Next Wednesday (April 11), shoppers in Plymouth have the chance to meet the sailors, who will go onto Weymouth later that day, near to where they will compete during this summer's Olympics at Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour.

The duo will then move to Southampton the following morning and then to London's Regent Street that afternoon.

Clarks' collection of sailing shoes includes the SS11 Orson Lace, a technically advanced deck shoe, the low profile deck trainer Outdrive Drift and the sandal Outdrive Cove (pictured below), as well as a number of other shoes.

Percy and Simpson, both of whom are brand ambassadors for the shoe retailer, helped with the creation of the collection, which has been tested and worn in tough conditions to examine the footwear's durability.

Clarks are conducting in store and media campaigns this year to promote their collections and are running their Olympic drive through their sports division.


The shoe company are also involved with triathlon, having sponsored the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships last year.

Percy won the gold medal in the Star class discipline alongside Simpson at the Beijing 2008 Games.

Percy, a multiple world and European champion, also won the Finn class at Sydney 2000.

"We are proud to be working with an iconic British brand like Clarks as we prepare for the Olympics this summer," Percy said.

"Clarks have left no stone unturned in developing footwear which is the best in class for sailing.

"I wouldn't want to wear any other shoe going into the Olympics"

Simpson added: "Often the issue sailors face most with their footwear is when it gathers water and becomes heavy and cumbersome.

"With the AquaDX technology and drainage system in our Clarks sailing shoes we always feel confident as the water is constantly drained through the shoes."

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