Since 1880, Barker Shoes has been handcrafting classic English footwear with a dedication to quality, tradition and style. From their factory in Northamptonshire, skilled artisans create timeless shoe styles for discerning men and women using premium leathers and time-honored techniques.
With over 140 years of shoemaking expertise, Barker has built a reputation as one of England‘s finest footwear brands. Their collection encompasses everything from sleek oxfords to rugged brogues to elegant boots, all made to exacting standards.
As a shoe aficionado, I‘ve long admired Barker‘s commitment to their craft. In this in-depth review, I‘ll take a closer look at the brand‘s history, collection, and customer feedback to help you decide if Barker shoes are the right investment for your wardrobe.
Brand History and Heritage
The story of Barker begins in 1880, when Arthur Barker, a skilled bootmaker, started producing waterproof peg-sole boots that quickly gained popularity. As demand grew, Barker employed more craftsmen and the brand flourished.
Over the decades, Barker became known for their well-made, comfortable shoes in classic styles. The company even supplied shoes to the British army in World War I. Today, Barker‘s main factory remains close to its original location in the shoemaking hub of Northamptonshire.
While fashions have changed, Barker‘s commitment to quality has remained steadfast. Many of the same traditional techniques used in the 1880s, such as Goodyear welting and hand finishing, are still employed today. Barker‘s skilled craftspeople, some with decades of experience, oversee every step of the process to ensure each shoe meets the brand‘s exacting standards.
The Barker Shoe Collection
Barker‘s collection includes a range of classically-styled shoes for every occasion. Most are crafted from the finest French and Italian calf leather, with suede, scotch grain, and exotic leathers also available. The level of finishing is superb, with hand-burnished hides, fine brogueing, and elegant stitching.
For men, styles range from sleek wholecuts to rugged country brogues to versatile Chelsea boots. There are sharp oxfords for the office, elegant monk-straps for evenings out, and substantial Dainite-soled shoes for inclement weather.
Women‘s options include timeless brogues, loafers and ankle boots, as well as dressier heels and pumps. Many styles come in both classic black and brown as well as fashion-forward two-tone and hand-painted finishes.
Barker also offers a collection of shoe care products to keep your footwear looking its best, including premium polishes, brushes, shoe trees and more. With proper care, Barker shoes can provide a lifetime of wear.
Construction and Craftsmanship
What really sets Barker apart is their dedication to traditional English shoemaking techniques. Most Barker shoes are made using a Goodyear welt – a strip of leather that runs around the perimeter of the outsole, allowing the shoes to be resoled repeatedly for decades of wear.
The leather uppers are hand-cut and stitched, while the outsoles are hand-sewn and wheeled for an elegant finish. Leathers are hand-burnished for a rich patina, and details like toe caps and heel counters are hand-finished. Even the laces are of the highest quality.
This attention to detail is evident in every pair of Barker shoes. The leather is supple and lustrous, with each pair having its own unique character. The shoes feel substantial yet comfortable, with a timeless aesthetic that defies trends.
Top 10 Barker Shoes for Men and Women
In this section, I‘ll spotlight some of Barker‘s most popular and iconic shoe styles for men and women:
Men‘s Shoes:
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Barker Earls Brogue – A classic country brogue with wing-tip detailing and a studded Dainite sole. Rugged yet refined.
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Barker Arnold Monk Strap – A sleek double monk-strap in hand-polished leather. Pairs perfectly with suits and dressier attire.
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Barker Newington Boot – Barker‘s take on the Chelsea boot, with supple calf leather and a Goodyear welted sole. An everyday essential.
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Barker Ashton Oxford – A quintessential cap-toe oxford, suitable for both professional and formal occasions. The antique leather is simply stunning.
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Barker Winsford Loafer – An elegant penny loafer with handsewn moccasin uppers and a flexible leather sole. Ideal for spring and summer.
Women‘s Shoes:
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Barker Freya Brogue – A lady‘s wing-tip brogue in two-tone hand-painted leathers. The scalloped detailing adds a feminine flourish.
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Barker Viola Loafer – A classic penny loafer with brogue detailing and contrast stitching. Looks great with everything from jeans to skirts.
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Barker Violet Monk Shoe – An on-trend double monk in hi-shine leather. The almond-shaped toe is sleek and ladylike.
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Barker Sienna Boot – A Victorian-inspired lace-up ankle boot, crafted from lush suede. Perfect for autumn, with a sturdy Goodyear welt.
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Barker Nicola Heel – An elegant T-bar heel in burnished calf leather. Ideal for adding a vintage vibe to your look.
How Does Barker Compare to Other Brands?
When it comes to English shoemakers, Barker is often compared to brands like Church‘s, Crockett & Jones, Tricker‘s and Loake. Like Barker, these brands have a long history of crafting traditional shoe styles using time-honored techniques.
In my experience, Barker offers a similar level of quality and attention to detail as its peers. The leathers are top-notch, the construction is solid, and the finishing is excellent. Barker also offers a wider range of styles and leathers than some of its competitors, which I appreciate.
Price-wise, Barker sits in the middle of the pack. They‘re less expensive than ultra-premium brands like John Lobb or Edward Green, but a step up from entry-level Goodyear welted shoes. For the level of quality and craftsmanship, I think Barker offers excellent value for money.
What Do Customers Think?
To get a sense of how Barker shoes perform in the real world, I aggregated customer reviews from Trustpilot, Reddit, and various menswear forums. The consensus? Barker delivers on its promise of quality, comfort and style.
On Trustpilot, Barker has an excellent 4.6/5 star rating from over 300 reviews. Customers praise the brand‘s craftsmanship, leather quality, and timeless designs. Many reviewers have been wearing Barkers for years (or even decades) and appreciate the option to resole their shoes to extend their lifespan.
Comfort is another common theme in reviews, with many customers finding Barker shoes easy to break in and suitable for all-day wear. The brand‘s variety of lasts and widths helps ensure a good fit for most foot types.
The only criticisms I found were a handful of mentions of inconsistent sizing between styles, and some delivery delays due to COVID-related supply chain issues. Overall though, the vast majority of Barker customers seem happy with their purchase.
Buying and Caring For Barker Shoes
The best place to buy Barker shoes is directly from the brand‘s website, BarkerShoes.co.uk. The site offers the widest selection of styles and sizes, as well as exclusive models you won‘t find anywhere else. Shipping is free on orders over £100, with deliveries to most of Europe and North America.
Barker also has a handful of brick-and-mortar stores in London, as well as stockists around the UK and Europe. These can be good options if you prefer to try shoes on in person.
When it comes to sizing, I‘ve found Barker‘s size guide to be accurate. They offer UK and US sizes, with most styles available in a range of widths. If you‘re unsure, Barker‘s customer service team is happy to provide guidance.
To keep your Barker shoes looking their best, the brand offers a range of care products, including wax polishes, leather creams, brushes and cedar shoe trees. Barker also has a refurbishment service, where they can resole and rejuvenate your shoes for a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Barker shoes worth the price?
Based on the level of craftsmanship, quality of materials, and customer feedback, I believe Barker shoes are a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for timeless, well-made footwear. With proper care, a pair of Barkers can last for decades.
How do Barker shoes fit?
Barker offers a variety of lasts to suit different foot shapes, as well as a range of widths. Most customers find the brand‘s size guide to be accurate, but when in doubt, it‘s best to consult with Barker‘s customer service team for personalized advice.
Where are Barker shoes made?
Barker shoes are handcrafted in the brand‘s factory in the village of Earls Barton, Northamptonshire, England. This area has a long history of shoemaking, with a skilled pool of craftspeople.
What is the Barker refurbishment service?
Barker offers a refurbishment service where they can resole and refurbish your shoes to extend their lifespan. The service includes resoling, re-heeling, and re-polishing the shoes to bring them back to their former glory.
Does Barker have sales or promotions?
Barker occasionally offers seasonal sales and promotions on their website and in their retail stores. Signing up for the brand‘s email newsletter is a good way to stay informed about upcoming discounts and special offers.
Conclusion
After wearing and researching Barker shoes for this review, I can confidently say they live up to their reputation for quality, craftsmanship and timeless English style. From the premium leathers to the hand-finished details to the solid Goodyear welt construction, every pair of Barkers I‘ve tried has been a joy to wear.
Of course, that level of quality comes at a price. Barker shoes are an investment, but one that can pay dividends in terms of comfort, durability and style. With proper care, a pair of Barkers can easily last a decade or more, making them a smart choice for anyone building a capsule wardrobe.
Whether you‘re looking for a sharp pair of office oxfords, a rugged country brogue, or a stylish Chelsea boot, Barker has a timeless option to suit your needs. And with their refurbishment service, you can enjoy your Barkers for years to come.
While Barker isn‘t the cheapest English shoe brand out there, I believe they offer excellent value for money. The level of craftsmanship is on par with more expensive brands, while the fit and comfort are top-notch. If you appreciate traditional quality and style, Barker is a brand worth investing in.
