Clarks is a global British footwear brand founded in 1825 by Quaker brothers Cyrus and James Clark in Street, Somerset, England. The First Slipper: The company started as a leather and sheepskin rug business, but James Clark had the idea to use leftover sheepskin off-cuts to make handmade slippers. Growth: It evolved into an international brand known for pioneering comfort technologies, foot-shaped lasts, and children’s half-size width fittings.