PANTS' legs slightly rolled up and Clarks Deserts Boots on the feet. That style has lived on for decades in Jamaica as synonymous with the boot as the WW2 British soldiers returning from North Africa in their 'clodhoppers' — the original inspiration for shoemaker Nathan Clark.

Almost as long ago, when the Empire Windrush disembarked the first generation of Jamaican immigrants in Britain, centuries of cultural domination by the colonial power began flowing back the other way. It's ever present today on the streets of London: in language, style, music and thankfully, the food.

But one thing the Brits gave back, was of course, Clark's cheese-bottomed casual classic. Perhaps then it's all the more surprising that the company doesn't have a presence here — almost the opposite of Puma which profitably appropriated 'Brand Jamaica', Clarks are a brand which Jamaicans have made very much their own.

You can find them — Boots, Treks, Wallabies, Natalies and Luggers — or fake 'Bank Robbers', sold right across Jamaica. MK Mart in downtown Montego Bay has possibly the widest choice of genuine Clarks.

In Kingston you can try Emperor Shoes at Consumer Plaza on Constant Spring Road and Fashion Express in Liguanea Post Office Mall. Clarks are also cheaper in Jamaica, beginning at J$6,000.

A friend here in the city has an uncle in the United States who sends down a shipping barrel of Clarks every few months. And recession or not, it only takes a couple of days before he's all sold out, young and old feet alike.