Robust yet elegant. A pair of leather shoes that embodies French pride and will last a lifetime.
1908 | ISÈRE, FRANCE | Rémy Richard Pontvert

It is said that a person's philosophy of life is reflected in their shoes. Are they frivolous shoes that merely follow trends, or are they a reliable companion that allows them to firmly plant their feet on the ground and walk with them for a long time? If you seek the latter, then it is inevitable that you will arrive at Paraboot, the treasure of French leather shoes.

With its robust and practical construction, yet exuding a refined elegance, this brand has been loved for over 100 years. Its history is truly a story of passion, a relentless pursuit of authenticity.

The story begins in 1908 in Izeaux, a small village in the Isère department of eastern France. The brand's destiny was sealed by founder Rémy Richard-Pontvert's trip to America in 1926. In America at that time, he witnessed rubber boots that were comfortable even in rainy weather, and decided to revolutionize European footwear, where leather soles were the norm.

What caught their attention was the natural latex shipped from the port of Para in Brazil. Using this high-quality natural rubber as a raw material, they developed their own rubber soles and registered the trademark "Paraboot," named after the port. Since then, they have established themselves as the world's only shoe manufacturer that produces its own soles. That unique elasticity and grip are a miracle born from the founder's keen insight and dedication.

At the heart of the brand is the robust "Norwegian welt construction," derived from mountaineering boots. This technique, which double-stitches the upper and sole together with an L-shaped welt, promises extremely high water resistance and durability. The key player in elevating this rugged, functional beauty into fashion is the "MICHAEL," a masterpiece of Tyrolean shoes born in 1945. Named after the founder's grandson, this model, while rooted in mountain workers' boots, has caught the eye of discerning individuals with its unique form. Known for being a special order from Hermès to Paraboot, this model, a rare existence where ruggedness and luxury coexist, has leaped to the forefront of fashion and has now established itself as an unshakeable icon of the brand. Although now discontinued, the "MICHAEL PHOQUE," which uses seal leather (known as "foc" in French) for the upper and still enjoys a cult following, is said to have been made at the request of the world's top fashion house, Hermès. There are rumors that the creation of the Michael bag itself has its roots in a special order from Hermès, but the fact that the truth remains unclear is part of the charm of this historic brand.

Alongside the Michael, the "CHAMBORD," a masterpiece of U-tip shoes, is a beloved face of the brand. While retaining a strong DNA of mountaineering boots, it is a versatile shoe that has evolved to suit modern urban life.

The most distinctive feature is the "Paratex sole," which has a honeycomb structure inside. By trapping air, it provides excellent shock absorption, so you won't get tired even after walking for long periods on the cobblestone streets of France. Its versatility, which allows it to complement any outfit from jacket styles to denim, makes it the epitome of "functional beauty for walking around town."

And when discussing the appeal of Paraboot, one cannot forget the loafer model, "REIMS." This model, which appeared as a loafer version of the best-selling Michael, has a presence that sets it apart from ordinary loafers.

With its extra-thick stitching and voluminous sole, the Reims combines the lightness characteristic of loafers with the robust toughness that is hallmark of Paraboot. Balancing ease of putting on and taking off with excellent walking performance, the Reims is sure to become a reliable companion that elevates any adult's casual weekend style.

Even after more than 100 years since its founding, Paraboot remains committed to "Made in France." Each pair, crafted through over 150 processes, embodies the pride of the artisans. While the beauty of a brand-new pair is undeniable, its true value lies in the shoes they become worn and broken in.

Through exposure to rain, wear and tear, and the care and maintenance that comes with it, the leather transforms into a deep, lustrous patina. The insole, molded to the shape of your feet, creates an unparalleled fit that no one else can experience. This is not merely deterioration over time; it is a testament to the time spent walking alongside its owner, and the process of developing into a one-of-a-kind vintage piece.

In today's rapidly changing world, the difficulty and preciousness of maintaining unchanging values is undeniable. Choosing Paraboot shoes is synonymous with embodying such timeless values. If you are prepared to accompany yourself on a long journey ahead, why not welcome this robust French-made companion into your life? Each step you take will surely be a meaningful one.