If you wanted to look like Kim Gordon or Winona Ryder in the early ‘90s, the most obvious thing to do would be to start a band or chop off your hair. But the easiest was throwing on a pair of Palladium boots.

The canvas and rubber shoes combined the toughness of Dr. Martens with the comfort of Converse, making them the perfect accessory to a floral baby doll dress or a flannel shirt.

But as the ‘90s progressed, things changed; alternative music went mainstream, the indie actress dabbled in petty crime, and Palladium boots were replaced with Candies, Skechers, and a litany of shoes that were clunky without looking cool.

By the turn of the century, it became impossible to even find the French-made shoes. That’s all about to change this summer, with the re-launch of Palladium.

The brand is back, with three styles (low-cut oxford, high-top oxford, and baggy fold-over oxford) in three materials (canvas, leather, and suede). Like the originals, which were first made in 1947 for the French Foreign Legion, the boots feature a thick, sturdy rubber sole that can handle grimy dive bar floors and all-day music festivals. Unlike the originals, Palladium has some updated finishes, like a dark patent finish and a fold-over plaid version.

But even with the changes, the shoes still look good with that vintage floral dress or those cut-off denim shorts. And with a new album from Sonic Youth and a new movie from Winona Ryder this summer, there couldn't be a better time to put a spin on our favorite ‘90s kicks. Best of all? The prices have barely budged. Now that’s a blast from the past.
REBECCA WILLA DAVIS

$50-$110 starting July 15 at palladiumboots.com

MORE SHOES:
The bandal: good idea or bad idea?
A shoe that's up in knots
April showers bring May flowers...on your feet

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