The eponymous Tricker’s Bourton brogue is as British as it gets and has a well-deserved place in every gentleman’s shoe wardrobe. The word "brogue" was first used to describe a form of outdoor, country walking shoe in the early twentieth century traditionally worn by men
A distinctly British shoe, the Bourton brogue instantly adds an air of sophistication to virtually any ensemble
Modern brogues trace their roots to a rudimentary shoe originating in Ireland and Scotland. The brogue was originally designed for farmers at the turn of the 19th century, with the perforations strictly created for utility as they were designed to drain water as the wearer would walk through muddy terrain
At that time, the brogue was not considered to be appropriate for other occasions, social or business. Over time perceptions have changed and brogues are now considered appropriate in most contexts, including business
Its makeover started in Britain during the 1920s, when brogues started to have a more elegant reputation, with two tones favoured by the trend makers in the Jazz music era
In the 1930’s Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor and the former Prince of Wales famously sported brogue’s around the golf course
Duke of Windsor
There’s no style of footwear that defines the gentleman more than the Bourton brogue. Its timeless, functional design has now been favoured by the sartorially aware for many decades and it can lay claim to being one of the true icons of modern menswear
Tricker’s founded in 1829, is rightly known as the originator and perfecter of the English country brogue, a classic and specific style characterised by a heavy build, strong welts, and intricate brogueing detail
Bourton is a truly iconic men’s country shoe; with a solid sole unit, leather linings and the option of traditional leather soles or a Dainite sole
Dainite Sole
Tricker’s traditionally uses double layer oak leather soles, but when you often get shoes wet, many customers opt for the studded Dainite sole
Dainite introduced their famous studded sole in 1910. The Dainite sole answered formal needs with smooth rubber and practical needs with recessed studs that help the wearer grip to the ground. In addition, the simple composition of the sole makes them easy to wipe down and less likely to track dirt
As with all our shoes and boots, each pair of Bourton brogues are handmade within our Northampton factory in England by craftsmen and women using traditional methods, and to the same exacting standards that first established our reputation
The Factory – Northampton England
There are 260 processes used to make each pair from start to finish.
Our uncompromising standards of craftsmanship and use of honest materials, are values that have been preserved and developed through five generations and are observed as resolutely today as they were in 1829
In 1937, Tricker’s commissioned two lasts to celebrate the coronation of King George VI, one of which the 4444 is synonymous with the country inspired Bourton brogue
Last number 4444 is generous and created to give enough room for a warm winter woollen sock, so fits about a half size large. For instance, if you normally take a UK size 8, it is recommended to wear a UK size 7.5
Last 4444
Bourton is an unmistakable Derby shoe , a style characterised by quarters, with shoelace eyelets that are sewn on top of the vamp This construction method is also known as "open lacing”
The Bourton’s relaxed countryside heritage can be seen in its rounded toe and wholesome feel. It is a comfortable, open-laced men's shoe in a classic short wing style with a very recognisable heavy brogue detail
Tricker's distinctive brogueing
A half bellows tongue is folded and attached to the shoe to provide a watertight seal, and the storm welt provides an additional waterproof seal between the shoe's upper and sole
Every man should own at least one pair of brogues. They go with everything from suits to jeans- so you can wear them to the office, a wedding, the park, the restaurant.
The profile of a Bourton is characteristically strong, these shoes are a piece of Tricker’s famous Northampton shoemaking history, and yet today they are the go-to shoe for stylish men all around the world
The Bourton in Acorn Antique Calf Leather
Tricker's footwear has a justifiably high reputation for quality, the company having received a royal warrant from the Prince of Wales, now King Charles III (since the 14th century, the title has been a dynastic title granted by the king or queen to the heir apparent) who granted the company his Royal Warrant for Shoemaking in 1986
When you choose Tricker’s, you never have to choose between practicality, durability and style