Once reserved for men and sailboats, women’s boat shoes are now an essential part of women’s style.
Far from being a simple vacation accessory, it embodies functional elegance, capable of combining the comfort of a woman’s moccasin with the robustness needed for everyday wear. At Paraboot, we’ve been cultivating this nautical heritage since the late 60s, when the French Navy called on our expertise to equip its submariners.
Today, our models revisit this icon. Gum soles, full-grain leather and a timeless look: the boat shoe leaves the open seas to accompany women’s wardrobes.
Women’s leather boat shoes: a nautical heritage
Designed by Paul Sperry in the 1930s, the boat shoe was born out of a need for safety at sea. After nearly falling overboard, this sailor looked at his dog’s (a cocker spaniel) paw pads to design a non-slip sole. He added V-notches to the rubber, offering unprecedented grip on wet surfaces. This technical heritage continues to define our women’s boat shoes, with the high standards of quality that are so dear to us.
Paraboot know-how: why choose our women’s leather boat shoes?
Paraboot know-how is evident in every design detail of our boat shoes.
The functional lace: The leather lace that runs around the shoe is not just decorative. It adjusts the heel support so that the women’s shoe stays on the foot despite movement.
A hand-stitched top: this bead on the top, the visual signature of the model, guarantees the solidity of the assembly.
A technical sole: At Paraboot, our soles have specific grooves for water drainage and grip on wet surfaces.
Choosing a pair of Paraboot women’s boat shoes means choosing a model that will accompany you year after year. If our winter models are renowned for their robustness, our summer ranges benefit from the same rigorous selection of materials.
Full-grain leathers for a unique patina
In a market where denominations are sometimes blurred (imitations, synthetics), we scrupulously respect the name leather. In accordance with the guidelines of Alliance France Cuir. We use full-grain calf leathers, with the skins chosen according to their “hand” and the desired effect.
Each skin used is natural, with no synthetic topcoat to mask imperfections. It’s therefore normal to occasionally see slight wrinkles or veins. As a result, each pair is unique and will never be identical to another.
What’s more, our leathers are specifically tanned to resist the aggression of salt and retain their suppleness, even when exposed to sea spray and sunlight. Our supple leathers are not rectified, they retain their natural grain and breathe, guaranteeing a unique patina that becomes more beautiful year after year.
Blake stitching: supple and light
While the aesthetic inspiration comes from Native American moccasins (women’s boat moccasins), the technique has evolved. For our summer models, we favor Blake stitching (a single seam linking the upper to the sole). This technique guarantees suppleness and lightness, enabling the shoe to follow the movement of the foot without resistance.
Although certain skills, such as Blake stitching, are no longer practiced in our Isère workshops, we are committed to maintaining this historic model. That’s why we entrust the manufacture of our boat shoes to our Spanish partner, according to Richard-Pontvert’s rigorous specifications.
The rubber sole: grip above all else
Our rubber soles play a fundamental role. Made from rubber derived from rubber tree latex, they guarantee secure grip on all surfaces and optimum resistance to everyday wear and tear. They are also designed not to mark boat decks.
We still use the same blends and vulcanization processes for our midsole, heel and sole products.
Paraboot women’s leather boat shoes: Barth or Malo?
Initially adopted by the US Navy, the boat shoe then conquered wealthy boating enthusiasts. They experienced a major boom in the 60s and, over time, established themselves as an elegant and refined fashion accessory. Today, they can be worn on any occasion: in town, in the country, for ceremonies or evenings out.
Our collection is built around two timeless models that have stood the test of time.
Barth america: timelessly iconic
This is the quintessential brown women’s boat shoe, although we also offer it in a wide range of colors. The Barth is the historic model inspired by naval commandos.
Barth
The "Marine" gum sole is thin and ridged, with a resolutely soft look. We offer it here in smooth america leather (our iconic brown with mahogany highlights). This is the most versatile women's boat moccasin, ideal for those looking for authentic style and easy everyday wear.
Malo america: a modern reinterpretation
The Malo model features the same upper as the Barth, but is distinguished by the addition of a notched sole.
Malo
More assertive, it adds height and a very contemporary "adventurous" touch that breaks with classic codes. It fits in perfectly with the chunky trend, while remaining true to the mountain DNA of our region.
How to wear women’s boat shoes
Gone are the days when these shoes were reserved for yachting. Today, women’s boat shoes are a staple of the urban wardrobe, offering an elegant look with shorts, jeans or even a suit.
They come in a variety of colors and materials, for styles ranging from classic to original.
women’s leather boat shoes: Texture play
Our smooth leathers remain timeless in the Paraboot universe. The arrival of summer is the perfect time to experiment with new materials. Our suede leather finishes bring incomparable suppleness and luminosity. And our shiny leathers add a chic touch to your mid-season outfits.
Barth, beige velvet
The perfect contrast. An immaculate white rubber sole underlines the warm softness of the beige velvet. This is the luminous version par excellence, offering a resolutely summery silhouette for strolling around town or by the sea.
Barth, velvet koi
The bold choice. This warm, authentic color has real contrasting power. It instantly awakens a sober silhouette and pairs wonderfully with the indigo of raw denim or the classicism of navy canvas pants.
Barth, nude velvet
A subtle pink hue, both delicate and deeply feminine. This powdery shade is ideal for naturally complementing your light-colored wardrobes and enhancing flowing fabrics like linen or light cotton.
Malo, black gloss
The sophisticated urban alternative. Set on our signature notched sole, this model plays on the shine of its leather to catch the light. This finish adds a dressy dimension, perfect for structuring a comfortable office look or asserting your style.
Unlined leather: comfort and elegance
To guarantee absolute comfort on hot days, we also offer our summer models “unlined”. The leather adapts perfectly to your feet, offering breathability and lightness ideal for barefoot wear.
For absolute comfort, let yourself be seduced by the Barth model in white deer leather. A skin of rare finesse, acclaimed for its comfort and natural breathability.
The golden rule remains the “bare foot” or invisible sock. However, today’s fashions increasingly allow fancy socks for an original, assertive style.
Between heritage and French elegance, the Paraboot women’s boat shoe is much more than a summer accessory. It’s a promise of assertive character and timeless style.
Whether you’re a fan of classic smooth leather or tempted by more daring velvet finishes. Our collection will accompany you on land or at sea.
Women’s boat shoes add a touch of elegance to your everyday look. Browse our collection of boat shoes and choose the pair that will last you the longest.
