The value of analog in a digital world

Chris O. Williams — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 18:27:56 GMT

Not A Gift Guide: Obsessions Worth Sharing

Chris O. Williams — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 15:03:40 GMT

Holiday gift guides are usually thinly veiled cash grabs screaming, “Buy this now!” Hard pass. Here’s the play: instead of pushing stuff you don’t need, and trying to convince you to buy, I’m sharing…

Supersize my bag

Chris O. Williams — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 15:45:58 GMT

I used to be satisfied with pockets—both pants and coat in the winter. But summer shorts left me with less space, and as my inseams receded, my phone would slap against my thigh when I wore my Baggie…

A trench coat love letter

Chris O. Williams — Sat, 07 Sep 2024 15:40:34 GMT

In 2023, “stolen valor” popped onto my radar, tied to the workwear trend that had seemingly taken over every corner of fashion. The term described people dressing in blue-collar gear without actually…

2023 European Summer MVPs

Chris O. Williams — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 18:50:19 GMT

For the past three years I’ve been fortunate to take extended trips to Europe. A combination of remote work and a flexible time off policy means that I can mix-and-match destinations. And for the p…

A Love Letter to French Footwear

Chris O. Williams — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 16:02:15 GMT

When it comes to footwear, at least that on the more ‘proper’ (ye old English) end of the spectrum, there are notable US and UK brands that immediately come to mind: Crockett & Jones, Alden, etc. But within France there are several makers doing unique things in a high-quality way. In fact, I think the trend I’ve witnessed with French footwear has been to differentiate, through styles and silhouettes, from the English-speaking counterparts.

Saving you the history lesson on Victorian or Tudor era footwear, and heels of King Louis, instead I present some of my favorite French brands.

Paraboot

No stranger over the past year with the rise in popularity of their “Michael” style, Paraboot made its name on traditional workwear shoes. Founded in 1908, they introduced rubber soles, waterproofing, and stitched soles onto boots. In the 80’s trends were pushing men away from suits and to more casual tweeds and corduroys. Capitalizing on this trend, Paraboot’s Michael was widely successful in Italy and elsewhere, becoming very popular in the 80’s and now again in 20’s.

When I was last in the market for a boot, I turned to Paraboot. Looking for that chunky profile to match the thicker (and more casual) fabrics of winter I bought a pair of the Mucy in black (pictured). The last on that is wider, and sizing is tricky, but they are built like a tank. For those more on trend, and in the summer mindset, they also have a new fisherman sandal that I’m hoping to check out soon.

Heschung

Founded in 1934, but only recently on my radar, is Heschung. They have a cute store conveniently located blocks from the Tuileries among other boutiques which I visited several years ago. I bought a simple snuff suede Chukka boot that to this day is one of my favorites.

In recent years they have become more adventurous with their styling. First, I noticed several pairs of motorcycle boots being introduced – extra detailing and leather being applied to the top vamp where the shifter would hit, and sufficient lacing to cover up legs from pants riding up. They’ve also taken to more multi-piece dress boots. They of course have a core collection, but it is these more unique pieces I find myself drawn to, like their new Oxalis or Como mules.

New Brands

The list below are all relatively new to me, but not new to shoemaking. I’m going to make a point to try to visit a couple while I’m in Paris to see them in person. While I haven’t personally experienced them, I’m still confident in including them on this list based on their history and affiliations.