Shoe makers exist in England, Italy, Spain, and the United States. Each country has its own specialty style that is reflected in the design and manufacturing process, but “Paraboots” has been consistently “Made in France” and has taken the idea of work shoes with rubber soles worn by workers in the U.S. as its source. The position of the brand is really interesting.
The brand’s strong points include a versatile design that is tough and well-made, yet comfortable to wear, and a reasonable price among prestigious brands. If you are having trouble choosing leather shoes now, checking out Paraboot is a no-brainer!
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First of all, let's know its history
The company was founded in 1908 in Izaud, eastern France. The founder, Mr. Remy Richard Ponvert, opened a workshop in this area, which is loved by many alpinists for its beautiful mountains and nature. In the beginning, the company mainly produced work shoes and mountaineering shoes for alpinists. This is the reason why “Paraboot” specializes in and adopts the robust Norwegian manufacturing method.
In 1927, the company imported natural latex from the Brazilian port of Para. The company began producing shoes with high-quality rubber soles. The name of that port is the origin of the brand name, and the trademark “Paraboot” was registered in the same year.
Charm of Paraboot 1Tough to make, but soft to wear, with the Norwegian manufacturing method
As with the aforementioned mountaineering shoes that use the Norwegian manufacturing method, the shoes of “Paraboot” are truly robust and, therefore, can be worn for a long time. The fact that many mountaineers and mountain guides, including Arctic explorer Paul Emile Victor, still trust the brand is proof of this. In addition to mountaineering shoes, the company has developed a variety of work shoes, including “Galibier,” woven boots for laborers, and “Mozine,” for surveyors. The rubber sole, which was introduced early in Europe, is also an expression of the company’s utilitarianism.
Incidentally, the company is the only one among the many shoe manufacturers in the world that produces its own rubber soles. The company produces 18 different types of rubber soles using a unique manufacturing process, and uses them in different models.
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Tough-looking, yet comfortable to wear.
Looking at the L-shaped welt with overhanging flaps and thick stitching characteristic of the Norwegian manufacturing method, one would imagine a hard-wearing shoe. Surprisingly, however, “Paraboot” shoes do not feel so stiff as is often the case with leather shoes. The first reason for this is the high oil content of the leather upper. Most models use organic squirrel leather (calf), which contains a large amount of oil for high water resistance and durability, and this makes the leather supple.
Next is the rubber sole. The rubber soles of ” Paraboot “, including the Marche II, Griffe II, and Paratex soles, store a lot of air in the rubber, which makes them shock-absorbent and flexible. This makes them excellent in shock absorption and flexibility. There is a common belief that “good quality leather shoes take practice until you get used to them,” but with Paraboot, you should be able to get used to them as quickly as possible.
Charm of Paraboot 2Made in France, now rare
“Paraboot” shoes have been produced entirely in France since its establishment. From the production of rubber soles to the sewing of shoes, everything is done in France. In 2017, the factories in Izeau, where the company was founded, were closed and consolidated in Saint Jean de Moirans in Grenoble, southeastern France. The company has streamlined its operations by consolidating all of its headquarters, showroom, and even archive rooms at the same location. The factory has been modernized and an environmentally friendly production system has been established, while still maintaining the basic production process of more than 150 pieces, a combination of handmade and machine-made products.
Incidentally, this is a town with a view of the beautiful Alpine mountains, just like the place where the company was founded. This also shows the pride of being “Made in France. While many brands are shifting their production bases to less expensive overseas locations, a pair of “Paraboots” made in France stimulates a shoe lover’s appetite and provides a high level of satisfaction for the owner.
Charm of Paraboot 3Versatile! A wide variety of models available for on/off and multinational mix styles
The classic “Chambord” was created in 1987, with a U-tip upper and a Paratex sole, this shoe has the neatness of a dress shoe, The voluminous toe and the protruding flange made by the Norwegian manufacturing method give the shoes the toughness of an oxford boot. The same is true of the double monk “William,” which was commissioned by the Duke of Windsor and inspired by the aviator boot. The Norwegian manufacturing process gives the shoe a robust yet dressy appearance.
Paraboot” is famous for its lineup of shoes that are both dressy and casual, and therefore can be worn both on and off the street. They are truly shoes that can be worn twice. The line between business and casual wear has become blurred recently, but with “Paraboots,” one pair is enough.
American shoes made in France! The reason why Paraboot is called “versatile” can be seen in the shoe’s construction!
They can be worn with suits and denim. Its versatility is even more pronounced in casual wear. The founder, Remy Richard Ponvert, began importing natural latex in 1927, but it was his move to the United States in 1926 that led to the creation of Paraboot. The idea was inspired by the rubber-soled work shoes worn by workers in the United States.
Generally, European shoes such as British and Italian shoes tend to have low sidewalls when viewed from the front. On the other hand, American shoes tend to have sidewalls that stand up and a voluminous toe. This is just like the “Chambord”, “Michael”, and “William” from “Paraboot”. And yet the design is very traditional and basic. The balance of the design allows the shoes to match any fashion style, from American casual to ita-casual, and of course French casual. For those who want to enjoy a variety of fashion styles, this is a reassuring presence.
Is this the perfect leather shoe collection for you?
Although everyone’s tastes are different, it is no exaggeration to say that ” Paraboot ” is a must-have choice in the selection of leather shoes for all adult men living in the modern age. It is often said that “From dress shoes to trekking boots, Paraboot has it all” when discussing the brand’s appeal.
In addition, “I want a pair of leather shoes that are comfortable and can be used easily and heavily, apart from the leather shoes of prestigious brands that take time until they become familiar with my feet,” “I have been enjoying boots that are solely military in the American casual style, but I also want leather shoes that are mature and elegant,” “I want leather shoes that can be used widely from business attire to off-style shoes with a sense of elegant sneakers. I want leather shoes that can be used in a wide range of styles, from business casual to off-duty, just like elegant sneakers. Paraboot offers leather shoes that meet the needs of mature men who have worn a full range of leather shoes.
From here, we will introduce a whole range of models that are worthy of being called the “God’s 7” of Paraboot. If you understand the richly varied lineup, your shoe selection is as good as complete!
The masterpiece “Chambord” is the very symbol of Paraboot’s charm. The upper is made of squirrel leather and the sole is made of Paratex.
The U-tip is known for its versatility among dress shoes, but the Chambord’s robust Norwegian manufacturing method, voluminous toe, raised sidewalls, and thick rubber sole match faded vintage denim and rugged cargo pants. On the other hand, the overall impression of the shoe is French-like and neat, making it a good match for jackets with slacks. However, please note that its volume makes it a bit of a mismatch with classical suits.
”Unlikely,
Paraboot's best 3 Urban traditional shoes that can be worn both individually and elegantly
“Michael” is the story of the history of Paraboot, which has won much fame for its mountaineering shoes. It was created in 1945 to celebrate the birth of Michel Richard, the founder’s grandson. Mikael is the Latin reading of Michel.
The design was inspired by Tyrolean shoes, which are traditional mountain shoes, and features a simple two-eyelet design. Before the birth of this model, the “Mosine,” inspired by Tyrolean shoes, was sold, and the “Michael” is its successor.
The simple yet voluminous silhouette, similar to that of the “Lance” loafer, with its Norwegian manufacturing method, thick sole, and loafer, has a strong presence, and matches the unique pants with the all-over pattern. On the other hand, they can also be worn with creased slacks, as Hermes once did with a special order.
Paraboot's gem 4 'Avoriaz (AVORIAZ)'Looks stiff, but looks at home in an urban building district
The “Avoriaz” is a masterpiece of mountaineering shoes. However, the model originates from the “Galibier” brand of mountaineering shoes, which was created in 1922 by Richard Ponvert, the company that operates “Paraboot. After it was discontinued, Paraboot began selling the model anew in 2007.
The model from the “Galibier” era used a wide-width last, but when it became “Paraboot,” a slimmer chamboard last was adopted. The overall form was thereby refined, and they became popular as mountaineering shoes for adults to wear in town. Jeanne sole was adopted for the sole. While referring to the pattern of the “Galibier” period, the flexibility of the sole has been improved for street wear.
The slender silhouette is perfect for outdoor-mix outfits, but it can also be worn with mode outfits.
Earn the trust a businessman needs with this pair
The “Avignon” is the same U-tip, but has a stronger dress feel than the “Chambord”. The “Avignon” has a more dressy look than the “Chambord,” although they have the same U-tip. The last is also characterized by a lower instep and a sharper toe than the ” Chambord.
This model is recognized as a business shoe among “Paraboot,” whose main line of products are casual shoes. However, they are tough because of the Norwegian manufacturing method. The leather upper is made of squirrel leather, which has excellent water resistance due to its high oil content. The Griff II sole, which is also lightweight and shock-absorbent, is made to be practical.
The comfort of these shoes will literally become the underpinning when worn with a business suit. The strong cobra, which is unique to the Norwegian manufacturing process, does not look too meek and goes well with American traditional outfits.
Enjoy mountaineering shoes as a city alpinist, not a land surfer, in daily life
It is no exaggeration to say that the foundation of the brand policy of “Paraboot” was laid, and the mountaineering shoes that are the predecessor of the present brand Avoriaz” succeeds the lineage of the mountain-climbing shoes that were born in the time of the brand “Galibier”. The “Crusa” is a further updated version of the same model that has evolved from full-fledged mountaineering shoes to city shoes.
At first glance, it may seem that the “Avoriaz” is simply a short shoe, but the ” Avoriaz” uses the Norwegian manufacturing method, while the ” Crusa” uses the Goodyear manufacturing method. The sole is the same Jeanne sole, but the Goodyear process reduces the protruding kovas, giving the shoes a clean look that is more suitable for street wear.
As the outerwear becomes more voluminous, a sense of presence is needed on the feet in winter coordination. However, a lightweight pair of shoes is preferable for street wear. This is a pair of shoes that fulfills such a common winter fashion wish list.