Aleali May x Clarks Originals Wallabee Patchwork Pack: A Fresh Take on a Timeless Silhouette

Most in the sneakersphere already know Aleali May’s name – but for anyone not familiar, the fashion stylist and designer is a prolific tour-de-force, known for her work with Jordan Brand and her own apparel line, MAYDE. She’s also no stranger to reworking classics, having already linked up with Clarks for her own take on the Wallabee in 2023, and now returns to the silhouette with another patchwork-style release that pushes boundaries of texture, heritage, and streetwear fusion.

stir

Born in South Central Los Angeles on July 10, 1992, Aleali May’s journey into fashion began with humble roots and bold ambition. After studying marketing at Columbia College Chicago, she landed a part-time job at Louis Vuitton, which opened doors to work with Virgil Abloh and Don C at RSVP Gallery. Back in LA, her styling credits ballooned to include heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar, Lil Yachty, Jaden Smith, and more. What truly catapulted her into shoe lore, however, was her groundbreaking work with Jordan Brand. In 2017, she became the first woman to design a unisex Air Jordan, with the “Satin Shadow” AJ1. She has since released multiple Jordans, earning her the affectionate title “Queen of Air Jordans” for blending haute, streetwear, and accessibility in ways that resonate across genders and demographics.

Aleali May x Clarks Wallabee 🔜 pic.twitter.com/ctojLBrjGH

— Modern Notoriety (@ModernNotoriety) May 6, 2026

narr

May’s design ethos centers on storytelling through materials and cultural references. Her pieces often draw from LA’s vibrant landscapes, hip-hop heritage, and a love for tactile, lived-in aesthetics. This philosophy shines brightly in her latest collaboration with Clarks Originals: the Wallabee Patchwork Pack, dropping May 21, 2026, in two colorways dubbed “Grey Combi” and “Beige Combi.” Priced at €170, these shoes expand May’s collaborative footprint beyond traditional sneakers into the realm of iconic British footwear, reimagining the Wallabee as a street-ready, handmade-feeling hybrid.

form

The Clarks Wallabee, first introduced in the 1960s, is a quintessential moccasin-style shoe defined by its low-cut profile, hand-stitched apron seams, and signature crepe sole made from natural rubber. Tapped directly from trees and coagulated into that distinctive bouncy, grippy compound, the sole has become a hallmark of comfort and understated cool. Generations of musicians, artists, and tastemakers—from reggae legends to modern hip-hop icons—have embraced the Wallabee for its versatile, broken-in appeal. Aleali May honors this legacy while injecting her signature LA flair through extensive patchwork construction and corduroy experimentation.

style

Both iterations lean into the Wallabee’s low-cut build, maintaining the classic moccasin toe and relaxed silhouette that makes it so wearable. What sets them apart is the upper: a collage of corduroy panels with raw edges, view stitching, and varied textures that create a handmade, artisanal quality. Wide-wale corduroy brings depth and dimension, allowing the ribbed fabric itself to create subtle tonal contrasts rather than relying on loud color pops. This approach feels intentional—May isn’t chasing hype; she’s crafting pieces that reward close inspection and daily wear.

day

The first offering, the “Grey Combi” (SKU 26185907 or similar variants), embraces a moody palette of dark grey, charcoal, and black corduroy patches. The layered panels create a rich, almost sculptural upper that shifts in light, highlighting the corduroy’s ridges. A fully blacked-out crepe sole grounds the design, offering a stealthy, monochromatic finish perfect for pairing with everything from wide-leg denim to tailored trousers. The signature swing tag features May’s “A” branding, a subtle nod to her personal mark on the piece. This colorway feels urban and versatile—ideal for cooler months or those who prefer a more subdued, versatile everyday shoe.

flow

Its counterpart, the “Beige Combi” (SKU 26185905), delivers a softer, earthier vibe. Patchwork panels in cream, brown, and tan tones evoke sun-baked California landscapes and vintage workwear. The natural crepe sole remains unadorned, preserving the Wallabee’s trademark rounded shape and relaxed profile. This version has a more approachable, versatile feel—think elevated casual wear for spring transitions or laid-back West Coast days. Both pairs maintain Clarks’ commitment to quality construction, with the corduroy providing unexpected durability and character as it breaks in over time.

continue

This isn’t May’s first rodeo with Clarks. Her 2023 collision under MAYDE introduced tincture corduroy Wallabees in hues like Pacific Blue, Terracotta, Sand, Sunshine, and Coral. That capsule leaned heavily into streetwear and hip-hop influences, proving May could translate her Jordan-honed design language to non-shoe silhouettes. The 2026 Patchwork Pack builds on that success, refining the approach with more nuanced textures and a focus on patchwork as a core motif. It feels like evolution—deeper exploration of material storytelling rather than a simple color refresh.

a shift

Beyond aesthetics, these Wallabees speak to broader trends in footwear. In an era where consumers crave authenticity and sustainability cues, the use of natural crepe rubber and thoughtfully sourced corduroy aligns with growing demand for pieces that feel crafted rather than mass-produced. Patchwork construction also nods to upcycling and craft traditions, giving the shoes a narrative depth that transcends trends. For May, it’s personal: “I design things I want to wear,” she has said in past interviews, emphasizing utility, comfort, and cultural resonance.

linger

Styling these shoes opens endless possibilities. The Grey Combi pairs seamlessly with monochrome outfits, oversized jackets, or even formal separates for a modern twist on business-casual. The Beige Combi shines with earthy tones—khakis, linen shirts, or distressed denim—for that effortless California cool. Both work on men and women thanks to the unisex-leaning Wallabee last, continuing May’s legacy of inclusive design.

rel

Availability kicks off May 21, 2026, through select retailers like AFEW and Clarks channels. With limited production typical of such collabs, expect quick movement among collectors and style enthusiasts. This release arrives at a perfect moment, as interest in heritage footwear hybrids surges alongside sneaker culture’s embrace of non-athletic silhouettes.

clue

Aleali May continues to redefine what a “shoe” designer can be. From Jordan icons to Clarks classics, her work bridges worlds—street and haute, masculine and feminine, heritage and innovation. The Wallabee Patchwork Pack isn’t just another collab; it’s a testament to thoughtful design that respects the past while carving a fresh path forward. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering her for the first time, these shoes invite you to step into that story—one stitch, one panel, one comfortable crepe step at a time.