Paraboot x Universal Works: beauty in imperfection
For over a century, Paraboot has been developing a singular approach to footwear: exacting manufacturing, carefully chosen materials and models designed to last. In this spirit, the French company has teamed up with Universal Works for a new collaboration that continues a dialogue already underway between the two brands. This second edition is based on a shared vision: that of a well-designed, functional and authentic product, where detail and use take precedence over fashion.
Founded in the UK, Universal Works has established itself over the years as an independent brand inspired by the heritage of XXᵉ century workwear, the spirit of sportswear and the functionality of military uniforms. Its collections are distinguished by a pragmatic approach to clothing: pieces designed to be worn, durable and easy to combine from one season to the next. This philosophy naturally echoes that of Paraboot, whose shoes are designed to accompany their owners for many years. The collaboration is based on a central theme: “Beauty in imperfection”. A simple but essential idea: recognizing that the personality of an object is built in its material, in its patina and in the traces of time. This principle guides the design of the pieces and is in line with the values upheld by both houses: honesty in manufacturing, attention to detail and respect for know-how.
The Thiers model revisited
At the heart of this collaboration is an iconic silhouette: the Thiers model. Created in the 1960s and named after the French town of the same name, this model was originally conceived as a bridge between two worlds: that of the city and that of sport. At the time, it was classified as a sport/city shoe, capable of navigating between elegance and functionality, between outdoor spirit and everyday use.
For this special edition, Universal Works has reinterpreted the spirit of the model with a fresh sensibility.
The shoe combines two sides of leather: the smooth side and the more textured, velvet-like reverse. This subtle contrast highlights the material and reminds us of the importance of the artisanal gesture in the manufacturing process. It shows that the reverse side of leather, which is supposed to be imperfect, can be shown, and that there is a certain beauty in this imperfection.
The shoes are also unlined, giving them a lighter, softer feel suitable for summer use. This construction contributes to immediate comfort while retaining the model’s characteristic structure.
Another distinctive detail: removable kiltie-style bangs add a playful, modular dimension. So everyone can adapt the shoe’s appearance to suit their style or the occasion.
Two exclusive colors have been developed for this collaboration:
Café, a deep brown, immediately highlights the texture of the leather. This hue reveals the authenticity of the collaboration, highlighting the contrast between the smooth face of the leather and its textured reverse. A signature of the collaboration and a reminder of the idea behind it
Sand, a light beige directly inspired by natural tones. This soft shade underlines the technical choice of an unlined shoe, giving it a lightweight feel and immediate suppleness for summer. Each pair is discreetly embossed with “La Beauté Dans L’Imperfection”.
A complementary clothing capsule
Around the shoe, Universal Works and Paraboot have created a small textile capsule that extends the universe of the collaboration. The ensemble is made up of simple pieces, inspired by the utilitarian wardrobe and crafted in lightweight materials suited to the season.
Among them is the Warmus Jacket, whose name derives from an old English term for a work jacket. Made from cotton twill in an exclusive brown color, it features a collaborative illustration on the back, taken from an old Paraboot advertisement, and discreet branding on the chest.
The capsule also includes a Super Chino jacket and pants in brown cotton poplin, printed T-shirts and a cambric cotton bandana to complete the wardrobe.
The graphics used in this collection echo a phrase from a historic Paraboot advertising campaign: “There are no more kilometers”. This phrase evokes the idea that it doesn’t matter how far you travel: a pair of Paraboot shoes is made to accompany its owner over time, without any discomfort. It is also a reminder of the robustness and longevity that characterize the company’s manufacturing.
This capsule is distributed exclusively by Universal Works and a selection of the brand’s retailers.
A meeting of two product cultures
More than just an artistic project, this collaboration testifies to a real proximity between two approaches to clothing and footwear. Universal Works favors reasoned production and works with certified workshops, while Paraboot has been perpetuating artisanal know-how based on sewn assembly techniques and robust materials for over a century.
This dialogue between French and British cultures is expressed in the balance of the project: a timeless shoe design, enriched with contemporary details, accompanied by a simple, functional wardrobe.
The Paraboot x Universal Works collaboration will be available from March 26, 2026 at Paraboot (on our website and in our boutiques in Paris Grenelle, Rivoli, St Honoré, Bordeaux, Lille), Universal Works and selected retailers.
It’s a logical extension of two brands who share the conviction that a well-designed product stands the test of time, evolving with its wearer and gradually revealing its personality. A way, perhaps, of reminding us that in the world of craftsmanship as in that of clothing, true beauty is often to be found in the details – and sometimes in imperfection.
