Le Chameau Over 85 years of expert bootmaking

Over 85 years of expert bootmaking

Le Chameau are the only rubber boots to be handcrafted by a dedicated master bootmaker, making each and every pair completely unique.

Using the highest quality materials and with a range of iconic and innovative styles, Le Chameau have been making premium quality boots for over 85 years.

The processes are a unique combination of traditional skills, passed from master to apprentice, and technical innovation which has kept Le Chameau at the forefront of the craft.

Over time technology, flair and craftsmanship have created collections for all occasions for town and country. Discerning men and women all over the world are devotees of Le Chameau boots.

Le Chameau Timeline

The Le Chameau story begins on a rainy day in Cherbourg 1927.

Claude Chamot, had spent the day listening to his customers – farmers, hunters and fishermen complaining that their boots were neither comfortable, not durable. So he decided to do something about it.

Mr Chamot set out to create a new type of boot, that would withstand the rigours of the countryside, and at sea. Fashioning his prototypes from natural rubber, he asked those around him to test them.

Comfortable and hard-wearing, everyone who tried them loved them. Making pioneering use of vulcanisation for greater durability, the boots were improved and refined, and gradually Mr Chamot’’s reputation grew.

Before long, customers from all over France were coming to his store to be fitted for their own bespoke boots.

By 1939, Mr Chamot had acquired a workshop in Normandy and produced his boots on a larger scale. His craftsmen maintained the exceptional quality that ensured his reputation.

In 1949 Mr Chamot was sufficiently confident to invest in a new factory – in Casablanca, Morocco, where Normandy trained bottiers ensured the Chamot standards were upheld.

To mark the expansion, and with a nod to Morocco, Mr Chamot renamed his company «Le Chameau» (the camel), relishing the opportunity for word-play.

In 1950, Mr Chamot combined the expertise of the maitre bottier with that of the saddler to create the Saint-Hubert- the first rubber boot to have a leather lining. The Saint-Hubert became a mark of discernment among country professionals and remains so, more than 60 years later.

Equally trail-blazing was Mr Chamot’’s belief in the importance of customer service and after-care, a tradition that lives on to this day with all footwear covered by a 2-year warranty.

Today, Le Chameau continues to set the standards of performance for all rubber boots. Mr Chamot would still feel at home in the ateliers. It still takes nine months of intensive training to become a Le Chameau “Maître bottier”; It’ is this commitment to skill and dedication to craft that truly sets the brand and its products apart.

Le Chameau has devotees in every corner of the world, from outdoor professionals and sporting connoisseurs, who expect comfort and performance, to style-conscious rural and urban consumers.

Why Le Chameau?

Authenticity

Le Chameau has remained close to its heritage and original manufacturing methods through our historical workshop in Morocco since 1949.

Comfort

Those who wear Le Chameau really appreciate the comfort of our premium materials, construction and fit.

Handcrafted

We are the only rubber brand to use a Maître Bottier who personally assembles all the materials to make each individual boot.

Fit

Le Chameau have a range of boots in individual calf sizes and special fits which means we can offer a truly personalized fit.

Performance

With the highest standards of construction in rubber, leather, linings, soles and trims, the legendary quality of our boots is famous.

Innovation

Innovation is in our DNA. We were the first to offer an adjustable boot, a zip and a leather lining. We continue to innovate, in the design and technical benefits, maintaining a tradition of “ premium ” boots.

Warranty

Our rubber boots are guaranteed against manufacturing defects for 2 years from date of purchase.

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Published October 13th, 2016 by Jordan. Article ref 4217

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