I couldn’t think of two brands less likely to collaborate than The North Face and Paraboot, yet here we are.
Taking the American label’s penchant for making excellent outdoors gear and mixing it with the French brand’s expertise in handcrafting durable footwear, the two brands have united to create a shoe like no other – a kind of formal mule, if you will.
A slip-on silhouette at its core, yet a dress shoe at its sole, the shoe is set upon Paraboot’s long-lasting Norwegian welt construction, while a cozy jet-black upper drawing inspiration from TNF’s Thermoball Traction V mule.
Comprising a vulcanized rubber outsole, resole-able outsole, matelassé full grain leather construction, and a soft elastic collar for ease of entry and comfort, TNF and Paraboot have struck the perfect balance between comfort and style.
While this might sound all well and good and you think you’ve found your new winter shoe, there’s a catch (and not a very good one): you can’t buy them.
According to Paraboot’s Instagram, this unique collab is a limited-release and “will not be released to the public,” despite its excellence.
Do not lose all hope though. While they aren’t going on general sale now, it doesn’t mean they never will, especially if other brands’ moves are anything to go by.
For example, earlier this year Vandy the Pink shared images of his customized Wallabees via Instagram, a tease that became so popular that it led to an official Clarks Originals release that’s slated to be landing later this month.
While we sit and hope TNF x Paraboot will eventually come to public fruition, why not try making some of your own with an old coat and a pair of dress shoes? Or don’t, it’s your call.
