Walking Through Time - The Paraboot Journey from Function to Fashion.
In the ever-evolving world of men’s fashion, trends come and go like the tide. But amidst the sea of fleeting fads, there's a steadfast icon that has not only stood the test of time but has become cooler with each passing year – enter the Paraboot.
Picture this: you're strolling down a bustling Parisian street, the crisp autumn air tickling your senses, and beneath your feet, the unmistakable clomp of Paraboots. These aren’t just any old pair of shoes; they're a symbol of timeless style, a nod to tradition, and a testament to the brand's rich history.
Let's rewind the clock a bit. At the dawn of the 20th century, somewhere in the picturesque French town of Izeaux, a small shoemaking workshop was busy crafting footwear for the rugged souls of the Alps. Rémy-Alexis Ricard, born into a humble farming family began his career as a cutter at Chevron, one of many shoe factories in the area. Remy soon realised that the contractors from the big cities who were paying his boss to create these beautiful shoes were getting paid significantly more than his boss —and a hell of a lot more than he was.
Seeing an opportunity, Remy hatched a plan! He sketched up some of his own designs, bundled them into his briefcase, and boarded a train to Paris. On arriving in Paris, Remy went to visit these contractors and pretended to be a factory agent from Izeaux looking to sell shoe designs. Unbelievably, his plan worked. His now clients in Paris loved the designs and he was soon on a train back home ready to hire his own staff and somehow work out how to make this all happen. Eventually, he even had the Chevron factory and his old boss making his shoes for him. Paraboot was born!
In 1926, despite his complete lack of English, Remy embarked on a voyage to the United States, where he encountered the marvels of rubber "boots." It was a revelation. Picture him, eyes wide with excitement, as he saw the potential of latex (or gum, as it was affectionately known). Returning to Tullins Fures, a quaint town near Izeaux, he brought this newfound material back with him, ready to revolutionize the boot game. The early iterations of these waterproof boots were little more than latex gum layers added by hand onto wooden lasts and then vulcanised in stoves. It wasn’t until he realised, he could use this rubber to replace the uncomfortable and flimsy wood that we started to see the early versions of what we’d now recognise as a rubber sole. The company is even named after these soles and the obsession with rubber. "The name 'Paraboot' came from its original soles, which are made from quality natural latex shipped from the port of Para in Brazil. All of Paraboot's soles are original, and each variation is named after a specific model."
Remy can’t exactly be awarded with reinventing the wheel, Englishman Hiram Hutchinson had already created a rubber boot factory after buying the patents from Charles Goodyear Jnr (the genius behind the Goodyear sewing machine and Goodyear welt, son of Charles Snr inventor of vulcanisation). So, what was his innovation? Notched soles. This was a whole 11 years before Vitale Bramani, founder of Vibram, has been credited for coming up with the same idea. Bramani lost six friends to a hiking trip gone wrong that he blamed on the shoes. The hiking shoes of the time had little-to-no insulation and very little traction either. There was clearly a need for a change in footwear all over Europe!
As Remy’s rubber-clad creations stomped through the streets, they weren’t just fashionable; they were a nod to a legacy of ingenuity, bridging past innovations with modern comfort in ways that even the old floor manager at Chevron would have to applaud. Paraboots as we know them were born out of necessity, designed to withstand the harsh terrain and unpredictable weather of the mountains. Fast forward a few decades, and something magical happened – Paraboots transcended their utilitarian roots and became a bona fide fashion statement. How did this humble mountain boot become the darling of the footwear world? Well, it's a tale as old as time – a perfect blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and a sprinkle of French flair.
One of the secrets to Paraboot's enduring appeal lies in their impeccable construction. Each pair is lovingly handcrafted using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations of artisans. From the finest leather to the sturdy rubber soles, every element is meticulously chosen to ensure both durability and comfort. Paraboots are as weather resistant as a dress shoe can be, with their signature Norwegian welt (sometimes even known as a “storm welt”) these shoes will take you from a wet weekend in the Lake District to the streets of west London without any risk of a soggy sock.
It's not just about what's on the outside; it's what's on the inside that counts too. Paraboots are like the Swiss army knives of footwear – versatile, practical, and stylish to boot (pun intended). Whether you're navigating the urban jungle or embarking on a rugged outdoor adventure, these babies have got you covered.
Of course, we can't talk about the Michael or Paraboots in general without mentioning their effortlessly cool aesthetic. There's something inherently rugged yet refined about them, like a well-worn leather jacket or a perfectly aged bottle of red. They exude a sense of understated elegance that's impossible to ignore, drawing admirers from all walks of life. This effortlessness is what makes them so universal, you’d just as likely be complimented by the most fashion-conscious cool kids of east London or by my aging mother. There aren’t many shoes that can offer such a service while still being of the highest quality and comfort.
It's difficult to understate the cultural significance of Paraboots. Timeless designs that haven’t changed for over 50 years these shoes were never meant to be cool but that’s exactly why they are! In a world where trends come and go faster than you can say "indie sleaze revival," these classics have managed to carve out a niche all their own. They've graced the pages of high-fashion magazines, strutted down the runways of Paris Fashion Week, and even found their way onto the feet of stylish celebrities and tastemakers (as well as French geography teachers from 50 years ago if that’s more your thing).
At the heart of Paraboot's enduring legacy lies the iconic Michael shoe, a two-eyelet moccasin introduced in 1945 that quickly became the brand's flagship model. Born out of a post-war necessity, the Michael didn't just help Paraboot recover financially; it defined the brand's identity. With its robust, chunky silhouette and distinctive Norwegian welt, the Michael was inspired by the rugged Alpine region of Tyrol, echoing the resilience of those who hiked its challenging terrain. This Tyrolean masterpiece stands out in any crowd, whether paired with trousers or worn on rugged trails. Crafted with the same meticulous hand-stitching technique that made it famous nearly eight decades ago, the Michael is as comfortable as it is sturdy, offering waterproof protection and an adaptable fit. The Michael is more than just a shoe; it's a testament to Paraboot's unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship, unchanged by time and trends.
Perhaps the most endearing thing about Paraboots is their ability to bring people together. Whether you're a seasoned fashionista or a rugged outdoorsman, there’s something about slipping into a pair of these iconic boots that instantly makes you feel like part of the club. It's like joining an exclusive fraternity of style-savvy individuals who appreciate the finer things in life – like a well-crafted pair of shoes. So, what's the secret to Paraboots' meteoric rise to fame? Is it their unparalleled craftsmanship? Their timeless aesthetic? Or perhaps it's just that undeniable je ne sais quoi that sets them apart from the rest. Whatever it is, one thing's for sure – Paraboots are here to stay.
As you lace up your own pair of Paraboots and take to the streets, remember that you’re not just wearing a pair of shoes; you're stepping into a piece of history. So go ahead, walk a mile in these iconic boots, and experience the magic for yourself. After all, life's too short for boring footwear.
