Crafted by the second generation of the Richard-Pontvert family, the iconic Paraboot Michael emerged in 1945, just in the aftermath of the war. In an era marked by scarcity of materials, this silhouette was characterised by a straightforward set of requirements: two eyelets paired with a resilient yet slender lace, sturdy leather featuring a reinforced piped seam for added protection, robust stitching, a plush and substantial insole, and a natural rubber sole. The brand now returns this season with a tumbled leather update to the iconic model - handmade in France.
Paraboot Michael Construction
The founding of this model also drew inspiration from the birth of Michel Richard - the present Chairman of the company - reflecting the prevailing trend of anglicizing names during that period. Thus, from Michel to Michael, a legend was born.
For more than 100 years, Paraboot have proudly handcrafted every shoe in their collection, in Saint Jean de Moirans - the heart of the French Alps. From the crafting of soles to packaging, encompassing leather cutting, stitching, assembly, and finishing, no fewer than 150 manual operations are necessary to produce these shoes. This mirrors the same number of steps involved in 1908, showing that no corners have been cut to this day.
Their renowned Norweigen Welt Construction allows the uppers to be securely attached to the sole through the utilization of a welt. Two lines of stitches are visibly present: the "Norwegian" welt, which connects the welt to both the upper and the assembly insole, and a special fine stitching that links the welt to the outsole. Alternatively, the absence of a welt means the two lines of stitches are directly sewn onto the leather at the base of the upper, effectively serving as a welt.
Historically, the Norwegian welt found prominence in mountain and work shoes, but today it is also embraced in casual footwear. Interestingly, the etymology of its name remains obscure and unrelated to Norway. This robust and adaptable mounting technique not only renders the shoe waterproof but also facilitates resoling. Moreover, the Norwegian welt imparts a distinctly sporty aesthetic. From a technical standpoint, the benefits of the Norwegian welt are akin to those of the Goodyear welt.
The soles and heels are consistently crafted using the same vulcanization blends and techniques that have been integral to Paraboot's extensive heritage. Rubber showcases its optimal physical and mechanical attributes, including comfort, flexibility, and durability, although the latter is influenced by both usage patterns and the wearer's habits. Our rubber blends originate from France and undergo vulcanization on our presses at the Saint Jean de Moirans workshop.
The iconic Michael now returns this season with a tumbled leather construction. Tumbled leather undergoes a process where the natural grain is altered from its original state. Through the application of small stones, the grain is pressed into the leather's surface, enhancing both its appearance and suppleness, giving the uppers a gently worn-in texture and a subtle sheen. Tumbled leather also means you can skip the lengthy breaking in process that comes with stiff leather constructed shoes.
Paraboot Michael/Marche - Noir Cerf
Handmade in France, the uppers of these latest Michael's feature the renowned Norweigen Welt construction, hosting two eyelets for lacing. Inside, a leather lining ensures comfort and breathability with a meticulous attention to detail in the piped seams & chunky rubber sole.
Shop the latest Michael's & our full Paraboot collection below, available online & in-store now at Stuarts London.