Michael

The Michael features a distinctive two-eyelet design with thick leather upper and piped seam. Norwegian welt construction provides waterproofing and allows the shoe to be resoled multiple times for extended lifespan. The design has remained unchanged since its 1945 introduction and is handcrafted at Paraboot's Saint-Jean-de-Moirans factory in the French Alps.

The Michael was launched in 1945, just after World War II, during a period when materials were scarce and products needed to stand the test of time. The original specifications were kept simple due to rationing constraints: two eyelets with shorter yet strong laces, thick leather with a piped seam for protection, strong stitching, a thick and comfortable insole, and a natural rubber sole.

The name "Michael" was inspired by the birth of Michel Richard, who currently serves as Chairman of Paraboot. Following naming trends of the time, the French "Michel" was anglicized to "Michael." The model helped extend Paraboot's popularity beyond France throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

Over the decades, the Michael has been chosen for collaborations with prestigious brands including Hermès, Yohji Yamamoto, Ermenegildo Zegna, Christophe Lemaire, Etudes, United Arrows, and Beams. The shoe has been adopted by fashion enthusiasts and everyday workers alike, maintaining its authenticity across changing trends.

The Michael is constructed using Norwegian welt assembly, a technique in which Paraboot is considered a world leader. This method fixes the upper to the sole by means of a welt, with both lines of stitching visible. The welt connects to the upper and assembly insole, while special fine stitching connects the welt to the outsole. This hand-stitching ensures the shoes are comfortable, sturdy, and completely waterproof.

The manufacturing process requires no fewer than 150 manual operations, from crafting soles to packaging. This includes leather cutting, stitching, assembly, and finishing. The number of production steps remains the same as in 1908, when the company was founded, demonstrating Paraboot's commitment to traditional craftsmanship. The Norwegian stitching construction allows each pair to be resoled several times, considerably extending the shoe's lifespan.

The Michael is built with thick, high-grade full-grain leather featuring a piped seam for protection. The leather has been described as soft with a fatty or buttery feel. The shoe uses a vulcanized natural rubber sole made from latex, which is thick and slightly springy, providing flexibility and grip. The interior features full leather lining throughout, including a thick, comfortable leather insole.

The two-eyelet design requires shorter laces compared to traditional derby shoes, while maintaining the strong stitching necessary for durability. The French flag branding detail appears on the shoe as part of Paraboot's manufacturing signature.

The Michael fits generously compared to standard sizing. Paraboot recommends sizing down half a size from usual shoe size to achieve proper fit. The model features a wider fit than other Paraboot styles such as the Chambord, with a rounded toe that provides generous room.

In France, wearers typically choose their standard size and wear the shoes with minimal toe room, taking advantage of the wide, rounded toe design. The leather stretches slightly sideways after initial wear, particularly in the toe area, though the sole resists expansion in length. The shoes are described as slightly stiff initially but feel like a glove once broken in. Some owners report having their Michaels for more than 20 years, describing them as indestructible.

The Michael sits between dressy with flair and polished casual, allowing it to dress up or dress down outfits. The Tyrolean-style design with two-eyelet construction and sturdy rubber sole creates a distinctive look that bridges formal and casual contexts. The shoe works for various settings due to its combination of refined leather construction and practical rubber sole.