A timeless shoe style that is synonymous with Northampton shoemaking is the men’s Brogue, a County icon that is featured in many of established English shoemakers including Churches, Crockett & Jones, Grenson and Trickers who all have your own signature on this hole punched classic.
Northamptonshire is known around the world for the shoemaking heritage and if there is a shoe for men that comes to mind it has to be the English brogue. The archetype of the Country outdoor shoe, the origin of the brogue design leads to Scotland and Ireland where the brogue was originally worn as an outdoor shoe for removing bog water when crossing wetlands.
The evolution of the leather Brogue shoe from an unassuming yet functional outdoor work shoe to a contemporary wardrobe essential is a testament to the style’s design which today sees the punching is an aesthetic over function and can be seen on a wide variety of shoes in countless style permutations.
Within the Barker collection the men’s leather brogue is available in both Oxford and Derby wit different types of brogue detailing to choose from including the full brogue, semi brogue, quarter brogue and the longwing brogue. Made out of premium leather or suede the Barker range of Goodyear welted brogues feature in several collections including the Handcrafted, Country, Creative and Professional ranges.
For a classic outdoor brogue the Barker Country collection features several Goodyear storm welted brogues including the Calvay, Kelmarsh and Westfield styles made from premium calf and grain leather on either a full leather or British Dainite rubber sole. A firm favourite during the Autumn / Winter months is the Calder Brogue boot, a popular lace up style made on the 460 last and is available in several colourways.
When it comes to choosing a Brogue style for formal wear the Barker Professional collection offers an extensive range of dress brogue shoes from the classic Albert and Alfred hi-shine styles which have featured in the Barker collection the longest to recent additions such as the Malton and Mirfield styles.
The latest development by Barker in comfort and fitting is the BarkerTech collection technology which combines traditional craftsmanship and padded comfort whilst maintaining an elegant aesthetic. A popular Oxford Brogue in the BarkerTech collection is Turing, made on the 493 last from premium calf leather and available in Antique Rosewood, Black and Cherry.
An imaginative range of Brogues that Barker is well known for is the Creative collection which includes several iconic Barker brogue styles including the Bailey, Johnny, Grant and Valiant styles. The Barker McClean Oxford brogue is one of the most popular brogue designs in the Barker collection, made on the 443 last from premium calf leather with either suede or paisley laser detailing.
When exploring the Barker range of men’s and women’s Brogues its worth taking the fitting and the last each style is made on as this will help you to find a Brogue that is not only best suited your personal style but will fit your feet the best and ultimately last you the longest.