“Iconic Paraboot Michael” is a big statement! However, it is aptly applied when describing this classic silhouette that is so entrenched in the Paraboot ethos and style. Herring happily began stocking Paraboot shoes in the latter half of last year. We have watched them fly off the shelves ever since.
History of Paraboot
Paraboot has been making shoes since 1908. They began work in the French Alps where the son of a farmer, Rémy-Alexis Richard, made his designs for Parisians. He began life as a cutter in one the 20 workshops in the Isère region where shoes were made for city contractors. He recognised the contractors were earning more money than the workshop owners, so stepped in as a middleman before he began hiring his own shoemaking staff.
Rémy bought his own factory in 1920 in Izeaux to complement his warehouse near Paris. A trip to the US inspired his penchant for rubber soles. He used rubber soles in the place of wooden ones which wore out so quickly and were uncomfortable.
He went on to register the tradename of Paraboot in 1927 – a combination of “Para,” a port in the Amazon, from which rubber was exported, and “boot”.
Paraboot men’s shoes
Remy’s son Julien joined the business in 1937 as war was brewing. Post-war, when many shoe factories opted to make cheaper shoes with stuck on plastic soles, Julien had different ideas. Keen on being outdoors, hunting and fishing, he concentrated on shoes and boots with thick soles and leather uppers – the Paraboot DNA. While Julien was passionate making about mountaineering and climbing boots, he also designed footwear for professional men who spent a great deal of time on their feet.
Introducing the Paraboot Michael
The Paraboot Michael was launched in 1945; named after Julien’s newborn son, Michel. A simple Derby style, the Michael has a distinctive rounded toe, raised apron seam, and a robust two-eyelet lacing system. Premium full-grain leather, strong stitching, a thick and comfortable insole atop a natural rubber cleated sole complete the style. The Michael also features a Norwegian welt to make this shoe waterproof, sturdy and comfortable.
Michel took over the reins in 1979 after six years working alongside his father. His namesake shoe continued to flourish, helping the business survive hard times. More urban styles followed in the 1980s and a women’s collection. Paraboot is now into its fourth generation of the Richard family with the brand sold in stores across the world and most of their shoes still made in France.
New to our Paraboot collection
Paraboot Michael in lisse café
The Paraboot Michael in lisse café is our latest offering of this design legend, according to our website, “combining bold Alpine heritage with everyday Parisian nonchalance.” I mean, they even sound awesome! You can style the Michael with cropped trousers, raw denim, or even tailoring for the adventurous. The Paraboot is a firm favourite among designers, creatives, and connoisseurs and is considered a bold, timeless choice for those who walk their own path.
Paraboot Thiers in velours muscade
We already stocked the lisse noir black and Kenya dark brown versions of Paraboot Thiers but have now added the velours muscade iteration for spring. This is a comfortable Derby shoe named after the French town known for its artisanal heritage. It has a sleek, low-profile silhouette designed to contour gracefully to the foot. Its stitched apron and clean vamp offer a pared-back aesthetic that sits perfectly between formal and casual. The natural rubber sole offers flexibility, cushioning, and dependable grip, while the Blake-stitched construction keeps it lightweight and elegant. The Thiers is easy to wear yet brimming with quiet character.
Paraboot Briac
A new style to Herring, the Briac is a go-anywhere version of the boat shoe. Developed 30 years ago and very much in vogue in the 1990s, the Briac has often been nicknamed the 4×4 Derby because of its thick beading around the ankle and its highly notched sole. Now this iconic Paraboot model is making a comeback, and we have it in velours beige and lisse America.
Other Paraboot men’s shoes
Aside from stocking the Paraboot Michael in three other colours, Herring can also offer other Derby shoes from their collection: the Avignon and the Chambord for office days and the Micka, plus the Nantes loafer and Pacific sandal, for down days. Order now for dispatch today!
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