Early Stanford helmets were simple, often featuring a plain white or cream color. Mainly white as plastic helmets arose to replace the leather headgear of old, the shells were often un-adorned save a couple of crimson stripes down the middle or an occasional season with the player number plastred to the helmet sides.

As societal attitudes shifted, the original Indian mascot was gradually phased out, and Stanford transitioned to a new symbol, the "Cardinal Tree." This iconic tree, representing the university's location in Palo Alto, California, became a central feature on Stanford's helmets.

In terms of color scheme, Stanford has consistently maintained a cardinal red as its primary color. This bold hue has come to be synonymous with the university and its athletic teams. To complement the red, Stanford has experimented with various secondary colors over the years, including white, gold, and black. These color combinations have helped to create a visually distinctive and memorable look for the Stanford football program.

As the sport of football has evolved, so too has Stanford's helmet design. The university has incorporated modern technology and materials to enhance player safety and performance. While the core elements of Stanford's helmet design have remained consistent, the specific details and features have been updated to reflect the contemporary era of college football.