Our DNA

75 Years of Exploration

Palladium has adventure, discovery, and travel in its DNA. Established in Lyon, France in 1947, we have been making footprints in history for 75 years, staying at the heart of action and serving bold individuals who dare to reshape our world.

  • Black and white WWII-era photo of Soviet plane #14; two inspect cockpit, one stands by tail.

    1920

    Before Palladium started making footwear, Palladium’s rubber soles were spinning down the tarmac helping a generation of aviation pioneers map the skies.

  • Wooden table with boots, vintage photos, old newspaper, typewritten letters, and film reel canister.

    1947

    After WWII, the French Foreign Legion needed a shoe that was as tough as those who wore it. Palladium answered the call by creating the Pallabrousse boot in 1947 and later the Pampa in 1949.

  • Person throws object on debris-strewn street toward riot police; buildings and bus in hazy background.

    1968

    Strikes swept through Paris in May ’68 and the Palladium Pallatennis was adopted as the unofficial uniform of the student leaders.

  • 2000

    The Classic shoe gets its first makeover with the Classic LX, offering a thicker sole and a more refined silhouette.

  • Black and white photo of band on stage singer-guitarist at mic, bright lights, crowd watching.

    1990s

    Palladium found favor among the angsty, the spirited, and the culturally uncompromising, who appreciated the Pampa’s bold style and durability.

  • Overhead view of yellow Palladium shoe and sole print on rocky ground with PALLADIUM and Earth icon.

    1991

    Palladium was among the first brands to challenge customers to think about their impact on the world with our first line of sustainable shoes.

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  • Three hikers on rocky hillside; one sits on mossy rock, two walk in the background under overcast sky.

    Our Purpose

    DISCOVER THE WORLD

    Palladium makes adaptable gear for any terrain. We are as much for those who are always on the hunt for a cool new local spot as for those who took off to discover cities on the other side of the world.

  • Person in beige outfit, black beanie, and boots squats on concrete structure under blue sky with clouds.

    OUR PURPOSE

    CHAMPION AUTHENTICITY

    We stay as true to ourselves as the generations of non-conformists who have pulled on a pair of Palladium shoes to stand up for what they believe in.

  • Three friends sit on patterned blanket outdoors, enjoying tea; desert landscape in background.

    OUR PURPOSE

    CREATE COMMUNITY

    Our subcultural history taught us that self-expression and community go hand in hand. Palladium is as much about belonging as independence.

  • A person leaps near a tall wind turbine under a blue sky, wearing Palladium boots, showcasing freedom.

    OUR PURPOSE

    IMPROVE IMPACT

    Palladium has always believed in enabling and inspiring individuals to be open and accepting of the world around them. We never stop challenging both ourselves and our community.

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