Barrett Men's Shoes: Handcrafted Loafers and Lace-Ups

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Barrett has been making handcrafted men's shoes in Parma since 1917 - the same year our family opened its boutique in Roccapiemonte. It’s a coincidence, but it explains why we understand each other: these shoes are built to last, not just for one season. Here you’ll find our selection of loafers and lace-ups, all in leather and suede, with a full size range.

Barrett's handcrafted men's shoes are also available at our boutique in Roccapiemonte (Salerno), around 15 minutes from Cava de' Tirreni and 20 minutes from central Salerno. You can try on the loafers and brogue lace-ups and check the half sizes with help from our in-store team, or order online and choose free in-store pickup, usually ready in about an hour.

The real choice is the sole, not the style

The Barrett shoes we carry fall into two families that look similar but perform in opposite ways, and the difference is underneath, where you never think to look.

The loafers have a stitched leather sole, with a rubber insert featuring raised dots under the forefoot for added grip. This is the classic construction: a slim profile keeps the shoe elegant from the side, and the leather molds to your foot over time. They do need dry pavement, though - leather suffers in the wet and needs time to rest.

The brogue lace-ups, on the other hand, have a lug-style rubber sole. It’s the feature that makes a formal shoe suitable for everyday wear: it grips wet cobblestones, adds a few millimeters of height, and shifts the look from classic to urban.

In practical terms: if you need shoes for the office and special occasions, a leather-soled loafer is the right choice. If you’ll be walking a lot, especially in winter, go for the brogue with a lug sole.

Lace-ups: brogue or plain

The brogues feature wingtip detailing and English-style stitching on the vamp: those perforations aren't just decorative; they were originally designed to let water drain, and today they remain the detail that sets an everyday shoe apart from a formal one. We offer them in Baltic Blue and dark brown suede, and in black polished leather.

The plain polished ebony leather style is another option: no broguing, just a raised seam across the toe. It’s the most formal of the four, the only one that truly works with a dark evening suit.

The practical rule we share in store: plain black or polished leather goes with grey and dark blue; suede isn’t for formal occasions, but it’s the best choice with flannel trousers.

Loafers: penny or tassel

The penny loafer has a saddle with a cut-out strap — the American collegiate style, and the more understated of the two. We stock it in dark brown suede and polished leather.

The tassel loafer makes more of a statement: its tassels catch the eye and don’t disappear beneath your trousers. It’s the shoe for those who choose loafers, not just comfort. Available from us in navy blue and dark brown.

Both feature a leather upper and full leather lining: that’s what sets apart a loafer that lasts from one whose lining wears out after a summer.

Polished leather or suede

Polished leather has a glossy brushed finish: it reflects light, is easy to clean, and works well where formality is called for. Suede is the opposite — it absorbs light, softens the whole shoe, and makes it more suited to daytime.

For suede, the one recommendation we really make is to apply protective spray before wearing it for the first time, not after the first stain. Five minutes can decide whether the shoe lasts three seasons or just one.

The sizes

Our Barrett styles range from 39 to 44, and — something not to be taken for granted in Italian footwear of this calibre — include half sizes 41.5 and 42.5. If you’re between sizes, that’s why it’s worth looking here instead of settling for a full size.

The fit is classic Italian, with a regular fit. With a loafer, remember that it has no laces: it should hold your foot securely from the start, without your heel slipping out after a couple of steps. If you’re unsure, write to us with your foot measurement in centimetres — we have the shoes in store and can measure them for you.

Where to look next

Frequently asked questions

Are Barrett shoes authentic?

Yes. We are authorized retailers, and our styles come directly from the brand’s official channels. Barrett has been making handcrafted footwear in Parma since 1917 - the same year our family opened its boutique in Roccapiemonte.

What’s the difference between a penny loafer and a tasseled loafer?

It’s the vamp. The penny loafer has a leather strap with a central slot, where American students used to tuck a penny in the 1950s - hence the name. A tasseled loafer, on the other hand, has two tassels. The first is more understated and slips under trousers unnoticed; the second is a statement detail.

Can Barrett shoes be worn in wet weather?

It depends on the sole, and our selection includes two very different options. The brogue lace-ups have a ridged rubber sole that grips wet cobblestones very well. The loafers have a stitched leather sole with an anti-slip insert: elegant, but leather suffers in water and should be left to air-dry before wearing again.

Are half sizes available?

Yes, most styles are available in sizes 41.5 and 42.5. This is useful because with a structured shoe like this, going up to the next full size almost always means the heel slips.

How do you care for suede?

Apply protective spray before the first wear, then use a rubber or crepe brush to lift the nap after each wear, and never apply water directly. If it gets stained, treat it dry with a suede eraser: wetting it to clean it is the mistake that ruins the most suede.

How much do they cost, and how does shipping work?

The styles in this selection range from €459 to €619. Shipping is free in Italy on orders over €149 and in Europe on orders over €299. Returns are free within 30 days, provided the item is in perfect condition with tags attached.

Where can I buy and try on Barrett shoes in Salerno and the surrounding area?

At Vittorio Citro Boutique, Via Sasso 1, Roccapiemonte (SA). We are authorized retailers of Barrett handcrafted footwear: we carry leather loafers and brogue lace-ups with lug soles in sizes 39 to 44, including half sizes 41.5 and 42.5. A30 motorway, Castel San Giorgio exit. Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30-13:30 and 16:30-20:30 (closed Sundays). Phone: 081 1972 3599.

By type, we have two dedicated pages: tassel loafers and penny loafers.

Where to look next

These pages draw from the same stock, viewed from another angle: Men's Loafers (4 models in common), Men's Lace-ups (4 models in common), Men's Lace-up Shoes (4 models in common) and Men's Shoes (8 models in common). If you're comparing, it's worth opening them side by side.