Collection: Paraboot

The Paraboot Brand Story

Summing Up Paraboot:

Established in 1908 by Rémy Richard-Pontvert, Paraboot is the definitive name in "Made in France" artisanal footwear. The brand’s core innovation dates back to the 1920s, when Richard-Pontvert discovered Amazonian latex on a trip to the USA and pioneered the use of natural rubber soles in France. Today, Paraboot remains one of the few global manufacturers to produce its own rubber soles in-house. This dedication to vertical integration, combined with their mastery of the Norwegian Welt, has made them a cornerstone of the Urban Industry footwear curation. Their shoes represent a unique intersection of rugged outdoor utility and refined European elegance, making them as relevant for the modern urban landscape as they were for the French alpine workers of the 20th century.

The Icon: The Paraboot Michael

No discussion of the brand is complete without its most celebrated silhouette: the Paraboot Michael. Originally introduced in 1945 by the Richard-Pontvert family, the Michael was a revolutionary "Tyrolean" style shoe that prioritized anatomical comfort and ruggedness. It is defined by its distinctive piped seam and two-eyelet lacing system, offering a generous, rounded fit that allows the foot to sit naturally. At Urban Industry, we stock the Paraboot Michael in its most essential finishes, including the classic smooth black leather. This model perfectly encapsulates the brand's DNA, featuring a thick natural rubber sole and a heavy-duty Norwegian welt that makes it just as capable on a rain-slicked pavement as it is in a formal setting. Its enduring popularity stems from this versatile, "go-anywhere" aesthetic, cementing its status as a foundational piece for any high-quality footwear rotation.

How Does Paraboot Stack Up:

• Norwegian Welt (Cousu Norvégien): A double-row stitching technique that attaches the upper to the insole and sole. This provides a high-degree of water resistance and extreme durability, allowing the shoes to be fully resoled by a master cobbler.

• In-House Rubber Compounds: Unlike mass-produced alternatives, Paraboot manufactures their own vulcanised rubber soles. These offer superior shock absorption and abrasion resistance compared to standard TPU or synthetic units.

• Full-Grain French Leathers: Utilizing heavy-weight hides from local tanneries, the uppers feature high-oil content (greased leather) which naturally repels moisture and develops a rich patina over decades of wear.

• Internal Cork Filling: A layer of natural cork is placed between the insole and outsole, which over time moulds to the specific anatomical shape of the wearer’s foot for a bespoke fit.

The Urban Industry Take on Paraboot:

At Urban Industry, we view Paraboot as the "end-game" of heritage footwear. For the UK climate, their Norwegian-welted models like the Michael or Chambord are unparalleled; the construction acts as a natural barrier against the damp British winter. When it comes to styling, these silhouettes bridge the gap between Menswear and contemporary streetwear, pairing effortlessly with a wide-leg trouser or a technical cargo. Sizing Guidance: Paraboot models typically run large. We generally recommend that you size down by a half to a full size from your usual trainer size. If you have a particularly narrow foot, a full size down is often necessary to achieve a secure lockdown.

Our Paraboot FAQ:

Are Paraboot shoes waterproof? While not technically "waterproof" in the way a Gore-Tex membrane is, the Norwegian welt construction and high-oil content of the leathers make them exceptionally water-resistant and more than capable of handling heavy rain and puddles.

How do I care for my Paraboot leather? To maintain the leather's longevity, we recommend regular cleaning with a damp cloth followed by a high-quality beeswax-based cream. This replenishes the natural oils and preserves the water-repellent properties of the hide.

Can Paraboot shoes be resoled? Yes. Due to the welted construction, Paraboot shoes are designed to be an investment for life. They can be sent back to the factory or a specialist cobbler to be fully resoled when the tread eventually wears down.

What's the difference between The Michael & The Thiers? 

Originally introduced in 1945, the Paraboot Michael is the brand's most celebrated silhouette. This "Tyrolean" style shoe was designed for anatomical comfort, featuring a distinctive piped seam and a robust two-eyelet lacing system. It utilises the heavy-duty Norwegian Welt, a double-stitched construction that ensures maximum water resistance and allows for lifelong resoling. It is a bold, "clunky" silhouette that bridges the gap between traditional workwear and high-concept streetwear.

The Paraboot Thiers: Tracing its origins to the 1960s, the Thiers offers a lower-profile, more streamlined aesthetic compared to the Michael. Unlike the Norwegian-welted models, the Thiers often utilises Blake Stitch construction, where the outer sole is stitched directly to the insole. This results in a lighter, more flexible shoe with a sleeker silhouette that contours to the foot. While the Michael is a rugged "tank" of a shoe, the Thiers is a refined, smart-casual option that pairs perfectly with relaxed tailoring or denim.

Why buy Paraboot from Urban Industry:

Since 2002, Urban Industry has been a leading destination for premium, authentic brands that prioritise quality over fast-fashion trends. Based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, we are an independently owned business with a global reach. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our high customer service ratings across Trustpilot, Google, and Judge.me. When you buy from us, you are supported by a dedicated UK-based team that understands the technical nuances of the products we stock. We offer fast shipping and a curated selection of Shoes and apparel from around the world, ensuring you receive only the very best in global craftsmanship.