During the year of 1880 in the quiet village of Earls Barton, Northamptonshire, a man with a vision and exceptional craftsmanship created the first Barker shoe. This man, Arthur Barker, designed the peg-sole boot, an innovative design of shoe that soon became a must-have boot for men in nearby areas.

The high-demand of these peg-sole boots arose because of their unique waterproof qualities; as the peg within the sole of the boot would absorb and swell with water, leaving the remainder of the boot waterproof. In order to meet the new demands of these boots, Arthur Barker had to employ the use of several other people within the village to become craftsmen. With Barker as a teacher, and under his watchful eye, the quality boots continued to be produced. As demands increased, Barker was able to purchase a factor in the early 1900's, just in time for the war in which Barker boots became an essential item for the Army.

Army boots were constructed by Barber during World War I, expanding the name of the Barker footwear brand evermore, whilst increasing their reputation as an exceptional footwear manufacturer. After World War I, Barker recognised the success and potential for his company and thus encouraged his sons to become partners to continue the company. Hence, the Barker footwear brand was passed onto the three of Barker's sons who continued their fathers hard work whilst continuing to explore different fashion markets. The Barker brand continued to enjoy much success and entering the third generation of Barker's it appeared that another of the Barker family had adopted Arthur Barker's original flair. Albert Barker had his own innovative ideas and it was this creativity and exceptional eye for craftsmanship and attention to detail that built upon Arthur's philosophies to allow the brand to become what it appears as today.

Albert saw their shoes as a traditional shoe, but not one that would become old-fashioned; ultimately determined to show that just because an item of footwear wasn't deemed “fashionable” within the ever-changing fashion world, it didn't necessarily become unfashionable, but traditional. Albert endeavoured to incorporate his grandfathers ideas whilst ensuring that these designs maintained the innovativeness that the brand was renown for. His dedication to the brand can be seen only too clearly in his re-channelling of the footwear profits into advertising for three consecutive years. His evident eye for detail and determination allowed Albert Barker to become internationally recognised as a respected and well-known footwear designer.

During the year of 1947, Barker footwear diversified their brand even further and explored the fashions of women's shoes, constructing an additional factory in Earls Barton dedicated to the production of these shoes. In 1950, the company was enjoying even more success, which led them to set up a sales company, separate to the factory, to increase sales to independent retailers.

Adhering to the Barker footwear philosophy, Barker now manufacture 20,000 pairs of shoes a year, maintaining not only the ethics of the brand but all of the traditions. True to Arthur Barker's foundation of the company, the company's location remains in Earls Barton, within 4.5 acres of land very near to the original factory. Equally, the same dedication, attention to detail and exquisite designs are continued, producing shoes that are timeless and traditional.