Paraboot
They’re so ugly they’re cute:
https://www.gq.com/story/paraboot-michael-derby
GQ
Is This the Most Important Shoe in Menswear Right Now?
Forty years ago, a thick-soled derby saved Paraboot from bankruptcy. In 2023, it's teaching a generation of sneakerheads to love hard-bottom shoes again.
778 Replies
I have the michaels constantly rotating in my brain at all times
Such great shoes
I have permanent bunionettes on both feet from the time I tried to break in a pair of michaels
Nothing hurt more than listing them on grailed
Another reminder of all that the French have taken from me
a grailed listing sadder than "baby shoes never worn"
“Mfa shoes, half retail, gently used”
No u R ❤️
This sounds like a missize 😦
Teasing about how much of a meme the brand is aside, they are tanks. Have Michaels from 2014 that I wear nearly daily for work, have put a ton of miles on, and they still aren't near needing a resole.
I so badly want to believe this but I picked up 9s when I probably should be 8.5 and they were still too narrow
They would be so perfect for the kind of aesthetic I want too… 😦
and I’ve heard Reims/chambord are narrower so I’m just doomed
my ass is not getting plastic surgery to appease the French
God i want their fisherman sandals in the dark brown so bad
Havn’t been able to find a pair available in the us
At least not any that aren’t super overpriced
Oof this is real sad 😦
Paraboots in the US are pricey. Have you checked any EU stockists. All the ones I’ve purchased so far have been from the EU or UK and been under $350 new
Yah i havn’t found any in the dark brown tho
I love the engineered garments collab I wish I could afford them
The EG collabs are sick. Those ones are expensive pretty much everywhere unfortunately
Yeah I need to find some laces that are similar to the ones that are styled on the collab. It's really that extra detail of the contrasting laces that I am in love with
The euro hiker eyelets are super cool too
They were cheaper in Canada than the USA due to how duties were calculated. I think Lost & Found might still have a few.
Oh thankfully they don’t have my size 😂
if you are size 42, you are welcome. 😭
I also really like their Montana? idk if that is an unpopular opinion
Paraboot
MONTANA/JANNU+INT 8 VELOURS MARRON
Plain toe Derby, 6 eyelets. Leather lined model, Blake stitching, on a genuine rubber sole.
Nah those are sick the color way isn’t for me but the idea is cool
They have a beautiful blue one in the womens section that I've been obsessed with
Paraboot
MONTANA F/JANNU+INT 8 NUBUCK AZUR
Plain toe Derby, 6 eyelets. Leather lined model, Blake stitching, on a genuine rubber sole.
They told me the price was going up if it hasn’t yet tho
These are lit
Sad to confirm chambords are narrower 😦
Sorry, mango
im going to paris and protesting
vive la revolution or whatever
i'll march with you. for wider lasts!
Marching fun, I’ll join too
is the reims not the same last as the michael though?
Main reason I want a pair. They’re really cool and seem like awesome shoes to wear as well
yeah the michael's were really expensive but versatile and really comfortable
i tried on some of the kleman padrors and they're nice but you can immediately tell the difference in quality
I need to find somewhere to try on in person. Can’t decide if I want to get something basic like brown pebble leather or something more exciting
I went basic with the brown/café leather. But now I'm looking at a pair of loafers to go with the Michaels
paraboot doing camp mocs that look like russell for kaptain sunshine. they look great. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvee93RvJep/
They’re bangers for sure. Slight Yuketen vibes too
Anyone tried on both michaels and reims and have sizing advice between the two? I’m looking at some Reims and seeing mixed info on sizing. Right now I’m leaning towards going up half a size for the Reims since my Michaels are so snug
Same sizing, I think. There was a comment earlier that got deleted.
Is it safe to assume that paraboots are narrow? I’ve been looking at pairs but I might ah e to size half a size up since I got hobbit feet
I just got some Reims and went up a half size and I’m kinda loving it. My last pair was a half size down and it was miserable
i only have experience with michaels and chambords. i find that michaels fit a little wide and chambords fit a little narrow
Thanks y’all, I’m going to size up a half size for the Reims. I wish there was somewhere around Chicago to try them on but 🤷♂️
Thank you! My foot is in the E width so finding shoes is pretty difficult
My brannock is 9E (high volume, tall bridge, proper hobbit feet). The michaels in 42 (or TTS) fit me just right.
Agree with narwhal, I have narrow feet and the Chambords are nice for me but Michael's are a bit awkward because they're a bit wide.
The chambords are really growing on me
Favorite shoe brand, period. I love my Michaels and Reims and I wear their boat shoes basically the whole summer.
What other penny loafer models do they have? I thought these were Reims but the toe box and sole look different than any I've seen
They made loafers with a less chunky sole called Adonis in the past. Dunno if they’re still in production
Ya it’s weird these have the same stitching as the Reims and the heel is chunky. But the toe box is less boxy and more pointed
How do you all feel about this model?
elevated french boat shoe vibes, i like ‘em
What's interesring with those is that you could also wear them with socks when the weather is colder, contrary to regular boat shoes, in my opinion. And they look nice.
Awesome. I love chunkier mocs like these
These vibes
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkWA9l0rvuf/
These also look cool:)
yeah these look pretty similar to timberland 3 eye lugs
True
Kinda prefer it without the details the timbs have
wearing my new Reims has made me realize that my Michaels are a half size too small 😔
that sucks
That's the hard part about Paraboot : sizing is pretty difficult to get correctly. I have the chance to have a reseller nearby so I can try each model before buying but I've had trouble in the past with second-market deals without trying first...
But the good news is that it has a pretty good resale value so you could sell your Michaels and get another pair in another size for about the same price
What is difficult about the sizing?
They still make them but they’re not as common as the Reims. They’re basically a copy of the JM Weston 180.
i don't think it's difficult honestly but I don't agree with Paraboot's advice of going down a half size for the "french" fit where your toes are right up on the shoe
lots of conflicting sizing advice out there but not many places to try them on in person
Personnaly I went full size down for Michaels but half size down for Reims 🤷♂️
Little picture for my Michael family:
Btw these are the SAUTERNE model loafers
im going to Spain/France in October/November def wanna maybe snag a pair of Paraboots in France, going to Nice Marseille Saint-Tropez area
I just saw that some models only go up to size 12, which is kinda sad. Although it could potentially fit me as I'm around that size. Btw. is prizing very different for paraboots depending on location?
Paraboot best prices are usually in the continental eu. But the Americans can get good deals by ordering from the UK because they don't have to pay VAT/import duties.
yeah I'm seeing some models for around 200 which is pretty good. Thinking about picking up some Thiers at some point when they are on sale and in my size
Y’all go a half size down in Michaels or tts?
I am personally tts but I think experience varies a bit
Yah i tend to here mixed results. I’m thinking tts is probably the way to go though
I went with my usual GYW size.
I agree TTS. I’m a brannock 9.5 and 42.5 michael fits me (take that with a grain of salt though I don’t actually own any, just know from trying them on at nepenthes)
Does anyone know how that compares to their other models (chambord, avingion)
My Chambords are an EU half size bigger than my Michaels. 44.5 Vs 45.
I'm a 11.5 sneakers but my Reims and Michaels are 45. Is there any chance I can make it work in 45 Chambords or is that a no go? Always wanted a pair
I ended up going a half size down for my michaels and I'm happy.
Might just say fuck it and buy michaels finally
I like the Michael but not enough to cop them instead of my Wallabees
Do it. I missized my first pair, but I’m about to get a pair again because tbh they’re really addicting to wear
i have the same size michaels and chambords, but chambords are narrower
That’s my main hesitation. Should I just get wallabees instead?
i have both, tbh they're very different to me
and not just because i constantly roll my ankles in my clarks
paraboots are easier to dress up or down, they're super sturdy and mine were basically immediately comfortable
That confirms how I feel! I haven’t really been able to handle them in person yet so it’s tough to tell
I just really love the Wallabee silhoutte and crepe sole
I have some paraboot loafers that I have owned for like 6 years and they still look great after being treated like shit the whole time 
I need to clean them up and hit them with some polish before the wet season but paraboot has some awesome options besides the Michaels
This is great news cause I abuse TF out of my shoes and was wondering how they'd break in. My Michaels could use some TLC I think, I've probably put 500 miles on them
Yeah I was wondering if I should bother with the Paraboot branded stuff or just do my usual leather care treatment. The Michael’s have kind of a waxiness on them when they come new.
Some VSC or Skidmores or Bick 4 is fine
Ya I have some good leather care stuff I use on my other boots I just wasn’t sure if I should preserve the waxy coating or not.
They don’t need em yet tho
Tbh I prefer a softer feel. The super waxy feel is kinda ick to me
Something like lexol or bick 4 shouldn’t damage the coating at all. Renovateur might since it’s a light cleaning agent too
My soles are starting to get pretty worn so was thinking about taking them down to a cobbler to put some phat Vibram soles and have them clean/conditioned by a pro
I dont really trust myself with shoe chemicals after fucking up a pair of vibergs years ago 
Curious what you did bc I’ve never seen anyone ruin shoes unless they were using renomat
I was trying to water proof some suede
So you dubbed them?
yeaaah
Still sold them on grailed for a good price though
I just ruined the color of what i had and I didnt like them anymore
I dont think I posted any photos online. I remember being too embarassed to ask /r/goodyearwelt how bad i fucked up
Ah it can come out. Especially if you didn’t go full blow dryer on them or anything but prolly better to sell and move on if you don’t like the dubbed look
I wouldn’t call that ruined tho tbh
I want to hate these
But I kinda like em
unfortunately it's a women's model 🥹
I think there was a price hike for some models sadly
My simple solution is to cut off my toes.
Yeah, I heard that was coming unfortunately
Some things by a lot thiers went from 280 to 330 that is pretty insane to me
Do you happen to remember what colorway these where? 👀
I don't remember exactly. Must have been one of the lighter browns in this model
I got wallabees before my Michaels and for me it's a game changer, i could wear the Michaels basically everyday
Same. I have 3 pairs of Michaels (whiskey, marron and black) now and Paraboots are really the main shoes in my rotation. I do wish they made a maple suede Michael though
so If I’m a us10.5
-11
am I looking at EU44 sizing?
any paraboot sizing helpers in here
yeah that should be the case, is that your usual non-sneaker/welted size? you might be 43.5
im an 8.5 in red wings, 9.5-10 sneakers, 9 clarks, 9 docs and a 41.5/7.5uk in michaels
then I might be a lot smaller actually
im a 9.5 in my BW loafers which they recommend going a full size down for
https://kaptainsunshine.com/ap/item/i/A0KS0000NISZ
im not big on paraboot but this collab with kaptain is making me feel things 😭
KAPTAIN SUNSHINE ONLINE STORE
DOMINGUE | OTHERS | KAPTAIN SUNSHINE ONLINE STORE
DOMINGUE | OTHERS | KAPTAIN SUNSHINE OFFICIAL ONLINE STORE
Oh those are so good
They have pretty sick collabs
first time wearing the arpenteur x paraboot chukkas today. insanely heavy feels like i'm walking with weights on
Update: i got a size 44 paraboot micheals, i typically wear a 10.5 US in most sneakers or 10 US for GYW. I would say the 44 fits ever so slightly big but still comfortable with no sliding. Wore them all day today with lots of walking and they were very comfortable
Can I ask... where does everybody get their reims (jokes go here)? Any good sites that run deals? I have michaels that I'm thinking of selling and would love to swap them out for some black reims.
I got them in Vinted
lol yet another used clothing market
thanks I'll keep an eye out
Tried some Reims today. I have a 9E brannock with high instep. Tried 8UK first and was too small didn't fit. 8.5UK fit mostly fine, but the instep was kind of a bit too tight. 9UK was just too big.
Has anyone gotten a similar fit? And did you find the instep part of the shoe/upper will give in a bit when its broken in?
Idk about Reims specifically but the instep on penny loafers generally doesn’t break in much since it’s stitched across
that's great to know. maybe i'll have to keep on looking for loafers with a higher instep
Depending on the fit of the 9s I’m a fan of tongue pads to fix loafers
Any recos on a cheap retailer that ships out from europe? Im in the UAE for a couple months so duties usually arent bad
Peggs and Son doesn't charge VAT on orders outside Europe so you'll get an instant 20% discount there.
Late to the discord but I’m 10.5UK in Reims and 45 in Michael. Narrow flattish feet. Tried a half size smaller in both as well and know I’ve sized correctly.
Just noticed the price increases hit in Canada. Reims/Michael up from $585 to $650 😭
Holy shit, the EG cluzas went from $695 to $850 at Lost & Found
oooof
Y’all wax your paraboots?
I use VSC occasionally
I ask cause i rarely ever see them shined up. I’m going to boston this weekend and was thinking about putting some wax on since its gonna rain alot, or just not bring them
I dunno if its gonna make em look weird
I wouldn’t bother with wax tbh, maybe do some VSC, Bick 4, or Saphir
you just buff on bick 4 with a rag yea?
my pboots could use some TLC. they've probably seen 300 wears at this point
I raw dog the bicks with my fingers if the leather is not suede, nubuck or roughout. haven't done so to my paraboots yet though.
Cultizm currently has them for $510 shipped to the US, no coupon code or anything 🤡
should have clarified, my number were in CAD lol. I think $695 CAD (what I paid) is more or less $510 USD.
Just pointing out a retailer that hadn’t bumped up costs yet. Wish they had more stock, because they pretty much always have a 25% coupon code.
RE: Wax, i've wondered because they come with a waxy coating. Wouldn't a normal boot/leather treatment kinda counter that? I guess if the wax is worn off.
Mine aren’t waxy at all
Mine aren't anymore but they came with a powdery wax or something on them
yeah it's described as a "waxy leather" i guess?
Paraboot
POMMADIER Incolore
Shoe cream made in France from carnauba wax, beeswax and paraffin oil. 50ml.
Yeah, you can use your fingers but Bick 4 feels and smells like something you don’t want on your hands.
I put it on with a rag, rub it in, let it dry, then brush
Yah i just raw dog with saphir it does smell kinda nasty tho
also want to add i’ve had good experiences with the brain Nikwax for cleaning / waterproofing / conditioning leather footwear - got it at REI
I raw dog with Saphir but I like the smell because I’m a degenerate
Anyone have the lisse wine michaels? I found a pair in my size for a real good price but I’m struggling to gauge just how red they are
@ll.beansandrice🫘 I think?
Oh yeah I do. They're quite red one moment
https://www.ebay.com/itm/394942504056
is buying these a mistake if my tts is usually around 44
Direct and indirect sun next to my color 8 LHS
Yea don't buy them so I can 😈
If they will fit you snap em up king
I'm on the fence if I wanna risk it
Could always throw some insoles in them I guess...
I think my other Michaels are 44's too. Have been after a 'step up' from my wallabees but I don't think rn is the time
Do you wear 44 in other shoes too?
Or you sizing down to them
I'm a 43-43.5 generally
Oh word
10.5 in NB, vans, 11 in Nike/adidas
Same
Should be a good fit. I can wear wool socks with mine
my michaels are tts for me
i sized down my first pair and it was a bad idea
I'm also TTS
I don't think you're gonna like the look, wax creates moisture barrier both ways with leather
I think 'waxy' just describes the leather being wax impregnated, not quite the same as a wax coating
You guys remember when everybody used to cover their boots in obenuafs and sno seal?
Anyone have any experience with the paraboot adonis?
did you spring for these? i came back to them and they sold
Nah I didn't 😦
Hope someone cool got them
Logged about 10 miles walking in my paraboots last weekend and gotta say, i’m incredibly surprised how comfortable they are. No hot spots or raw heels at all
Yeah for a welted shoe they’re absurdly comfortable from jump. And once you break in the footbed they’re like sneakers
Now that I have the right size I feel the same way lol. I brought my reims on a trip to berlin and clocked 10 miles of walking in them in a day, no issues at all
I should really get some michaels tbh
But I think I want a derby/oxford right now (idk they all look the same dont yell at me)
Paraboot
AVIGNON/GRIFF II LISSE NOIR
Split toe Derby, 5 eyelets. Leather lined model, genuine Norwegian welted, on a genuine rubber sole.
or the model without any toe details is really calling my name https://www.paraboot.com/en/men/derbies/arlesgriff-ii-noire-lis-noir
Paraboot
ARLES/GRIFF II LISSE NOIR
Plain toe Derby, 5 eyelets. Leather lined model, genuine Norwegian welted, on a genuine rubber sole.
for whatever reason i don't love the avignon toe
same I do like the moc if that is what you call it but the split toe looks a bit weird to me a lot of the time
michael split toe is good for whatever reason
Yah kinda shocked tbh how comfortable they were from the jump. Mine are pretty broken in by now but i was expecting alot more discomfort initially. I’m definitely a believer
I think the Chambord looks better than the Avignon.
It’s not the best looking NST
cool to see that the arles is also a decent amount cheaper than the other derby options
Anyone know what the sizing for chambords is like compared to Alden? Thinking my barrie size is a safe bet but saw someone say they run narrow
Narwhal mentioned they run the same size more or less as Michaels but narrower
Yeah I saw folks say half down from barrie for Michael’s but that probably means TTS for me. Seems like barrie size is a safe bet.
My chambords are a half EU size bigger than my Michaels but I have narrow feet.
Chuck also has both if you want to ping him
michaels and chambords i mean
that makes sense. my feet are wider so i took the same size as michaels
Sounds like we may be similar size wise. How did you size compared to other shoes?
I now own brown and black michaels
Funnily enough I think the 44s fit me better than the 43.5s
I tried on reims last week and they are super narrow (to me)
Same size as most of my other shoes: birks, nb, danner
Hmmm I wear a 10.5 in NB but the suede is generally forgiving.
my usa nbs are 9, birks 42
the only deviation is with my running shoes. all my brooks are 9.5 and my nordas are 42.5
checking some other shoes for reference: my blundstones are au7.5/us 8.5 and are 1/2 size too small
i have a pair of what i think were alden for jcrew longwings that are 8.5 and are 1/2 to full size too small
I wear a 10.5 in NB/Hoka/Asics. In Blundstones I have an AUS10, and in Salomon/Norda I am also a UK10. I usually wear a 44 in Birks and a US10 in Crocs and Docs. I got a 44 in Micheals and the width is good, maybe a bit longer than needed but I just cinch them down or wear thicker socks.
Hmm ok thanks. That means I can probably wear a 43 or 43.5. I try to err on the bigger side so 43.5 is probably a safer bet for Chambord if they run a bit smaller than Michael’s
Good luck fam 🙏
One last question - seems like there are two types leathers for the cafe colorway. Best I can tell the reddish brown is a waxed calf and the darker brown is a plain calf. Does that check out?
Correct me if I'm wrong but I think all paraboot leather is waxed leather
They all come with a white powdery residue on em so I think so?
Lol - but there are two shades of cafe right? Feel like I’m going crazy because those two pics are both listed as cafe but look different on retailers sites/eBay
The two pairs I’m looking at. First one is listed as cafe in the eBay post and the second pair matches the cafe currently on paraboots site
Ones on the left might be lisse marron?
Lighting on those two is so different
Pretty sure there’s just one color of lisse cafe
I think it’s just lighting. Look at these two images on Paraboots site. Both are lisse cafe
https://www.paraboot.com/en/men/oxford-shoes/mussetgalaxy-noire-lis-cafe
https://www.paraboot.com/en/men/derbies/avignongriff-ii-marron-lis-cafe
Paraboot
MUSSET/GALAXY LISSE CAFE
Whole-cut Oxford shoe, 5 eyelets. Leather lined model, genuine Norwegian welted, on a genuine rubber sole.
Paraboot
AVIGNON/GRIFF II LISSE CAFE
Split toe Derby, 5 eyelets. Leather lined model, genuine Norwegian welted, on a genuine rubber sole.
Ok that gives me some hope that there’s only one shade - felt like I was taking crazy pills
Now im looking at the links and doubting myself. Noire lis cafe vs marron lis cafe
So this is marron and cafe on end
I think folks are right about the lighting in the listing - it’s pretty warm which seems to be throwing things off
Seller on the reddish pair said the are new without box because they didn’t fit so I’m inclined to believe he got the color right
And then I come across a listing on eBay with this and feel like it’s back to square one lol
There's definitely two different colors. Marron and just cafe
My Michaels are marron
This pair looks close to the eBay listing but much darker than the other marron chambords I’ve found
marron
cafe
my cafe box says the same thing as your ebay pic
I blame the French
I thought the two colors were lisse marron and lisse cafe
so i dunno what the noire lisse cafe vs marron lisse cafe thing is
obviously
will check my reims cafe box in a sec
Thanks for all the help everyone!
Noir's gonna be black
but that's lisse noir
this is noire lisse cafe https://www.paraboot.com/en/men/oxford-shoes/mussetgalaxy-noire-lis-cafe
Paraboot
MUSSET/GALAXY LISSE CAFE
Whole-cut Oxford shoe, 5 eyelets. Leather lined model, genuine Norwegian welted, on a genuine rubber sole.
but dark brown lol
I woulda thought those were black lol. Beats me I just work here
Maybe before lisse it means dark, rather than black
Dark smooth brown, vs smooth black
yeah thats what im thinking
so there technically are two cafes
Something something sentence structure of romance languages
I hate it when two cafes are super close together. Hard to choose
So in conclusion, 🤷♂️
It wouldn’t surprise me if the pair with tonal stitching on the welt is a “dark” brown while the pair with contrast stitching is a true brown. Seems odd to make two shoes where the only difference is the welt stitch color.
wait my Michaels don't have the scalloped welt wtf
Really?
yep
Fauxchaels
SSENSE can get fkt
Unrelated to paraboots but the fade on the color 8 is so good
Ssentially you did
man that's actually annoying
I’m sorry man, I’ll stop making jokes 🫂
oh you're fine, just an annoying thing where I could have been happy going my whole life not noticing that
you'll adapt and forget
i think it looks good, but it is mysterious
there are some michael variants without the scalloping
Paraboot
MICHAEL/MARCHE VEGETAL MARRON
Piped seam Derby, 2 eyelets. Leather lined model, genuine Norwegian welted, on a genuine rubber sole.
lost & found
Paraboot Micka Velours Rust
Making some of the finest leather shoes out of France for over 100 years, the Micka from Paraboot stands as a timeless flip on a classic. Coming with a crepe sole for an even cozier feel, these suede beauties are perfect for the season!
Suede leather
Crepe sole
Norwegian welt
Leather lining
Handmade in France
didn't you recently get yours? maybe the newer ones are like this?
Personally, I think without the scallops looks better. The scalloping on the welt is my least favorite part of paraboots
lol this is the box on my cafe Reims.
purchased from here: https://shoplostfound.com/products/paraboot-reims-lisse-cafe?utm_campaign=shipment-delivered-email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=OrderlyEmails&utm_content=product
lost & found
Paraboot Reims Lisse Café
Hey Lost & Found are you guys getting the Reims from Paraboot? Absolutely we are. Look at these things of beauty. There is no way we could pass them up! Leather upper & leather lining
Smooth calf leather
Piped seam & saddle strap
Leather lined
Norwegian welt
Rubber sole
Made in France
just got a pair of michaels in ebony grain and they have scalloping, seems random
Hmmm - I’m fairly convinced there’s a dark brown, brown, and light brown. That pair looks like the pair I linked from ebay
It's distinctly odd, whether or not that's appealing lol
it makes me think of a cute, unnecessary detail from a cuckoo clock or a chateau in the alps (even though I don't know what this means exactly)
Marron = chestnut and is redder. Cafe = coffee and is darker.
There is also ecorce (bark) which is another darker than cafe brown but it doesn't seem to appear so much.
So then what would you call the reddish brown I posted Vs the dark brown? They both show as cafe but one has marron in the code (but is darker than straight marron)
I think this pair was photographed with bad lighting and the white balance is off. I think they probabaly look like this
how is the sizing on the michael guys?
Pretty true to size
I was able to track down pics of boxes for the darker looking ones and the reddish looking ones and they both say marron lis cafe.
That makes sense then. Here’s the box for my cafe Michaels
Have you got a nearby stockist where you could see them in person?
Nope. DC doesn’t get fun stuff.
The only place that stocks them is sky valet and they are closing out their stock lol
Sky Valet Shoes
Paraboot-Sky valet shoes — Sky Valet Shoes
At Paraboot our shoe creations evolve out of the use of exceptional materials, detailing that is unique in shoemaking, and the highest respect for the foot.
The shoe must adapt to the foot and not the opposite. Our models are the result of our quest for balance and simplicity.
$125 off though if they have what someone is looking for
It's 1am here but I'll photo my marron next to my cafe, outdoors in the morning if that helps?
No need but thanks! Definitely going cafe if I decide to pull the trigger on this eBay pair.
u guys prefer brown over black for paraboots or both versatile?
enough. for all colors pants?
I had that debate myself and it just depends on yr wardrobe
I got cafe because they’re dark dark brown and I don’t own a lot of black anything anymore
I do want black Mikes or Reims’ though
that make sense. i feel like i forcing myself to get black because my closet devoid of black
They’re not cheap so I wanted to get what I knew I’d wear
thanks
Despite the lack of scalloped welt I’m loving my Michaels. Might have to get more
dang the bison ones are kind of cool
Got my hopes up! They’re sold out
I want the bison ones. I had a chance to get them on sale once and was too scared to pull the trigger. One if my biggest regrets fashion wise
those are purdy
i couldnt decide on a colour, so when eg collab came out with the two colours i couldn't decide between it was an instacop. the bison looks amazing, i think if i had seen that it'd had been difficult to pass
btw i heard frm a very reliable source that the next eg collab will be the avoriaz
It's tipping it down so not outside but fwiw, the left is marron and whiskey suede, centre and right are cafe.
Joining the paraboot gang
The E.G. ❤️
Loving this era for you
Me after ditching navyblazer for weejawnz
You run that account right?
With one of the other old NB heads
I really like it!
Yikes
The buckle ones are far superior
Site calling them the new version of the Chambords but Im not seeing that anywhere else
is the chambord and michaels sizing the same?
pretty much. chambord is narrower though
Anyone know how much the chambords stretch? Went with my sneaker size and they are bordering on too narrow but I think with some wear they’ll fit ok.
just got the michael TTS today
my right foot is half a size smaller and it has some heel slipage, left foot fit fine medium sock but it still a bit roomier
than I usually wear with other boots, should I size .5 down and hope for the leather to break in?
Depends on how bad the heel slip is imo. The sole and stuff will soften with use and flex more easily
My toes kinda splace out so a roomy toebox always good despite me being 10c in brannock. I prob put in an insole. Left foot pinky toe hitting limit and i can feel it pressing a bit to the side at 43, half a size down prob kill that toe… just thinking out loud
Yeah and folks will tolerate different stuff. I'm generally okay with a bit of snugness on my toes but dislike heel slip quite a bit
Will the EG Paraboots sell out already lol. I cannot pay $640 for them but I’ve added them to my cart like 8 times
My experience with both chambords and michaels is that they stretch and soften up a bit as they get broken in.
I def feel comfy with the laces tighten up, but coming from boots and oxford, derby laced shoes, it feel less secured with Michael. I guess nothing a thick insole wont fix
The lacing in Michael makes them harder to secure so sizing is bit more difficult. If a new pair has heel slippage it will probably get a bit worse as they break in.
What kicking is the light slip is due to my right foot half a size smaller than my left
So my left fit perfectly, snug but not uncomfortable
I thinking once broken in if it a bit screwed ingonna put a thick insole in and it prob resolved when the volume got filled up
I found switching to a traditional cross lace from the stock bar lacing solved the instep tightness I was feeling. I’ve seen others say the chambords fit narrow but it may just be the lacing.
Anyone id the model, or just the msrp on them new?
Seems like anyone with a c width or lower will have to anticipate heel slipping
Hope mine will improve a tad more once broken in
Does paraboot do winter sales? I'm in the EU eyeing a pair of avignon and the price tag is just a bit steep for me.
paraboot not really. best bet is to keep an eye out secondhand, or the offchance that they're included in a stockist sale
Lot of stockists will put Paraboot on sale though
yea but you won't see paraboot.com on sale. not that you can even order from there i don't think ?
I think you can if you’re in the EU? But no definitely not on Paraboot.com
Farfetch puts paraboots on sale pretty often
I got mine on sale from END
J Crew had some on sale recently too
i got my Michaels on Ebay but you’ll probably be waiting a while for your preferred size / color to pop up there (at least i did)
@Aku02 what size/color are you hunting for? I have been considering selling my brown micheals
I also have had an alert set up on ebay and grailed for pairs in my size
it helps
Im looking at the chocolate suede avignon model which goes for 460€ on their website and seeing as ill be getting a UK11 (tried another color at their store in my city) I doubt i'll be seeing 2nd hand pairs quickly. Thinking of just biting the bullet, it's probably already cheaper than what you americans pay.
i got my michaels and cheleas second-hand, but paid like $300 for my loafers new
patience is the key tho
yea waiting nets you the best outcome, this dude I know on IG was offloading his and I jumped
Thanks for the answers, ill wait and see if they go on sale on END before my size gets sold out.
Little cheaper here I think. https://clutch-cafe.com/collections/paraboot/products/paraboot-avignon-marron?variant=16121526648875
Clutch Cafe
Paraboot Avignon Velour Marron11
Produced in the French Alps for over 100 years, Paraboot have slowly become a cult classic among menswear enthusiasts the world over. With a heritage of manufacturing shoes for workers and outdoorsmen, Paraboot footwear is built to last. Each style is recognisable by its chunky and waterproof Norwegian welted construct
Not with duties for the EU, but thanks.
Ah dammit, sorry, wasn’t sure where you were
This too? Got a 15% signup code apparently https://www.trunkclothiers.com/products/paraboot-avignon-suede-shoe-dark-brown?variant=39859049660451
Sorry I just really enjoy hunting for deals lol
Trunk Clothiers
Paraboot Avignon Suede Shoe: Dark Brown
The Avignon is one of Paraboot's bestsellers thanks to its ability to successfully tread the smart casual line. Boasting 5 eyelets and split toe detail, the Avignon is crafted from chocolate brown suede and features a signature Paraboot rubber sole, as well as waterproof Norwegian welt construction and a fully lined in
Yeah already saw it, even with the 15% it doesn't cover the taxes, not counting the shipping. Free trade ain't free.
😔
An actual good deal on the Reims: extra 20% off at checkout, no half sizes. https://www.endclothing.com/us/paraboot-reims-loafer-099412.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiApOyqBhDlARIsAGfnyMrE9nJeWs2JqcFGxjIirXOZYzyWn6zRyC5NhQkcZYybJk8-c-aHOW0aArRREALw_wcB
END.
Paraboot Reims Loafer Black | END.
Buy Paraboot Reims Loafer - Black from END. (US) - only $295. Fast shipping on latest Paraboot
Good shout
damn wish they did halfsizes. my michael's are 7.5uk
My Reims are a half size down from my Michael’s. Michael’s fit amazingly comfy, Reims are a little snug, wouldn’t wear them walking all day yet. US11.5B/C Brannock with EU45 Michaels and UK10.5 Reims here
Waiting for the Reims to break in completely before I decide whether to keep or sell
My Michaels are 44's and my reims are a UK10
So similar story
oh damn you went down for reims eh
no dice for me on the END sale then, but that's a killer price
Yea i'm a pretty true 10.5
US
im 9.5 in sneakers but GYW/Michaels I'm a 41.5/7.5UK (8.5US) so going up to an 8UK for the Reims feels like a mistake. Ah well.
8UK is US 8.5, no?
I always assumed it was a full size difference. Paraboot's site has 41.5 as a 7.5UK. If I look at my Red WIngs tag they say 8.5 US / 7.5 UK / 41.5 EU
My Michael's are 41.5EU so I assume the 8UK is the 42 on END's site
yea there's too much size variance in shoes
need to just go to JP sizing based on centimeters
100%. also weird that END doesn't do half-sizes or have a chart with the CM on it.
But if I gotta do arithmetic to convince myself to buy $500 shoes I probably don't need them.
fair
I've always gone a full size between UK and US. The only deviation I've seen from that is if a particular shoe needs to go up or down a half
This is a killer deal but i’m not sure the UK 9 will fit. I have the Michaels in a 44 and they fit very slightly big. Would the 43 probably be too small?
Or should i go with a 44 as well in the Reims?
I went 44 to uk10
Think we have similar size feet? I'm a 10.5 in most sneakers
Yah me too, and a ten in most gyw
I gotta think about this for a minute such a good deal
Do you already have black loafers?
Yah i have some black bass weejuns in a 10.5 that fit perfectly
I’ve purchased some aldens in the past though that were about a size too large
Do you Reims fit smaller than you michaels?
Yea they're a little snugger. The 44s are on the roomier side
Hmm i dunno. I guess the 44s are probably my best bet
Uhg end is annoying. So a 43 is anywhere from a 9.5-10 US?
i really think it depends. i just got home, let me take some notes of the fits between the two
My Michaels with my foot pushed all the way forward, medium thickess socks. I keep them loose enough that I can slip them on and off without untying. I get a little bit of heel slip but my foot doesn't really move around in the shoe
Same story with my reims. I get some heel slip and whatever you'd call what's happening in the 3rd pic when I heel strike. I don't think I'd run down any bad guys in these but they fit comfortably, with a little slipping, but I attribute that more to them being loafers
@Digs
Thanks this is great info rej, i have more gap in my Micheal’s than you do so i think i might wanna do a 43 in reims
Actually shit after checking mine is about the same
Damn i really dunno, the no half sizes is fucking this whole thing up lol
i think you're right about the same size as me
i'm a 10 in converse, 10 in redwings, 10.5 NB/vans, usually an 11 in adidas/nike
I think we are basically the same
we have surprisingly similar builds lol
i think im a little taller
Twins haha, i think you are though, i’m 5’9”
yea i'm 5'11
5’9.5” if we are being specific
i'm a little over 5'11 but i feel like i'm coping if i say that
I got measured at 5’10” once so thats what i tell everyone now
hell yeah
Well i’m gonna think on it. I think the 44 is probably best and put tongue pads in if i need to. I’m worried the 43 will be too tight
Either that or the 43 will be perfectly snug but i’m not confident
wanna double check we're talking the same thing.. reims come in UK sizing
Oh i assumed it was euro sizing and they just put the uk conversion there for convenience
not to my knowledge
paraboot has weird sizing
looks like they do do half sizes, just end isn't carrying them
Ok i guess UK 10 it is
Ok i pulled the trigger, pray for me fellas
welcome to the club
One of us! One of us!
to be honest, my black michaels in a 44 fit me better (11US) than my brown michaels in a 43.5. Even with a little heel slip. I am not a fan of having smushed toes (great band name)
why is pboot sizing so weird?
It's cause they're fr*nch
I have a really narrow low volume foot and fully expected the Michael’s to fit horribly but they are are one of my best fitting shoes and I’m very confused.
No heel slip, no toe pressure, no arch pain, nothing
They're super comfy once you break them in
Opposite for me, it heel slipping and i trying to get used to it
how much heel slippage is expected with the michaels?
it's possible i can exchange them at j crew but the smaller size is a whole size down
fuck i think these are too big
i can return but i want to exchange them and it says the smaller size is out of stock
what size did you get and waht do you usually wear in dress shoes/gyw? lots of poeple have heel slippage if you scroll up
42
size 8 dress shoes seem to fit me. i take size 9 in most sneakers
the heel slippage feels serious though? like they aren't staying on my feet well
That does sound big to me, I wear 9.5 in most sneakers, 8.5 in GYW and my Michaels are 41.5s. 42s were okayish but I only tried them on before buying the 41.5s
Try scrolling through this thread though, lots of people have mentioned their heel slippage also got better
ok i read the above but it's like serious slippage tho?
How much space do you have at the back of your shoe at the heel?
lemme check
exchange wise, i can return/exchange till jan 9 so good chance the 41s come back in stock and i can exchange. spoke with them over the phone
I dont know why these stores aren't stocking half sizes but it sounds like you typically wear a half-size down from me, and the 41.5s fit me, so it should work.
ok so after lacing them up, i can fit my index finger at the heel even if i use some effort
thank you for the help btw
idk that doesn't sound like much but when i walk, it's really like my feet are slipping out of my shoes
could be they are too big at the toes?
Part of the problem I have with certain shoes that use full grain liners is the insole is slippery when new so your foot slides around in the shoe. A little bit of movement is to be expected but you don’t want your foot sliding around too much front to back.
You could try a heel pad but I’ve always found tongue pads to work better because they push your foot back into the heel.
do you think i'll have better luck with a tongue pad or ordering a full size smaller?
i mean it's hard to tell as everyone's feet are different
42 sounds too big
I'm an 8.5US and mine are a 41
Alright it sounds like I got to keep these in storage and wait for the 41s to hopefully come back in stock for an exchange
Frustrating but it was a crazy price that I had to jump on. I'm going to do a brannock measurement in the meantime to be more sure of my size
Thank you for the help everyone!
Isn’t there a 41.5?
J crew doesn't have it as an option
And I need to exchange it where I bought it because they were only $240
Oh lame!
I assume you got black over brown?
Yeah
The only other color j crew has is wine which I don't want
FWIW I have a pair of Paraboots that I bought that were too big. I was in a similar situation where I couldn't return them so I used a tongue pad and it helped a bunch. I still don't wear them with thin socks but otherwise they work
Thank you! I could try that if the smaller size doesn't go back in stock
Same lol, I’m just tenderizing the shoe and praying it works out. I really don’t want to return it
lol tenderizing 😛 Yea same here. I am pretty sure if I go down half a size more, my toes will scream every step I make
It’s just too hard to find the Michael’s in a half size down at a discount lol. I’m more concerned about the width than the toebox because the width is more or less perfect rn. Been wearing it the past three days, coping and hoping that the break in will save me
i got mine on farfetch
they had half size and 25% mdiscount
after tax 340 or sumthing
a buddy at work ordered his from some random italian site and didn't get hit with duties, i was jealous
you canadian?
Oh what, that’s a better price than what I paid for
it like 2 weeks ago
I paid $411 at Son of a Stag
i was googling around and found it via farfetch
i was surprised, nordstrom charging 600
prices went up on all paraboot's in north america recently iirc
or is in the process of going up
😔
after this no more few laces or loafer for me
EU is the enemy
my rolling dub trio feel secured D:
i didnt know I hate heel slip this much
Yeah it’s annoying
My feet still stay in the shoe, but it’s noticeable
yep, i wear camp sock even
hopefully the sole soften up
These shoes make me wish I had fatter heels lol
The price to pay for trying to be MFA pilled
What do paraboots cost domestically? Like if you just buy them in france?
I always thought they were standard issue upon reaching French citizenship
(I think they’re about 330 euros + VAT iirc)
Damn some of em have a crazy mark up then
Nope 460€ in France
And I don’t have them (I wish) with my citizenship ☺️
Makes me feel even better about getting the reims for $230
Damn I wish that for you too
Supposedly 30% off at end applies to Paraboot
I just received my pair of Paraboot Michael (brown). I sized down half a size -from my usual 43 to a 42.5- after contacting the shop I bought them from. I tried them on first with thin socks and normal lacing and there was some heel slippage but nothing serious. I could also insert a finger at the back comfortably. I then switched to a pair of slightly thicker Uniqlo cotton socks -the ones I will be usually wearing these with-, tried the heel lock lacing and that solved 80% of the heel slippage. This time I could barely insert my finger snugly. I think sizing down half a size more would be too tight for the shape of my feet, which means that these are a keeper! By the way, I bought them off Biffi Boutiques, a Milanese shop, for just €308, free shipping and free returns, so if you are in Europe I don't think you will find a better deal anywhere else at the moment. I'm so happy I've joined the gang!
can you share info on the heel lock lacing you used?
commonly saw michaels for around 335 euros when i went last year. considering what someone else commented i guess there was a biiiig price increase 😦
It's a very common lacing technique with running shoes, precisely to prevent heel slippage. What I think happens is that you tie the laces a little bit lower in the shoe, thus increasing the grip in the lower back area and reducing heel slippage. Here's a good graph that explains how to do it. https://i.pinimg.com/736x/31/2c/4f/312c4f88acfe5d28c9aa40d5af1b5265--lace-the-ojays.jpg
Bought a pair of Reims just for my cat to scratch them the second I looked 
doesn’t even like shoes he just likes expensive shit I guess
doesn’t even like shoes he just likes expensive shit I guessCat has taste
i scuffed my michaels within like two hours too
it's a right of passage
I’ve linked this before but goals
i have considered getting some of their polish just cuz it sucked having a light scuff so soon but i also agree they look amazing beat to hell
I don’t think it’s a bad idea to polish them a little
It was more like a claw puncture than a scratch I guess. My iron rangers have similar small, deep punctures just from existing.
Is there any good way to fix it? I’ve been wondering this for the iron rangers because they do actually have quite a few
I have some light scuffing on the toe if my paraboots and i honestly thing it adds character too the shoe. I added a little brown polish so the color difference wasnt as stark. @dangerg shared a pair of reims he has that are very nicely beat up
it's weird that they don't sell polish labelled 'cafe' but recommend their dark chestnut brown
Its probably close enough to not really make a noticeable difference
I put standard brown polish on my cafe ones (only on the toe though) and it didnt make a noticeable color difference
I may as well throw my sizing in the ring since people always seem to ask about sizing - I wear 8.5 gyw (with red wings at least), 9.5 sneakers (vans, Reebok) and wear Michaels in size 41 and Reims in 8.5
8.5 = 41.5 I think in their sizing?
Almost missed the damned END sale since my tracker was checking for a price drop, but all of paraboot is 30% off right now. Didn't have to wait too long in the end.
I ordered this for mine and it was a perfect match.
I getting used to the slight slip and thicker sock
It a bit broken in now so i guess the slip not as noticable
This mostly aligns with my experience -- I'm a 9.5 in sneakers, 8.5 in GYW. Michael's are a 41.5 (7.5UK/8.5US) and the place I'm looking at Reims has them at UK 7.5 = 41.5
we gotta start getting more fits with paraboots in here so it's not just non-stop sizing questions though lol. i realize i have not helped in this regard
I wore mine today!
Where'd you order this actually? The Pboot site just directs me to find a retailer but the Canuck ones don't stock care products
Almost here 
Drinkwater's Cambridge
Drinkwater's Cambridge
Great men's clothing — a notable selection from contemporary sportswear to sartorial dressing, to Made-to-Measure suits, sport coats, custom shirts, trousers. Accessories include neckties, pocket squares, socks, umbrellas and finishing touches. Frequent winner of Boston Magazine’s Best of Boston Awa
I'm joining the club - just bought a pair of Michaels in lisse cafe. Merry early Christmas to me
Do they fit?
Didnt get them yet :(. Even though i put no signature on fedex they arrived while i wasnt home and wouldn’t deliver. So i gotta pick them up tomorrow
The Michael toe box is challenging the sides of my feet
can anyone describe the fit on these?
Ok Reims are in. I’m generally a 10.5 US i have Michaels in a 44 and i got the size 10 UK Reims. Just finished a walk around the block with my dog and they fit pretty good, I’d say an 8/10. Only issue is they are very slightly big so there is some minor heel slip. I can still walk comfortably but will probably put some tongue or heel pads in to dial in the fit just right
I generally think paraboots fit me better with some medium thickness socks
Yah i wore fairly think socks so i might try it with some thicker ones next
Either way i think a tongue pad will be necessary
44 and UK10 are the same right?
Essentially yes
so weird that some of their shoes use EU and some use UK
Yah i dont get it trying to decipher between us uk and eu always makes my brain hurt
Question: I'm thinking paraboots Michaels go with a chunky tweed tailoring fit but do they also go with a navy blazer fit?
I really need j crew to come through on restocking my exchange, I'm already envisioning all the casual wear uses for the shoes too 🥲
I’ve worn them with an NB fit and it worked pretty well
Ooh that goes hard, thank you!
I have the fatigues already too (and dark olive milsurp slacks too)
What color is the tie here? Dark green?
I like that shade
My blazer is at the tailor rn, also gotta find some silver sewn through buttons for it
Isn't it brown?
I dunno that's why I'm askin
I'm colorblind
Tie is brown mohair
And thanks Benji!
Damn thats hot
Yah its very rad, was snooping ebay for a knit tie and found this one for like $15 bucks. One of my better snags tbh
The ocbd is really cool too!
Vintage brooks!
Imo chambords are a better fit with tailoring but the Michaels are more contemporary with tailoring
Im hoping for one black tie wedding while Michael’s are still cool to wear with my tux. But yeah, chambords look a lot nicer with tailoring I think. The Michael’s are more like the European version of the postman oxford for me
Hey guys, did you waterproof your Michael’s with a dedicated spray ?
no
nope
Thank you
And no problem with rain ?
I live in a rainy city and haven't thought twice about it
Theyre low cut boots
Translation : don’t go out with them when it’s rainy?
Just wear em they’ll be fine
i wear them when i want to wear them, weather be damned
i might not wear them in a foot of snow
that's what blunnies are for
ok it's clearer to me
Thank you very much
I think we’ve talked about lacing a bit but switching from the cross (left) to the lock (right) has made a big difference for me in how comfortable they are. There’s still heel-slip but this lets me crank them down without the laces digging into my instep.
Interesting. What do they look like tied?
Gonna try this out today
Hmm hardly looks any different, I like it.
Wish I could lock lace the EG Paraboots. Perfect fit on one foot, slightly annoyingly loose on the other.
the michaels? or another pair
Michaels. The d ring lacing makes them a pain to tighten down.
interesting. the clusaz collab this past year had a chokehold on me, those at least had speek hooks tho
Oh wow you can't tell like at all. I normally avoid different lacing styles to help with fit bc I think they all look really weird
I wish !!
The leather is so thick i never had any issue with rain
Have tried this the past few days and it works like a charm
They can be resole right?
I think in theory yea
i don't think anyone around here has had a pair long enough at this point to need a resole though
I would assume so but the welt style is kinda weird your local cobbler might not know what to do with them
Might have to get sent in to paraboot
Drinkwaters Cambridge is the only authorized repair center in the US. Not sure who they use though
The Norwegian welt shouldn’t confuse most cobblers. If they’re just replacing the outsole it won’t make any difference to them
Anything can be resoled tbh. Depends on who you take it too and how much you’re willing to pay.
I’ve seen RO shoes resoled/repaired
They said to me last week that they can resole in Paraboot store for free
Not as flashy as the Michaels, but I don't regret joining the paraboot club.
These are definitely going to be my second pair of Parboots. Welcome to the gang!
Well I got unlucky, don't know if you can notice on the pic but the right pairs split seam is off center(leans left) . Since I bought it off END they probably can't replace the pair so I'll get reimbursed(310€). Should I take the L and embrace the "quirk" or just send them back?
Embrace the quirk
U get a free pair
Why not
Oh or you mean refund?
How does sizing of the Chambord compare to the Michael?
To those who encouraged this decision thank you!
Loved those but don't have another $600+ to throw at goofily charming French boots 😭
I think I'm going to sell my Michaels for a profit and buy chambords
Whaaaaaaat ? For real ?
Great decision. I thinking selling mine as i love the tight fit of my coupen
The slip is driving me nut
Yep
christmas gift for myself 🥲
Different sizes?
yeah, they were 30% off on jcrew. i got the 45s to test sizing but I'm exchanging for a 44 that my local jcrew has in stock today
Nice!
my Michael just arrived. Ordered tts since I have wide feet and it’s way too large
a half or full size
i think TTS is tricky because it could mean a million different things with EU/Uk/US variances. They're a wide shoe though too, my feet are kleenex box shaped they're so wide and I went my usual dress/boot size and they fit perfectly
I can insert two fingers between my foot and heel of the shoe, probably 1 and half inch gap
Gonna exchange for full size down. Half size down is out of stock 😭
My chambords arrived and they appear to fit 🙂
They were only a bit too snug with my thickest socks but otherwise seems good
They arrived with a bloom but it buffed right out with a cloth
Same size as the michael?
Nope went a full size down
If the shoes are hard to take out of the shoe, they're too big right?
The shoes tree?
Unless urbshoes tree is two size larger
Or very not borderline between two sizes
shoe trees, my bad. the shoe trees are size M, looks like i need an S. will just exchange them at nordstrom
need to get a buffing mit 😂
An old sock will do the job 😄
Hey all! I’m looking at a pair of Paraboot Michaels and have a question on sizing. I have had the Avignon in UK12 for years now and they fit great. Does anyone have both and could comment on if sizing is similar?
Confirming a sizing question I'm already pretty sure of the answer on: If I'm a brannock 9.5 (maybe 9.75 in one foot), UK8.5 Chambords are certainly too big for me correct?
mmmm ebony grain vs cafe cannot decide...
The ebony grain is a more left field pick
Depends on what you want imo
idk I just want to wear them with fatigues and jeans
That’s basically what I do. I think they both work, the cafe is just the “generic pick” for lack of a better term. Nothing wrong with that at all.
If I was buying, I’d get the grain. I just like it more and see it less
I prefer the look of smooth Michaels but the decision won’t affect how you can wear them either way really
I have them in black personally tho. I have the cafe Reims tho
The Reims are very dark in person though
Or rather the cafe is
I really like the grain. I have a pair of Michaels in bison leather and I find them very versatile
Grain for sure
Ohh I’d love a bison pair
The bisons are insane i really want them
bisons have cool texture but a little dark in color for me I think
I have an ebony grain pair I like a lot. Bit of a shine to them and the creases blend in nicely.
Have a pair of Reims in Lis Cafe that look darker overall for sure
"pebble brown" is interesting too
Well I went with Marrons haha, just seen too many pictures of them looking great so I had to do it. Maybe grain on the second pair 😉
Any good EU online retailers that ship abroad?
I’d check out Cettire
Baltzar
Farfetch
buddy of mine got his from cettire and didn't get hit with any duties (rare in canada)
I’ve been using Son of a Stag. good customer service, extremely fast shipping
That's where I got my chambords. Good pricing! If u leave the item in the cart for a bit, you also get a 5% discount code
yeah forgot to mention it had the best pricing
I got my Michaels there in person and the store itself and the crew working there had immaculate vibes. One of the nicest stores I've been in, and I've been shouted at in menswear stores all over Europe.
Does anybody know how beaumonts are width-wise
Deep lore
Michael's are super wide and boxy. I have pretty wide feet. I don't have a comparison to width letters though.
they are a generous width. I’d say comparable to a grant stone E I tried recently
yeah sizing on these is tough. They were designed not for “average” feet is my understanding
Love those
hello party people. anyone got sizing advice for avoriaz and/or clusaz?
I have the EG x Paraboot clusaz & went TTS (I’m an 11.5 and went with 10.5uk)
Sort of a silly q but do you actually hike in them?
yeah I hike the dog around the block, hike to the corner store
serious answer is they've been on a couple day hikes but I have some well broken in boots for anything more than that
that's mostly because i like the ankle support of the boots tho, so if you get avoriaz it's not really a problem
I kinda fuck w these heavy
Yeah they’re so good
Gotta add these to the spring/summer rotation
Might I also tempt you with these
Same sole and footbed
More ventilation
https://www.paraboot.com/de/herren/derbys/villandrytex-marron-lis-cafe how do you feel about this model?
Paraboot
VILLANDRY/TEX LISSE CAFE
Derby Blatteinsatz mit Wulst, 5 Ösen. Ledergefüttertes modell, norwegisch genähte Originalmachart auf Gummisohle.
or the Coraux model they are 220 which is really affordable for paraboot
Paraboot
CORAUX/MARINE LISSE AMERICA
Simple piped seam Loafer, Saddle strap. Unlined model, Blake stitching, on a genuine rubber sole.
Their handsewns are larger than their French made shoes just fyi. 10.5 Coraux bigger than 45 Michael and 10.5 Reims
Haven't owned a pair of paraboots yet. I was suprised that this one was priced at 220 instead of 300+ like the other models
aren’t the Michaels already “large”? Not doubting you, just surprised by what the sizing strategy is by paraboot. I have to order a size-half size down for the michaels and they are still a smidge too big
Handsewn+blake sole in Spain vs Norwegian welted in France
My experience may be unique. My feet are flat, 11.5C-12C on a brannock, with very low insteps. Michael’s in 45 fit perfect from the get go, no pain, no heel slip, can walk for miles. Reims in UK10.5 fit great in everywhere except around my pinky toe since the flatness makes it spread out a little further but a large shoe tree seems to have fixed that. Coraux in UK10.5 are thick socks only. The length is great, but the volume and width are larger
makes sense
Damn, the graine ebene Michaels that @goofus linked look good
Has anyone had experience with the Noir BBR models? They're described as "more shiny" than regular black
Saw someone wearing a pair in New Orleans. Def more shiny, and the little flag is cool
I'm gently wading into that maron/cafe(/graine ebene) noir/bbr pool of indecision
yeah I don't think I'd mind it
(I know one of those photos isn't the Michael)
Just to ease you a bit, I don’t think you can make a wrong decision. They all look good.
I'm not too bothered by the noir/bbr choice. The maron/cafe/graine ebene is more about if I want proper brown or a reddish brown. I'm thinking I might want something "neutral" that I could wear with either tailored wool flannel trousers or denim
and honestly either would work
Look at some inspo pictures I think would help
I have the cafe michaels and they are super versatile.
yeah I'm leaning towards those or grain
lol, I have the grain and they are also super versatile
But i did eventually get a black pair
I like my wine pair but I'd love a dark brown grain pair and a pair of black reims
I want another pair or two but I'm already dangerously close to 'guy who only wears paraboots' as it is
I just need an Avignon and an Elevage and I got the infinity gauntlet
I'm kicking myself for not grabbing those EG clusaz I found
I like my elevages too a lot
I’m kicking myself for not getting the Arpenteur Elevage when it was on sale 😭
The EG Clusaz are cool. So are the EG Michaels
I'm sure I could find a way but I think the EG Michaels are a little busy for me
Alden has an old cape cod loafer that kinda looks like a pair of reims but I haven't seen any in my size on ebay for a decent price
these are kinda great
Orsays
I think I would rather have Gucci bit loafers tbh
i'm drawn to the chonk
I'm just not that into horsebits
i'm usually not either. maybe i'm just paraboot pilled
Idk why but I want some real bad I want to look rich I guess
The Chonk is so good I get it
gucci ones can be solid, just not my vibe I think tho I've been close to buying some a few times before
They would suit your wardrobe though but I can understand if it’s not the vibe for you
I have enough loafers I'm lusting after, I don't need another style lol
me when I was exploring Jermyn St in London
Buckle Michael's are so comfy. I have narrow ass feet and was worried I'd have to punch another hole in the belt but the last notch is perfect.
the dark brown chambords are living in my head rent free
are there any other brands who offer something similar both in style and quality-wise to the michael? i am enamored by the chonk, but also am at least attempting to avoid guy who only wears paraboots status as well
Cheaper options include the Kleman Padror. GH bass do something. Heschung do/did something.
the only people that would even notice you were only wearing paraboots are probably on this discord
these look interesting. A little sharper https://www.velasca.com/products/badaluch-tdm
Velasca (World)
Men’s derby shoes with Vibram Carrarmato rubber sole | Velasca
Choose our Icon derby shoes with piped seam and Vibram Carrarmato rubber sole. Made in Italy.
Heschung so much more $$$ though.
look into stuff from yuketen
similar vibe
maybe a little more maine than france but
anyone have maroon michaels? looking for inspo. i have a pair and sort of regret not getting the brown color. having trouble finding outfits to wear with them.
Are you asking about Marron or the Wine color?
@rej marron
That's what mine are
i've really only been able to pull it off with brown pants
play5230
Unhappy Tuesday
不愉快的事情再說吧
這是生平第二頂毛帽🟠
以前很抗拒這種帽款
因為總覺得我戴起來像病友
自從接受它以後意外發現
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯
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看起來更像街友
PS: 圍巾 @indigopeople 意者私訊
Hat : @heimat_textil
Scarf : @indigopeople
Jacket : vintage
Sweater : @therealmccoys.jp
Denim : @fullcount_official
Shoes : @paraboot_official
#ootd #ootdfashion #ootdmen #ootdstyle #men #mens...
Likes
813
Instagram
I don't have them anymore but here are some oldies
these are all good
i guess i was apprehensive about wearing them with jeans but it looks perfect
@mdooz I have since sold mine as well but I really put to em through the paces while I had em
Very nice @havensk, especially the second one
wait fuck I don't even have any paraboots yet and MFAD is already getting rid of them
don't worry, I just sold my marron ones and bought black ones instead
phew
i sold mine and got the dark brown, whatever color it's called
if you can't decide you can always get some that are half marron, half velours whisky
Cafe?
does anyone grab the arpenteur chukka boots collab ? https://www.arpenteur.fr/fr/p1070-chukka-chocolat-paraboot
Chukka - Chocolat - FW22 / Paraboot for Arpenteur
Chaussures CHUKKA par Arpenteur, fabriquées en exclusivité par Paraboot. Cuir veau velours pleine fleur. Cousu norvégien. Coloris Chocolat. Fabriquées en France
man I have such a thing for vintage stereo receivers, what is that in the background?
marantz 2220. it's driving the castle trent IIs that kinda mesh with the console but it's such a great pairing.
fancy!
I see them in antique shops a lot but people want stupid money for them
says man who never shrugs at costs for a lot of other shit...
i've had them for 15ish years. think i paid 80 bucks for it off of craigslist. they were a bit dusty inside but been sounding great after a good clean.
but yeah marantz prices are insane now.
yea people want $4-500 for something now
yes, I have the sesame suede color (pictured) never really was a fan of chukkas but these won me over. wear them a couple times a week. bummed missed out on the brown pebbled leather 😦
Cool, do you have a pic with the whole fit ?
@fauxhemian can you comment on clusaz sizing vs michaels or otherwise? i'm on the hunt again
Im 9e brannock. I think the rec with Michaels is to size down half but since I have wide feet I went with tts, size 42
Clusaz I guess I’d be 8uk but those were too tight, so sized up to 8.5uk and that works really well for me. Same as my Reims size
🫡
Does anyone recognize this paraboot model? Looks like an avignon to me, but I haven't seen them with leather soles before
Paraboot
AVIGNON/PBQQ LISSE NOIR
Split toe Derby, 5 eyelets. Leather lined model, genuine Goodyear welted, on a leather sole.
ahh, looks like they are that pair indeed, thanks!
Looks like they might not be in production at the moment is all.
I don't think that's an avignon
If I knew things about shoes I could better describe it, but I think the pair in your pics is a derby
You're correct. The pair in the pics is a derby and the Avignons are bluchers. Also there's a different detail around the throat of the Avignons
Paraboot
TOURNIER/GALAXY GRAINE NOIR
Split toe Derby, 5 eyelets. Leather lined model, genuine Norwegian welted, on a genuine rubber sole.
stitching detail along the side is different. different leather, sole
but close
might've been a production change
people with functioning eyes to the front
Thanks y'all, I found these second hand and I wanted to get a sense of which model they're closest to
Would you wear the leather soled avignon with a dressy suit out of curiosity?
30% Off J. Crew right now on Reims and their Milly boot
Code: SHOPNOW
30% off j crew price is like standard non-sale price
wait damn prices have kinda blown up in the last year
yeah they've gone up a lot of places. Clutch Cafe still seems to have the standard UK price though, but very few of the ~$2xx deals out there anymore
Yea I got all my pairs for like 2-300. Might have to hang it up cause I'm probably not paying 650 lol
The Iron Snail
YouTube
Why Vets Were Obsessed With This $635 French Shoe.
Giesswein makes fantastic merino wool running shoes, thanks for sponsoring this vid! Use my code 'SNAIL20' to save 20%: https://serv.linkster.co/r/QLKVAcMgkQ
NEW VLOG HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9b427wcWYA&pp=ygUadGhlIHRhbGUgb2YgdGhlIGlyb24gc25haWw%3D
Paraboot is one of the greatest shoe brands in history and they haven't changed a ...
^this video has one of the better explanations of Norwegian welt and stitching I’ve seen
What's the best place to buy the michaels or bergerac online?
I think I'm finally going to pull the plug on some paraboots
sonofastag has painless (but not free) returns
yeah prices are pretty nuts now. I've wanted a brown grain pair of michaels and idk if I'll ever get them at this point
They’re very easily available for under $400 new
Which I understand isn’t “cheap,” but still I don’t see why anyone would pay $635 for them
$635 makes for better click bait
where pls
I haven't seen them at 400 in years tho
400 is nearly used pricing these days
What’s your size? And you want the brown pebbled grain?
I got mine for around $300 $400 but that was a p aggressive sale from END
I got my marron michaels a few months ago for $350ish
UK 7 which I think is a 41?
WTF how do I have bigger feet than you 😭
I'm 8.5D brannock lol
Oh I’m an 8.5D Brannock, but I wear a 7.5 or 41.5 in Paraboot
My instep might be higher than yours though
41.5 would prolly work too? I rarely see half sizes tho
yeah my feet are kinda flat
Paraboot Michael Marche II Grain Ebene Mens Leather Shoe
An original from Paraboot collection
The elegance of grained leather, for a casual spirit.
Half sizes in Paraboot is relatively uncommon. I sometimes size up to a 42
And then just wear a thicker sock and it’s fine
A day after my tax refund landed in my account istg
Shooters gonna shoot
Got mine for $230 as a floor model from Bloomingdale’s
Sorry $213 plus delivery
In 2019
Big “I only made $20k out of college” *in 1965 energy
early adopter privs
I saw some for 50€ on french vinted
like a few days ago
but the seller did ignore me
very french of them
granted i wear a v small shoe size but scooped mine in 2022 on ebay from a seller in Kenya
Amazing deal
The question is what will be the next Paraboots
ECCO Slip ons.
i bought the same pair of track II eccos from like 13 to 33 :harold:
Realized I was coping with the fit on my Reims and got tongue pads and feel like a doofus for coping for so long
I impulse bought them because they were on sale, and it was pre-price hike as well
idk if people have similar experiences, but most menswear stores near me that have shoes only go down to sneaker size 10 usually. I'm a sneaker size 9.5 so the smallest shoes palces stock are generally slightly too big
yeah paraboots are a nightmare to size. I’m currently in the cope phase of my michaels with custom insoles
I'm a fellow coper with my Michaels too. I've been thinking of getting tongue pads to try and make the fit a bit better so I can wear them more. The heels on these are killing me
The heels killed me when they were too tight
Sizing is very frustrating compared to other shoes though.
How much do custom insoles cost?
I think my chambords need more padding where the ball of my foot hits them
Mine are too loose. The heel slippage is messing with me. I love the look, but Paraboot sizing might not be for me unfortunately
Try tongue pads
$15 and it’s easy to try em out
Ye fs
I had crazy heel slippage when I got Michaels a size too big which I ended up selling
Though maybe the problem with my chambords is that they're too small 🤷♂️
Says the balls of your feet hurting can be caused by exercise, too small shoes, arthritis or the shape of your foot
Yeah I see what you mean. The balls of my feet sometimes get sore because the Michael’s are so stiff and my gait would change because I’m overcompensating for the heel slip by putting more pressure towards the front of the shoe
80, but I’ll probably reuse the insoles for other shoes and sell the michaels, experiment failed
Does anyone else's Michaels tear through their socks at the heel at a ridiculous pace? I've had mine probably 6 months and wear them 3/4 times a week for 8 hour work days. They never hurt and i believe they fit well, and I can't actively feel much heel slip at all (evidently there most likely is). I tend to wear them with thicker sock (more or less exclusively RoToTo double face, so they're pretty thick). If this continues I'll have to learn how to darn them
Can't see many others complaining about this so maybe it's just the way I walk
never had an issue with that myself (got two pairs of michaels)
Even on looking up different types of gait here
my first pair of michaels did that. I couldn't tell you why. I sold that pair and swapped out for a black pair in the next size up
I'm going to be in France next week. Thinking about taking a look at some Paraboots
At the least its a great opportunity to try them on and nail the sizing
Yeah
I would love to get a pair of the pacifics but i worry about the sizing on those. I wouldnt wanna get em unless i knew the sizing was perf
They're less expensive in France too!
True, though I think they just upped their prices.
Any particular models I should check out?
The michael is considered quite in rn
Beyond that i would ignore everything with a leather sole
What paraboot is famous for are chunky shoes with chunky soles
They also do leather soles, but personally I think thats somewhat pointless and other brands do those shoes better at the same price
michael and reims are definitely 'meta'
i like the clusaz and chambords as well
Chambords underated.
the chambords look nice. I wonder if the michaels have jumped the shark and will look dated next year.
Anyone happen to have a Michael in 42.5 and can take an insole measurement? 😬
I've got a chance to nab a 43 which is 27.3, I'm a 27cm for reference.
But half sizes seem incredibly hard to come across so I'm wondering if I just bite
I think you should bite if the price is good. Mine are slightly oversized but still fit comfortable
I tie them a bit tight and wear slightly thicker socks (american trench merino) and they are perfect
They're 300 usd but very lightly used, basically no wear on the sole
But in the leather I really want so I'll probably bite lol
i think we've passed peak michael but they'll always be in style, even in menswear circles people were geeking out about them on styleforum over a decade ago
Any thoughts on Michael lookalikes like kleman padrors
I've tried them on, they're really nice. The leather didn’t seem as nice (had more of a sheen than the waxy Paraboot leather) but that’s also something that would change with wear.
left is my michaels, right is the padrors
are both shoes the smooth leather ones
what do you mean by change with wear
as in patina?
Kleman leather feels like corrected grain, idk if it is but it looks pretty flat visually
The Paraboot sole stitching looks cooler too
I found a really good deal for the Reims ~$260... I really wanna pull the trigger but I'm curious about sizing. I believe my brannock size is 10 3e. I have a pair of Michaels in 43.5 and they pretty much fit perfectly. I have about a thumbs width in the toe area lengthwise and it's maybe slightly snug on the sides but not too bad. I have a pretty wide forefoot, high instep and high volume. I'm not sure whether to get the same size in Reims or size up? Are they significantly narrower? I'm worried if I size up there might be a little too much room lengthwise but maybe that isn't something I should even worry about? Any suggestions?
Anyone have the Ferret sandals? Curious how to size
How much will the vamp/ instep stretch on a pair of reims?
stitched through, so not much
Is this a size EU42? It is on the tongue of a reim
Reims are uk sizing afaik, so I'd say that's a 9
I can check mine when I get home later this evening
seller was trying to tell me they are 42 lol I’m doubtful
This is the inside of my UK 8
UK 10s
Anyone able to help me figure out my Reims size? Not able to try in person unfortunately. I wear a 10D in Allen Edmonds loafers (114 last), 10D in Weejuns, 9.5 in Timberland 3 eye lug, 9.5 Converse Chuck 70, and 9 in Docs.
Get measured on a brannock, I found them pretty true to size
I'm a 10.5 in basically everything. UK 10s fit me pretty well with normal and thick socks. With thin socks they'd be a little loose
You’re usually a US or a UK 10.5? I was under the impression people tended to size down for Paraboots
Ya my Brannock is 10D on one foot, 10.5D on the other, though anything in size 10.5 ends up too big overall. So maybe 10 for the Riems?
US 10.5 usually
an acquitance has brannock 9.5D and got reims in 8.5UK and he says they fit really good
That’s helpful, thanks!
Is 8.5uk what the size reads as on the tongue? I can’t remember
I wear 9.5D brannock and got what I think is 8.5uk Reims and they are a bit large is why I ask
I use tongue pads with em and they’re mostly fine but if I got them again, I’d size down one half size
i dont think paraboots come with size labels on the tongue but i am 99% sure they do come in UK sizes
I look this picture a long time ago before I put tongue pads on
Oh yeah they might show sizes on the side
I think I Michaels show the French sizing but all their other stuff is uk sizing
i stand corrected lol. but yeah i am guessing that's a UK size
Yeah if it’s 8.5uk I’d size down half
I might technically have narrow feet though. That might be an issue
Bowing is pretty rough with mine
I wear narrow birks but normal width everything else ever
how do yours fit lengthwise. because a tongue pad might be better than going to short
and just to add to this, i am 9E and have tried them in person. 8Uk was too tight for me at the vamp and 8.5 UK fit alright.
This is where my big toe is
Pinky toe is more of the length limiter
I’m wearing thick socks rn so this is the worst I can get the bowing
I can technically slip out of them by toe striking and bending it just right but it’s not really a problem usually. They maybe slide off a bit if I go up stairs
I had a 42.5 pair of Michael’s that were too short. I think that’s technically a 7.5uk tho
So basically I’m an 8uk in Paraboot most likely
managed to try on Reims in 9UK which I think is the right size for me. The fit is pretty good with a little heel slip on my left foot, but too big on my right. With a tongue pad on the right they’re both more or less comfortable and not giving enough heel slip that I won’t be able to walk to the bus in a hurry or do any of the other medium-low energy activities I need to in a loafer
Without the tongue pads I don't think I'd be happy, but going down a half size I'm pretty sure they'd be too short, as the fit around my toes currently is good but not roomy.
Wish I didn’t have to compromise on a purchase this big but seems like this might be the best I can do?
the best you can do would be to not get a shoe that doesn't fit
lol that's helpful
Could try to find a pair in 8.5UK but 9UK fits in the vamp and the length felt right, so I wouldn't think that a smaller size would actually fit better but could be wrong. Seems like getting the fit right on Paraboots is tricky for a lot of folks
yeah you basically either are born with a foot that fits paraboots or not. I don’t think it’s worth trying to make them work. There are other shoes out there
got my reims, listing had them as 8.5 us, tongue pad says 8, but they seem to fit OK. I think that makes them an 8uk/9us?
They're snug, but I think will be good with some wear
Yea pretty sure mine say 10K for UK sizing
Chambords have an F for French sizing but it's the same thing as UK
yeah my michaels are EU. I guess this guy mislabelled. But works out because if this is an 8UK, a 7,5UK would not have fit me. Left shoe is pretty good, right's a bit snug. But structurally held up to my Michael's they look to be about the same size so I'll just walk around in 'em a bit
Does anyone own a pair of Michaels and Chambords? Trying to find out whether the sizing is the same across the two - I've read mixed things online.
I have two Michael's and chambords.
Michael's in 44.5 and 45 and Chambords in 45.
Michael's in 45 fit me better, but 44.5 is very wearable.
Chambords are narrower and a bit longer than the 45 Michaels but still fit nice on my foot.
Hmm so the same size as Michaels? My Michaels are a little bit tight on my little toe so maybe I'll size up half a size given what you said about the width. Thank you!
Big fan of the trousers, shirt and shoes combo here. Can I ask for the ID on the trousers?
Monitaly fatigues!
And thank you
Anyone have avoriaz sizing advice compared to chambords?
michaels 40% off on jcrew rn with SHOPEARLY code in black and brown
Got these guys for $175 at an archive sale
paraboot not making shoes in my size is discrimination
For those with Chambords, how much did they stretch? Bought a pair in my Michaels size and they're tight in the toe box.
I don't think mine have at all
Dress shoes shouldn’t stretch much, if it all, the lasting process typically stretches them to what it should be
Typically what people think is “stretch” is a combination of the shoe getting more flexy and the footbed collapsing a bit as they’re broken in
Sounds like I'll have to size up then
Yeah I might, the Chambord last is narrower
Sizing for Paraboots is so annoying. My Michaels in the same size are definitely a bit too wide
Michaels are super wide for sure
But yeah their sizing is annoying
Fwiw mine broke in a bit in the toe box
The chambords are a weird last - long heel to ball and then short toe box. My big toe rubbed on the inside and that’s never a problem spot for me
Yeah I've decided to size up
are michaels 1/2 down from brannock? i'm a 8.5D and i wear an 8 in wallabees which fit me perfectly with a bit of space at the toe. i think the 41 sounds right but it's final sale
I'm usually an 8.5D/E and a 41 in Michaels
FWIW, my wallabees are a US9 and my Michaels are a 41.5/7.5UK/8.5US.
My michaels are the same size as my usual boot size, 8.5US in Red Wing/Danner etc
I could have made a 42 work too though which is the same size as my wallabees.
ooh okay the 41 sounds like itll work! i'm largely worried about the side hitting my ankle bone but we'll see. ty for the sizing info!
Paraboot Maine Found on their official european site under Last Chance. Maybe not as high grade as the Michael, but a good deal for 185€ I think.
fire!!
i was eyeballing them as well