PAJAR Konnor Boot: Made in Montreal for Long, Cold Winters

Winter in Canada hits hard. Snow piles up, temperatures drop, and you need boots that keep your feet warm and dry. That is exactly what PAJAR does best. This family-owned company has been making footwear in Montreal for more than 60 years, and its Heritage Collection stands out because every pair is still handcrafted in the same factory that opened in the 1960s.

The story begins with Paul Golbert. He grew up in a shoemaking family in Paris, then moved to Canada and founded PAJAR in 1963. The name comes from Paul, his son Jacques, and his daughter Rachel: PA-JA-R. Simple and personal. Over five generations, the family has passed down its skills, and today, around 80 people work in the Montreal factory, turning fine leather and shearling into boots built to last.

The Heritage Collection keeps things traditional. PAJAR imports high-quality leather from Italy, lines the boots with genuine shearling for warmth, and seals everything to keep them fully waterproof. These boots are rated for temperatures as low as -40°C and feature durable rubber soles designed to grip ice and snow. The focus is on combining old-school craftsmanship with practical features that actually perform in everyday winter conditions.

One boot I really like from this line is the Konnor. It’s a tall lace-up style that reaches about 15 inches up the leg, made with smooth Eldorado leather and reinforced nylon panels. Inside, it has authentic shearling lining and a removable shearling insole, which you can take out if needed. This setup keeps your feet warm even on the coldest days. The boot is 100% waterproof, and the thermal rubber sole provides reliable traction. Each pair is made by hand in Montreal.

If you’re thinking of buying a pair and have standard-width feet, it’s a good idea to size up. The extra room makes it easier to wear thicker socks and stay comfortable throughout the day.

What I value most is the integrity behind these boots. There’s nothing flashy here, just solid materials and careful construction from people who have been doing this work for decades. Whether you’re walking city streets during a storm or heading out on a snowy trail, the Konnor and the rest of the Heritage line are up to the task. PAJAR now ships to more than 40 countries, but the heart of the brand remains that Montreal factory where it all began.