Shoe-in

Hopelessly devoted to suede

I have way too many shoes considering I wear the same few over and over, and pretty much pack the same ones all the time. I’ve been wearing my suede Paraboots a lot on this trip, and have been getting a lot of questions about them, so here’s the lowdown: I have wanted these shoes for decades, but just recently bought this pair in suede. I had tried the calf versions of the Michael (above) countless times after admiring them on the feet of friends and strangers. Yolanda and Clara have been wearing them for years, but there was just something I didn’t like about the way the black and brown calf skin version looked on me—it made my foot look a bit stubby. But there was something about the whiskey suede that made my feet look good—less bulky. I discovered these on my last London trip at Clutch Cafe (we featured them in the most recent Wm Brown in the shopkeeper section), and they have been a great fall/winter shoe choice that looks great with flannel trousers as well as denim. I water proofed mine so they can handle some moisture, and they are great on slick cobblestones, and icy sidewalks. A French brand founded over 100 years ago by Remy Richard, it takes its name from Para, the port in Amazonia from where the latex was imported, and the “boot” from the American boot style. The Michael, the model I wear with the heavy sole and ribbed upper, is named after his grandson. Stateside you can find them at Todd Snyder in NYC.

All my favorite go-to shoes are suede. I own the Alden penny loafer in cognac and brown, and my favorite tassel from my collaboration with Scarosso (called the William) is in tan and brown. I still have too many shoes that don’t see much wear because I have a hard time parting with them, but maybe it’s time to dial in the uniform and narrow the edit. Any takers?!