Keds

Keds is an American brand of casual sneakers known for its simple canvas uppers and rubber soles. The brand was introduced in 1916 by the U.S. Rubber Company as one of the first mass-produced athletic shoes designed for general wear. Early designs emphasized a clean, minimalist silhouette, typically in white or neutral colors, with a low-cut ankle profile.

Over the decades, Keds became a cultural staple in the United States, worn by students and adults alike for everyday comfort and versatility. The line most closely associated with the brand is the Champion, a basic canvas sneaker whose enduring form helped define the classic casual sneaker look that later became widely popular in fashion.

Throughout its history, Keds passed through several corporate owners as the footwear industry consolidated. In 2012, the brand became part of Wolverine World Wide, a company that owns a portfolio of athletic and casual brands. Today, Keds is marketed as an accessible, fashion-conscious option and continues to release canvas models and collaborations with designers and labels to appeal to contemporary markets. The brand emphasizes versatility and nostalgia while expanding its product mix with updated materials and design details to attract new generations of wearers.