February 3rd marked the launch of the T-Michael footwear collection for Spring 2010 in Oslo. From there we bring you some exclusive looks at the line which features fresh re-interpretations that mix black, brown and green leathers in very appropriate ways. The “TLACE” derby shoe is a standout.

A few more exclusive looks at the T-Michael Shoes for Spring 2010 after the click.

The Duckie Brown and Florsheim relationship remains strong for Autumn 2010. We have a few looks from the forthcoming collection as seen at Compass NY last week. A favorite is the green brogue boot (shown above). Slight imperfections in the boot give it a not so new look which may be desired by some. Check the blue suede lace up as well in the gallery.  (photography: Jacob Krupnick)

More looks from Florsheim by Duckie Brown for Autumn 2010 after the click.

A few more looks from last week’s Compass NY shoe show at the Puck Building. Billy Reid showed off some upcoming styles for the Autumn and Winter 2010 seasons. Their take on the saddle shoe (shown above) is a rugged beast for the cold seasons that keeps moisture and urban grime away. (photography: Jacob Krupnick)

More looks at the Billy Reid shoes for Autumn after the click.

A couple of looks from the Bed|Stü Cobbler Series as shown at Compass NYC this week. The Monarchy boot (seen above) shows some rich details in the goodyear welt construction and lemonwood pegging. The new colorway allows for a stronger contrast that allows for the details to really shine. (photography: Jacob Krupnick)

More looks at the forthcoming Bed|Stü Boots as seen at Compass after the click.

Our tradeshow coverage continues with a set of previews from the Compass footwear show held this week in NYC. First up are two looks from the Chippewa Boot Company. We love their code of craftmanship. “The finest leathers and materials, innovative technology, and more than a little patience go into making boots of this caliber. That’s why Chippewa Boots® will always be firmly planted in every landscape of our great nation as well as in the hearts of all who wear them.” (photography: Jacob Krupnick)

More looks of the Chippewa Boots as seen at Compass after the click.

For those looking for less than traditional take on the chukka “desert” boot, may I recommend this Pony Skin version from Acne. After having spent two weeks with a Berliner who was continually complimented for a similar look on his sneakers, I found these as proper as most. The boot is finished with the expected three hole lace-up with the addition of pearl details. Find then at Acne for around 480$US. Comment away…

More looks at the Acne  ”Pony Skin” Chukka Boots after the click.

A heritage boot line just received a stand o from a very respectable menswear designer. “Fashion designer Neil Barrett and Palladium have collaborated on the creation of a high-quality military boot, Palladium by Neil Barrett, revitalizing the classic canvas work shoes into leather… The Palladium by Neil Barrett boots exist in three different materials: Waxed Leather, Waxed and Patent Leather, and Nabuk. They come in black (shown), beige, or black and white. Look for them in Autumn/Winter 2010.”

More runway looks at the Palladium Boots for Neil Barret after the click.

The Lodger Footwear “Shoe of the Month” program returns with the Jodphur Boot.

Re-interpreting the classic Jodphur Boot, Lodger pulls from the traditional shoe worn by British polo players in India. Given the heat, the typical knee high riding boot was naturally cut down to ankle height. Here the profile is given a contemporary profile and a natural sole edge. The classic two part strap and buckle fastening contrasts the chocolate suede of the boot. And, as nod to equestrian roots, the brass buckle is drawn directly from saddelry.

Available from Lodger this month and this month only.

Sometimes products validate the hiring of outside forces for heritage companies to recognize what they may have in their vaults just waiting to be re-discovered. Case in point is the “re-imagined” 1912 Duck Boot from the L.L. Bean Signature collection. “Alex Carleton, the ruggedly hip designer of Rogues Gallery, signed on recently to serve as the company’s first creative collaborator in its ninety-nine-year history. The label challenged him to retain the brand’s soul while jump-starting it for a new generation. Look no further than his shrewd reinvention of the original 1912 duck boot ($129). He replaced the leather upper with worn-in waxed cotton, making it the kind of boot you can just as easily wear on the streets of Manhattan as the coast of New England.” (gq)

Here’s a quick preview from (capsule) Paris at the Autumn/Winter 2010 Dr. Martens collection. Jeff’s personal favorite was the chukka boot while the brogue boot was preferred by Jason. Well done treatments and proper alternatives to standards.

More looks at the Dr. Martens Autumn 2010 Preview after the click.