Paraboot
Norwegian welted shoes, in-house rubber soles, Isère since 1908
Philosophy
Family manufacture founded in 1908 in Isère. Norwegian welting and Goodyear welt specialists. One of the few shoemakers worldwide producing its own natural rubber soles. 200 employees, 600 pairs a day, 80% French production in Saint-Jean-de-Moirans. Independent for four generations.
History
Izeaux, Isère, 1908. Rémy-Alexis Richard strikes out on his own as a commercial agent. In 1910, he marries Juliette Pontvert and founds Richard-Pontvert with her dowry. In 1926, a trip to America changes everything: he discovers rubber boots and latex vulcanization. He brings Para rubber home and starts making his own soles. Para + boot = Paraboot, trademarked in 1927. The RP crampon soles predate Vibram by eleven years - one of the few shoemakers in the world to produce its own soles.
The Galibier brand, registered in 1922, equips the greatest mountaineers: Maurice Herzog on Annapurna, Lionel Terray on the north faces, Paul-Emile Victor at the poles, Haroun Tazieff on volcanoes.
In 1945, the Michael is born - named to celebrate the birth of Michel Richard, third generation. Split-toe derby, Norwegian welt, natural rubber sole. The shoe that would become the house icon. By 1970, the company peaks at 650 employees. Then crisis hits: restructuring, bankruptcy between 1979 and 1983. Salvation comes from Italy - the Michael explodes in Milan, and Italian orders save the company in extremis.
Today: 200 employees, 600 pairs a day in Saint-Jean-de-Moirans. 28 boutiques, 26.7 million euros in revenue, 67% exported. Asia accounts for 35% of sales. In July 2023, Paraboot is selected to represent Isère at an Elysee Palace exhibition, showcasing the ceremonial boot of the Republican Guard - 150 manual opérations per pair.
Four generations of the Richard-Pontvert family. Still independent, still in Saint-Jean-de-Moirans. No acquisition, no investment fund. Marc-Antoine Richard-Pontvert, fourth génération, has led production since 2000. Proof that Made in France footwear still exists. And works.
Iconic Products
Michael
THE split-toe derby. Norwegian welted, Paraboot natural rubber sole. Esquire: 'perhaps the most reliably stylish shoe of all time.' Cult status in Japan. On 애호가들: 'built like a tank.' The shoe that made the brand known worldwide.
Chambord
Round-toe derby. More classic version of the Michael. Norwegian or Goodyear welt depending on edition. More versatile, less polarizing than the split-toe. Paraboot for those wanting toughness without the statement.
Avignon
The clean derby. Simple silhouette, Norwegian welt, rubber sole. Essential Paraboot without flourish. The everyday shoe for those wanting Made in France, indestructible, without needing anyone to know.