer.
First, the Rockport Rugged Bucks is a pair that won’t look misplaced both in urban and rural environments. Besides, Rockport offers the boot in several options, just in case the tan-colored design doesn’t match your style.
For instance, there’s a black model that will make a great addition to your closet and a tan-rugged version for those looking for something with a bit of dash. The boot features a solid full-grain leather upper, with a blend of double/triple stitching, which is visible even around the collar.
Another major highlight of this boot’s design is that it’s slightly higher with a nicely padded collar that comes in handy to offer optimum support to your ankle. Speaking of support, the Bucks boast a bio-mechanically design outsole with a heel measuring approx. 1-inch to enhance natural walking motion.
The boots are also packed with Rockport’s comfort system that includes a plush inner lining and lightweight shock absorbency components to ensure both versatility and comfort. Nonetheless, another striking aspect is the Hydro-Shield waterproof built quality. This manufacturing design involves a proprietary amalgamation of seam sealing and high-grade waterproof materials that keeps the boot as a top model even in the most unexpected situations.
Sticking to the two main bellwethers that make a one-stop boot: style and comfort, there’s no doubt that the Rockport Rugged Bucks takes the crown between these two. The most common gripe that buyers have with the Clarks Stratton Limit is that it’s not waterproof. As such, it’s not the best for rainy seasons.
On the other hand, Rugged Bucks feature a superior waterproof construction that includes seam sealing and specially formulated waterproof inserts. The Bucks also offers superb breathability that makes them all-weather footwear.
Still, there’s another irresistible catch with the Rugged Bucks; these boots are designed with extended sizes and widths. That means you can get a stylish boot with just about the perfect width that you look in a killer kick.
With Clarks, however, the sizing issue is another note of concern. In fact, the manufacturer states that the widths and sizes are messed up. Buyers have to go a whole size down and also be cautious with the width when ordering.
Well, the Rugged Bucks may be several folds pricier than the Clarks, subject to what version and size you pick. However, it’s worth mentioning that you’ll be getting an anatomically structured, all-weather-proof boot that exceeds the limits on the cheaper versions from Clarks.
Clarks Vs Rockport: Shoes
Each of these two brands has several top-notch slip-on loafers that have been designed for catching meetings, dashing out for dinner downtown, and running errands. The various common shoes under this category combine style versatility and comfort, and you can count on them for all-day wear anytime throughout the year.
Clarks Escalade
This is a handsome pair of shoes that have been designed to offer a classic dress profile for most outfits. The Clarks Escalade comes with a plush leather upper that provides a roomy toe box alongside other notable aspects. Not to overlook the Flexlight construction that creates an impressive backlash.
It’s made of lightweight leather and a super synthetic sole at the bottom so that you have a customizable feeling all day long. And borrowing inspiration from most reviewers, these shoes are so lightweight and comfortable that you can consider running in them. They could also make an excellent pick if you’re interested in a low-profile pair of shoes for use in the office.
Other honorable features with these shoes include the slip-on closure and elastic gore that facilitate wearability. You will also get a soft leather-lined interior and a padded insole.
Rockport Style Leader 2 Slip-on Loafer
Only a couple of bucks above the Clarks Escalades, and you could also get the Rockport Style Leader 2 Loafer. Both shoes are pretty similar in most aspects, yet very different that you might want to reconsider.
Like the Escalades above, the Rockport Style Leader 2 Slip-On Loafer features full-grain leather and synthetic solvers in its construction. The built quality is also biomechanics-inspired and is very flexible so that you can have freedom in all directions.
These shoes are also designed with Dewix anti-microbial lining that offers a glove-like fit, combine that with Rockport’s custom-based extended widths and sizes. The ample padding helps to wick moisture while keeping bad odor at bay.
All things considered, it isn’t easy to pinpoint some differentiating factors between these two models without appearing compromised. If weight and cost are your priority, the Clarks Escalades is what you should have in mind.
These shoes are made of slightly lightweight materials that significantly lowers the overall product weight. One of the downsides, however, is that they tend to have an extended break-in period, which could be annoying.
The shoes also squeak a lot on polished floors, especially when brand new, and might keep attracting other people’s attention when you move around. Luckily, this will subside once the bottoms are scuffed up, probably after three or four days.
Rockport Style 2, on the other hand, comes with a more rugged appearance and looks more durable in comparison to the Escalade. The outsoles are equally flexible but a little tougher. Most of its buyers also state that it requires a minimal break-in period, as opposed to its immediate contender.
Moreover, buyers appreciate these shoes for their true size and width design. Plus, they have excellent traction. Thus far, we have no option other than crown the Style Leader 2 as the best model among the two, despite being notably pricier.
Clarks Vs. Rockport
Clarks and Rockport have excellent shoes/boots that have great value for money. The Clarks, in particular, are great in that they’ll save you some dollars and are lightweight. Thanks to the nature of the material and outsole used. On the flip side, this is more of a trade-off between comfort and durability, which could take you back to the stores after several months of wear.
Rockport, meanwhile, seems to pay more attention to the silhouette of their boots and shoes to deliver something that will serve longer and for a great course. Their shoes/boots might be notably heavier (and sometimes pricier) than the Clarks. But on the bright side, Rockport makes up for that by engineering its footwear with customized extended sizes and widths.