The History of Pajar
For over 60 years, and five generations PAJAR has been providing warmth and protection from the elements. Paul Golbert founded the brand in 1963 using the first letters of his family’s first names: Paul, Jacques, and Rachel. Our footwear story, however, begins well before that, 1926 to be exact. It was in Paris, France, that Paul Golbert was born into a shoemaking family. Not only did Paul learn the family trade, but also the fundamentals that continue to guide the PAJAR brand today...ENDEAVOR, LOYALTY & PASSION
Since then, Pajar Canada has evolved as a global leader in the design and manufacture of performance fashion footwear and winter boots. Our rich Canadian heritage inspires our ready-to-wear footwear and outerwear collections, blending tradition with modern innovation.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
1926
Paul Golbert, the company’s founder, is born in Paris, France, into a family of shoemakers.
PIONEERING THE MARKET
1964
Paul is one of the first pioneers within the footwear industry to import Italian, French and Spanish footwear to the Canadian market.
First Showroom Opened
1967
The year Montréal welcomed the world Expo 67, Paul Golbert opened up his first showroom in downtown Montréal.
A FACTORY OF OUR OWN
1973
Paul opens his own factory on the corner of Coloniale and Mont Royal in the Plateau district of Montréal.
JACKY JOINS
1975
Paul’s son Jacques joins the company after graduating with a degree in Economics from the University of Lausanne. He also trained at France’s École de la Chaussure.
INDUSTRY RECOGNITION
1964
Wins the Canadian Footwear Association Award for Best Women’s Casual Footwear.
ON THE WORLD STAGE
1989
Becomes the official provider for the Canadian Alpine Ski Team.
Award-Winning Innovation
1991
Wins Gold Award for best children’s winter boots from the International Shoe Association.
Top Honours in Fashion
1997
Receives the La Griffe D'Or Award, the "Oscars" of Canadian Fashion, for Best Designer/Manufacturer.
Family Matters!
2001
Michel, Jacques' son joins the Company followed by his sister Elise and brother David. All three children graduated from Ars Sutoria design school in Milan, Italy.
Expanding into Europe
2005
Pajar Canada begins its European expansion and quickly establishes its presence in prestigious retailers such as Harrods in London, Galeries Lafayette in Paris and Kadewe in Germany.
Global Acclaim
2007
Named the “Rolls Royce of Canadian Boots” by Ars Sutoria, Italy’s renowned trade publication.
First PAJAR Store
2009
Pajar opens its first concept shop in Maastricht, Holland.
Olympic Spotlight
2010
Pajar boots featured at the Vancouver Olympics, worn by volunteers during the Opening Ceremonies.
50 Years of Craftsmanship
2013
Pajar celebrates 50 years of premium craftsmanship in Canada with a major marketing campaign at the Montréal airport.
Honoured on Wall Street
2016
PAJAR’s Heritage Brand is showcased at “The Next Consumer Brand” event at Nasdaq in Times Square, New York City.
Best in Outerwear & A Montréal Icon
2017
Pajar is named “Best Outerwear” at PROJECT in Las Vegas.
Pajar is recognized by the City of Montréal for its 375th anniversary alongside the Musée de la Mode as one of Canada’s heritage brands manufactured and exported from Québec.
Global Expansion with Kendall + Kylie
2018
PAJAR acquires global footwear distribution rights for the renowned brand KENDALL + KYLIE, including both black and white label collections.
Marking 55 Years with New Stores
2018
To celebrate 55 years of success, Pajar opens two corporate retail locations in Montréal and Toronto.
60th Anniversary – Zig Zag
2023
To mark its 60th anniversary, Pajar releases Zig Zag, a beautifully crafted book that traces the brand’s remarkable journey. It tells the story of Paul Golbert, who came to Canada from France with a vision and built something lasting through determination, family, and purpose. Full of twists and turns, Zig Zag captures six decades of craftsmanship, challenges, and legacy. It is a story built by family, for family.
A Timeless Legacy of Canadian Craftsmanship
Rooted in a 1926 shoemaking legacy, Pajar has evolved through five generations, blending heritage craftsmanship with modern innovation to become a global leader in Canadian performance fashion. Each step forward honors the past while shaping the future.
