Paraboot

Behind The Label

Founded in 1908 by Rémy-Alexis Richard in Izeaux, at the foot of the French Alps, Paraboot is the definitive name in rugged, "Made in France" luxury footwear. The brand’s trajectory was forever altered in 1926 when Richard returned from a trip to the United States with a pair of rubber boots, leading him to the revolutionary idea of combining high-quality leather uppers with natural latex soles. This resulted in the birth of the "Para" boot—named after the Port of Pará in Brazil, where the rubber was sourced—and the development of their signature Norwegian Welt (cousue Norvégienne). This double-stitch construction, originally designed for mountain boots, ensures an entirely waterproof and incredibly durable bond that has become the hallmark of the brand.

Paraboot’s most iconic silhouette, the Michael tyrolean shoe, was introduced in 1945 and has since transitioned from a sturdy alpine work shoe into a global style icon, favored by both the French creative elite and the Japanese "Ivy" style movement. Today, the label remains a family-owned bastion of traditional craftsmanship, operating its own tannery and utilizing the world’s last remaining hand-cut rubber sole production. Balancing a chunky, utilitarian aesthetic with refined French elegance, Paraboot continues to bridge the gap between heavy-duty outdoor performance and sophisticated urban tailoring.