Paraboot Thiers Shoes

The Paraboot Thiers is a perfect fusion of moccasin construction and Derby shoe design. These shoes combined the soft, unstructured upper of moccasins with the open-lace system of Derby shoes, resulting in a comfortable and versatile footwear option.

The history of moccasin style derby shoes dates back to the early 20th century and is closely tied to the evolution of traditional Native American footwear and the introduction of European shoe making techniques.

Moccasins, which are soft, flexible shoes made from a single piece of leather, have been worn by various Native American tribes for centuries. They were typically handcrafted using techniques passed down through generations, and the construction varied depending on the tribe and geographical region.

In the late 19th century, as Europeans began to explore and settle in North America, they took notice of the practicality and comfort of Native American moccasins. European shoemakers started incorporating elements of moccasin construction into their own designs, resulting in the creation of a new style of shoe known as the moccasin shoe.

Derby shoes, on the other hand, originated in England during the 19th century. They were named after the 14th Earl of Derby and were initially designed as hunting boots. Derby shoes are characterised by their open-lace system, where the eyelets are stitched on top of the vamp, allowing for a more flexible and adjustable fit compared to closed-lace shoes like Oxfords.

Moccasin style derby shoes gained popularity in the early 20th century as a casual and leisure shoe. They were embraced by various fashion movements, including the Ivy League style in the 1950s and the bohemian counterculture of the 1960s. The shoes were favoured for their relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic and were often made from high-quality leather with hand-stitched details.

Recently this has been brought back into the spotlight due to some celebrities and regular customers bringing this shoe back to the forefront. This is helping them continue to be a popular choice for individuals seeking a blend of comfort, style, and versatility in their footwear.

The Paraboot Thiers is built using the Blake welt. Here is why it matters.

The Blake welt is a construction method commonly used in shoemaking, particularly in dress shoes. It involves stitching the outsole directly to the upper of the shoe, providing several advantages. Here are some of the advantages of the Blake welt:

1. Sleek and Flexible Design: The Blake welt construction allows for a sleek and elegant design. The absence of a visible welt (a strip of material that joins the upper and the outsole) creates a clean and streamlined appearance, making it popular for formal and dressy shoes. The flexibility of the construction also enhances the comfort of the shoe.
2. Enhanced Comfort: The Blake welt construction offers a more flexible and lightweight shoe compared to other construction methods, such as Goodyear welt or cementing. This construction allows the shoe to bend and flex more naturally with the foot, providing greater comfort during walking or extended wear.
3. Efficient Repair and Resoling: Blake welted shoes are relatively easy to repair and resole. In case of sole wear or damage, a cobbler can remove the old sole, attach a new one, and re-stitch it to the upper using the same stitching holes. This makes the repair process simpler and potentially less expensive compared to shoes with different construction methods.
4. Enhanced Durability: While Blake welted shoes may not be as durable as shoes with Goodyear welt construction, they still offer good longevity and durability. The stitching attaching the outsole directly to the upper provides a secure bond, reducing the chances of sole separation and increasing the shoe's overall durability.
5. Greater Flexibility in Design: The absence of a welt in Blake welted shoes allows for greater flexibility in design choices. Shoemakers can experiment with different materials, patterns, and sole designs, creating a wider range of options for customers seeking unique or personalized footwear.
6. Thinner Profile: Blake welted shoes tend to have a thinner profile compared to shoes with other construction methods. This can be advantageous for individuals who prefer a more streamlined and sleek appearance, particularly in formal or dress shoe styles.
   

The construction is intended as an every day fashion shoe. They strike a balance between form and function, making them look as good in the office as they will on the town.