Clarks Cotrell Edge: A Day in Shoes That Survived My Midlife Crisis

Clarks Cotrell Edge Shoes Men's Black Smooth Leather 26137385 - 121 Shoes

7:15 AM, Manchester, caffeine deficiency: critical
The Clarks Cotrell Edge arrived in a box labelled “smart casual”. As someone whose wardrobe oscillates between “dad at a BBQ” and “has a spreadsheet open”, I braced for a day of adulting. Black leather, sleek profile, promises of comfort. Right. Let’s see how they handle rain, rush hour, and my questionable life choices.

8:00 AM: The Commute Shuffle

Grabbed keys, lunch (Tupperware heroism), and dashed for the tram. The Cushion Soft® footbed hit the pavement like a hug from a consenting cloud. Smooth leather upper? Smarter than my 3 AM eBay bids. Passed a puddle – hesitated. But Clarks’ water-resistant finish shrugged it off like a cat ignores its owner. Commuter in soaked trainers shot me a look. Jealousy, mate. Pure jealousy.

Verdict: Dry feet: 1. British weather: Crying into its tea.

9:30 AM: Desk Jockey Mode

In the office, attempting to look like I know what a pivot table is. The lightweight EVA midsole meant zero foot fatigue, even during Dave’s 45-minute budget rant. Boss glanced at my shoes: “New?” Me: “Clarks. Like a sofa. For feet.” Him: “Practical.” Corporate for “I’ll order a pair after my divorce.”

1:00 PM: Lunchtime Rebellion

“Quick walk” became a detour via Greggs. The textile-lined collar prevented heel rub, even during my unplanned sprint from a rogue seagull (cheese-and-onion pasty casualty). Grippy rubber outsole clung to wet pavements like a teen to their PlayStation. Stride confidence: Jordan Belfort. Pastry survival rate: 50%.

Clarks Cotrell Edge Shoes Men's Black Smooth Leather 26137385 - 121 Shoes

4:45 PM: Monsoon O’Clock

Heavens opened. Became a human umbrella test. The Cotrell Edges laughed at the rain while my hair imitated a drowned hamster. Dodged a cyclist’s tsunami – shoes dry, dignity… questionable. Woman in a Mac: “Are those Clarks?” Nodded. She sighed: “I’m buying those.” Nodded harder.

Verdict: Shoes: 10/10. Personal composure: 3/10.

7:30 PM: Pub Protocol

Met mates at the local. Floor sticky enough to clone dinosaurs. The durable leather repelled lager spills like Rishi Sunak dodges tax questions. “Smart enough for Wetherspoons,” declared Gary, mid-pint. High praise. Arch support outlasted Gary’s political takes (no mean feat).

11:00 PM: Walk of Mild Glory

Stumbled home via cobbles older than my mortgage. The Cotrell Edges’ flexible sole bent reality (and my ankles) with grace. Zero blisters. Feet declared loyalty to Clarks, demanded I bin my decade-old trainers. Fair.

Final Review: Clarks’ Comfort Conspiracy

Pros:

• Survived rain, seagulls, and Gary’s Brexit takes.
• Looks sharp enough for funerals (and Tinder fails).
• Comfort: "Could walk to Scotland. Might."

Cons:

• Too polished. Risk of becoming “shoe guy” at work.
• Laces are indestructible. Where’s the drama?

Rating: 4.9/5. Docked 0.1 for making my other shoes weep.

Where to Join the Comfort Cult
Ready to retire your trainers-turned-biohazards? The Clarks Cotrell Edge is loafing at 121 Shoes, flaunting a 365-day return policy (because even adults deserve do-overs).

Final Thought: If James Bond wore sensible shoes, they’d be these. Classy, unflappable, and weirdly good at pub quizzes.