French Heritage
Paraboot is one of the few French footwear brands that still produces everything in France. Handcrafted shoes with roots stretching back to 1927 and a quality that speaks for itself. The brand was founded by Rémy Richard in Saint-Jean-de-Moirans, a small town in the Isère region of the French Alps. This is where the family business was established, and it is where all production continues to take place. In an era when manufacturing is routinely distributed across multiple countries and continents, that kind of consistency is genuinely rare.
The green label found on every pair of Paraboot shoes is not simply a design detail. It is a symbol of a production philosophy that has endured for nearly a century. While many competitors in the 1940s moved toward less demanding manufacturing methods, Paraboot held to its original standard. That decision continues to define the brand today and remains the reason Paraboot stands as one of the last true examples of French-made footwear.
Craft and Production
Every pair of Paraboot shoes passes through an extensive production process involving a significant number of manual steps. Skilled craftspeople cut, stitch, and shape the leather using knowledge passed down through generations. Norwegian welt construction is central to how these shoes are built, ensuring that the soles can be replaced so the shoes last for decades rather than seasons.
The rubber soles are still moulded in Paraboot's own workshops, which represents a rare degree of vertical integration in contemporary shoe production. It is this attention to the full process that makes Paraboot a genuinely high-quality product, not as a marketing claim, but as an accurate description of what actually happens during manufacturing.
Materials and Construction
Paraboot works primarily with high-grade leather, including natural and breathable calfskin. The rubber soles are made from natural latex with origins in Brazil, which is where the brand's name comes from, a reference to the Brazilian port city of Pará. It is a piece of history that sits, quite literally, underfoot.
Norwegian welt construction gives the shoes their water-resistant properties and exceptional durability, as the seam runs along the outer edge and does not penetrate the interior of the shoe. The combination of soft, near-matte leather and a thick, hard-wearing rubber sole is the visual and functional signature that defines Paraboot across all its models and silhouettes.
Silhouettes and Models
The Paraboot range spans from robust lace-up boots with alpine roots to refined loafers and derby shoes suited to city life. The moc-toe silhouette is a recognisable feature across many models and is closely associated with the brand's distinctive, grounded character. Models such as the Paraboot Michael, Paraboot Malo, Paraboot Avoriaz, and Paraboot Yosemite each represent a different side of this range, from the formal to the relaxed.
The selection at Stoy covers a variety of occasions and for the customer who chooses timeless design over seasonal trends. Women's styles, like the men's, are built to be worn year after year. Browse our full selection of boots or go directly to the iconic Michael model if you already know what you are looking for.
Footwear That Improves With Age
Paraboot's appeal rests on a straightforward premise: footwear that outlasts trends, seasons, and wardrobes. Norwegian welt construction means the soles can be replaced, which significantly extends the life of the shoes and makes them an investment rather than a purchase. A pair of Paraboot boots bought today can be worn a decade from now, and with care and the patina that develops over time, they only become more characterful.
This aligns directly with what Stoy is built on: better quality and less consumption. In that sense, Paraboot loafers and lace-up shoes are not simply footwear; they represent a point of view on what footwear should be. Whether you are exploring the full range or looking for quality boots for men, you'll find it all right here. We also carry handcrafted shoes from Paracia for those who are drawn to the same level of care expressed in a different aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Paraboot shoes be repaired and resoled?
Yes, and this is one of the most important qualities of the brand. Paraboot shoes are built using Norwegian welt construction, which means the soles can be replaced by a cobbler. This makes them a long-term investment that, with proper care, can last for decades.
Are Paraboot shoes water resistant?
Norwegian welt construction gives Paraboot shoes their natural water-resistant properties, as the seam runs along the outside of the shoe and does not pass through to the interior. Combined with robust rubber soles and quality leather uppers, many models are well suited to wet conditions and demanding city use, though they are not technically certified waterproof shoes.
What is the difference between Norwegian welt and Goodyear welt?
Both are traditional construction methods that bind the upper, insole, and outsole together in a way that allows for resoling. Norwegian welt construction stitches the seam outward along the edge, which provides additional water resistance and a distinctly robust appearance. The Goodyear welt is somewhat more refined in its look and is widely used in classic men's shoe production. Paraboot utilizes traditional construction methods to ensure durability and allow for resoling.
How do I find the right size in Paraboot?
Paraboot shoes are available in both UK and French sizing depending on the model, and they are designed to adapt to the natural anatomy of the foot for a comfortable fit. It is generally recommended to try the shoes with a medium-weight sock and allow some time for the leather to adjust, as it will shape itself to the foot over time. If you are unsure about sizing, you are welcome to contact Stoy's customer service or visit one of our stores in Copenhagen or Aarhus for personal guidance.
