A classic in the Spring/Summer rotation, the leather loafer is one of those rare shoes that works equally well at the office, a wedding—or dressed down with jeans or shorts when the weather calls for it. Alongside traditional Oxfords and Derbys, loafers provide versatility all year round. Styles like Penny, Tassel, and Horsebit loafers continue to be favourites in the slip-on category.
Origins & Heritage
The story of the loafer begins in the mid-19th and early-20th centuries. In 1847, Wildsmith Shoes in London designed a house shoe for King George VI—this became known as the Harrow. In Scandinavia, in 1908, shoemaker Nils Gregoriusson Tveranger created a slip-on design for Norwegian farmers that later evolved into what’s known today as the Aurland Moccasin. Fast forward to 1930, G.H. Bass adapted Tveranger’s design into the Weejun, which in the 1950s became popular in America when students tucked a dime into its leather strap—hence the term “Penny Loafer.”
At Barker, loafers feature across multiple collections such as Handcrafted, Creative, and Professional. You’ll find options in premium calf, grain, polished leather, and suede—each type offering a different look and level of formality. For occasions like work, formal meetings, or dress occasions, calf or polished leather (especially high shine) is your best bet. Grain or suede, on the other hand, give you more flexibility to dress up or down.
Some standout styles in the Barker range:
Jevington Penny Loafer: Made on the 478 last, available in calf, grain, or suede, with your choice of full leather or Dainite rubber soles. Elegant and versatile.
Caruso: A Penny Loafer with Ivy League charm, introduced in the 1960s. Crafted in polished leather on a full leather sole; available in black and burgundy high-shine.
Others: Gates (BarkerTech), Mears (BOEB Archive), Portsmouth (Professional)—each offering its own shape, material, and sole options.