Iconic footwear: Paraboot Michael, classic French

Whenever we’ve been talking footwear, my mate Scratch has been going on about his Paraboot Michel shoes. Whenever I’ve done a post about footwear recommendations for the upcoming season, he’s been there, telling me that I must include Paraboot.

And each time, I’ve taken a look at them and thought they looked a bit odd, but knowing that Scratch does know his stuff, so I’ve included them. And probably made some witty comment about them being left field contenders or some such.

The Paraboot Michel, or Paraboot Michael, if you like.

The Paraboot Michel, or Paraboot Michael, if you like.

I think I see now what part of the problem is. When these shoes are photographed, the photos are often taken from an angle similar to the one you’d use to show how impressive a car or a boat looks. As shown above. It makes the shoe look absolutely massive, like an icebreaker braving the waves, or a classic American muscle car ready to burn rubber. Unless those are the sorts of looks you might be looking for in footwear, it might just be a little off-putting. And of course, you never see a shoe from this angle when it’s being used as a shoe and not a still-life object to be artistically evaluated.

The Paraboot logo, on a handy label.

The Paraboot logo, on a handy label.

Oh, and you know how words and associations work, right? To me “paraboot” conjures up images of something a parachuting soldier might wear. Like the awful down jackets by Italian Parajumpers. As if elite soldiers would wear sensible French shoes! Or fashionable down jackets styled for ladies, for that matter.

More fool me, eh? Because I finally got it. And all it took was a trip to the Best Shoe-shop in Norway, where they just happen to carry a selection of the Paraboot range. Including the Michael, one of the models that Scratch swears is just about the best shoe a man can get. And that includes looks, comfort, build quality and story.

The story being almost as important as the product, let’s take a look at that side of things first. Think of it as setting the mood. Dim the lights and cue the Jacques Brel.

The Paraboot logo, on a handy label.

A vintage Paraboot advert.

The origins of Paraboot go way back to the early 1900s, when Rémy Richard, a self-taught man, started his small shoemaking company in Izeaux, Isère, France. From humble beginnings it grew, but it was in 1926 it went from being just another local shoe company to something more.

Although he didn’t speak a word of English, he travelled to the United States in search of innovation. There he noticed the Americans were wearing boots with rubber soles and saw the advantages and possibilities compared to the traditional leather soles he was used to. The new material was latex and be returned to France with both material and the knowhow of how to use it in his own production.

Paraboot, a 100% French legend.

Paraboot, a 100% French legend.

Being a chap of good common sense, in 1927 he registered a new company name based on his new findings, and it became “Paraboot”. The “para” part from the port in Amazonia where the latex rubber was exported from and “boot” from the footwear that inspired him in the USA. He guaranteed his boots to be waterproof with layers of latex added by hand on wooden lasts and vulcanised in vats.

So, with a new name and some new techniques, his company became an even greater success, and though there have been ups and down, it is still a family owned company to this day. Which is something I can appreciate.

Wearing the Paraboot Michel with chinos works.

Wearing the Paraboot Michel with chinos works.

The “Michael” though, where does that come from? Well, as history has it it’s a design that hails back to 1945. There appears to be some agreement that it’s based on a style that became popular in the 30’s, so not strictly something Paraboot can take full credit for on the design front. Fans of old French films may have noticed the style being worn. Iconic stuff, indeed, and we can regard these as an archetype within the breed.

They have been making them for 78 years though, in the same way, by hand, using the same tanners for the fine leather. I’m sure I saw somewhere that it takes 150 operations to make them now, the same as it did in 1945. That is stubbornness for you. It is credible to still have such an eye for quality good and traditional ways, when it would be so easy to claim that the business model just isn’t viable and outsourcing the lot to a low cost country.

Wearing the Paraboot Michael with selvedge denim works.

Wearing the Paraboot Michael with selvedge denim works.

So, first impressions? Heavy, solid and rugged. These are no shrinking violets, or any other shapechanging flower indeed. Not rugged as in safety shoes or workboots, but rugged in the way your dad would appreciate them. Sensible, proper shoes. And with a certain heft to them. Not in the way steel-toed workboots have heft, but more of a sense of purpose. The moccasin toe is a design feature that is shared with the ever-popular Clarks Wallabees, and of course the “moc toe” Red Wing models.

The Paraboot soles are super-rugged!

The Paraboot soles are super-rugged!

The soles are solid natural latex rubber. Thick, and just a little springy. The leather? The leather is magnificent, thick and soft, with a sort of fatty, or even buttery feel to it. Very natural and good. Laces? Yes, but just two holes either side. Minimal.

Unusual Norwegian Welt looks as rugged as the rest of the shoe.

Unusual Norwegian Welt looks as rugged as the rest of the shoe.

The welting is also different on the Paraboot as it’s not the regular Goodyear style welt, but rather the less common Norwegian welt, or storm welt as it’s sometimes known. The difference being that the Norwegian welt has more exposed stitching, is more waterproof and rugged-looking than the Goodyear welt.

When trying them on for size, I had the benefit of a shoemakers insight into sizing. A benefit that has made me rethink almost every shoe I’ve ever bought. Frenchmen apparently prefer their shoes to be the exact length of the foot, so your toes should be up against the end of the shoe. I’ve always bought shoes where my feet would have almost no contact with the shoe itself, but not so large as to rattle around inside.

It's important to get the sizing right, for all values of French right.

It’s important to get the sizing right, for all values of French right.

When trying these on, I first selected my usual size, and instinctively decided I needed them larger, as there was a touch of squeeze towards the broader part of one foot. When I tried the larger size though, it was far too large, with the heel slipping up and down. This was not looking good…

“You need a smaller size”. Uhm, really? But I tried them on, and I could actually get my feet in them, they weren’t really comfortable though. Actually, I tell a lie, they were downright uncomfortable. “Those are right for you, have faith in me”. This did take more than a little faith! A pair of Paraboot shoes are not cheap, and I’d hate to buy shoes I know are too small, but I went for it.

Caught in the rain, no problem for these rugged beasts. Oh la la.

Caught in the rain, no problem for these rugged beasts. Oh la la.

And so started the process of breaking them in. Wearing them inside to start with, letting the pressure and warmth of my feet work at molding the leather. Then wearing them outside, enjoying the feeling of quality French leather reducing my heel to raw flesh. Yet, after a couple of weeks, they are starting to feel very good. I suspect this is a process that will continue for a while yet, but I can already see that the choice of size was good. And hence why I question many of my other shoes.

One very noticeable benefit of buying these in the smaller size is that it does make them seem less massive. Had I bought them two sizes larger (shudder), they’d have felt and looked entirely different. And in the respect of shoes, larger isn’t better, lads!

The business of breaking in shoes in something I’ll have to discuss further at some point. The worst I’ve experienced was a pair of Doc Martens a few years back. Absolute ankle-eaters, due to the leather being stiff as card. Once they’re good though, they are very good. Others struggle with boots like Red Wings, and I have an upcoming post on that.

In summary though, yes, Scratch was right. Every man should own a pair of Michaels. Thanks, mate.

 

 

The Paraboot Michael has a truly classic moccasin toe silhoutte, often imitated.

The Paraboot Michael has a truly classic moccasin toe silhoutte, often imitated.

 

 

And in closing, here is a short video clip about Paraboot:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eq3tCdal2M?feature=player_detailpage]

33 Comments

  • Antoine Becaglia (@AntoineBecaglia) 30/03/2014 at 19:11

    Definitely my favorite brand… A superb quality and the “cousu Norwegien” do not disappoint – a couple of my shoes are 20 years old!

    Reply
    • Well Dressed Dad 30/03/2014 at 19:14

      Do you like many of their other offerings? I had a look through the massive selection on their website and only saw a couple of others that looked interesting.

      Reply
  • Antoine Becaglia (@AntoineBecaglia) 30/03/2014 at 20:05

    Yes…the Farchoc, superdevoluy and Genet Parasport are un-destructible…really…and once broken, they’ll fit amazingly.

    Reply
  • Scratch 31/03/2014 at 10:38

    Good article Nick and I wholeheartedly agree. Absolutely ace shoes. I must say though that the pairs I’ve had have always been super comfy straight out the box and I’ve always found them totally true to size.
    They are at a price point that’s not for the faint hearted but as you’ve stated elsewhere – when you’re getting a pair of shoes that just will not wear out, you can justify the cost.

    Reply
  • Why shoe sizes are a mess | Well Dressed Dad 04/04/2014 at 15:23

    […] Iconic footwear: Paraboot Michael, classic French […]

    Reply
  • Iconic footwear: Clarks Wallabees, everything for everyone! | Well Dressed Dad 11/04/2014 at 13:02

    […] Iconic footwear: Paraboot Michael, classic French […]

    Reply
  • Iconic Footwear: The Red Wing 877 Irish Setters | Well Dressed Dad 19/04/2014 at 13:02

    […] Iconic footwear: Paraboot Michael, classic French […]

    Reply
  • Review: Red Wing Ice Cutters, boots for dad | Well Dressed Dad 20/05/2014 at 12:25

    […] Iconic footwear: Paraboot Michael, classic French […]

    Reply
  • Back to the future: Red Wing Supersoles | Well Dressed Dad 20/05/2014 at 12:26

    […] Iconic footwear: Paraboot Michael, classic French […]

    Reply
  • Favorite items: A boy and his Red Wings | Well Dressed Dad 20/05/2014 at 12:26

    […] Iconic footwear: Paraboot Michael, classic French […]

    Reply
  • Sergej van der Vreede 17/02/2015 at 14:42

    Hi WDD,

    Have you used these in rain and snow/slush? I’m looking for a pair of shoes to battle the ‘harsh’ Dutch winters. I was wondering if the storm welt will keep my feet dry.

    Thanks,
    Sergej

    Reply
    • Well Dressed Dad 17/02/2015 at 15:18

      Light rain, not slush. They’re sturdy shoes, so I think they would be pretty good. The soles are grippier than Red Wing crepe soles and the shoes are much better made than RW.

      Reply
      • sarge1972 17/02/2015 at 20:50

        Thanks. I’ll put them on my wishlist for next fall 🙂

        Reply
  • Scratch 14/10/2016 at 22:58

    Hey Nick, you still be rocking these much? I hope so, due to the inclement weather of late here I have just broken mine out of hibernation. What shoes… comfy like a trainer, hefty and sturdy like a brogue. Look fucking mustard.
    Anyway, hope you are well chap, I will be swapping these for my lunarglides this sunday for a marathon early doors in solidarity of a pal who’s doing the Amsterdam marathon at the same time.

    Reply
    • nick 20/10/2016 at 16:10

      Not so much recently! Quite a lot in the Spring though.

      Reply
  • Thomas Studer 17/02/2017 at 18:30

    Hi Well Dressed Dad!

    I hope this message finds you well. First things first, I love your blog and specially your reviews! I was glad, when I found out, you wrote a review about your Paraboots. This is why I write to you. Because the same thing happened to me: The guy in the store gave me the Michaels one whole number too small (compared to Red Wing and Yuketen) and he explained exactly the same thing to me. Since I bought them in Zurich, I doubt that we have the same shoe dealer :). Now im sitting here in my veeery thight shoes – and I must say: I like it. Well, my guess is, if I would buy a pair of, let’s say, Vibergs in this size, it would kill my feet, mainly becuause the leather is much more stiff, as the whole shoe is. Non the less I’m googled about Paraboot sizing – so you see, I’m still a little bit worried. Now my question to you: Do you still wear ’em? And if you do: What do you say today?

    Thanks a lot for your response and please: go one with your super blog

    Tom

    Reply
  • Paul Bishop 25/02/2017 at 17:18

    Love the Michael by Paraboot – absolute classic. Got my first pair in black patent leather LOL – it was the 80’s. They were killer and blew everyone away when I eventually moved back to the U.S. Looking to buy another pair – just regular leather though this time. Thanks for the killer article!

    Reply
  • Louis 18/04/2017 at 05:13

    By ordering my Paraboots in the U.K. and having them shipped to US, I save considerably ($300. vs. $535)

    Reply
  • Nicholas Aujalay 16/05/2017 at 11:50

    Hi, are these shoes pictured the “cafe” color?
    Also, how long was your foot in cm vs the size in cm you chose?
    I am about to order a pair thus the questions.
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • nick 16/05/2017 at 12:30

      Hi Nicholas, the box mine came in marked “Marron Gringo” and they look just like these:

      http://www.la-botte.com/4DCGI/voir/michael-gringo-marron-f/chaussures/femme/derbies/paraboot/

      To my eyes a fantastic looking leather!

      I’m normally a size 42 and was convinced to buy the Michaels in 41.5. In retrospect I wish I’d taken the half size larger! They are snug now and there really is no indication of them getting any larger…

      Reply
      • Nicholas Aujalay 16/05/2017 at 12:37

        Thank you very much. I will try to find them, seems hard though. I normally wear around size 7 so will try to find. I noticed on your link that it was female(?) version. You got mens size/version?

        Reply
        • nick 16/05/2017 at 12:39

          Mine are the mens version, though I’m not sure there is any actual difference apart from the sizing. I just Googled “paraboot michael marron gringo” and took the first link I found!

          Reply
      • Mick K 16/12/2019 at 22:23

        Hi,

        Firstly great blog.

        Secondly with regards to Paraboots I am a size 42 UK 8 normally but when I tried a 42 in this style they were slipping off my feet. I ended up like you getting 41.5. Now when I wear with Anoymous ism or Rototo socks they always pinch a bit, even after using my shoe stretchers on the shoes. So for a few months I thought I’d wasted £300 or so. Then I found some ultra thin mostly bamboo socks and these are perfect for them. There is no pinch and am wearing the Paraboots to work at least 2 days a week.

        So an ultra thin pair of socks might solve your issue.

        Lastly loved your article on ventile, really intreseting to have someone take a good look at it.

        All the best.

        Mick

        Reply
        • nick 19/12/2019 at 14:04

          Hi Mick, good to hear of tour experiences with the Paraboots. I guess I kind of gave up on mine, given how they’d pinch every time I wore them. My plan is to get a pair in 42, so just a half size larger, as they are truly wonderful shoes. Stretching really only works sideways, in my experience, as the sole will resist any expansion in length. Thanks again! Nick

          Reply
  • Jerry Grasso 13/12/2017 at 23:47

    So if I wear a 42 Euro usually, I’m reading all the comments I should go with that size. They won’t stretch that much to go with a 41.5?

    Reply
    • nick 14/12/2017 at 08:47

      I would not expect much, if any at all, stretch lengthwise. These are super solid shoes. I’ve worn mine a fair anount and not noticed any give yet! I would say 42, if that is comfortable out of the box.

      Reply
  • Edward 16/02/2018 at 18:27

    Do you polish them or treat them with some kind of conditioner or balm?

    Reply
    • nick 16/02/2018 at 18:30

      Good question! The ones I have are of a quite unusual leather, I’m more inclined to treat them with grease or dubbin than a more conventional polish. So far I’ve just given them the occasional brush and they’re keeping well. The leather is very supple.

      Reply
    • Jerry Grasso 16/02/2018 at 18:39

      I use mink oil and traditional shoe polish.

      Reply
    • Henzo 11/04/2018 at 23:28

      Leather oil SPRAY is the best/perfect for this kind of particular leather (without POLISH to not smooth the nubuck).

      Reply
      • nick 12/04/2018 at 10:03

        I ended up with leather grease, which matches the original finish well. The leather isn’t nubuck.

        Reply
  • Stephen 04/06/2020 at 16:14

    Hi , so did you go true to size or go down a size?

    Reply
    • nick 04/06/2020 at 16:17

      I went down half a size, but later went true to size. The former were tight, the latter a little loose!

      Reply

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.