Alongside the classic men’s Oxford shoe the Derby shoe (also known as a Blucher or Gibson) is a Goodyear welted staple that features in most of the Barker collections including the BarkerTech, Country, Creative and Professional collections.
Whether it’s a plain Derby or a brogue, the style is easily identified by the open lacing system which offers greater comfort when compared to it’s Oxford shoe counterpart. Although it’s previously been seen as a casual option compared to the men’s Oxford, the modern outlook on the timeless Derby shoe has shifted, meaning it’s a style that can be worn formally or casual depending on the occasion or dress code.
The materials used and collection each Barker Derby shoe features in reflects in the style's versatility as you can discover a formal dress shoe in the Professional collection such as Angel, Darlington or Goldington whereas the Country collection features outdoor favourites including the Calvay brogue and Skye plain toe styles.
The Country collection includes several men's derby shoe styles that epitomise Barker’s village shoemaking history in Earls Barton, Northampton (England) and can be worn for many occasions from weekend weddings or outdoor pursuits. The Kelmarsh, Nairn and Skye Derby styles are all made from premium calf and grain leather on a durable British Dainite sole using the Goodyear storm welt construction.
A popular Barker Derby shoe in the BarkerTech collection is Ellon, a refined Derby constructed with integrated BarkerTech features including a flexible three-part insole, padded comfort tongue and leather sole with rubber forepart.
The Professional collection includes several Derby shoe styles made on a variety of last shapes and leathers, for formal shoes the polished or patent leather options are best suited and include the Darlington, Goldington, Newbury, Wickham and Woodbridge styles. For a calf leather Derby, there is the March, Morden, Morpeth and St Austell styles.
The London collection is a selection of Barker shoes made exclusively for the Barker London flagship stores and includes the Angel and Newbury Park Derby shoes. The Angel Derby shoe comes highly recommended as its made on the 386 last from calf and/or polished leather on a Dainite rubber sole for added durability when you’re on the move.
Barker Derby shoes are made on a variety of last shapes across the collections, therefore, offering a choice of fittings but the most popular last used to make Barker Derby shoes are the 29, 386,443 and 460 last.
Discover the extensive range of Barker Derby shoes for men online and in-store at Barker flagship stores and stockists around the world.
