Stuff We Like: The Paraboot X Universal Works Michael
Universal Works put their spin on a French footwear classic
The word ‘classic’ is thrown around fairly casually these days, but it most certainly applies to the Paraboot Michael. Originally created back in the 1940s as a smart-yet-sturdy footwear option for vets, architects and land-surveyors, they’ve become a bit of a left-field favourite for those with discerning taste thanks to that perfect combination of craftsmanship and singular style.
The Paninari of ‘80s Milan were big fans, Cantona wore ‘em off-pitch and right this minute, there’s undoubtedly an old Parisian university lecturer smoking a cigarette in Jardin du Luxembourg wearing a scuffed old pair, along with some brown cords and a duffle coat.
And while a lot of ‘design classics’ end up getting watered down over the years to become a shadow of their former selves, these hardy moccasins have never been compromised—and are still made in France with that signature ‘Norwegian welt’ construction that makes ‘em so tough.
Turns out that Universal Works are big fans too—and have recently had the honour of collaborating with the French footwear masters on their own version of this majestic shoe. Celebrating the unique patina of thick leather, the shoes are debossed with the phrase ‘La Beauté Dans L’Imperfection’, highlighting the beauty of imperfection and the wabi-sabi charm of these hand-made wonders.
They’re available now in three colours—black, coffee and sand. Head over to the Universal Works site for more nice photos (and to grab a pair).
Read our interview with Uni Works co-founder David Keyte here.
And check out our Shopify case study with Universal Works here.
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