High-street favourite proves that if it ain’t broken, don't fix it! Well-fitting shoes are in high demand these days; consumers want something that offers foot support and promotes a healthy posture, as well as something that’s on-trend.
This hasn’t always been the case though - the first kind of footwear to promise health benefits alongside style was only launched in the late 19th century – and this year marks the 130th anniversary of the hygienic shoe.
High-street footwear manufacturer Clarks is celebrating the success of its Hygienic range, which it created in 1883 to provide a perfect orthopaedic fit, following the shape and line of the foot.
Marketed in 1893 as the cure for "deformities of the feet", the Hygienic range was targeted at both for children to encourage the healthy growth of bones, and for adults as a way of combating the pains and troubles caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes.
While it is no longer sold, its legacy continues to this day in every shoe now made by Clarks. Tim Crumplin, archivist at Clarks, said:
"It's wonderful to celebrate such an iconic moment in Clarks' history. The promises that the original founders strived to deliver - health, comfort and expertise - are all still very much part of our ethos today. In a time when well-fitting shoes are now the norm, this anniversary is a fantastic reminder of what we have accomplished."