Tom Bottomley
25 October 2024
British heritage brands Barbour and Loake have teamed up to launch a new range of men’s footwear.
The partnership brings together two family-owned brands that are celebrated for their quality, craftsmanship and enduring legacies. The range features three timeless styles: a classic, country inspired Derby shoe named ‘Fernsby’, a Chukka boot named ‘Loughty’ and, for Italy only, a penny loafer called ‘Carmichael’.
The shoes have been handcrafted in Loake’s Wood Street factory in Northamptonshire, designed in collaboration with Barbour and featuring its signature tartan for the insole. Ian Bergin, Director of Menswear at Barbour, said: "Loake shares an attention to detail, quality and function that Barbour also prides itself on, so melding the intrinsic approaches of these two brands has been a very positive, authentic experience. Loake’s attitude to smarter wear takes us into a new sub-genre too - a genre which we’re excited to embark on." Richard Utting, Director of Sales and Marketing at Loake, added: "At Loake, we have always admired Barbour’s enduring commitment to heritage, quality, and craftsmanship. Our shared values of using time tested methods and durable materials made the collaboration feel seamless. “Collaborating with Barbour has enabled us to blend our expertise in shoemaking with the signature detailing of their iconic outerwear to create a footwear collection that embodies the legacy of both brands. Together, we’re crafting pieces that not only look timeless but are built to last." Loake has been handcrafting shoes since 1880, when three brothers John, William and Thomas Loake founded the business. Their reputation for creating the finest footwear remains over 140 years on - with the company also still in trusted family hands and continuing to use time honoured techniques to ensure exceptional quality and durability. With Loake’s renowned Goodyear Welted construction, each pair of the new range has taken up to eight weeks to complete, with over 75 components and 200 different shoe-making techniques. As with Barbour’s wax jackets, Loake uses the most enduring fabrics, drawn together with traditional techniques that have been passed down the generations. The ‘Fernsby’ Derby shoe is made from a premium, waxy nubuck leather with Loake’s signature Goodyear welted rubber sole "for unmatched longevity, comfort, breathability and grip". It’s finished with Barbour’s unmistakeable tartan on the heel loop and in the cushioned sock. It’s designed to be worn with both relaxed tailoring and everyday casual outfits. The ‘Loughty’ Chukka boot is made from the finest suede, again with a Goodyear welted sole and Barbour’s tartan on the heel loop and in the soft padded sock, while the ‘Carmichael’ is based on a classic penny loafer, made from premium, waxy nubuck leather with a Goodyear welted sole, as well as Barbour’s tartan touches as per the other styles.