The Paraboot Michael is a classic men’s shoe that has been around since the 1970s. Handmade in France, the Paraboot Michael features a distinctive two-tone design with brown leather upper and rugged off-white rubber sole.
It’s a timeless shoe that pairs well with jeans or chinos for a smart casual look.
However, at around $500 a pair, the Paraboot Michael is a serious investment. So you may be looking for some alternatives that provide a similar stylish two-tone aesthetic without the designer price tag.
This guide will explore some of the best Paraboot Michael alternatives available and compare the pros and cons of each option.
What To Look For In A Paraboot Michael Alternative?
When evaluating alternatives to the Paraboot Michael, there are a few key features to look out for:
- Two-tone style – The signature two-tone colorway is essential. You want a brown leather upper with a thick white or off-white sole. This color combo gives the shoes their retro-chic look.
- Chunky sole – A rugged, chunky sole approximating the original Paraboot tread gives the shoe its workwear vibe. Look for lug soles, commando soles, or thick crepe/rubber soles.
- Handcrafted quality – While you can find much cheaper shoes, prioritize quality construction with Goodyear-welted or Blake-stitched soles. The upper should also be full-grain leather.
- Versatile aesthetic – Choose a classic oxford or chukka style that looks good with both casual and smart looks. Avoid over-designed details.
Alternatives To Paraboot Michael
Keeping these factors in mind, let’s look at some of the top options for alternatives to the Paraboot Michael. Here is a list of them:
- Clarks Weaver Two-Tone Derbys
- Thursday Boot Co. Captain
- Beckett Simonon Ellison
- Astorflex Patnoflex
- Oliver Cabell
- Soludos Original Two-Tone Derby
- Allen Edmonds Liverpool Chelsea Boot
- Mark McNairy Two Tone Long Wing Brogue
- Grenson Archie V Two Tone Sneaker
- Benjo’s Two Tone Oxford
Let’s talk about them one by one.
Clarks Weaver Two-Tone Derbys
Pros
- Genuine leather upper with classic derby lacing
- Distressed white crepe sole has a similar vibe to Paraboot’s sole
- Cushioned OrthoLite insole provides comfort
- Much more budget-friendly than designer options
Cons
- Not Goodyear-welted, less long-lasting construction
- Crepe sole can wear down more quickly than rubber alternatives
- Shape not as sleek and elegant as Paraboot design
Verdict
For the price, Clarks Weavers provide an excellent Paraboot-inspired look. While the construction isn’t as premium, they’ll still be comfortable and stylish with casual outfits. The derby lacing gives them a slightly different vibe than the Paraboot oxford shape. Overall, fantastic value for a two-tone pair if you’re on a budget.
Thursday Boot Co. Captain
Pros
- Blake-stitched construction for flexibility and comfort
- Classic chukka shape like the Paraboot Michael
- Arizona adobe colorway has excellent two-tone look
- Goodyear welt available for $30 upcharge
- Thursdays offer great quality for the price point
Cons
- Crepe sole less durable than rubber options
- Sizing can run large
- Leather not quite as premium as French Paraboots
Verdict
For shoppers who like the Paraboot Michael’s chukka silhouette, the Thursday Captain provides it in a handsome two-tone colorway. The Arizona Adobe version mimics the Paraboot look at a fraction of the cost.
While not the pinnacle of luxury, Thursdays offer fantastic bang-for-buck with their Blake-stitched construction and quality leather. For under $200, they’re a steal.
Beckett Simonon Ellison
Pros
- Closest aesthetic match to Paraboot design
- Blake-stitched construction with finished edges
- Durable natural rubber sole
- Full-grain nubuck leather upper
- Customizable sole color when ordering
Cons
- Long 4-6 week made-to-order turnaround
- Nubuck leather requires more maintenance
- Limited sizing options
Verdict
For shoppers wanting the true Paraboot Michael look, the Beckett Simonon Ellison delivers it for hundreds less. The tan nubuck upper combined with thick white sole makes these oxfords near doppelgangers.
And the brand lets you pick the sole color when ordering. The made-to-order process requires patience, but the quality craftsmanship and materials make these well worth the wait.
Astorflex Patnoflex
Pros
- Italian-made quality and craftsmanship
- Can customize sole color, adding yellow for true Paraboot look
- Blake/ Blake Rapid construction
- Stone leather color closely resembles Paraboot
- Lug sole provides excellent traction
Cons
- Pricier than some alternatives
- Narrow fit
- Sizes can run large
Verdict
If you love the Paraboot design but want full customization, Astorflex is the brand for you. Their handmade Italian Patnoflex allows you to pick the sole color so you can mimic the Paraboot look exactly.
The high-quality construction and materials make these built to last. And they’ll give you the two-tone style you’re after. Just be mindful of the narrow fit and potential sizing issues.
Oliver Cabell
Pros
- Blake stitched Italian calfskin leather
- Customizable sole color
- Traditional oxford shape
- Foam padded insole for comfort
- Fits true to size
Cons
- Higher price point
- Narrow fit through toe box
- Ships from UK, so potential duties/longer delivery
Verdict
Oliver Cabell offers sleek, minimalist sneaker-dress shoe hybrids, and their Low 1 provides a great Paraboot alternative. With Italian leather, classic oxford styling, and the ability to pick your sole color, they deliver on quality and customization.
They are pricier than some options, but you get premium materials and construction. Just note the narrower toe box. Overall, a smart versatile choice.
Soludos Original Two-Tone Derby
Pros
- Fun casual take on two-tone style
- Low price point
- Lots of upper color options beyond just navy
- Cushioned memory foam insole
- True to size fit
Cons
- Less sleek shape than Paraboot Michael
- Cotton upper instead of leather
- Not Goodyear-welted
Verdict
Soludos put a playful spin on the classic two-tone shoe with their Original Derby. With its low $129 price tag, memory foam insole, and variety of colorways, this is a great budget-friendly alternative.
You lose some of the refined elegance of Paraboot’s shape and leather quality, but you gain a versatile shoe perfect for weekend wear. If you want the look without the investment, Soludos delivers.
Allen Edmonds Liverpool Chelsea Boot
Pros
- Premium American craftsmanship
- Horween leather upper
- Customizable sole edge dressing
- Recraftable for life of shoe
- Versatile chelsea boot style
Cons
- Most expensive option on list
- Not a direct aesthetic dupe of Paraboot
Verdict
For an elevated Paraboot alternative, Allen Edmonds’ Liverpool Chelsea fits the bill. Trading the oxford silhouette for a sleek chelsea boot, the two-tone style remains. And with recraftable Goodyear construction and Horween leather, these are built to last decades, not years.
While certainly an investment, you get uncompromising quality, customization, and a refined look. Just be prepared to pay designer prices.
Mark McNairy Two Tone Long Wing Brogue
Pros
- Bold statement longwing brogue design
- Goodyear-welted English construction
- Utilizes same factory as luxury brands
- Blake stitched sole option also available
Cons
- Design won’t appeal to all tastes
- Bulkier and less sleek last than Paraboot
- Runs large
Verdict
Mark McNairy puts a funky twist on the two-tone shoe with this bold longwing brogue. The chunky sole and brogue detailing create a shoe that demands attention.
While the shape diverges from the Paraboot Michael’s sleekness, you get swaggering style, premium materials, and made in England quality. If you like heritage with a modern kick, McNairy delivers. Just size down.
Grenson Archie V Two Tone Sneaker
Pros
- Sleek, minimalist sneaker design
- Blake stitched Italian leather upper
- Phylon sole for comfort and support
- Cool remix of two-tone elements
- True to size
Cons
- Expensive for sneaker alternative
- Foam sole less durable than rubber
- Monochrome options also available
Verdict
Grenson puts a contemporary designer spin on the two-tone look with their Archie V sneaker. More laid-back than the Paraboot Michael, it styles effortlessly with casual outfits while still nodding to the dual coloring.
Comfort features like the Phylon sole and padded collar modernize the retro vibe. It’s a hip remix suited to off-duty wear. Just expect a designer price tag.
Benjo’s Two Tone Oxford
Pros
- Blake rapid construction
- Made in Portugal
- Fully customizable color options
- Rubber or leather sole choices
Cons
- 4 week made-to-order turnaround
- Unknown brand reputation
- Only available direct through their site
Verdict
The ultra-customizable oxford from newcomer Benjo’s mimics the Paraboot aesthetic with the ability to choose every design detail. From leather colors to sole options, they offer a completely personalized shoe.
Just note the made-to-order production time and lack of brand awareness. For shoppers wanting one-of-a-kind two-tone shoes tailored to their taste, Benjo’s delivers full customization.
Also Read: Pros And Cons of Santoni Shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Paraboot Michael Alternatives
The Paraboot Michael is an oxford dress shoe featuring brown leather upper with a thick rubber off-white sole. It has a classic, retro design popularized in the 1970s.
The Paraboot Chambord is a derby or blucher style lace-up, while the Avignon is an oxford style like the Michael. The Chambord and Avignon also feature more brogue detailing compared to the Michael’s clean, sleek lines.
The Paraboot Michael is the brand’s most iconic and recognized style. Its timeless two-tone oxford design has remained largely unchanged since its origins in the 1970s.
Alden and Paraboot are both heritage shoe brands handcrafting premium footwear. Main differences:
Origin: Alden is American-made, Paraboot French
Construction: Alden uses Goodyear welt, Paraboot uses Blake stitch
Leather: Alden uses premium US and Italian leathers, Paraboot uses French leathers
Style: Alden has more versatile range including boots; Paraboot is focused more on oxfords and derby styles
Price: Alden is priced higher overall relative to Paraboot
Paraboot shoes fit true to size, but lean towards narrower dimensions. They have a sleek last with tapered toe box. Going up half a size or widening to a wider width provides more room through the forefoot.
Final Verdict
The Paraboot Michael has achieved iconic status for its timeless two-tone design. But there are now many alternatives that achieve a similar high-low contrast look for hundreds less.
For the most budget-friendly option, Clarks Weaver delivers the two-tone derby style starting at just $130. Thursday Boot Captain offers a sleek chukka alternative at $199. And the Beckett Simonon Ellison provides a near identical Paraboot dupe fully customizable when ordering.
For shoppers wanting luxe European craftsmanship, Astorflex and Oliver Cabell provide Italian calfskin leather and customizable soles. And Allen Edmonds Liverpool offers recraftable American quality.
The options providing the true oxford shape, premium materials, and customizable soles make excellent Paraboot Michael alternatives without the designer price tag. While not exact replicas, they capture the retro-mod spirit of the iconic Paraboot at a fraction of the cost.
