The 2 Best Replacement Shoelaces for Paraboots [For Chambord & Michael]

This guide introduces the best replacement shoelaces for Paraboot's Chambord and Michael models.

We'll cover two recommendations: one for maintaining the original look and another for trying something new.

If your laces are worn out and you're considering a replacement, please use this guide as a reference. We'll also cover details on length, lacing methods, and knotting techniques.

Two Top Choices for Replacing Your Paraboot Laces [Chambord & Michael]

Official Paraboot Shoelaces

Find shoelaces on the official Paraboot website

Available in 3 Colors to Match the Leather

The standard colors for the Chambord and Michael are NOIR, CAFE, and MARRON.

The official shoelaces are also available in these same three colors to match the shoes.

Two Lengths Available

The laces come in two sizes: 70cm for the Michael (also fits the Castle) and 80cm for the Chambord (also fits the Avignon).

Material is Gassed Cotton

The material is cotton, and they are gassed laces, not waxed.

Given the casual feel of both the Chambord and Michael, it's likely that gassed laces with their lower sheen were chosen over high-sheen waxed laces.

Compared to waxed laces, gassed laces have less shine and are more prone to fraying, so they are often used for more casual or suede dress shoes. However, waxed laces are generally more common for leather footwear.

Made in France for a Touch of Class

Just like Paraboot shoes, the laces are made in France. Am I the only one who gets a little thrill just from hearing something is "Made in France"?

MONDSHOELACE Custom-Order "Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 1/10ʺ(2.5mm)"

Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 1/10ʺ(2.5mm)
MONDSHOELACE

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Wide Range of Colors

The "Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 1/10ʺ(2.5mm)" are available in 15 colors, a very wide selection. This is a great option when you want to change the look of your shoes, as you can choose colors not available in the official lineup.

We also have colors that are nearly identical to the official ones: Black for NOIR, Dark Brown for CAFE, and Brown for MARRON.

Lustrous Waxed Laces

Unlike the official gassed laces, these are waxed, giving them a lustrous, premium look. Waxed laces are the standard for leather shoes, so they look perfectly natural on the Chambord and Michael.

A Width Similar to the Original Laces

At approx. 2.5mm, the width is nearly identical to the official laces. It's slightly thicker than the 2-2.2mm laces typically used for dress shoes.

Durable Metal Aglets

MONDSHOELACE shoelaces feature very durable metal aglets. While plastic aglets often peel or fray at the tips, you won't have that worry with metal ones.

You can also choose from four colors: Black, Gold, Silver, and Antique.

Freely Choose Your Length

While official laces only come in 70cm (for Michael) and 80cm (for Chambord), MONDSHOELACE allows you to freely choose any length up to 200cm.

This means you can select the perfect length based on your fit and preference, whether your shoe's facing is wide open and you need a longer lace, or it's closed and you need a shorter one. It's a key benefit of custom-order shoelaces.

Other Styles Like Flat Laces are Also Available!

The official Paraboot lineup doesn't include flat laces. MONDSHOELACE offers both round and flat styles.

Both the Chambord and Michael pair well with flat laces, so changing the style of the lace is a great option.

Comparing Official Laces and MONDSHOELACE

A Visual Comparison

Let's compare the official Paraboot shoelaces with three styles from MONDSHOELACE.

Here are the laces from MONDSHOELACE:

"Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 1/10ʺ(2.5mm)"

This is the lace introduced above; a waxed round lace with nearly the same width as the original.

Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 1/10ʺ(2.5mm)
MONDSHOELACE

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"Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Flat Shoelaces 1/8ʺ(3mm)"

A waxed flat lace. At 3mm wide, it's a perfect fit for the Chambord and Michael.

Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Flat Shoelaces 1/8ʺ(3mm)
MONDSHOELACE

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"Thin Stay-Tied Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 2/25ʺ(2.2mm)"

Unlike the two above, this is a waxed lace that is infused with wax to the core. It's resistant to fraying, highly durable, and stays tied. It is slightly thinner than the original lace.

Thin Stay-Tied Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 2/25ʺ(2.2mm)
MONDSHOELACE

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[NOIR vs. Black]

[CAFE vs. Dark Brown]

[MARRON vs. Brown]

Examples on Chambord and Michael

Photos from our customers. Thank you!

Both examples use a slightly thicker lace than the "Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 1/10ʺ(2.5mm)" introduced above, but this style also works well.

[Chambord NOIR]

■ "Thick Glossy Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 7/50ʺ(3.5mm) Black" (Replaced original laces)

[Michael MARRON]

■ "Thick Glossy Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 7/50ʺ(3.5mm) Chocolate" (Replaced original laces)

■ "Thick Glossy Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 7/50ʺ(3.5mm) Dark Beige 78cm"

Photo courtesy of manners_koji.taguchi!

Choose Official Laces if: You want to maintain the original look and the standard length works for you.

It goes without saying, but the main advantage of the official laces is that you can refresh your laces without changing the original look of the shoes.

While the exact appearance of the length can vary slightly depending on how wide the facing of your shoe is, if you had no issues with the original length, the official laces are a surefire choice.

Find shoelaces on the official Paraboot website

Choose MONDSHOELACE if: You want to change the color or style, prefer durable metal aglets, or need a custom length.

MONDSHOELACE offers a wide variety of choices, including flat laces as well as round ones, and highly durable waxed laces (our Stay-Tied series). We also have colors not available in the official lineup, making it perfect for when you want to change things up.

All our shoelaces come with metal aglets, so they are also recommended for those who dislike the peeling that can happen with plastic aglets.

Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 1/10ʺ(2.5mm)
MONDSHOELACE

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Thick Glossy Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 7/50ʺ(3.5mm)
MONDSHOELACE

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Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Flat Shoelaces 1/8ʺ(3mm)
MONDSHOELACE

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Thin Stay-Tied Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 2/25ʺ(2.2mm)
MONDSHOELACE

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Recommended Shoelace Length for Paraboot [Chambord & Michael]

The original laces are 80cm for the Chambord and 70cm for the Michael.

If you were happy with the original length, you should buy a replacement in the same size.

The ideal length can change depending on the width of the facing and your personal preference. For example, if you have a high instep and the facing is wide open, you might want to add 5cm. If the facing is completely closed and the laces feel too long, you might want to subtract 5cm.

However, the official laces are only available in 70cm and 80cm, so if you need a different length, we recommend ordering from MONDSHOELACE.

How to Lace and Tie Your Paraboot Shoelaces [Chambord & Michael]

Lacing Method for Chambord

The Chambord originally comes laced in the "Parallel" style.

While "Single" lacing looks similar, "Parallel" offers a better hold and is easier to tighten and loosen, making it a more practical and comfortable choice.

Also, since it's a casual derby (blucher) style shoe, lacing it with an "Overlap" pattern also works well.

We demonstrate the Parallel method with a video in this article.

How to Do Parallel Lacing on Dress Shoes [Includes Loosening! With Video!]

We demonstrate the Overlap method with a video in this article.

How to Do Overlap Lacing on Dress Shoes [With Video!]

Lacing Method for Michael

For the Michael, the lace is threaded from above into the bottom eyelet, and from below into the top eyelet.

Since the Michael is a 2-eyelet shoe, the result is the same whether you use Single, Parallel, or Overlap methods, so it's hard to give the style a specific name.

Incidentally, if you thread the lace from below into the bottom eyelet, the lacing will be looser, which is recommended if you prefer a more relaxed fit.

A Recommended Stay-Tied Knot for Paraboots

If you find your laces often coming untied during your commute or while you're out, there's a recommended knot called the "Berluti knot."

It looks almost identical to a standard bow knot and unties just as easily by pulling the ends, but it's significantly more secure.

We demonstrate the Berluti knot with a video in this article.

How to Tie the 'Berluti Knot' for Dress Shoes [Video Tutorial]