I have Clarks shoes that I bought 18 years ago, the quality is excellent. Since then, Clarks and many other brands seem to have decided to forget quality control and send production of their shoes to India, such as Cotrell Free Loafers. First of all they look cheap, they are poorly made and the ones I received had stains, the sole should be rubber but very similar to plastic. They are said to cost Β£49 if I had paid that amount I would have been even more upset but I paid Β£27 and was still disappointed with the quality. I will not be buying Clarks shoes again and these have been returned. God knows why the Clarks want to destroy their own brand, but they're doing a great job.