Hey there boot lover, are you curious about Palladium boots? Perhaps you‘ve seen these stylish yet rugged kicks on the feet of your favorite celebs or cool kids around town. As a huge fan of iconic boot brands, I decided to do a deep dive on Palladium and see what they‘re all about.
In this ultimate guide and review, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about Palladium boots, including:
- The fascinating history of the Palladium brand
- Detailed reviews of their most popular boot styles
- Sizing and fit tips to help you find your perfect pair
- Styling ideas and outfit inspiration
- Comparisons to other iconic boot brands
- Pros and cons to consider before you buy
I‘ll also share some interesting statistics, first-hand anecdotes from wearing the boots myself, and helpful insights from other Palladium customers. By the end, you‘ll be a Palladium pro, ready to step out in style in your new favorite boots! Let‘s jump in.
About Palladium: From Aviation Tires to Iconic Boots
Did you know that Palladium originally started as a French aviation tire company back in 1920? True story. They developed expertise in making durable tires by layering canvas bands beneath vulcanized rubber. Palladium‘s tires became the gold standard for aircraft in Europe at the time.
After World War II, the company cleverly pivoted to start making boots, realizing that their tire technology could also make for really durable footwear. In 1947, they released the now-iconic Palladium Pallabrousse boot, designed to withstand the harsh conditions of deserts and mountains.
Originally worn by the French Foreign Legion, Palladium boots gained a reputation for being tough, functional shoes that could take on any terrain. Over the decades, they were worn by adventurers, soldiers, factory workers, protestors, artists, and ultimately style lovers around the globe.
I find Palladium‘s backstory so intriguing – what other boot brand can say they clothed volcano scientists and revolutionaries? That spirit of intrepid exploration and rebellion still influences Palladium‘s styles and brand ethos today.
Popular Palladium Boot Styles: Reviewed and Rated
Palladium makes a wide variety of boot styles for men, women and children that span from utilitarian classics to modern street fashion. To help you find your ideal pair, I‘ll review three of their most popular boots that I personally own and love.
Palladium Pampa Hi Canvas Boots
The Pampa Hi is the OG Palladium boot that put the brand on the map back in 1947. I had to have a pair of these classic canvas boots in my collection. After wearing them for the past few months, I can see why they have achieved iconic status – they are crazy comfortable, versatile, and cool.
Right out of the box, I was impressed by how lightweight the Pampa Hi feels compared to other boots. The washed cotton canvas is soft and flexible, so there was zero break-in period. I got the "Olive Night" green color, which looks like a perfectly worn-in military surplus store find.
The rugged rubber outsole has deep lug treads that provide great traction – I felt sure-footed whether I was exploring city streets or rugged trails. The high-top silhouette gives good ankle support without feeling restrictive. I love the way the canvas subtly creases and forms to your foot the more you wear them.
Styling the Pampa Hi is a breeze – they add a cool, slightly rugged edge to any casual look. I reach for them constantly on weekends with jeans and a graphic tee or chambray shirt. They also pair well with shorts, overalls, and even flowy dresses if you want to shake up your look.
My Pampa Hi boots still look great after months of frequent wear – the canvas is holding up nicely and the soles show minimal wear. I wouldn‘t recommend them for heavy rain or snow since they aren‘t fully waterproof. But for temperate weather, travel, and everyday adventures, they are my go-to.
Customer reviews for the Pampa Hi boots are glowing – they have over 500 5-star reviews on Palladium‘s site. As one fan raved, "Best shoes I have bought in years. REALLY comfortable, extremely light, perfect for spring and summer. I walked all over NYC for 12 hours in them right out of the box with no discomfort."
The only complaints seem to be that they run a tad big and don‘t have great arch support. I found them to fit true to size (I‘m usually an 8.5 in women‘s shoes and took a 7 in these). If you want more support, I‘d suggest adding an insole. At $75 on the Palladium site, I think the Pampa Hi is an incredible value for the quality, comfort and style. 5 out of 5 stars from me!
Palladium Baggy Canvas Boots
If you like the look of the Pampa Hi but want a shorter, slouchier style, the Baggy Canvas boot is a great alternative. I tried these in the "Dusky Green" color, which is a nice military olive.
The Baggy has the same durable rubber sole and toebox as the Pampa, but with a more relaxed canvas upper that puddles slightly around the ankle. I like the casual, broken-in look and feel it gives – perfect for a cool, laid-back vibe.
Compared to the Pampa Hi, I found the Baggy to be ever so slightly roomier in the toe box, which was actually nice for accommodating thicker socks. The soft canvas feels great against the ankle with no rubbing. They required zero break-in time, just like the Pampas.
I‘ve been wearing my Baggy boots on weekends this fall with slouchy socks, leggings and big cozy sweaters. They add an effortlessly cool touch to a comfy, laid-back look. You could also pair them with cuffed straight leg jeans, joggers or even flowy midi dresses.
Reviewers on Zappos give the Baggy canvas boots a 4.6 out of 5 rating. Customers call them "cute and comfy," "lightweight yet durable," and "perfect for travel." A few people had issues with the canvas wearing out more quickly than expected.
I‘ve had my Baggy boots for about two months and worn them a couple times per week. They still look great, but I make sure to spray them with a canvas protectant to ward off stains and water damage. I expect they will last me a long time to come with proper care. Highly recommend if you want a stylishly undone look!
Palladium Pampa Puddle Waterproof Boots
For a Palladium boot that can truly withstand the elements, I had to try the Pampa Puddle. These are a modern take on the original Pampa boot made with waterproof rubber and neoprene, so you get all the style points while keeping your feet 100% dry.
The Pampa Puddle is a great alternative to sloppy rain boots or clunky snow boots. They are super lightweight, comfortable, and easy to walk in thanks to the cushy foam footbed and neoprene lining. I got the "Amber Gold" color, which is a cool mustard yellow that adds a nice pop to a gray or black rainy day outfit.
I‘ve worn these boots on many a sloshy commute, rainy dog walk, and puddly pumpkin patch visit this fall. My feet stayed completely dry, warm and cozy, even when I was stomping through soggy grass and puddles. I like that they are easy to hose off if they get muddy too.
Compared to classic rain boots, the Pampa Puddle is much more aesthetically interesting. The contrasting textures of the glossy rubber toe and heel with the matte neoprene create a cool, slightly futuristic look. I styled mine with a slouchy sweaterdress and colorful umbrella for a fun, puddle-jumping look.
Reviews for the Pampa Puddle are very positive overall. On Nordstrom‘s site, they have a solid 4-star rating, with customers calling them "cute, comfy and totally watertight." People rave about how easy they are to get on and off and how lightweight they feel. A few wished they were a bit more insulated for snow, but I find them plenty warm with thick socks.
At $125, the Pampa Puddle is a pricier boot. But if you want a cool, comfy rain boot that doesn‘t feel like a rain boot, they are totally worth the splurge. I give them a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.
How do Palladium Boots Fit?
One thing to know about Palladium boots is that they are unisex sized using men‘s sizing. So for women‘s sizing, the brand recommends going down 1.5 to 2 full sizes from your usual size.
Based on customer reviews and my own experience, Palladiums seem to run ever so slightly large compared to other boot brands. I‘m usually a true 8.5 in women‘s shoes and took a size 7 (equivalent to a women‘s 8.5) in all of the Palladium styles reviewed here. They fit me perfectly with a bit of wiggle room for socks.
Here‘s a handy men‘s to women‘s Palladium size conversion chart:
| Men‘s Size | Women‘s Size Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 6.5 |
| 6 | 7.5 |
| 7 | 8.5 |
| 8 | 9.5 |
| 9 | 10.5 |
| 10 | 11.5 |
A few other Palladium sizing tips to keep in mind:
- The canvas styles have a relaxed fit and don‘t come in wide or narrow widths. If you are between sizes, I‘d suggest going down.
- The brand offers free shipping and returns which makes it easy to find your perfect fit. Their return policy gives you 30 days to send back unworn boots for a full refund or exchange.
- When in doubt, check the reviews on the specific boot you‘re considering – customers often give helpful feedback on how they fit.
Styling Ideas for Palladium Boots
One of the things I love most about Palladium boots is their versatile style. They add a perfect rugged yet fashionable touch to so many looks. Here are a few outfit ideas for my favorite Palladium boots:
Pampa Hi Styling Ideas
- Cuff a pair of straight leg jeans and add a graphic band tee and flannel for a cool weekend look
- Pair with a flowy boho dress and denim jacket for an unexpected combo
- Throw on some distressed black denim shorts and a tank for festival vibes
- Wear with overalls and a striped long sleeve tee on casual Friday
Baggy Canvas Styling Ideas
- Try a pair of paper bag waist pants with a bodysuit for a trendy take
- Cuff the hem and pair with leggings, a chunky sweater and beanie for a cozy fall look
- Style with a button-front midi skirt and cropped sweatshirt
- Slip on over colorful retro ski socks and add a puffer coat for a sporty winter fit
Pampa Puddle Styling Ideas
- Pair with a slouchy sweater dress and colorful umbrella on a rainy day
- Try a colorful pair with a monochromatic black sweatsuit
- Style a glossy black pair with opaque tights and a plaid wool skirt
- Wear a crisp white pair with light wash denim and a neon rain jacket
If you need even more styling inspiration for your Palladiums, I highly suggest checking out their Instagram page @palladiumboots. They post tons of outfit ideas and spotlight stylish customers in their boots all over the globe.
Palladium Boots vs. Other Popular Brands
If you‘re considering buying Palladium boots, you may be wondering how they compare to other popular boot brands. Here‘s my take:
| Brand | Similarities | Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Martens | Iconic boot styles, rebellious history, unisex sizing, durable construction | Docs are generally chunkier, heavier, leather, and take longer to break in. Pricier on average. |
| Timberland | Classic work boot and hiking-inspired styles, built for durability | Timberlands focus more on functional work boots and have a preppier, Americana vibe compared to Palladium‘s military surplus look. Similar price point. |
| Converse | High-top sneaker styles, canvas and rubber construction, casual streetwear vibe | Converse sneakers are less durable and weather-resistant, not made for all terrains like Palladiums. Chucks are cheaper. |
Ultimately, I don‘t think you can go wrong with any of these iconic shoe brands. But if you want a lightweight, comfortable boot with the durability to withstand daily wear and tear, Palladium is your best bet. Their mix of utilitarian construction and modern style is truly unique.
Why Palladium Boots Are Totally Worth the Hype
As you can probably tell by now, I‘m a big fan of Palladium boots. I‘ve put mine through the wringer these past few months and can honestly say they live up to the hype. Here are the key reasons why I think Palladiums are 100% worth adding to your boot collection:
✔️ Lightweight yet durable construction that‘s made to last
✔️ Extremely comfortable and flexible, most styles require zero break-in
✔️ Cool, slightly rugged style that pairs well with so many outfits
✔️ Waterproof options that outperform basic rain boots
✔️ Rich brand history with cultural relevance and meaning
✔️ Comparatively affordable for the quality
Of course, there are a few potential downsides to consider as well:
❌ Canvas styles are not fully waterproof unless you treat them
❌ Lighter color options may get dirty more easily
❌ Not the warmest for severe winter weather
❌ Some customers report quality inconsistencies
But overall, the pros far outweigh the cons in my opinion. And with free shipping and returns, you can easily test out a pair for yourself risk-free.
The Final Verdict on Palladium Boots
After extensively road testing three of Palladium‘s most popular boots, I can confidently say that Palladium boots are worth the investment for anyone seeking a stylish, well-made and versatile boot. The brand‘s history of outfitting adventurers and counterculture movements gives their boots a cool factor that few other brands can match. Plus, the comfort and durability for the price point is really stellar.
As a boot aficionado, I love that Palladiums can take you from the city to the trail and everywhere in between. You can just as easily pair them with jeans and a tee as a sundress or slouchy sweats. And with both rugged canvas and fully waterproof options, there‘s truly a Palladium boot for every occasion and climate.
If I had to pick just one pair, I‘d go with the classic Pampa Hi. The retro military surplus vibes and lightweight construction make them a timeless wardrobe staple you‘ll reach for on repeat. But really, there‘s no wrong choice.
I hope this comprehensive Palladium boot review has been helpful as you search for your perfect pair! Remember, investing in well-made, versatile boots is always a smart move – you‘ll get so much more cost-per-wear value compared to fast fashion options.
Questions? Comments? Feel free to drop me a line and I‘m happy to chat all things Palladium. Now get out there and rock those iconic boots with confidence!
