Feral Jundi

Doug recently sent me a review of Palladium boots that I thought was pretty cool. They are old school canvas boots. I remember the Israeli Combat Boots which were pretty popular for desert wear when I was in the Marines, and before that, canvas boots were made popular by the French Foreign Legion as they wore them in Indochina and Africa. Palladium was one of the original companies that made these things.

The other thing to mention is that Palladium was bought out by KSwiss. So these boots were probably reintroduced to be a cool retro boot. But looking at them, they seem just fine for what they were originally made for, and that was a cost effective, light weight, comfortable boot for wet or arid climates.

Now personally, I have never worn these boots so I cannot vouch for them. Although I know if  I were to wear these boots, I would definitely invest in a good pair of insoles. Something like Superfeet insoles which happen to be my preferred insole for all of my footwear.

The other thing to mention is that there were several companies that made canvas boots during the Indochina days. I have heard the terms ‘sneaker boots’, or ‘Bata’ boots to refer to these things. I am sure folks have all sorts of names for canvas boots, and from different periods of time. It is also interesting to me that we are seeing more modern updates of the theme of the lightweight boot with such boots as the Inov-8 Roclite 288 GTX. Although if you are looking for something that costs a little less than the Roclites, then the Palladium’s might be your thing. Thanks to Doug for the review and check them out. –Matt

Edit: 09/06/2011- Doug wanted add one more deal to his review which I think is really cool. These are modifications to the boot he made. Quote: “The one thing I should add to the Palladium boots was a modification I performed.
I cut off the heel for a neutral sole (neutral soles are much better for folks with spinal injuries). the Second modification is the key bit.  Since the shoes are made out of cotton canvas & the fact I wear them with either thin socks or no sock I was concerned with all the salt from sweat rotting out the materail.
So I took some mink oil & tooth brush and worked it in real good to the canvas and the laces of the boots.  Let them sit outside in the sun for a day.”

Palladium Boots

By Doug

This link is to a Canvas boot/shoe from Palladium.  It is a super light weight, extremely comfortable and unbelievably durable.
I’ve only been doing walks in them but so far my pair has about 350 miles on them and they are holding up great.   They are dirty as hell, but the stitching & glue holding the soles on look as good as the day they arrived.
The soles are very cheap rubber, but that is a good thing when sneaken & creepen.  One can really feel the ground before putting weight on them.  It is like a modern day moccasin which does not stretch when wet.
For a light weight inexpensive scouting boot I give them two thumbs up.
They do have a down side though.
The soles are so flexible, it is impossible to kick start a motorcycle without bruising ones foot.  They simply are not stiff enough to give that support.
Also the local Honey Locust tree thorns  3″ average length, cut through the soles like they weren’t even there.  On average I get one full foot impalement every 100 miles.  Doesn’t sound like much but when a thorn goes completely through your foot it…well it just sucks.

The Pampa in the Moss color.

FFL boots, Indochina.

Product description
Pampa Hi Canvas
$55.00
-BOTTOM One-piece molded rubber outsole.
-SOCKLINER Two-piece; hugging heel cup and thick die-cut EVA create a comfortable stepping ground.
-MATERIALS 20oz, 100% cotton canvas, dyed and stonewashed, create a vintage look and soft feel.
-BRANDING Woven label on the tongue. Uniquely applied rubber patch on medial side of both shoes.
-13 different colors
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History of Palladium Boots.
Palladium was founded in 1920 to make tires for the fledgling aviation industry. Tires were made by layering canvas bands underneath vulcanized rubber. Palladium’s expertise was so advanced that soon the majority of Europe’s aircraft were using Palladium tires.
After World War II, with aircraft manufacturing screeching to a halt, the demand for tires decreased dramatically. Palladium decided to open a plant in Pont De Cheruy, France, to start producing footwear that was as hard wearing as their tires. In 1947 the legendary Pampa boot was born, and the functionality, comfort and durability were so outstanding that the French Foreign Legion adopted it for their use. The Foreign Legion put the boot to the test in the harsh desert conditions of North Africa, and throughout the rugged terrain of the Atlas Mountains.
Today, the original design, classic lines and time tested utility are as relevant as they have ever been. Combining over 60 years of authenticity with modern manufacturing, premium materials and cutting edge styling, Palladium boots are ready to help you explore your street, your city, or the world.
Website for boots here.

Buy the boots here.
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Same As They Ever Were (Almost)
On October 29, 2009
Words like “history” and “authenticity” get thrown around a lot in fashion. But here’s that rare find that actually has ’em both in spades: The Palladium boot—equally adored by photographers, urban explorers, and the French Foreign Legion for more than 70 years—whose recent relaunch has us psyched.

The company’s Pampa boots were first made in Pont de Cheruy, France, in 1947 (Palladium’s roots go even further back, to 1920, when it was founded to produce tires for the fledgling aviation industry). The Legion adopted them shortly thereafter, and it was their use during training and maneuvers in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria that proved the boot’s true mettle.
Fast forward 30 or 40 years, and Palladiums were still, remarkably, produced in exactly the same manner—though in an age of lightweight polymers, they now seemed to be better suited for Foreign Legion punishment marches in Djibouti than for, say, a slow walk through the Louvre. Like an old soldier, Palladium faded away—until a year or so ago, when K-Swiss took the company over. Thankfully, they’ve left well enough alone with the design of the Pampas; their sole reinvention consists of making them lighter, more flexible, and (thankfully, again) more comfortable. If you’re an aspiring Legionnaire looking to test the limits of how far one man can push himself, look for the originals on eBay. If you’re like us and just want a stylish, affordable pair of boots, go with the newbies—if you can call them that.
Story here.