Vive La Revolution: Palladium Boots
L’Originale Depuis 1947. Yes, original for 74 years.
Palladium has been the boot for generations of rebels.
It has been the choice for athletes, artists and brave soldiers. Fighting the status quo. Revellers to explorers.
In 1920, long before punk and raves, Palladium was manufacturing aviation tyres – taking planes from hot tarmac into the air.
Then when WW2 arrived, the elite French Legion wore a boot created for them from the tyre manufacturer to traverse mud, sand, bush - Palladium boots were born.
The original Pampa boot was created in 1947, but now perfected with new insoles and high technology materials.
Explorers such as Haroun Tazieff, who has been the closest to bubbling volcanoes than anyone before, wore Palladium.
By 1960, French families were starting to travel and hike. Mais oui, they turned to Palladium boots. From kids to grand parents.
But then came 1968- French strikes, revolution, and demonstrations. Palladium boots were there on the streets.
Palladium became the shoe for freedom fighters.
In the 70’s it was a turn to sports. The French Basketball team wore the palladium Pallabasket. And tennis player Patrice Domingues, "Monsieur 100,000 Volts" was his nickname, partnered with Palladium.
From the 80’s they were seen on bands like Duran Duran, and the shoe became part of another voice of rebellion. The 80’s subculture was fighting for freedom of speech and freedom of creativity, with Keith Haring and Warhol at the head of the New York scene- and-Palladium was there.
With punk, rave, and grunge, Palladium was strong enough to endure the mosh pits and the military look spoke of confidence and rebellion.
But the brand has always asked the burning questions of the times they found themselves in - so it was only natural that in the late 90’s, they started looking at eco friendly ways to manufacture their wares.
The Pampa Recycle Metro, here seen in yellow, is crafted from recycled PET and maximized recycled rubber with sprinkles on the outsole. Recycled plastic bottles will have a new life full of explorations without harming the planet. Keeping on the Palladium revolution.
Dossier Editor note: Best to visit the store in Parkhurst to get all the information on the boots- they have such incredible stories such as QR codes on shoes for your personal info -or the fast lace lightweight traveller shown here in black - there is a shoe for every need.
