It is a bit like the story of Botalo that can be found in this new model of deck shoe. In 1968, Baron Bich launched the first French campaign for the America's Cup with the sailboat France 1. For the occasion, he asked a pair of shoes from a boot manufacturer in Bordeaux. From this came the Grand Large model and the creation of the Botalo brand.
For the 50th anniversary of this meeting, Botalo is launching the France 1 model, an evolution of the famous Grand Large. It takes up the historical sole of the deck shoe, but offers an even more meticulous and refined finish.
France 1 has the same construction as the period shoe. Botalo is one of the last manufacturers to sew the sole to the midsole. A little like what is done on Indian style moccasins. This makes it possible to reseed the shoe.
The white sole is made of micro cellular rubber. It swells when cooked, trapping air bubbles. Thus the sole is very light and offers great comfort without being too thick. It is also this material that provides the anti-slip. Note the finishing touches such as the loops of the leather laces (not the metal eyelets). The shoe is made of hydrophobic leather (which does not capture water), a special treatment that is applied at the time of tanning.
This France 1 shoe is available from 39 to 43 in 3 colours (navy, fawn and navy/fauna) at 129,00 ? (recommended retail price 2019).
