Black Reims Smooth Loafers

Paraboot boots are made from the highest quality calfskin leather, so proper care ensures their longevity and appearance. After wear, allow the boots to dry at room temperature and avoid direct heat. Clean with a soft brush or a damp cloth, and regularly nourish the leather with Saphir creams or waxes. To maintain their shape and prevent creasing, use wooden shoe trees.
For more specific care information, please visit our shop or contact us by email or phone.

PARABOOT – FRENCH ELEGANCE

The origins of the brand date back to the late 19th century when, in 1878, the founder of PARABOOT, Rémy-Alexis Richard, was born into a humble farming family in a small village at the foot of the Alps. Starting his journey as a shoemaker in one of the 20 workshops in the village of Isère, he was bold and ambitious, soon moving to Paris where he sold his first handcrafted shoes to high-end clients. As the business gained momentum, he established the Richard-Pontvert company in 1910 and soon introduced the "Chaussures Extra" brand alongside a collection of luxury shoes. A decade later, he acquired his first factory in Izeaux, aiming to master the production of both elegant and work-specific footwear. For the latter, he created the brand "Galibier".

THE SPECIAL ROLE OF RUBBER

Fond of travel and international exhibitions, yet not speaking a word of English, Rémy Richard sailed to the USA in 1926. There, he noticed Americans wearing rubber boots and became fascinated by the benefits of latex, from which rubber is derived. After bringing this material back to his factory, he began manufacturing waterproof footwear. He had the idea to replace wooden soles with rubber ones, as the former were cheap but uncomfortable and wore out quickly. Although he continued to produce elegant leather shoes, from that point on, they all featured the thick, non-slip soles that became the hallmark of Richard-Pontvert footwear. A year after his trip to the USA, Rémy Richard registered the name PARABOOT: a combination of "Para" (the Amazonian port from which latex was exported) and "boot" (the curious footwear he discovered in America). With this, the PARABOOT style was born.

SEEKING NEW HORIZONS

When Richard’s son, Julien, took the helm, the company began producing sturdy, thick-soled boots for those in need of comfortable work footwear, such as farmers, lumberjacks, shepherds, and labourers. Despite this, Julien constantly sought new markets, eventually creating footwear for skiers, mountaineers, pilots, motorcyclists, riders, and skaters. He even produced special models for the French parachute team, which became world champions. Within just a few years, the Richard-Pontvert company became a manufacturer of all types of technical footwear, and the aforementioned "Galibier" brand became a leader in technical footwear both in France and abroad.

NORWEGIAN WELTING – THE GUARANTEE OF LONGEVITY

From the very beginning, the company used Norwegian welting for its footwear production. Norwegian stitching is a traditional shoemaking technique originating from Scandinavian countries, renowned for its strength and durability. Over time, Norwegian welting became a synonym for quality and craftsmanship in the footwear industry. PARABOOT continues to apply this technique today to offer its customers boots that are not only stylish but also timeless.

CRAFTSMANSHIP PASSED FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION

Over the years, the footwear produced by Richard-Pontvert took on a more urban feel. The "Michael" model, which appeared in 1945, received great acclaim from Italian fashion designers and became one of the brand's most iconic styles.

In 2000, with Marc-Antoine joining the company, the family business passed to the fourth generation. Today, all company operations are concentrated under one roof in France. In a modern, environmentally friendly factory, footwear famous for its longevity is born. With over a century of experience in quality shoemaking, PARABOOT is now one of the most respected footwear brands in the world.