Barker shoes have maintained a high standard when it comes to choosing every aspect of their product making. Only the best and finest leathers are chosen and the uppers are carefully bonded by hand to create their shape.

Baker shoes believe in keeping the English tradition of shoe making, for this they still allow natural drying and polishing of their products, using hand techniques rather than machinery production which cannot match the same quality.

The production of Barker shoes first exceeded in Northamptonshire village of Earls Barton since 1880. Arthur barker was a skilled craftsman who specialised himself in creating waterproof peg- sole boots; as his business grew he was unable to keep up with demands. As a craftsman he decided to employ people from other villages to help with production and eventually built his empire by investing into a factory to increase production; until he was asked to supply the British army with boots in the First World War. Barker shoes later tuned into a family business as Arthur’s sons joined the company and helped create new mind blowing ideas making the company stronger.

With production of up to 200,000 pairs of hand lasted sewn shoes, at barkers there never is any shortage of the finest craftsmen or the fine materials which are used to create the outstanding finished products.

Unlike many other companies, barker shoes have kept the high British standard of shoe making as they have their main factory based in Northamptonshire at the centre of the village of Earls Barton which is found to be only a few hundred yards away from their original site.

This factory is built to specifically meet the high standard Barker shoes have set. For example good visual natural light is a necessity for leather grading; colour matching; and stitching therefore the working environment is designed to meet those special requirements. However, with the modernised society Barker have adapted to working with new developed technology; whilst still maintaining their traditional craftsmanship and same levels of skills.

Different parts of Barker shoes.

Goodyear welt

This is a unique way of manufacturing as it provides a shoe which will offer supreme comfort; shape; water resistant and breathable properties. The Goodyear welt is also known to be excellent for those cold feet during hot or cold weathers and is easily repairable.

Barker welt

The Barker welt has a welted construction. This type of construction can be used by simply adjusting the lasting and making process, here the soles are carefully cemented, not stitched. The outcome of this is the sole becomes more flexible and has a finer appearance as it allows a closer sole edge but also making it lighter and finer whilst still having the pros of a welted shoe.

Cemented

Adhesives here are used rather than stitches that bond the upper parts and the soles, which increase the shoe’s lightness and flexibility.

Moccasin

The moccasin shape is known for its light, comfortable and flexibility traits. A bad of leather is made through hand stitching an apron to a vamp. This bag is later dampened and after forced to the last to make the shape of the shoe.  The sole is gently stitched or glued in order to form the upper parts. This is because the soft leather upper has to go all the way around the foot, to form flexibility and an adjustable ‘bag’. Barker also implant a special padding for the forepart to make it super comfy.

Shoe care barker.

• Barkers shoes take an estimated time of seven week to produce but can last up to a life time if cared for properly.
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  Clean the shoes regularly to dis-guard  any dirt built up on the leather, simply by using a damp cloth or the use of a brush
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  Apply a quality shoe polish or cream and buff with a dry cloth or brush
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  Suede shoes always brush up wards using a suede brush
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  Nubuck shoes it is required that  the shoes is wiped with a cloth with low concentrations of soapy, warm water
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  If the shoes become wet it is always best to let them dry out naturally  because the leather shoes needs its natural drying process
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  A shoe tree is also recommended, this will aid to keep the shape of the shoe.