For connoisseurs of fine men’s footwear, Paraboot stands in a league of its own. Since 1908, the brand has been synonymous with uncompromising quality, artisanal craftsmanship, and a distinctive style that is renowned far beyond the borders of France. Its striking, ruggedly crafted moccasins, classic derbies, elegant loafers, and robust boots have become some of the most sought-after shoes for men who appreciate quality and have a keen sense of style.
Paraboot for men has secured its place in the fashion universe not through fleeting trends, but through consistency. While many other brands turned to cheaper mass production in the post-war era, Paraboot consciously chose a different path. Instead, it continued to focus on in-house sole production using natural rubber, derived from the latex of the Brazilian Para tree. This detail makes all the difference – not only in appearance, but also in comfort and durability.
A French Success Story
Paraboot was founded in 1908 by Rémy-Alexis Richard in a small village at the foot of the French Alps, near Grenoble in Izeaux. Richard had previously worked as a shoemaker and, driven by his vision, began selling his own designs before establishing the company Richard-Pontvert with the support of his wife, Juliette Pontvert – the origins of the Paraboot brand. In 1927, he officially registered the name Paraboot, a combination of Para, the Brazilian port through which the latex rubber was imported, and Boot, inspired by American rubber boots.
In its early decades, Paraboot for men specialised in sturdy work and outdoor shoes – designed, for instance, for electricians or the French police. The breakthrough came in 1945 with the Michael model, a snub-nosed derby with a Norwegian welt and distinctive rubber sole, which went on to become one of the most important men’s shoes in the post-war era – elegant enough for office and city wear, yet practical enough for the outdoors and manual work.
The company, under the leadership of Julien Richard, the founder’s son, remained steadfast – even as many brands either disappeared from the market or shifted to mass production in the 1970s. After filing for bankruptcy in 1983, Michel Richard, the third generation, took over and successfully revived the label – the eponymous Michael shoe silhouette was discovered in Italy and secured Paraboot’s economic survival.
Today, almost all stages of production for the French brand – from cutting the leather to making the rubber soles – take place at the workshop in Saint-Jean-de-Moirans, Isère. Around 100 employees craft hundreds of classic and reinterpreted pairs each day – a true symbol of Made in France, sustained by an integrated production process and a philosophy rooted in repairability and sustainability. In addition to France, Paraboot also manufactures in Spain and Portugal.
Paraboot's Expertise: The Norwegian Welt
Paraboot for men is considered a benchmark for the so-called Norwegian welt, a traditional shoemaking construction that combines robustness with elegance. In this method, the upper leather is stitched firmly over an insole to the sole – two clearly visible rows of stitching provide stability, flexibility, and an unmistakable artisanal detail. Originally developed for mountain boots and footwear exposed to heavy use, the technique has long since found its place in urban shoe fashion. It not only guarantees durability and comfort but also makes the shoes water-resistant and resilient against the challenges of everyday life.
Paraboot Shoes: Models, Fits & Designs
One of the brand’s most iconic models is the Paraboot Michael, a true classic with vintage charm and worldwide cult status. Its masculine moc-toe, lacing, and robust leather or suede make it the perfect blend of elegance and down-to-earth appeal. The Paraboot Avoriaz, an alpine boot with strong character, is another highlight of the collection. For urban everyday wear, the refined Paraboot Chambord or modern Paraboot loafers are ideal, pairing just as well with a sharp suit as with casual jeans. To complete the look, opt for colour-coordinated bags, belts, or other accessories. This is easy to achieve, as Paraboot’s men’s collection is defined by a timeless colour palette: beige, brown, navy, and black dominate. The preppy style, in particular, provides an excellent framework for styling these shoes.
The question of what type of shoe Paraboot represents is easy to answer. The classic Michael can be broadly categorised as a lace-up shoe. Beyond that, the brand’s range also includes boots, sneakers, loafers, boat shoes, sandals, and derby shoes.
How do Paraboot shoes fit? The fit of the models varies, which is particularly noticeable with lace-up shoes and slip-ons such as the Barth boat shoe – here, it is recommended to choose half a size down. For the Cosmos sneaker, on the other hand, we suggest going half a size up. Simply refer to our size guidance on each product detail page. If you are between two sizes, it is generally advisable to opt for the smaller one – in case of doubt, you can always make up the difference with an insole.
Premium Materials and Lasting Quality
Whether finely grained smooth leather, refined nubuck, or suede – Paraboot for men uses only carefully selected leathers, crafted by experienced shoemakers. The Goodyear welted construction makes it possible to have the shoes resoled multiple times. As a result, they are not fleeting fashion items, but enduring companions that gain character with every step. Anyone who owns a pair knows: these men’s shoes stand the test of time – not only in style but also in quality. So, the question of whether Paraboots are of high quality and built to last can be answered with a resounding yes.
Buy Paraboot Men's Shoes at BRAUN Hamburg
Those in search of a reliable, stylish, and long-lasting shoe will find an excellent choice in Paraboot for men. Worn by international stars, showcased in the shelves of the finest boutiques, or strolling the streets of Paris, this brand remains synonymous with quality and timeless style. Discover a piece of French craftsmanship that endures across generations – or explore many more designer shoes for men and daily new styles in the BRAUN Hamburg online shop.
