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Palladium: From Military Roots to Sustainable Footwear Pioneers

For over a century, Palladium has been more than just a footwear brand—it has been a companion to adventurers, rebels, and explorers across generations.
Palladium

A Legacy Built on Strength and Innovation

Palladium's journey began in 1920, not with boots but making aviation tired in 1920. With the end of World War II, the demand for aviation declined, making Palladium redefine its brand and expertise in rubber technology toward a footwear revolution.

Palladium sneaker

In 1947, Palladium introduced the Pallabrousse boot, designed for the French Foreign Legion, an elite military force. These lightweight, water-resistant, and durable boots were a staple for soldiers on all terrains. In 1949, Palladium released the Pampa boot, solidifying its reputation for outdoor-quality boots.

From Battlefield to the Streets

In 1960, Palladium boots were no longer just for soldiers, consumers turned to the brand for outdoor and hiking footwear. In the late 1960, Palladium boots were undertaking a new battlefield with student protestors marching and demanding political change with the Pallatennis sneakers, making it a symbol for resistance and freedom.

And Warhol Palladium boots

In 1990, Palladium made waves in New York's underground culture. The black Pampa low tops became a staple in the punk rock, grunge, and electronic music scene, giving them boots that remained as a trusted companion for those who challenged the mainstream and valued individuality and self-expression like artists Andy Warhol and Keith Haring.

Commitments to Sustainability

Long before sustainability became a trend, Palladium took bold steps toward reducing its environmental impact in 1991, introducing the first eco-friendly footwear option made with organic cotton and nature-friendly materials.

Palladium

Fast forward 30 years, Palladium continues its sustainable efforts by integrating innovation and designer collaborators like Christopher Raeburn and Finisterre, which have led to the development of the innovation design lab where products can be tested, refined and designed with sustainable materials and processes like their RE-CRAFT collection.

Palladium continues its eco-conscious journey with recycled materials, vegan-friendly options, and ethically produced products. The company made it clear that it was not just about boots; it has been making a statement over the decades to encourage urban explorers, rebels, and environmental activists.

Palladium sneaker retro

In consideration with diversity and nature, Palladium has reimagined iconic archive styles like the Pallashock and Pampa sneakers by using certified organic cotton and recycled materials and taking a modern approach on sneakers with their Retro SS25 collection. The company's dedication to sustainability continues with making sure that its process meets the highest global standard for environmental and social responsibility.

Palladium sneaker

The brand incorporated textiles with the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX, which ensures that these textiles are free of harmful substances and work with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for responsibly sourced organic fibers. Since 2022, Palladiun has embraced the Leather Working Group (LWG), ensuring all leather use meets strict environmental and ethical guidelines.

By prioritizing third party certification, the brand continues its mission to create high-quality, sustainable footwear while upholding the values of environmental responsibility and ethics.

Palladium boots

From its origins in aviation and military grade durability to urban exploration, Palladium continues to reinvent itself while staying true to its core values of durability, functionality, and self-expression and remains a symbol for courage and exploration.


Who is the brand Palladium?

Palladium is a French footwear brand renowned for its rugged, durable boots with a military-inspired aesthetic. Founded in 1920, the company initially specialized in manufacturing tire-based materials for the aviation industry. In the 1940s, Palladium shifted focus to footwear, particularly boots, which became popular for their strength and practicality.

When did Palladium start making boots?

In 1947, Palladium launched the Pallabrousse boot, designed for the French Foreign Legion. Two years later, in 1949, the iconic Pampa boot was introduced, establishing Palladium’s reputation for durable and functional outdoor footwear.

Is Palladium footwear eco-friendly?

Palladium incorporates recycled textiles, organic cotton, and responsibly sourced leather. Many products now feature vegan-friendly options to reduce their environmental impact.

When did Palladium start to work on sustainability?

Palladium introduced its first eco-friendly footwear in 1991, using organic cotton and nature-friendly materials—long before sustainability became a mainstream movement.

How can I be sure Palladium really stands for sustainability?

Palladium has a STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX certificate which certifies that textiles are free from harmful substances, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – Guarantees responsibly sourced organic fibers and Leather Working Group (LWG) – Ensures all leather used in Palladium products meets strict environmental and ethical guidelines.

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Grace Loyola
Grace is a multimedia designer and storyteller with an interest for fashion, culture, and sustainability.
Written Feb 24, 2025