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.
STYLE: Navy Blucher High Boot - plain toe - perforated quarter detailing at the ankle, LAST: Barrie, UPPER: black shell cordovan (for details, scroll to the bottom), OUTSOLE: rubber Commando outsole for grip and durability, INSOLE: leather with the "Made expressly for Blackbird" heel pod, MID-SOLE: cork midsole with steel shank for long-lasting strength and support, LACING: flat waxed lacing through black agatine and hook eyelets, WELT: high quality Goodyear leather storm welt construction. LINING: fully leather lined. Note: these shoes run large. We recommend sizing down half a size.
Polish yours to a high gloss and wear them with sharply tailored trousers, or beat them up, lace them half-way, and wear them with whatever. This boot is cut sharp to accommodate a number of looks and built tough as nails for a life of hard, dedicated service.
ABOUT ALDEN'S SHELL CORDOVAN LEATHER:
Using the centuries-old method of pure vegetable tannage and hand finishing, the single tannery still producing genuine shell cordovan today is indeed practicing a rare art. The tanning process takes a full six months to complete and produces leather that is soft and supple, yet very durable. Alden's classic patterns take on a unique character when made from genuine shell cordovan.
By virtue of their long experience, Alden stands as the acknowledged master in working and finishing this special leather into extraordinary footwear. The crafting of shoes from shell cordovan recalls, indeed depends on, shoemaking of the old school. The special qualities of the leather are elusive, unresponsive to high volume production methods. Cordovan demands the measured pace of hand shoemaking and patient finishing, responding to such careful work with unmatched luster.
Over time, the patina in Alden's genuine shell cordovan shoes will only improve, deepening with each polishing and showing to full advantage the especially rich character of the leather. As durable and comfortable to wear as they are beautiful to look at, genuine shell cordovan shoes truly are Alden's masterworks.
Handmade shoes from Alden take a long time to produce so there is not always inventory readily available. If the size, width or style you are interested in is currently out of stock, or you have questions about fit, please contact us at info@blackbirdballard.com where the Blackbird crew will quickly answer your questions and do everything in their power to get them for you. |
