Barker Shoes

About Barker Shoes

Barker Shoes have been an English tradition for over 135 years. Only the most carefully selected leathers are used and the uppers are shaped on the last by hand.

Heritage.
The foundation stone of the Barker brand was laid in a humble cottage in the heart of England's shoe manufacturing industry in 1880, by an enterprising Northamptonshire boot maker.

Arthur Barker was a skilled craftsman and natural innovator, whose waterproof peg-sole boots were highly sought after (the pegs would swell when wet and make the sole waterproof). Unable to satisfy increasing demands, he employed other craftsmen in surrounding villages to fulfill his growing order book. With a keen eye on the future and a shrewd sense of timing, Barker invested in factory premises at the turn of the century, later securing contracts to supply the British army with boots during the First World War.

Premium Craftsmanship from the heart of England. Here at Barker we pride ourselves on the art of masking a last and drawing directly onto the tape. This is to ensure the proportions are perfect for each and every design. This traditional technique is rarely used in modern day shoe design. Once the pattern is agreed and complete it is then passed onto the pattern development department where the pattern is graded to ensure the proportions of the design are consistent across the size range.

1880 – In this year Arthur Barker founded the Company. As a hand-sewn man, he personally made footwear, sending a great part of the work out to home workers.

1905 – Arthur and sons moved ‘The Firm’ to a small factory in Station Road. The eldest son Charles became a leather importer. Ernest and Arthur Jr. Worked to fulfill World War I army boot contracts.

1920 – The business developed to produce fine quality footwear. An export trade was established, which grew to such an extent that an astonishing 75% of Barkers’ output was exported to South Africa.

1921 – Arthur, the ‘Grand old Man’ and founder of Barker Shoes, died in this year.

1933 – Several workers from Earls Barton, ‘The Pioneers’, emigrated to South Africa to establish a new branch. Arthur Jr. Ran the business with his son Roy until 1965.

1945 – After World War II, Barker Shoes expanded in Earls Barton. A new factory was built in Station Road for the making of ladies shoes. This enabled the older factory to concentrate on men’s footwear.

1948 – The third generation of Barkers, brothers Albert and Charles, joined ‘The Firm’. Albert became one of the world’s finest shoe designers. Charles steered the business until his early eighties.

1955 – Barker Shoes celebrated its 75th Anniversary.

1956 – The fourth generation joined the business. Following in the footsteps of his predecessors, William (Albert’s son), became a respected shoe maker and shoe designer in his own right.

1986 – Barker Shoes tradition continued in Earls Barton in an impressive modern factory, purpose-built in 1986.

Today – Barker Shoes is owned by an international group who are committed to maintaining the brand integrity.