When the boat shoe gets a city makeover
This season, the boat shoe is writing a new chapter in the city. Blending nautical heritage with urban modernity, it reveals its full potential.
Bringing an Icon Back to Life
Originally designed to withstand the damp decks of sailboats and sea spray, the boat shoe has always evoked a certain sense of freedom. Worn with bare feet, canvas shorts, and an open-collared shirt, they embodied the spirit of vacation—a confident, laid-back attitude. Designed for traction and flexibility, they have become a symbol of the summer lifestyle.
But it’s often the most traditional styles that are best at reinventing themselves. Today, boat shoes for women and men are leaving the shore behind to take over the city streets. Without straying from their roots, they’re embracing new styles—more urban, more trendy.
It has now become a must-have in the contemporary wardrobe, capable of complementing all styles and all generations.
It is this evolution that we wanted to highlight in our new campaign. We wanted to show how this summer wardrobe staple is now worn in an urban setting as a true fashion accessory.
An intergenerational look
We focused on everyday uses and on how each person makes this iconic style their own. Through youthful and daring looks, such as this skateboarder who effortlessly expresses his style, or a city couple out for a stroll, striking a balance between casualness and understated elegance.
This intergenerational cast embodies the timeless appeal of the boat shoe. It transcends ages, trends, and eras without ever losing its relevance. It can be worn with raw denim and a blazer, straight-leg pants and a trench coat, or even as part of a monochromatic linen ensemble for a bold silhouette.
More than just a comeback—it’s a reinterpretation
A simple comeback isn’t enough—this is about redefining the style. Materials are becoming more diverse, colors are more nuanced, and silhouettes are more refined. While remaining true to its original comfort, the boat shoe is exploring new styles.
For its Spring-Summer 2025 collection, Paraboot showcases exceptional leathers and bold finishes.
In the women’s collection, the Malo model stands out thanks to its lugged sole, which is ideal for bold styles. It is available in glossy smooth leather and America leather.
For men, the iconic Barth shoes are reimagined using a selection of exceptional leathers, such as Cordovan leather—highly sought after for its depth and durability—and deer leather, available in white or brown, which offers a unique feel and comfort.
The America smooth-leather shoe, a true bestseller, remains a staple of the collection. Some styles, such as the Barth in Tilleul suede, feature a black sole—a subtle yet striking detail that accentuates the shoe’s urban look and gives it a contemporary feel.
This focus on materials is also accompanied by careful consideration of colors. The seasonal color palette draws inspiration from natural elements, featuring a plant-based “Tilleul” velvet, a “Sand” velvet reminiscent of sand, and mineral and organic tones that echo the earth, the wind, and water.
This is a soothing, modern color palette designed to complement any setting, from the seaside to the city center.
Discover our entire collection of boat shoes now—online and in all our stores in France and Belgium.
Give Your Boat Shoes a New Lease on Life
