Our Wye, Liffey, Tyne, Cherwell and Trent styles have been made from unfinished European crust leather. The leather arrives to us as a blank canvas so that we can create a unique shade - this is done by staining the unfinished leather with a light base coat. After this we then apply the dark stain by hand using a brush stroke motion to create a stunning antique wooden effect. The hand brush work allows each pair of shoes to have their own individual character.
Selecting a Barker shoe style consists of considering the shoe style, colour, fitting and last shape but then there’s the choice of sole. Traditionally Barker shoes are made using the Goodyear welted construction in the Earls Barton factory with a full leather sole. Leather is perhaps the best all round material for soles as it’s natural composition means it’s breathable and comfortable on foot due to the leather moulding to the shape of your feet.
Dressing for the office over the years has seen the acceptance of different shoe styles in the workplace. The business staple Oxford shoe remains a favourite in many men’s wardrobe or shoe racks but the COVID-19 Pandemic in particular has broadened work attire styling such as the allowance of sneakers.
As the UK starts to plan ahead following the latest relaxing of the COVID-19 restrictions the return of off Weddings, formal events or simply going back to the office has been welcomed by shoe enthusiasts as it’s meant we can make use of our shoe collections again. It has long been said that investing in a quality pair of Goodyear welted shoes is a wise decision especially when it comes to a formal dress shoe.
When it comes to shoes that will suit all occasions not every shoe style is up to the job as being able to wear a pair of shoes with formal and casual attire isn’t easy. Styling your shoes with suiting on one occasion then with denim jeans or chino trousers the next is the highest level of adaptability which should be considered when investing in a pair of Barker Goodyear welted shoes.
