Studio Nicholson & the Power of Paraboot (EXCLUSIVE)
In Studio Nicholson's world, shoes are as crucial as everything that goes above them. Taste is everything to Studio Nicholson founder Nick Wakeman, which means that the shoes she creates must follow suit.
This is the founding philosophy behind Studio Nicholson x Paraboot, where form leads function but both are granted seats at the table.
Because in the realm of truly trasteful, trek-worthy footwear, Paraboot is paramount.
Especially popular in Japan, the Paraboot Michael's signature Tyrolean shape is unlike anything else in the field of heritage footwear — Paraboot was founded over 115 years ago — and neatly complement Studio Nicholson's modestly stylish oeuvre.
This partnership gently updates the all-timer Michael derby, a snub-nosed shoe internationally indicative of Paraboot's practice.
Studio Nicholson previously partnered with shoemakers like Japanese labels Moonstar and ASICS for understated sneakers that were a little classic, a little contemporary. The Studio Nicholson Paraboots are cut from the same cloth but a bit more classic than even those.
In fact, Studio Nicholson itself, like Paraboot, is familiar but also not. You've seen this stuff before but also not really.
These are thoughtfully evolved shapes that restlessly pull enough from the classics to themselves take on an air of timelessness but are so distinct as to eliminate any stodginess from the proceedings.
Studio Nicholson, for instance, epitomizes a box-cut top and relaxed carrot trousers flattering to any gender, while Paraboot's humble craft is in service of classy leather shoes sauced up by hefty soles.
Studio Nicholson knew better than to mess all that much with the shape of the Paraboot Michael — such is the power of a perfect design..
"The elevated choice of full-grain deer leather reflects the Studio Nicholson guiding fabric-first philosophy, always prioritizing the best, fit-for-purpose materials," Wakeman said in a press release, pointing to deerskin's durability as a key appeal.
The Studio Nicholson x Paraboot shoes, available on Studio Nicholson's website, flagship stores, and select stockists from November 5, is otherwise pretty close to the original model with the sole major distinction being beefy "mountain-style" laces and Studio Nicholson branding on the shoes' side tabs — a first for Paraboot and signifier of this partnership's innate perfection.
