Keds shoe brand has been established in 1916. The company which manufactured Keds was the U.S. Rubber Company, or Uniroyal as it is known today. At first, they decided to name the shoes Peds which means foot in Latin. However, another company had already been registered under that name, so they changed it to Keds. In 1917, Keds were sold to public for the first time as canvas-top sneakers.



The word sneakers was first used by Keds. The term was coined by Henry Nelson McKinney, an agent for N.W. Ayer & Son for advertising, because the soles of the shoes don't make any sounds on different kinds of surface. It can especially be used when people want to sneak around quietly and they don't want to be caught, thus the name sneakers.

Since then, Keds shoes have become a must-have for many people from different backgrounds.

Pro-Keds is a line of athletic shoes which are not just made for casual use but for more specialized function, like basketball. Keds introduced this line in the 1960's and the 1970's. Since then, basketball players are usually found wearing Pro-Keds when playing.

It has become popular for girls back in mid-1980's to mid-1990's to wear Keds paired with slouch socks and leggings as their cheerleading uniform.

However, in the 1990's, many brands of shoes especially for women came out like mushrooms on rainy days. This period resulted in a considerable decrease in Keds popularity and probably sales.

But thanks to some celebrities who endorsed Keds like Mischa Barton from the O.C. and The Veronicas, a duo from down under, Keds is now on its way back to its place in the fashion world. Also, because of vintage's recent come back, Pro-Keds has also regained its popularity.

Keds canvas shoes come in different styles and designs which you can choose from. They have the classic canvas champion sneaker and the wedges known for their vintage styles. Its collection also includes ballet flats, Nanette Lepore, Mary Jane, skimmers, lace up, slip ons, mules, Kedettes, Rave, sandals, and sporty sneakers. Recently, Keds is also offering its services for people who want to personalize their sneakers. Customers can choose or make their own designs. They can customize their shoes even further by selecting their preferred colors, graphics, text, and photos.

You can find Keds worn by different celebrities from different TV shows like Erin Moran form Happy Days, Tiffany Thiessen from Saved By The Bell, Jodie Sweetin from Full House, and Beverly Mitchell from 7th Heaven. You probably might have not noticed but Keds sneakers were also worn by Mara Wilson from the movie Matilda back in 1996 and by Claire Lyons from The Clique Series.

But the oldest recorded person who wore Keds was Grandma Gatewood. She was a hiker and in 1955, she was able to hike the 2,168-mile Appalachian Trail wearing Keds.

Over the years, Keds are continuously doing innovations and designs that could fit today's customers needs, which makes Keds retain its position in the fashion ladder.