Leather Shoes

Brush after each wear, condition every few months with a cream matched to the leather, and let a pair rest at least a day between wears. Cedar trees pull moisture out and hold the shape. That routine alone doubles the life of most shoes.

Both are resoleable constructions with a welt stitched between the upper and the sole. Norwegian welting stitches the upper outward and then down through the welt, creating a more weather-resistant joint. Paraboot uses Norwegian welting, which is why its shoes handle rain better than most.

Snug across the widest part of the foot with about a centimetre in front of the longest toe. Leather stretches across the width but not the length, so a shoe that is too long stays too long.

Norwegian welted models with rubber soles handle rain best. Paraboot builds most of its range this way. Suede is the material to avoid unless it has been treated with a protector.