So far winter has been a little underwhelming to say the least. Cold, warm, cold, warm, wet, windy, storms but yet it still isn’t THAT cold in comparison to the last couple of years. Where’s the snow? I know it’s coming sooner or later, probably in February from the looks of things. That means you need to get your chunky socks and boot game on point – by boots, I don’t mean your slightly-worn-faux-vintage all saints boot. Those aren’t going to keep your feet warm out nor keep the rain/snow from leaking through. There are only a handful of boots that are both stylish and functional; Red Wing, Chippenewa, Timberland and Palladium. This review we’ll be looking closely at the Baggy Leather Gusset model . Waterproof.
The brand history, I’m copying this segment from our FIRST ever review that we shot over a year ago. I don’t even know what urged us to shoot that day but we did and it’s still one of my favourite shoots till this day.
I’ll be honest again, I hadn’t heard of Palladium boots till VICE invited us to the brand’s launch party in London. Of course I had to do my research before showing up to an event organised by the company. Palladium have been around since the early 1920s but didn’t start of as boots makers. They found their place in the war stricken world during the 1920s as a producer of high quality tires for aircrafts. The company grew during World War II but then demand died soon after the end of the war, this led to the company deciding to diversify their expertise into a different industry.
They started to invest their experience in creating footwear that are as solid, sturdy and tough as their aircraft tires. In 1947, they unveiled their first Pampa boot and they were so hard-wearing that the French Legion adopted them for their North African expeditions.
I have to commend Palladium on their incredible brand relaunch and revised strategy. They’ve just skyrocketed back into the footwear scene in the past 2 years through the use of Vice and influencers such as Pharrell, now they look to switch up their range by introducing new materials. They’ve switched up from their regular canvas boot with this waterproof version.
If I’m honest, I’m not really fond of the canvas boot – personal taste. I prefer my boots to be made from leather since I only wear them during the winter seasons and mainly for the warmth, comfort-ability and functionality. This boot introduces a new molded rubber outsole and the waterproof nubuck leather.
So what makes it waterproof? The nubuck leather combined with the rubber sole and its seam sealed with a waterproof stitching thread. It also features Cambrelle lining which is made of material that absorbs perspiration, dries quick and breathable. The new thick liner makes it extra comfortable for walking in comparison to the regular model which I felt was a little too chunky and heavyweight. As it’s black, you can pretty much style it whatever you please. Yang opted for a casual look consisting of chinos and a flannel shirt.
Price-wise? £89.00 is not bad at all for a durable boot like this. BRING ON THE SNOW. Dry socks for the win.
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