From Tire Treads to Shoe Treads: The History of Palladium Boots

Lace them up, fold them down— regardless of how you wear your Palladium boots, they’ll smarten up your street style with their urban explorer aesthetic. They mix a rugged edge with an effortless cool factor in a way that’s kept the brand marching along with relevancy long before relaunching in 2009.

Palladium boots were made for more than just walking. Step this way to learn more about the brand’s rich history and how you can embrace it in your style today.

Flying High

Before their boots touched ground, Palladium was a manufacturer of aircraft tires in 1920. Their innovative use of rubber with canvas propelled the brand into being Europe’s largest supplier of its type. Zip up an aviator jacket, grab your aviators and Palladium boots and prepare to make your style soar.

On the French

The production of aircraft tires decreased with the end of World War II, and rather than shutting down shop, Palladium channeled their resources into a new footwear factory in 1947. The combination of rubber and canvas made their boots the perfect fit for the French Foreign Legion due to their durability and comfort. Today, you can give them a très chic touch by pairing a heeled version with a French navy stripe dress.

Adventure Time

In 1960, Palladium picked up popularity with European explorers who wore them everywhere regular boots couldn’t take them. Feeling the urge to be adventurous? Pack up your hiking backpack and put on a pair of cargo shorts and Palladium boots and get going.

Party On

With one million pairs sold in 1990, Palladium boots found themselves on the feet of two distinct subcultures: rave and grunge. Before your next night out, invest in a pair of bright-colored Palladiums that will be the life of any party, especially when worn with a fun T-shirt dress. If you prefer to go grunge, neutral Palladium boots wear well with a flannel and loose-fitting jeans, too.

Although Palladium’s past originally is rooted in tire manufacturing, their boots have become a popular must-have in this present day. Historic, yet edgy, these boots deserve a place in your footwear’s future, too.

Boot up with footwear that has a past from Palladium.