The Legacy of Paraboot: French Craftsmanship Since 1908
In the foothills of the French Alps, Paraboot still makes shoes the way it did generations ago: slow, deliberate, stitched by hand. Since 1908, the family-run company has insisted on making its own soles, on using Norwegian welts for waterproof strength, and on building footwear that ages with you. Out of this tradition have come a few models that now carry reputations far beyond France.
Paraboot Michael: The Tyrolean Derby That Became a Classic
Launched in 1945, the Michael was originally conceived as a solid Tyrolean-style derby—chunky sole, two-eyelet lacing, apron-stitched vamp. It was meant to be practical for farmers, workers, and mountaineers who needed waterproof shoes that could take a beating. In the 1980s, Italian tastemakers rediscovered the Michael as a stylish counterpoint to sleek dress shoes, and it quietly pulled Paraboot out of financial trouble. Today, the Michael is the brand’s icon: instantly recognizable by its silhouette and green fabric tag. Worn with jeans, tweed, or even tailoring, it embodies rugged elegance. Many wearers say the break-in is short and comfort long-lasting—thanks to thick leather linings and Paraboot’s own natural-rubber sole.
Paraboot Reims: A Sturdy Loafer Built for Real Life
If the Michael is a workhorse derby, the Reims is its refined, slip-on sibling. The design takes the same moc-stitched apron and storm welt but removes the laces, creating a sturdy loafer unlike anything else in the market. It became popular in northern Europe where winters are wet and cold—because most loafers couldn’t handle the elements. The Reims can. Lined in leather, mounted on thick PARA-TEX rubber soles, it offers surprising comfort for long days. Its cult following comes from people who like the convenience of a loafer but don’t want to baby their footwear. In fashion circles, it often appears with wide trousers and chunky knits, making it a go-to for a smart but unfussy uniform.
Paraboot Chambord: The U-Tip Derby for City and Everyday Wear
Introduced in 1987, the Chambord is a U-tip derby that quickly became one of Paraboot’s most successful city shoes. It’s named after the famous Loire château, hinting at its balance between tradition and sophistication. The Chambord is a favorite in France and Japan, where it’s often worn in business settings as a sturdier alternative to sleek Oxfords. Its distinctive apron seam (stitched at a 45-degree angle) and rounded toe make it stand out, while the Norwegian welt ensures it’s just as weather-resistant as Paraboot’s outdoorsy models. Many describe it as the perfect everyday shoe: polished enough for the office, yet rugged enough for a long walk home in the rain.
Paraboot Avignon: The Split-Toe Derby with Subtle Elegance
The Avignon is Paraboot’s split-toe derby, recognizable by the central seam that runs from vamp to toe. That detail gives it a slightly more architectural, structured look than the Michael or Chambord. It’s often chosen by men who like something understated but with character. Like the others, it’s made with Paraboot’s own rubber soles and Norwegian welt, which means it’s both durable and easy to resole. The Avignon sits comfortably between formal and casual—it pairs with grey flannel trousers as easily as with selvedge denim. In Japan especially, it has developed a strong following among people who prize subtle, well-made shoes that reveal their quality only on close inspection.
Why Paraboot Shoes Remain Timeless
Michael, Reims, Chambord, Avignon—four names that together tell the story of Paraboot: from rugged Alpine practicality to everyday urban elegance. What unites them is not trend but method: thick leathers, handmade welts, and soles produced in-house. These are shoes that have pulled a company back from the brink, that still grace high-fashion runways, and that remain as practical as they were when first conceived. Choose one, wear it often, resole when needed—and it will likely outlast most of what’s in your wardrobe.
