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.

One thing for sure, it is craftsmen and fine materials that makes good shoes. At Barkers, there is no shortage of either. Our craftspeople produce some 200,000 pairs of hand lasted sewn shoes each year.

Today, Barker continue to manufacture the finest quality shoes which sell throughout the world. And although modern methods of production have been introduced over the years, the same skills, traditions and craftsmanship are very much evident today. In a world where things are constantly changing, it is reassuring that some things will always remain the same.

Shoe Care

If you consider that Barker shoes take several weeks to make and can last a life-time, it's well worth taking a little time to care for your investment. Here are some simple guidelines:

     •  Always clean shoes regularly by cleaning off any surplus dirt with a brush or damp cloth

     •  For leather shoes apply a quality shoe polish or cream and buff off with either a dry cloth or a brush

     •  For suede shoes brush up the nap with a suede brush

     •  For Nubuck shoes wipe with a cloth dipped in slightly soapy, warm water

     •  If shoes are wet let them dry naturally as quality calf leather shoes require a slow natual drying process

     •  The use of a shoe tree is recommended as it will help to retain the shape of the shoe