Paraboot: History and timelessness
A brand that's more than meets the M(eye)chael.
If you have taste, then you know Paraboot. If you don’t have taste, then you’re about to find out. Paraboot is a staple for many tasteful individuals, and if you’re one of the it people (or it person adjacent), then a pair of Paraboot shoes have been in your rotation for quite some time now.
Paraboot is mostly known for its Michael Derby but offers more than one silhouette. The handmade shoemaker focuses on quality, longevity, and nuance — longevity being one thing most labels struggle to focus on. I will admit, any model from Paraboot will be quite spenny ($), but I promise you, if you cop a pair, you won’t have to buy another pair for the rest of your life (unless you’re Mariano who said that then immediately bought a second pair but in a different colour).
Paraboot first began in in 1908 by Rémy Richard, in Izeaux. Initially, the shoemaker started by producing work shoes, but when Rémy visited the US in the 1920s (over 100 years ago is wild), he was inspired, and when he returned, he switched his focus to creating robust leather boots with a focus on quality that had an American flavour. Rémy added rubber soles to his shoes, which was considered uncommon at the time and definitely brought a new mf vibe to the French scene. Fast forward one hundo years and you have a globally loved shoe label that creates footwear to last.
Now that we’ve got the history yapping out of the way, I’m going to get into the nitty-gritty of today’s ‘sletter.
If you’re like me, an average clothing enjoyer, then you have the Paraboot Michael sitting in your rotation; however, it seems like the Michael is living in garm-lovers’ heads rent-free. As someone who owns a pair, I love them, but there’s more to Paraboot than meets the M(eye)chael (edit: I wrote this before the tagline and it’s the dumbest thing ever I love it).
“This model, originally technical, is inspired by the mountain approach marches of the '60s and '80s. Today, this legendary model of mountain shoe has been revisited for an urban style.”
I mean, look at these beauties. Amazing. Sleek. Discreet, but also loud. This isn’t gorpcore — It predates it. I thoroughly enjoy that Paraboot made this available in a classic boot but also in a derby version, dissolving the discourse between what’s better, boots or derbies, and allowing all to enjoy. I personally lean towards the Clusaz because I’ve seen a lot of classy gentlemen rock these joints perfectly. I also think that there’s this weird, yet epic contrast between the chunky hiking details, but in a more discreet silhouette.
“These sandals, originally designed for Carthusian monks, are real shoes suitable for walking.”
I PROMISED myself that i would not participate in the unc of the grill sandals trend… but i can’t help it. not only do you KNOW Paraboot are using the highest of quality leathers, but they look better than most fisherman sandals on the market — Yeah, I’m looking at you, ALD!
I do admit, you really have to him to pull these off. They’re not for the faint of heart, and if your conservative grandmother catches you wearing these at the family barbecue… you best believe you ain’t get a Christmas card this year. I definitely think these joints are well suited to the dainty footwear moment that we are having — We were so obsessed with chunky soles that we’re kinda swinging back the other way, and if you’re comfortable with your sexuality, you’ll be comfortable with these!
“This loafer, which sits among the legends of Paraboot, draws its inspiration from the timeless Michael shoe. Its originality lies in its robust features, which offer a virile and assertive look. The counterpart of the Orsay model, for men.”
I can hear you now,
”But Ted, I love the Michael too much. You’re right, and I do want to be different… I don’t know what to do!”
I got you lil bro.
This loafer is hella clean. It’s different enough for it to be fresh, but still got that classic moc toe. What more could you want?
There are many fantastic colourways for this model (and the Michael too, tbh) that are fresh and out there, but doesn’t stem too far away from the classic feel of Paraboots classics.
If I’m being honest, I haven’t worn mine in a while… Don’t get me wrong! they look amazing and I have no desire to move them on because they’re so damn clean… but in terms of comfort, if I get to choose between these or a pair of sneakers… I’m opting for the sneakers.
However! I will say this is one of the more comfortable options compared to many other derbies and loafers — You can thank that fat fkn rubber sole for this one.
And honestly, writing this up got me conjuring up a hella fire work fit for tomorrow.
Anyways, I hope this opens your mind’s eye and helps you realise that Paraboot isn’t just their Michael model. There’s plenty more and I highly recommend you check out their website to help you find the one that is perfect for you! Lastly, definitely have a look around for sales. They have bumped up the retail price of these as I managed to get mine for $320 USD, but with a quick scan I saw they’re now going for as much as $500 today… fuck inflation bro.