Barrett
Barrett
An Italian Story of Craftsmanship and Style
For over a century, Barrett has embodied the excellence of Italian men’s footwear.
A story rooted in passion, artisanal savoir-faire, and a constant dialogue with masculine elegance. From the first shoes produced in Parma to international acclaim, Barrett continues to pass down the secrets of handmade shoes in Italy and around the world.
From the post-war years to the era of rebirth, from the first boutiques to global expansion, Barrett’s history fully mirrors that of luxury men’s footwear. A story in which every detail—lines and shapes, stitching and meticulous finishes, fine leathers and carefully chosen fabrics—speaks of excellence and authenticity.
1917 | The Origins of Men’s Footwear Excellence
Every single Barrett shoe tells a story that began over a century ago. Founded in 1917 in Parma through the meeting of John Richardson Barrett, a London tannery owner, and the historic workshop “Zanlari e Tanzi,” the company has built a strong and recognizable brand identity over the years—deeply tied to the region and Italian craftsmanship.
1940 | The Years of Growth and National Recognition
Between the 1920s and 1930s, Barrett became known across Italy as a symbol of elegant, high-quality men’s footwear. Its handcrafted shoes, made from fine leathers using refined techniques, entered the country’s top stores and attracted an elite clientele of actors, entrepreneurs, and cultural figures.
With the outbreak of World War II, the company was forced to temporarily
shift its production to meet military demands. Yet the passion for quality footwear remained
unshaken.
1952 | Post-War Revival and Brand Rebirth
In 1952, Eliseo Putzolu joined the company with the goal of restoring Barrett to its former glory. Thus began a new chapter of revival: Barrett’s Italian men’s shoes quickly regained their reputation for style, comfort, and artisanal excellence.
1970 | Barrett Becomes a Premium Brand
During the 1970s, the company established itself as a premium brand in the Italian men’s footwear landscape. The secrets of artisanal manufacturing were handed down through generations, reinforcing an image of authentic mastery.
1999 | The Launch of Blu Barrett and a Sporty Spirit
In 1999, Barrett embarked on a new venture with the launch of Blu Barrett: a sporty men’s shoe collection with a casual-chic soul. Sneakers, double-buckle slip-ons, and loafers from Blu Barrett upheld the values of craftsmanship, premium materials, and tailored details distinctive of the Barrett collection, while appealing to a broader and more versatile audience.
2000 | Barrett Goes Global
Under the leadership of Paolo and Antonio Putzolu, respectively son and grandson of Eliseo, the company began an ambitious internationalization strategy in the 2000s. Barrett shoes entered key global markets, soon becoming icons of Made in Italy and Italian shoemaking culture abroad.
2017 | The Centennial and the Opening of Flagship Boutiques
In 2017, Barrett celebrated its first hundred years of history by opening five monobrand boutiques in Milan, Paris, and Moscow. In contrast with prevailing trends, the company chose to keep all production in Italy, at its Parma factory, to ensure the highest quality standards and preserve product authenticity.
2020 | Barrett Looks to the Future
Since 2020, Barrett has faced the future with the same spirit as always: innovating without forgetting its roots. Each new collection combines artisanal heritage with a contemporary aesthetic vision—every Barrett shoe tells an Italian style story made of substance, innovation, and identity.
A story over a century long, continuing to walk the roads of the world,
step by step, with the same enduring dedication.