With its rounded silhouette, bold moccasin stitching, and thick rubber sole, Paraboot’s “MICHAEL” is a classic Tyrolean shoe that has been worn for over 80 years since its inception, boasting a distinctive character that’s instantly recognizable.It possesses the elegance expected of a leather shoe while offering the casual ease of a sneaker. In this article, we’ll look back on Paraboot’s history and explore the reasons behind the Michael’s enduring popularity.
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What Is Paraboot?A Prestigious French Shoe Brand Inheriting the DNA of Practical Footwear
The history of Paraboot dates back to 1908, when Rémy Richard began crafting shoes in Isère, at the foot of the French Alps.At the time, outsoles made of wood or leather were the norm, but when Rémy traveled to the United States in 1926 and encountered rubber boots there, it marked a turning point that would define the brand’s future.Recognizing the practicality of rubber, Rémy developed a proprietary technique for using it in shoe soles. He devised a process in which a thin rubber sole was sewn to the upper, then a thicker layer of rubber was bonded to it and vulcanized, and began applying this method to work shoes.
The brand name was born in 1927. The “Para” in “Paraboot” comes from the port of Para in the Amazon River basin, from which natural latex was exported, while “Boot” derives from the boots Rémy saw in the United States. Thus, the brand name itself embodies a deep connection to rubber soles.To this day, Paraboot manufactures its own rubber soles and carries on traditional shoemaking methods, including the Norwegian construction method.Unlike delicate dress shoes, Paraboot features thick leather, sturdy construction, and voluminous rubber soles. Paraboot’s unique character lies in its ability to elevate this DNA as practical footwear into leather shoes suitable for everyday city wear.
What Is the Paraboot ‘Mikael’?The Tyrolean Shoes Symbolizing Paraboot, Born in 1945
The Mikael was born in 1945.Based on the Tyrolean shoes worn in the Alpine mountain regions, this model was created by modifying the “MORZINE” that Paraboot had already been producing.It was originally intended for people who worked long hours on their feet, such as farmers, lumberjacks, and factory workers. Many of its features—including the rounded, roomy last, the upper that covers a large portion of the foot, the two-eyelet lacing system, and the thick rubber sole—stem from the practical necessities of work footwear.The name “MICHAEL” comes from Michel Richard, the founder’s grandson, who was also born in 1945. It is said that because it was fashionable at the time to give names an English-sounding twist, he was named Michael rather than Michel.
Incidentally, while it is sometimes said that “Michael was created as a custom order for HERMÈS,” as mentioned earlier, Michael was launched in 1945, whereas the collaboration with Hermès did not materialize until approximately 40 years later, in 1984. Rather, what deserves attention is an event that occurred just before that.In late 1983, Paraboot was forced to file for bankruptcy due to financial difficulties. Around that time, within the Italian fashion industry, the thick-soled “Mikael”—which complemented the new styles of the era, such as tweed jackets and corduroy pants—was rediscovered.As a result of the surge in orders, the brand emerged from the crisis—a turning point so significant that Paraboot itself later reflected that “the popularity of the Michel saved the company from extinction.”
A shoe originally created for mountain workers was rediscovered by the fashion world some 40 years later, becoming an enduring brand icon. It is this extraordinary history that explains why the “Michel” is not merely a long-running bestseller but is hailed as a “masterpiece.”
Analyzing the Design and Functionality of a Masterpiece That Has Remained Unchanged for Over 80 Years5 Iconic Features of Paraboot’s ‘Michel’”
From its rounded silhouette to its bold moccasin stitching, the Michel is filled with instantly recognizable design elements.Here, we’ll introduce the five features that define this classic, which has been beloved for over 80 years.
Feature 1 of Paraboot’s ‘Michel’A Plump, Rounded Shape and Bold Mocha Stitching
What characterizes the Michel, above all else, is its shape, which exudes a certain charm.Compared to typical dress shoes, the toe is generously rounded, and thick mocha stitching runs around the upper, which covers a large portion of the instep. This design has its roots in the structure of Tyrolean shoes worn in mountainous regions; the wide coverage of the instep is intended to prevent wood chips and dust from entering the shoe.
Feature 2 of Paraboot’s ‘Mikael’Riswaxy Leather: Wear Them Without Worry Even in Light Rain
The original Mikael model features “Riswaxy Leather,” one of the materials that symbolizes Paraboot.This leather is impregnated with wax to make it water-repellent, allowing you to wear it without worrying about the weather, unlike typical leather shoes. It also has a soft, lustrous sheen unique to waxed leather, and its appearance changes the more you wear it.It evolves from the uniform sheen of a brand-new pair to a rich, textured appearance marked by creases and subtle variations in color. This aging process is one of the joys of wearing the “Mikael” for years to come.
Feature 3 of Paraboot’s “Mikael”The Norwegian Construction Method: Combining Durability and Ease of Repair
For the construction that joins the upper to the sole, Paraboot employs the Norwegian construction method, a specialty of the brand.Originally used in mountaineering boots, this robust construction method creates a structure that prevents water from entering at the junction between the upper and the sole, making it a key element that underpins the “Mikael”’s practicality.The thick stitching and protruding welt not only enhance durability but also contribute to the “Michael’s” distinctive, substantial appearance.
Feature 4 of Paraboot’s ‘Michel’The MARCHE II Sole: Creating a Strong Presence and Comfortable Walk
Supporting the Michel’s footwear is the “MARCHE II” rubber sole, manufactured in-house by Paraboot.Its thick design and deeply grooved tread pattern ensure excellent grip. Offering both cushioning and stability, it’s ideal for extended walks, and this thick sole is also one of the elements that completes the “Mikael”-esque look.
5 Features of Paraboot’s “Michel”The Casual Comfort of Two Eyelets and a Wide Collar
The Michel has two eyelets on each side.With fewer eyelets than typical leather shoes, the shoe opening widens significantly when the laces are loosened, making it easy to slip on and off. The reduced number of eyelets also gives the instep a clean, streamlined look, contributing to the “Mikael’s” distinctive, simple, and charming appearance.
From Classics to Variations in Materials!4 Current Mikael Models
Although the Mikael has been produced for over 80 years with its basic design remaining unchanged, the current lineup now includes not only classic models but also variations featuring changes in materials and details.From classic styles perfect for first-time buyers to unique variations that will tempt even those who already own a pair of Michael shoes, here are four representative models available as of August 2026.
Current 'Michael' Model 1MICHAEL LIS
If you want to experience the true essence of the Michael, the classic “MICHAEL LIS” is definitely the one to go for.Featuring an upper made of water-repellent Liswaxy leather, Norwegian construction, and the brand’s proprietary MARCHE II sole, this shoe embodies all the Michael characteristics we’ve discussed so far. In terms of colorways, the classic black “LIS NOIR” is available, along with “LIS CAFE” and “LIS MARRON.”
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Current 'Michael' Models 2MICHAEL ANNEAUX
Released to mark the 80th anniversary, the “MICHAEL ANNEAUX” is a model that retains the classic, refined silhouette while incorporating subtle changes in the details. The most notable difference is the shoelacing system, which features D-rings instead of the usual eyelets.Inspired by Paraboot’s “AVORIAZ” mountaineering boots, this design highlights the “Michael” line’s roots in mountaineering footwear. The upper is crafted from suede, and the lining features vibrant orange goatskin.The result is a lighter and sportier look than the classic “Mikael.”
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Current ‘MICHAEL’ Model 3MICHAEL BBR
“MICHAEL BBR” is a reimagined model introduced in 2017, featuring a blue, white, and red tricolor design—reminiscent of the French flag—in place of the standard green tag. The differences aren’t limited to the tag; the upper has also been changed from the classicリスワクシー leather to calf leather.The inner lining is also finished in burgundy instead of beige.
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Current 'Michael' Model 4MICHAEL CERF
For those who like the look of the “Michael” but are concerned about its stiffness or weight, we recommend checking out the “MICHAEL CERF,” which is made with deerskin.Deer leather is a soft, supple material. It’s lighter than the standard rat leather and feels soft against your feet right from the start. It retains Michael’s signature voluminous silhouette, Norwegian construction, and MARCHE II sole, so you can enjoy the same iconic look while experiencing a different feel.
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