Northampton is known around the world for its shoemaking heritage with English shoemakers such as Barker, Grenson, Loake and Trickers continuing to make Goodyear welted footwear for over a century. A timeless shoe style synonymous with the County of Northamptonshire is the Brogue,a hole punched icon that over the years has became the archetypal English shoe.
In the world of menswear there are wardrobe essentials that sit aside from the ever changing fashion trends that continue to fickle season after season. Despite the cyclical trends in fashion, the importance of style is evident and there are timeless classics that will never find themselves thrown to the back of the wardrobe including the classic button down shirt, selvage denim jeans and the white tennis shoes.
A favoured Summer casual style by Barker is the Men’s loafer available in several designs including the Penny Loafer, Tassel Loafer and Horsebit Loafer as part of the Barker Spring / Summer 2021 collection. The history of the loafer dates back to 1847 where a London-based bespoke shoe company called Wildsmith Shoes were tasked with designing a casual house shoe for King George VI.
The Barker men’s boot is often seen as an Autumn / Winter staple but many of the Barker Goodyear welted boots for men can be worn throughout the year. Barker’s most versatile range of men’s boots includes ankle length favourites such as the Brogue boot, Chelsea boot and Chukka boot.
Preparing to return to the work office following months of working at home requires a change of dressing and state of mind for many of us. While the working environment changes back to a familiar setting as will our daily routines which include swapping your house slippers for a pair of office shoes.
