Clarks has introduced two more sporty styles for SS26, following the success of its first dedicated performance walking shoes, which launched in 2025.
Newcomers for both direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels are ‘Pace Rise’, a trainer that represents Clarks’ most advanced performance walking design to date, priced at £99, and ‘Pace Move’ – at a more accessible price point of £79.
They come after last year’s introduction of Clarks’ ‘Pace’ walking shoe and the ‘Solevana’ recovery trainer, engineered for “cloud-like” comfort, which was Clarks’ best-selling trainer in 2025 thanks to its ‘PillowSoft’ footbed and £55 retail price.
The new ‘Pace Rise’ style incorporates the brand’s proprietary ‘Infinity Energy Capsule’ technology and dual-layer ‘C360 Foam’ cushioning, engineered specifically to support walking gait cycles through energy return, stability and impact reduction.
Darren Day, Chief Marketing Officer at Clarks, said: “Our athleisure growth strategy is built on ensuring broad reach across price points and channels, without ever compromis”ing on quality. Wherever people prefer to shop, we make it simple for them to choose our comfort-led products.
According to Clarks, market data continues to highlight the potential in the walking category. Over half of UK consumers now walk for fitness weekly, while global research shows the majority still wear running footwear rather than walking-specific designs – creating an opportunity for specialist product innovation.
Dawn Porto, Global Chief Product Officer at Clarks, said: “We continue to invest heavily in proprietary technology development to ensure Clarks remains competitive, not only in our classic categories of women’s, men’s and kids, but also in emerging performance-led segments.”
Clarks has also confirmed it has further athleisure and performance launches planned throughout 2026, as it continues to focus on growth within those categories.
Last November saw Clarks mark its 200th anniversary with the opening of its most futuristic flagship store to date at 109 Oxford Street in London – near the junction with Tottenham Court Road – which saw the launch of its ‘Pace’ and ‘Solevana’ performance shoes and set the tone for a new era for the brand.