Exploring the Barker collection there is several Goodyear welted shoe styles that make up each Barker range including the Handcrafted, Country, Creative and Professional collections. The most recurrent shoe styles by Barker are two timeless classics, the Oxford and Derby shoes. The Oxford shoe for men dates back centuries and originated from a half boot called the ‘Oxonian’ which was favoured by students of the famous English institution Oxford University.
Leather Oxford shoes are characterised by a closed lacing system where the lacing section is sewn closed and the eyelet facings are stitched underneath the vamp. Along with a low heel, the men’s Oxford shoe offers a sleek silhouette making it the ideal formal Dress shoe for many occasions. The Oxford’s main counterpart is the Derby shoe (also known as a Gibson or Blucher shoe) which features an open lacing system offering a comfortable fit and more relaxed look. Although the Derby shoes has previously been seen as a casual alternative to the Oxford how we style a Derby as changed and it's now seen on catwalks as well as in the countryside.
A shoe style that is available as both an Oxford or a Derby is the brogue, a traditional shoe design and English classic, the brogue is available in several Barker ranges mainly the Country and Professional collections.
The Men's oxford brogue is one of the most popular shoe styles in the Barker range with the Professional collection offering an extensive range of full and semi brogue shoes. Available in several colourways the Albert, Hampstead, Malton Professional Oxford full brogues are recommended. Several semi Brogues of note include the Alfred, Mirfield and St Ives. A recent development in the Professional collection is the Suit Sneaker which features a lightweight EVA sole and features the Coleman Oxford brogue in Black and Dark Walnut Calf. Additional Barker Oxford brogues that offer a classic Country aesthetic are the Charles, Station (Barker of Earls Barton Archive collection) and Westfield styles. The Barker Handcrafted collection includes the Earls Barton village shoemakers most prestigious shoe designs including the Lerwick, Newchurch and Newmarket Oxford semi brogue styles.
Barker Derby brogues can be in the Country, Creative and Professional collections such as the Calvary, Kelmarsh, Larry, Morpeth and Woodbridge styles. A Creative collection staple that is inspired on the timeless Country brogue is Bailey, made on 460 last from unfinished crust leather that is painted by hand at the Barker Earls Barton factory (Northampton, England) resulting in a unique colour patina. Other Creative collection Derby brogues include the Ashton and Marvin styles which are available in premium leather or suede.
It’s important to mention the Barker range of Brogue boots for men which include the Butcher, Calder, Foley and Knights styles. Made on a variety of lasts from premium leathers on a choice of leather of durable Dainiterubber soles.
Explore all the Barker Oxford and Derby brogues online by collection, last or fitting to help you discover a shoe or boot best suited to you.