My Favourite Shoes

In 1945, Remy Richard’s Paraboot created the third member of the French Holy Trinity - Cheese, Wine, and a polished pair of Paraboot Michael's, ideally in black leather. The Michael went against what Paraboot was initially known for – emphasis on more workwear-oriented garments and shoes, as shown by the creation of rugged soles called Richard-Pontvert, created years before Vibram came on the scene. They remain a feature of Paraboot today, with an ‘RP’ embossed on the sole. These soles were the gold standard of French shoemaking, much more durable and hard-wearing than the wooden soles used elsewhere. The Michael took these soles and placed a far more fashion-forward upper upon them.

A vintage advertising campaign that still holds up.

Although initially marketed as hiking shoes, the Michael has become an iconic shoe within certain fashion circles, particularly in French and Japanese styling. Provided they are kept polished and clean, they will last a lifetime.

So why do I recommend these? Are they Comfy? Not really. Cheap? Definitely not. Well made? Paraboots have been going for a century, so I'd guess so. Stylish? It depends on who you ask. Should you buy them? Definitely.

If they’re good enough for Sir Eric, they’re good enough for me…

In my mind, these are worn by French farmers relaxing by the fire with a glass of red wine, or by pretentious fashion students who are on a quest to find 'unique' shoes, otherwise known as me. I can see myself still wearing these shoes in 65 years’ time, when I, much like the French farmer, will be reclining in an armchair, sipping red wine by the fire, and staring at the sunset. Everything will have changed, but not quite everything - I'll still be wearing a pair of Paraboots.