Paire & Fils is the story of two friends, Guillaume and Pierre , who started making shoes for those around them. At that time, their idea was not to make a living selling pairs of shoes, but to offer their loved ones quality shoes at a fair price . According to Guillaume, some of his first customers bought several pairs from him at once, because they thought it was such a good deal.
Continuing this relative success with their more or less close circles, the two partners decided to launch their brand. Indirect distribution initially, then direct on their e-commerce site.
Today, only a few selected boutiques offer Paire & Fils shoes .
Here is the range of shoes offered by the brand.
For now, they offer three different models in several colors : Reconciliation, Le Jeune Voyou De Luxe, and L'Homme Pressé , all between €180 and €190 . Knowing their production costs, I can assure you that they are not going overboard on prices at all.
As you know, we like good deals at BonneGueule, so we decided to test this young brand and tell you what we thought of “L'Homme Pressé”, a pair of tobacco-colored Chelsea boots that have more of a mouthful.
Beautiful tobacco-colored Chelsea boots for a great look.
A book-shaped shoe box
Before attacking and giving you my opinion, here is a little aside on the packaging: the shoe box, in the shape of a book . It is very original and we quickly understand the message: this is the first volume of Paire & Fils, but not the last. If not for us, fingers crossed for them.
Here is the first volume of Paire & Fils: this is a very beautiful volume!
Test of the L’Homme Pressé Chelsea boots from Paire & Fils
Let's return to our sheep, or rather to our calves and our cows. Because this pretty tobacco-colored velvety leather is suede calfskin, the grain is quite fine and gives pretty reflections to the eye.
You will notice the tight seams at the back of the shoe, a guarantee of solidity.
Besides, I find that the choice of colors is rather judicious . If the tobacco color contrasts strongly with the dark brown elastic of the ankle, the waxed wood of the sole discreetly highlights the line of the shoe.
Blake stitching and a pad integrated into the sole
For the assembly, Guillaume and his friend chose a Blake sewn . As you can see in the photo below, the sole is not entirely leather. The choice of this half-leather, half-rubber sole was made so that you can wear the shoe immediately, without having to go back to the shoemaker's box to add a skate and an iron.
Will the rubberized part of the sole wear out quickly?
Good or bad idea, only time will tell. However, I advise you to install an iron and a skate after wearing them three times. This will radically increase the lifespan of your shoes.
Nice details of Chelsea boots
Small detail that I had never noticed on the shoes I bought until then: the heel was beveled on both feet, on the inside . What good can this possibly do, you ask? Quite simply not to scratch the leather of the other shoe when you cross your legs , clever!
Another almost invisible detail but which has its little charm: this small reinforcement point on the side of the shoe which reinforces it below the elastic, a place that is very stressed when putting on or taking off the shoe.
Tight stitching and a nice color accent on this reinforcement.
Lining
Last point to take into account: for the interior lining, you will have to settle for cowhide leather which remains solid (even if it is not recognized as being the best in terms of quality). Furthermore, it offers a certain comfort in these Chelsea boots.
In fact, I almost want to say that it feels like slippers when you put them on for the first time . This is perhaps why I wear them so much, including when wandering aimlessly around Paris.
How to wear Paire & Fils Chelsea boots?
When it comes to style, these boots are quite simple to wear and go with almost any outfit . From jeans to chinos to suit pants, you can wear these pretty shoes without any worries.
Simply avoid colors that are too dark like black or midnight blue, as the contrast would be too strong and the tobacco color of the shoe too flashy.
For my part, I chose here to put them together in a fairly classic way, with beige chinos and a blue and white striped shirt (with little white dots that I love).
Régis Dajczman lent me a belt from his eponymous brand for the occasion, a perfect reminder of color.
When it comes to shoe height, there are several schools. Some people like them higher so that they support the ankle better, and so that their socks are not visible when they sit down. For my part, the mid-high Chelsea doesn't bother me that much, I like my checkered socks 😉
My opinion on these Chelsea boots and on Paire & Fils
I am generally satisfied with this “L'Homme Pressé” pair which holds up well : they are real slippers. The choice of materials and colors gives a coherent whole, we feel that real research work has been carried out.
In my opinion, the only potential downside lies in the choice of this rubber sole which could wear out quickly, if you choose not to install an iron or a skate. In fact, you don't really have a choice: if you get it, do it before it's too late.
It seems obvious to me that a pair of this quality is a bargain for less than €200 . I also think that this price could perhaps represent a problem for the commercial development and survival of Paire & Fils in the medium term. As its strategy is based on development in physical stores, I find it difficult to see how such small margins will be able to provide the company with the cash flow necessary for the development of its online activity.
In any case, the spirit is there and I share their desire to distribute parts at the right price . Let's wish them good luck and don't hesitate to take a look at their site to see the other pieces they offer!
