Our Story
It began on a rain-soaked day in Cherbourg, 1927. Claude Chamot, a masterful bootmaker, spent the day listening to the frustrations of farmers, hunters, and fishermen: their boots were neither comfortable nor durable. Determined to change that, he set out to craft something entirely new – a boot capable of withstanding the rigours of land and sea, without compromising on comfort.
Drawing on his expertise, Chamot fashioned his first prototypes from natural rubber. He handed them to those who knew the elements best. The response was immediate – comfort, resilience, performance. Word spread. By harnessing the innovation of vulcanisation, Chamot refined his boots, earning a reputation that soon extended beyond Normandy. Customers from across France made the journey to be fitted for their own bespoke pair.
By 1939, Chamot had established a workshop in Normandy to meet growing demand, where his artisans preserved the exacting standards that made his name. A decade later, in 1949, he opened a new facility in Casablanca, Morocco. To mark this international expansion, he renamed the brand Le Chameau ("The Camel") as a mark of respect for the skills and craftmanship of his employees in Morocco.
In 1950, Le Chameau pioneered a world-first: the Saint-Hubert. Crafted by master bootmakers and saddlers, it was the first rubber boot lined with leather – a design that quickly became recognised as a signature among discerning country professionals.
Just as innovative was Chamot’s belief in lifelong customer service. Repairs and refurbishments were entrusted to dedicated artisans; today, every pair is protected by a two-year warranty.
Nearly a century on, Le Chameau remains the benchmark of excellence. Inside our workshop, where it still takes nine months to train as a Maître bottier, Chamot’s spirit endures – one of relentless craftsmanship, timeless design, and uncompromising quality.
From seasoned professionals to style-conscious urbanites, Le Chameau is embraced by those who demand performance without sacrifice. Worn across continents, cherished across generations – this is craftsmanship without compromise.
