Design Follows Function

Fabulous 8

this is our Mission, our Goal

Company

Parabiago Collezioni, started in 1999 by three founding partners, Thierry Rabotin, Giovanna Ceolini and Karl Schlecht. The idea was to offer a very comfortable shoe to a high-end market segment, with meticulous attention to detail in the making, and characterised by ingenious inventiveness. That is the premise on which the Thierry Rabotin brand was created, a brand whose worldwide growth is confirmed today by the presence in the most prestigious stores across the globe. As testified by opening of the single brand boutique in Paris, Rome, New York, Beijing and Kuwait City.

Handmade

The creation of Thierry Rabotin shoes requires a high level of craftsmanship that no technological resource can replace. Handcrafting is a challenge to the most experienced shoemakers. The artisans at Thierry Rabotin are careful to preserve the centuriesold heritage of handmade methods.

Fabulous 8

Design Follows Function
“I love to design shoes that envelope the foot, giving the sensation of walking barefoot” (Thierry Rabotin). This is our Mission, this is our Goal. At Thierry Rabotin Footwear we never submit our client’s wellness to the design, the design always follows function.

Materials

Leathers are sourced from the best Italian and French tanneries and processed with the utmost respect for the environment. Microfiber Lycra, featured on a variety of Thierry Rabotin footwear, is lightweight, flexible and durable and ​hugs the foot gently and allows for maximum range of motion.

1. Design Follows Function

“I love to design shoes that envelope the foot, giving the sensation of walking barefoot” (Thierry Rabotin). This is our Mission, this is our Goal. At Thierry Rabotin Footwear we never submit our client’s wellness to the design, the design always follows function.

2. The Last – the form on which Thierry Rabotin footwear is created

Our lasts are intentionally asymmetrical following the anatomy of the foot. They are hand carved in intricate detail to support and respect basic form and function. The hourglass shape allows for a true fit from heel to toe, taking pressure off the instep to allow you to stride comfortably through the day with confidence.

3. The Heel – designed for Thierry Rabotin by stylist Massimo Balbini

The common thread among the variety of heel shapes and heights in the collection is the fact each is designed and placed to support the body’s center of gravity. The base of each design is wide enough to reduce tension on the foot’s tendons, thus reducing fatigue and the chances of inflammation.

4. The Wedges – A construction that places Thierry Rabotin on another level.

The wedges are all hand milled, in micro rubber - an elastic material that reduces the impact with every step. The surface of the wedge is calculated for all sizes, so that the foot has the widest possible walking surface, also giving a slight ankle support. A small hollow houses the heel thus preventing the foot from sliding forward, and guaranteeing the weight to be equally distributed.

5. The Sole – a variety of soles for a variety of styles

  • Leather: 4mm thick, tanned in Italy with maximum respect for the environment with non-slip rubber inserts to increase durability and give more flexibility to the sole.
  • Micro-foam rubber: used in a wide variety of colors, shapes and thicknesses. It is a flexible lightweight material that makes walking much less tiring.
  • XL Extralight ©: lighter than the micro-foam rubber. Its similar characteristics allows us to create shoes that are even lighter to minimize stress and maximize comfort.

6. The Materials

Leathers are sourced from the best Italian and French tanneries and processed with the utmost respect for the environment. Microfiber featured on a variety of Thierry Rabotin footwear is lightweight, flexible and durable. Sourced in a variety of fashion colors, the microfiber hugs the foot gently and allows for maximum range of motion.

7. Unseen Materials

Hidden materials such as tips and insoles are components that really make the difference in the product. Thierry Rabotin footwear is lined with the brand’s signature blue nappa (lamb) leather. It is hypoallergenic and has been manufactured as such to ensure the absence of chrome VI, a toxic chemical commonly found in the tanning process. Insoles are covered with a layer of Poron ©, a supportive, shock absorbent material that cushions the foot even after long term wear. Technical information can be found at www.rogerscorp.com

8. The weight – or lack there of

This is the feature that surprises all those who touch Thierry Rabotin footwear for the first time. Our lightest shoe in production weights just over 100g.- 3.5oz Lightness is a fundamental part of wellness. A person on average takes from 4000 to 5000 steps per day. With Thierry Rabotin shoes weighing between 300-500grams less than traditional footwear, the result is less joint stress as one’s legs will have lifted close to 2 tons less throughout the day.