Paraboot Mens Shoes

Paraboot Men's Shoes represent over a century of French craftsmanship, founded in 1908 by Rémy Richard in Izeaux, a village nestled at the foot of the French Alps. Inspired by the rugged Alpine landscape, Paraboot pioneered vulcanised rubber soles—sourced from latex exported via the Brazilian port of Para, which inspired the brand’s name in 1927—and Norwegian welt construction with visible double stitching for added waterproofing and durability. As a fourth-generation family business, Paraboot produces its footwear entirely in France at its Saint-Jean-de-Moirans factory, utilising over 150 meticulous steps and sourcing only the finest rubber soles externally. Combining artisan techniques, high-grade full-grain leathers, and sustainable practices, Paraboot creates shoes that endure daily wear, from urban pavements to rural trails, earning its place as one of France’s most respected footwear brands.

Iconic Styles for Every Occasion

Paraboot’s collection features iconic styles blending durability and style. The Michael, a cult classic over 80 years old, boasts an apron-toe design, chunky rubber sole, piped seams, hand-stitching, and two-eyelet lacing for versatile luxury. The Chambord, a robust derby, and the sleek Avignon range, both in full-grain leather, excel in city and outdoor settings. The Thiers, revived from the 1960s, offers a moccasin-like silhouette with a rounded toe, tonal stitching, four-eyelet laces, and a lugged sole. The Reims, a chunky loafer inspired by the Michael, combines formal and casual elements with penny loafer detailing and a breathable construction. Rugged options, such as the Pacific Sport, alongside the Malo and Thiers, feature rich textures and tones that are hand-stitched for lasting performance across diverse lifestyles.

Comparison of Key Paraboot Styles

Style Key Features Construction Details Best For
Michael Apron-toe, two-eyelet lacing, piped seams, hand-stitching Chunky rubber sole, Norwegian welt Versatile urban and casual wear
Chambord Derby design, full-grain leather Lugged sole, durable build Every day city and outdoor activities
Avignon Sleek silhouette Rubber sole, welt construction Refined occasions
Thiers Moccasin-like, four-eyelet laces, rounded toe Lugged rubber sole, tonal stitching Retro-inspired casual looks
Reims Penny loafer detailing, breathable Lugged sole, piped seams Formal-casual hybrid
Pacific Sport Rugged design, textured options Heavy-duty rubber sole Outdoor pursuits
Malo Rich tones, varied textures Norwegian welt, leather uppers Textured variety for daily use

Paraboot Shoes: Brand History & Product Timeline (1908–2025) — The Sporting Lodge
Year Milestone Details
Workshop founded in Isère, France Rémy-Alexis Richard starts the family footwear business in Izeaux; production remains “Made in France”.
Richard-Pontvert established The company trading name Richard-Pontvert is formed, laying the groundwork for later Paraboot development.
“Paraboot” trademark filed Name combines “Para” (Amazon port exporting latex) and “boot”, inspired by rubber footwear seen in the United States.
Rubber soles & archive mountain styles Natural-rubber soles are vulcanised in-house; archive models such as Avoriaz (from Paraboot’s Galibier line) use Norwegian welts and are resoleable.
Michael Derby launched Two-eyelet Tyrolean Derby introduced just after the war with a natural-rubber sole; Paraboot highlights “repairable since 1945”.
Keeps stitched construction While many brands move to glued plastic soles, Paraboot maintains sewn construction (Norwegian and Goodyear welts) and rubber outsoles.
Chambord Derby introduced U-tip Derby with Norwegian welt enters the range and becomes a core city shoe.
International retail begins Dedicated stores open in Antwerp (1994), then Tokyo (2001) and Brussels (2003) as global demand grows.
Second Japan boutique Boutique opens in Osaka with an updated retail concept.
Michael 70th anniversary Paraboot marks 70 years of the Michael with special releases and global storytelling.
Modern recognition The Michael sees renewed media attention; in early 2025 it features among the top products in the Lyst Index, reflecting strong demand.

Last updated . Shop Paraboot at The Sporting Lodge.

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Paraboot FAQs

Paraboot was established in 1908 by Rémy Richard in Izeaux, France, near the French Alps. Originally designed for durability in tough conditions, the brand introduced rubber soles and Norwegian welt construction, setting it apart in the footwear industry. By 1945, the Michael model became a cornerstone of its legacy. Still family-owned, Paraboot produces its shoes in Saint-Jean-de-Moirans, maintaining a balance of tradition and innovation over its 100-year history.

Yes, Paraboot Mens Shoes are celebrated for their outstanding quality. Handcrafted in France using full-grain leather and techniques like Norwegian and Goodyear welt construction, they offer exceptional durability and comfort. The use of natural rubber soles and sustainable practices enhances their appeal. Many customers and experts commend their robust build and long-lasting performance.

Paraboot Mens Shoes are made from premium full-grain leather, sourced from top European tanneries, paired with natural rubber soles for durability. Models like the Chambord and Avignon feature waterproof leather, while the Malo and Thiers ranges include suede and grained textures. The brand’s eco-conscious approach ensures sustainable production without compromising quality.

Paraboot Mens Shoes are distinctive for their handcrafted construction, featuring Norwegian welt stitching and natural rubber soles. The Michael’s apron-toe design, Chambord’s versatility, and Avignon’s refined look highlight their unique blend of ruggedness and style. This combination of heritage techniques and practical design sets them apart.

Yes, Paraboot Mens Shoes are designed for comfort during extended wear. The Michael, Chambord, and Avignon ranges feature supportive leather uppers and cushioned rubber soles. Their meticulous craftsmanship ensures a snug yet flexible fit, making them suitable for both daily routines and longer outings.

Among Paraboot Mens Shoes, the Michael stands out for its apron-toe style, while the Chambord is prized for its adaptability. The Avignon appeals to those seeking a polished look, and the Pacific Sport range is popular for outdoor durability. The Malo and Thiers models also enjoy strong followings for their unique finishes.

Paraboot Mens Shoes excel in outdoor settings, thanks to their durable construction. The Pacific Sport and Thiers ranges, with rugged rubber soles, are ideal for uneven terrain. The Michael and Chambord also offer weather resistance and support, making them reliable choices for adventures beyond the city.

Paraboot Mens Shoes distinguish themselves with handcrafted French quality, using Norwegian welt construction and natural rubber soles. Unlike many brands, they prioritise sustainability and resoleable designs, as seen in the Michael and Chambord ranges. This focus on durability and heritage craftsmanship often sets them above competitors.