Deals for $130 and less: Clarks Wallabees

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In 1965, Clarks, based in Street, England, introduced a suede moccasin boot that became known as the Wallabee. The shoe was so groovy that swinging Londoners made it a wardrobe staple, along with hip huggers, bell bottoms and pea coats.

The Wallabee has had plenty of revivals since then. The boot fit in well with 1970s Laurel Canyon-inspired head-to-toe denim looks. The shoe rose to prominence again during the Mod revival in the 1980s, when it was worn with turtlenecks and white jeans. In the 1990s, trendsetting New York hip-hop groups like Wu-Tang Clan and shoe-gazing British bands like the Verve (“Bitter Sweet Symphony”) sported Wallabees on album covers.

Now the comfy crepe-soled boots, now part of the Clarks Originals collection, are begging for a fresh perspective. During New York Fashion Week, Wallabees hit the runway in menswear designer Patrik Ervell’s spring 2010 show -- and the boot looked just so right worn with khakis, denim jackets and white button-down shirts

But what will really boost Wallabees’ resurgence as a wardrobe staple this time around are its accessible prices, $100 to $130, for both women’s and men’s styles, including a chunky-heeled gal’s Wallabee.

Clarks, 2148 Glendale Galleria, Glendale. (818) 545-9524. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

-- Max Padilla