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Everything you need to know about Paraboot: Model guide, sizes and care

Tout savoir sur Paraboot : Guide des modèles, tailles et entretien

Introduction

It is undoubtedly the most respected French shoe brand in the world. Made in Isère, famous for their Norwegian welt construction and their exceptional durability, Paraboot shoes have become essential items in men's wardrobes.

But before investing in such a pair, a few questions often arise: which model should you choose? How do they really fit? How do you take care of them? Here is our complete guide to help you make the right choice.

1. Michael, Chambord or Reims: Which icon to choose?

While the manufacturing quality remains the same (excellent), the style changes radically from one pair to another.

  • The Paraboot Michael: The Essential. This is the classic model. With its leather padding on the vamp and two-eyelet laces, the Michael has a chunky and robust look. It's ideal for a casual, workwear style or with wide-leg jeans. It's the pair to have if you can only choose one.

  • The Paraboot Chambord: The elegant all-rounder. Slimmer than the Michael, the Chambord is a more classic platform derby. Its versatility is its major asset: it can be worn just as easily with flannel suit trousers as with raw denim jeans on the weekend.

  • The Paraboot Reims: The Moccasin with Character. Imagine a Michael, but without the laces. The Reims is a chunky loafer. Very fashionable, it's often worn with thick socks to soften the overly formal look of the classic moccasin.

2. Size guide: How do Paraboot sizes fit?

This is the most frequently asked question to avoid returns. The rule is simple: Paraboot shoes generally run large.

Unlike your sneakers (Nike, Adidas) which run small, Paraboot has a generous fit ("Large fit").

  • Our advice: Take half a size to a full size smaller than your usual sneaker size.

  • Example: If you wear a size 43 in Nike, aim for a 42 or 42.5 in Paraboot.

  • Quick connection: 41 FR = 7 UK | 42 FR = 8 UK | 43 FR = 9 UK.

Things to know when trying them on: The leather is thick and the sole is rigid. It's normal for the shoe to feel stiff at first or for the heel to move very slightly. After a few days of wear, the warmth of your foot will soften the leather and the sole will mold to your gait.

3. Maintenance: How to keep your shoes for 20 years?

The secret to Paraboot's longevity lies in leather care. Here are the right steps.

  • The white bloom phenomenon: If you see a white powder appear on your new shoes or after they've been stored, don't panic . It's not mold! It's "regrowth," an excess of natural oils rising to the surface of the leather. It's a sign of quality.

    • The solution: A simple, vigorous brush stroke is enough to heat the material and remove the haze to restore the leather's shine.

  • The simple routine: Use unfinished wooden shoe trees to absorb moisture after each wear. Once a month, dust them off, then apply a nourishing cream (or grease for oiled leathers) to prevent the leather from drying out and cracking at the creases from walking.

  • For advanced care: Remove the laces if you have them, insert your unfinished wooden shoe trees, and then begin by brushing with a stiff-bristled brush (or a cloth) to remove dust, mud, and other dirt. Apply a cream such as Saphir's Universal Cream with a clean, soft cloth to clean and begin moisturizing your leather; ideally, pull the cloth towards you. After a few minutes, brush your shoes with a soft brush (Brush Polish) to remove any excess. Next, take your superfine cream in the color of your leather; if in doubt, always choose a lighter color that won't alter the shade. Apply it with a dawber brush in a quick, circular motion to work the cream and pigments into the leather. Let it dry for about ten minutes, then buff with your soft brush. For even more shine and protection, apply a polishing compound (luxury compound) using a cloth stretched between your fingers, always with a circular motion over the entire pair. Let it sit for about ten minutes, then buff with a soft brush, rubbing relatively quickly but without pressing down (a little tip: put a few drops of water on your brush before buffing for extra shine). Regularly, using a welt brush, apply a small amount of grease to the welt stitching to moisturize the sole and keep the threads supple and waterproof. Finally, put your laces back on and remove the shoe trees.

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