Back in 2021, we released a long-awaited boot for pre-order: Paris. This unassuming Edwardian lace-up boot took off like a rocket, and after a popular pre-order, our shelves were soon stocked with a variety of Paris boots in a few period-appropriate colorways. Since then, Paris has become one of our all-time most popular styles. With many 5-star reviews and a dedicated following (we know several customers who have purchased Paris in multiple colors), this humble boot deserves some celebration!
Prior to Paris, our historical boot offerings were missing a solid, versatile, lace-up Edwardian low-shaft boot. Front lacing began to return to fashion in the 1890s. By the turn of the century, front-lacing boots were firmly established in fashion once again. Button boots were still worn, and considered the slightly dressier option between the two. Like button boots, lace-up boots were worn across social classes.
Lace-up boot offerings from the fall 1908 Sears catalogue. Should we name a shoe ‘Stormer’?
Fully leather lace-up boots were popular. These options had a variety of leather foxing, style lines, and toe caps. Toe shapes and heel shapes changed as the Edwardian period progressed (you can learn a little more about this in our post about button boots through time), with certain exaggerated shapes, such as long and narrow toes or short, rounded toes experiencing brief moments of intense popularity. A lace-up boot with closed tabs, and almond toe, and a moderate Cuban heel were pretty universal through to the 1920s.
So, how did Paris come to be? You might be surprised to hear that this boot was in development for years. That’s right, years. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, the simplest designs can require the most detailed attention.
We started with an original antique boot sent to us by a follower (see above). You can see some of the detailing that we endeavored to get just right with our reproduction- the stylistic lines on the uppers, the toe shape, the broguing on the toe cap, the low-and-sturdy heel, the backstrap, etc.
We went through many, many samples and prototypes with this boot. It turns out getting the balance right, the toe spring correct, the fit proper, and the aesthetics accurate was a challenge with lots of moving parts.
For those who like an inside peek into how the sausage gets made, here is one of our many Paris prototypes. The heel shape we initially tried was close to the heel on the original, but it didn’t fit with the balance of the style overall. The wider Cuban heel we swapped it out for ended up being the key to this issue.
In the end, we finally got everything right- a boot with the aesthetics we were going for, a superb fit, a graceful and comfortable almond toe, and the exact right foxing and toe cap. Paris was born.
Since Paris’ initial launch, we have expanded our offerings for this beloved boot. In 2023, in anticipation of the release of our first wide collection, we developed Paris in D width. Since then, we have released it in B and D width in several new colors, like cordovan and burgundy.
We have even released a black suede version, for those who are of the suede persuasion.
We love these boots, and you love them too. They go with everything- from historically accurate Edwardian costumes, to jeans, to your favorite dress and tights. We’ve even seen them worn onstage to perform in rock concerts. There’s no doubt about it, Paris is ever-popular.
Paris is available in our US and UK/EU stores, in standard (B) and wide (D) widths. If you have yet to get your own, why not grab a pair and join the party?
