A Goodyear welted shoe staple for many of the Northamptonshire shoemakers including Grenson, Loake and Tricker’s is the brogue. A hole punched classic that’s easily recognisable from afar, the brogue has rich history originating from Scotland and Ireland where farmers used this outdoor shoe for removing bog water when crossing wetlands. The brogue name comes from the Irish word brog meaning ‘a rough or stout shoe’ and has for a long time been a Country classic worn outside for hiking and working but never worn in town. Over the years the brogue was found acceptable to wear in the city, from the Countryside to jazz clubs, the brogue had crossed the line between smart casual and allowed shoemakers including Barker to become more imaginative with this hardworking outdoor classic. Today’s brogue has the identifiable hole punching design of yesteryear but is for decoration and is available in the Barker collection in both Oxford and Derby styles that feature in several ranges including the Archive, BarkerTech, Creative and Professional collections. Within the Barker collection you will discover several types of brogue including the full brogue (also known as a wingtip), semi brogue, quarter brogue and the longwing brogue.
The Barker Country collection is the where to look for traditional English brogues with several Goodyear welted styles currently available online and in-store at the Barker London flagship stores and selected Barker stockists from around the world. The Majority of the Country collection are made from premium calf and grain leathers using storm welted constructions on full leather or Dainite rubber soles. For timeless Oxford brogues, the Charles and Westfield are both made on the Barker 29 last from premium calf leather on a full leather sole. For a durable Country brogue the Calvay (F fitting) and Kelmarsh (G fitting) Derby brogues are made from grain leather on durable Dainite rubber soles. All of the Country collection brogues can be styled well smart or casual be it with suiting or denim / chino trousers.
The ‘Barker of Earls Barton’ Archive collection features several limited Goodyear welted reinterpretations of iconic Barker styles including the Station which is inspired by the Westfield Oxford brogue and made from fine grain leather/suede on British Dainite rubber soles.
For business shoes the Professional collection features an extensive range of Oxford and Derby brogues made from calf and polished leathers on a variety of lasts including the 69, 386, 396. Popular Professional collection brogues including the Albert, Alfred, Hampstead, Mirifeld and Woodbridge styles.
The Creative collection is where the Barker design team push the boundaries of traditional shoemaking techniques and there has been several brogues of note including the Bailey, Grant, Valiant and Woody brogue styles. The most popular Creative collection brogue that has often been referred to as the ultimate wedding shoe is the Barker McClean Oxford brogue, made on the 443 last from premium leather with intricate suede or paisley laser detailing, the McClean is available in several colourways.
Whether you’re planning to wear a brogue for as Wedding shoes or in the office, the brogue is a classic option that undoubtedly sits in every Gentleman’s wardrobe or shoe rack.