Welcome Paraboot
There's nothing like a new delivery to get pulses racing on the shop floor and this time, Paraboot is having a moment. We give you the low down on the steadfast icon that keeps getting cooler each year.
Produced in the French Alps for over 100 years using artisan techniques, Paraboot are known for their chunky Norwegian welted construction, luxury leathers, and traditional production methods. They may not be a new brand, but their distinctive lugged rubber soles make them a popular choice today, and super easy to style.
With over a century of heritage behind them, Paraboot still uses the same 150 handcrafting processes that were in place when it was founded in 1908. The specialist knowledge is passed down from generation to generation to build a brand identity based on a desire to produce practical and comfortable shoes, with models inspired by the male professions of the time – workers, farmers and craftsmen, and later architects, doctors and lawyers.
Vintage Paraboot advertisements
A Brief History
The story of Paraboot dates back to the early 1900s, when Rémy Richard, a self-taught shoemaker, founded his small company in Izeaux, Isère, France. What started as a humble operation, gradually grew from a local shoemaking business into something more significant, selling shoe designs to smart clients in Paris.
Global travel and a deep-rooted love of adventure eventually led Richard to the US where he was inspired by the innovations with rubber. Heading back to France, he developed a rubber sole with the iconic notched style popular with hikers on the nearby French Alps – a unique product born from it's environment. This new rubber sole replaced the more traditional leather and wooden soles and the majority of production at his new factory shifted from dress shoes to waterproof workwear.
To this day, Paraboot still creates its soles in house, a huge distinction between them and their competitors. Even the name – Paraboot – was chosen because the latex rubber was purchased from the Brazillian port of Para.
Rémy-Alexis Richard, 1908 Government bond
Fast forward to the end of the 1930s and the Second World War, when Julien Richard, son and heir, took over. Having negotiated the trials of lack of materials and lack of workers due to the war, he also suffered a post-war rise in synthetics and a distinct threat to Paraboot’s more traditional manufacturing methods. His strategy? The specific promotion of tradition. He marketed the product to workers in industries where longevity, comfort and sturdiness were critical. Farmers lumberjacks, shepherds, factory and postal workers became Paraboot's new consumers and ensured it's survival.
A postwar Paraboot advert, 1946
Another generation on, Michel Richard steered the company through bankruptcy in the early 80s when a crashing dollar and a flailing export market made conditions untenable. A fortuitous meeting with major Italian distributor and a shift in men’s footwear fashion led to the resurgence of their iconic Michael shoe and a swift change in Paraboot’s fortunes.
The iconic 'Michael' shoe
Finding themselves on the feet of preppy Ivy League students, the Paniaros of Italy and style conscious UK footballers, the Paraboot legacy endured and now operates all around the world, more recently collaborating with brands like Universal Works and YMC.
The Styles
This season, we have three different shoe styles from Paraboot, each with its unique design and features. From the versatile smart casual Reims Loafer to the iconic Michael, Paraboot has a shoe for every occasion.
The Michael
A cult classic the world over, the Michael shoe holds a special place in people’s hearts. It's influence can been seen through brands like Clarks and Klemen, with its ideal blend of luxury and versatility. With its chunky rubber sole, piped seams, and hand-stitching, it is completely waterproof and laced with two eyelets – a comfortable, sturdy option, available in Ebony Grain and Lissé Marron.
The Reims
The epitome of French footwear, the Reims Loafer is inspired by the Michael with a sturdy shape and robust silhouette. Solid but breathable, these are that ideal mix of formal and casual. Made with Paraboot’s classic lugged sole and piped seams, and with penny loafer detailing. A classic staple for any wardrobe, available in Lissé Cafe.
Malo Boat Shoe
Inspired by the stitching found on Native American moccasins, the Malo Boat Shoe is made from the very best leather to ensure comfort. A staple of casual styling, they were initially designed for sailors in the 1930s and today embody the perfect blend of classic and cool – perfect for long summer days.
How to Look After Your Shoes
1. Clean the leather and remove any build-up of dirt (residual shoe polish, dust.) This will clear the pores of the leather. We recommend brushing the leather using a scraper brush, then wipe with a slightly damp cloth and leave to dry.
2. Rub all the leather parts on the shoe (upper, welt and leather sole edge) with leather cleansing cream or renovating cream to remove any previous layers of shoe polish.
3. Regular polishing of your leather shoes will make their shine last longer. Use shoe polish or shoe cream in an appropriate colour to add shine to your shoes. Choose a high-quality shoe polish that matches the colour of your shoes to restore their original shine.
4. Use a shoe cleaning brush to polish your shoes after applying the shoe polish. This will add shine to the leather and give your shoes an impeccable look.
5. Protect your shoes from water and stains with a high-quality waterproofing product. Lightly spray it onto your shoes, then leave to air dry.
