Where Barker Footwear Began

The Barker footwear brand was initially created in 1880 in the home of Arthur Barker, a man of innovative thoughts and excellent shoe craftsmanship. During his early years he created the peg-sole boot, a boot that became an incredibly popular Barker boot, which also led to his need to employ more local craftsmen from his local village of Earls Barton. The peg-sole boot worked by having a peg embedded in the sole which consequently absorbed water, making the sole waterproof.

Having reached such a high demand, Barker was able to purchase a factory at the start of the 20^th Century. His lucky purchase of this factory was soon evident as he received a massive contract to supply the British Army with army boots; allowing him to expand his business evermore. It was during this time that Barker encouraged his sons to join the company, and all three of them eventually became part of the Barker footwear team. Into the third generation of Barker's there came Albert Barker who became an internationally renown shoe designer; allowing the Barker footwear brand to expand into different fashion niches, including women's footwear in 1947.

Barker still retain their original philosophies of both Arthur and Albert Barker; that a shoe doesn't become old-fashioned simply because it doesn't cohere with fashion trends. Rather, the exceptional quality upon which Barker shoes are constructed, allows for the shoes timelessness and continuing popularity.

How Your Barker Shoe is Created

There are various different construction methods for Barker shoes; all of which employ the traditional craftsmanship originally used. Whilst modern techniques have been introduced into the footwear industry with time, Barker still retain many of their traditional methods to ensure a unique hand-made product that takes several weeks to create.

Moccasin – these are created by sewing an apron to a vamp (the leather upper of a shoe) to create a “bag”. This is then dampened before a last is placed inside to create the shape of the shoe. This “bag” of leather then surrounds the entire foot, adding to the comfort and specialised finish.

Barker Welt – the Barker brand have a unique take on the traditional welt construction and this involves the sole being cemented and not stitched to create a lighter sole that is still as high-performing as a normal welted sole.

Goodyear Welt – a traditional construction of a shoe that allows for shape retention, an insulating shoe and one that is easily repaired.

The Current Collection of Barker Footwear

Anniversary Collection - using the finest analine dyed calfskins Barker presents the Anniversary collection. Of special note here is Monet and Lamont both have distinct brogue detail. Monet looks best in Rosewood Calf, Lamont is only available in Cedar Calf. All Anniversary Collection shoes represent the best of skill and craftsmanship. All have a 7mm leather sole unit with concealed sole stitching.

International Collection - perhaps this range offers a more sophisticated and styled look than others. The most favoured styles being Boston a calf Chelsea boot (featured in Barker mens boots) . Thetford a calf skin gibson fastening toe cap shoe. Hand stitched detail sets Thetford apart with the Cedar calf version setting this off best. Lyndhurst, Lanark and Lincoln should not be overlooked here as well.

Barker Country Collection - Of note here is Nairn with the ever popular Dainite sole unit. The same sole unit is found on Harrison a brogue trim six eyelet boot. Most popular at the moment is Westfield. This oxford fastening brogue has come into its own as the buyer turns back to English Brogue styling. it is available with both a leather sole and a Dainite unit.

Creative Collection  - New for 2010. All creative styles have a contemporary look but are still made to Barkers highest standards. Big hits with the buying public have been Rob. This style has a distinctive tram line brogue detail down its length which is best appreciated in Cedar. Eddie has been a real hit and again carries the brogue punched deatail but is offered as an ankle boot. During the Spring and Summer Brando and McQueen have proved the biggest in demand styles. Brando has a 7mm leather welted sole unit and an oxford brogue style suede waxy upper. McQueen offers a gison fastening plain front suede waxy shoe.

The Evergreen shoes - drawn from the Heritage and Professional collections. Still included in the Heritage range is Pitney and Hadley. Whilst perhaps currently Barkers most popular style overall Flynn featured in Cedar comes from the Professional collection.