Seattle recognizes Mr. Frank Osgood as father of their public transportation system. Introducing a horse drawn trolley system in 1894, Osgood begins to further facilitate the movement of laborers and the pursuit of leisure in the city. Five years later, Osgood gave the horses a rest and introduced electric trolleys and Seattle is the first West Coast town to become fully modernized in this way.

The folks at Seattle’s Blackbird have great reverence for Osgood and his contributions to the public welfare of their home town. So much so, that they’ve produced a pair (as in two models) of shoes inspired by him. I like a quirky reading of history, and as such am willing to believe for a moment that public transportation is especially good for keeping shoes clean on the way to work.

Regardless of this somewhat dubious analysis of urban development, the shoes are very handsome (in my humble opinion). The above model is the Hayburner Saddle Shoe in #8 burgundy cordovan and black alpine grain leather. The second, after the jump, is the Leschi Picnic Saddle Shoe in black calf and navy blue suede. Think labor and leisure. Or, more simply, work and play. (via TRC).

P.S. The shoes are manufactured by Alden.

Quality New England boot work meets Seattle’s finest shop. “Designed by Blackbird in collaboration with Alden of New England, makers of custom boots since 1884. The Christopherson’s Creamery Milkman Boot was inspired by the shiny simple uniform boots that so many delivery drivers wore back in day when milk and groceries were delivered. Christopherson’s Creamery was a local Ballard dairy shop on Market Street, just around the corner from where Blackbird is today. We’re expecting to see this become your favorite boot – the one that you’ll wear with everything, doing anything for the next 20 to 50 years.”

More looks at the Alden for Blackbird Christopherson’s Creamery Milkman Boot after the click.

Check these tasseled suede loafers from Alden for Japan’s Beauty & Youth. They’re finished on the interior with grey leather giving it a supple and soft feel. They are of course Made in Massachusetts, home to Puritans, Pilgrims, and beans. (houyhnhnm)

More looks at the Alden for Beauty & Youth Loafers after the click.

“In June 2009, Epaulet co-owner Michael Kuhle and documentary filmmaker/animation artist Tom Eaton visited the Alden Shoe Company in Massachusetts. During our stay, we were treated to a rundown of the entire shoe crafting process, a meet and greet with the Alden staff, and some seriously good cheeseburgers….”

Context works a nice exclusive with Alden to bring you a Roy Boot. “The Roy Boot is made on the Barrie last and is cut and sewn of Chromexcel (pull-up) leather processed by Chicago’s Horween Leather Company, established in 1905. This Chromexcel has a deep dark brown color with subtle hints of burgundy and tan that appear with bend and use. Alden’s plantation crepe sole has gained popularity for its comfort and appearance. The leather insole is made of flexible leather of pure vegetable tan.”

More looks at the Alden for Context Roy Boot after the jump.

We avoid mash ups at all costs (they usually consist of some hipster DJ playing ‘Smooth Criminal’ over ‘Mushaboom’) but we can get with this one. Museum Arks have been doing custom Aldens for a while now, but this is the first time we’ve seen the Indy boot get the goodyear sole makeover. Like most things from Japan you’ll have to be on your proxy game to get hold of it (and have pretty small feet), but some things are worth the effort. (Arks)

Detailed shots are straight after that leap.

Blackbird have got their mitts on Alden’s ‘Indy’ boot, which was an inspiration for one of A.P.C’s AW09 shoes that we featured a while back. We know it’s all the rage on the ‘intanetz’ to pretend as if you’ve been up on something since it began, but we’ll be the first to admit we didn’t previously know why this Alden boot was called the Indy.

According to Blackbird, the boot was originally named the ‘High Work Shoe’ and has been about since the 1930’s. The name change happened when Harrison Ford started wearing them in Indiana Jones films. Feel free to bore anyone you know with that information when you get your hands on these. (Blackbird)

Take the leap of faith to see more pictures.

I need to get my hands on this unlined chukka boots from Alden. The ability to rock them in the summer without socks is about as good as it gets for me. Slip them on and off as you need. “This shoe was built on the Leydon last with a single flexible oiled leather out-sole. This shoe is fully leather lined and can be worn easily with no socks. And it can be resoled by Alden over and over and over again.” My summer favorite. (blackbird)

More views of the Alden Unlined Chukka Boot after the jump.

Though we may not agree with Men.style that white soled Red Wings have had their moment, we do believe that variety is appropriate. Alden Tanker Boots may not be the first choice of farm hands, but they are proper for the rainy streets of London and beyond. Made from cordvan leather, the Alden’s are classic and ready to wear. Museum Ark has them.

More views of the Alden Tanker Boots after the jump.

You figure white canvas trainers do damn well in the nice weather so why wouldn’t this great pair of white leather shoes by Alden for Steven Alan do the same? A super clean white on white on white look that should look even better with some slight wear and tear. Scuff ‘em up, fellas.