Keds: A Sneaker for Everyone

Keds were the original “sneakers” – a name adopted because of the flexible, rubber sole that enabled you to “sneak” up behind someone without them noticing.  The brand originated in 1916 and was produced by a company known as US Rubber (now called Uniroyal).  Originally, the company had wanted to call the shoes “Peds”, the Latin term for feet.  But the name was already taken and so the “P” was replaced with a “K” and a new branding giant was born.  

With their canvas tops and rubber bottoms, Keds were everywhere.  They were used both for athletic activity and for stylish casual wear.   They were particularly popular from the mid 1980s to the mid 1990s when they were worn with “slouch socks” or leggings and were popular among teen idols.  But the sneakers were worn by people of all ages, perhaps most notably by Grandma Gatewood who hiked the entire 2,168 mile Appalachian Trail wearing Keds in 1955.

In 1949, a new line of Keds specifically designed for athletics was released under the new name “Pro-Keds”.  These athletic shoes were intended particularly for basketball and were worn by some of the biggest basketball stars and teams at the time.  Eventually these Pro-Keds would play a major role in New York City’s nascent hip-hop community.  Styles such as Royal Canvas, Court King and Royal Master are still in demand today.  

Today you can purchase Keds in several different styles and colors.  The company produces ballet flats, Mary Janes, skimmers, slip-on Keds, sandals, mules and wedges in addition to sneakers.  Keds are a particularly popular brand for children (maybe because moms can throw them in the wash…?) and come in a range of sizes and styles for infants and toddlers.  For example, the Keds Scooter for Infants is particularly popular.  Not only does it look adorable on baby’s feet, but also it’s designed with a padded collar and soft interior that will keep your little one’s feet comfortable.  Shoes for toddlers such as the Little Kid on Deck Velcro Slip-On are easy for children to put-on and fasten themselves.  No need for Mom to kneel down and tie laces!
Keds have also made it easy to customize your sneakers with photographs, fun designs and colors of your choice.  During the 2008 US Election, for example, “Obama Keds” became popular with enthusiastic voters sporting the image of the President printed across the colorful canvas of their Keds sneakers.  We’ll have to see what Keds comes up with next!

Source by kent B Smith