The Ultimate Keds Shoes Review: Are Keds Good Shoes?

When it comes to classic American sneakers, it doesn‘t get much more iconic than Keds. Founded in 1916, Keds has been a footwear staple for generations and continues to be a go-to for stylish, comfortable casual shoes. But with over a century in the business, are Keds still good shoes today? In this in-depth Keds shoes review, we‘ll take a close look at everything Keds has to offer—including their history, popular styles, collaborations, customer reviews, and more—to help you decide if Keds are the right sneakers for you.

The History of Keds Shoes

To kick things off, let‘s rewind way back to the early 1900s when Keds got their start. Keds were first introduced in 1916 as the "Peds" (the Latin word for feet), but the name was quickly changed to Keds to avoid legal issues with an existing "Peds" trademark. The very first Keds sneaker was the Champion, a canvas-top plimsoll with a rubber sole. Believe it or not, the Keds Champion was the first mass-marketed sneaker!

The Champion‘s simple, sporty design made it incredibly versatile. Keds quickly became the casual shoe of choice for men, women, and children across America. Everyone from movie stars to athletes to everyday folks were rocking Keds. In fact, during World War II, Keds were the official athletic shoe of the US military!

Over the decades, Keds continued to grow in popularity. Style icons like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Jackie Kennedy were often spotted wearing the classic white Champion sneakers. To date, over 300 million pairs of Keds have been sold worldwide.

While the original Keds Champion remains an iconic style, the Keds brand has also evolved to include a wide range of sneakers, slip-ons, boots, and more. One thing that hasn‘t changed? Keds‘ commitment to making comfortable, accessible footwear for everyone.

Top Keds Shoe Styles for Women, Men & Kids

Now that you‘ve got the scoop on Keds‘ history, let‘s take a look at some of their most popular shoe styles today:

Keds for Women

Keds offers an incredible range of sneakers, slip-ons, flats, and boots for women. Here are a few best-selling styles:

• Champion Original Leather Sneaker: A modern take on the iconic Keds Champion, these leather low-tops have a sleek, feminine silhouette. They feature a cushioned insole, textured rubber outsole, and come in tons of colors.

• Double Decker Slip-On: These slip-on sneakers are perfect for throwing on and running out the door. They have a clean, uncluttered look with twin gore panels for an easy fit. Memory foam footbeds add extra comfort.

• Studio Liv Canvas Sneaker: The Studio Liv puts a fresh twist on the classic Keds look. It features a unique silhouette with a collapsible back panel that lets you wear them as a slip-on or low-top sneaker. So cute and versatile!

• Kickstart Mesh Sneaker: Sporty meets stylish in this modern, mixed-material sneaker. Breathable mesh uppers keep your feet cool, while a cushiony Ortholite insole cradles your foot with every step.

Keds for Men

While Keds is most well-known for women‘s sneakers, they have some great options for guys too. Check out these men‘s best-sellers:

• Champion Original Sneaker: You can‘t go wrong with the classic Champion. This wear-with-anything low-top looks great dressed up or down. The sturdy canvas upper and rubber sole are built to last.

• Anchor Plushwave Slip-On: Made with super-soft washed twill, these preppy slip-ons are like walking on a cloud thanks to Keds‘ Plushwave cushioning. Perfect for summer!

• Court Pro II Suede Sneaker: Want to add a retro vibe to your look? Try the Court Pro II. The old-school suede design features cool contrast stitching and stripe details.

Keds for Kids

Keds also makes adorable, functional footwear for kids. Their children‘s line includes sneakers, Mary Janes, boots and more for kids of all ages. A few popular kids‘ styles:

• Daphne T-Strap Sneaker: How sweet are these little t-strap sneakers? The double hook-and-loop straps make them super easy to get on and off little feet.

• Courtney Charm Sneaker: These too-cute low-tops feature a glittery finish and satin ribbon laces for an extra special touch. Perfect for your little princess!

• Graham Hook & Loop Sneaker: These cool kicks have a grown-up look kids love, with double hook-and-loop straps for a secure fit. The memory foam footbed keeps kids comfy as they play all day.

Keds Collaborations

One of the things that keeps Keds feeling fresh is their awesome designer collaborations. Over the years, Keds has partnered with top designers, celebrities, and brands to create limited-edition collections. Some of the most buzz-worthy Keds collabs:

• Keds x Kate Spade: Keds teamed up with kate spade new york to bring the designer‘s signature whimsical style to sneakers. The collection features fun patterns and cheeky embellishments on Keds‘ classic silhouettes.

• Keds x Rifle Paper Co.: Stationery brand Rifle Paper Co. is known for their beautiful floral illustrations, which look amazing on Keds! The collection includes sneakers and slip-ons with pretty all-over prints.

• Keds x Taylor Swift: T-Swift has been a Keds brand ambassador since 2013, and has collaborated with Keds on several cheerful collections that capture her girly style.

• Keds x Dusen Dusen: For a bolder look, check out Keds‘ collab with Brooklyn-based designer Ellen Van Dusen. The capsule collection features Keds sneakers in Dusen Dusen‘s signature bright, geometric prints.

Are Keds Comfortable?

Now let‘s get to the question on everyone‘s minds—are Keds actually comfortable? The brand has comfort in its DNA, but here‘s what you can expect from Keds in terms of fit and feel:

Keds is known for their cushioned insoles that provide lots of support and shock absorption. Many Keds styles feature the brand‘s special "Comfort Insole," which includes extra arch support and a more contoured footbed for a super comfy cradle. Some Keds also have memory foam footbeds for a plush, personalized fit.

Another thing we love about Keds is that they come in extended widths. Keds sneakers are available in narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide sizes, so you can easily find your perfect fit. This is great for those with hard-to-fit feet!

In terms of overall comfort, Keds wearers rave that the shoes are lightweight, flexible, and require zero break-in time. Many reviewers say they can wear their Keds all day without any discomfort. However, some note that Keds‘ "Softerra" foam footbeds can feel a bit flimsy, so if you need lots of support, you may want to add an insole.

How Durable Are Keds?

Keds are an affordable shoe, usually retailing for between $40-$80 per pair. But how well do they hold up over time?

According to customer reviews, Keds offer pretty impressive durability for the price. Many wearers report that their Keds last for well over a year with near-daily wear. The sturdy rubber outsoles seem to be especially long-lasting and grip well to slippery surfaces. A few reviewers note that the canvas uppers can get dirty easily, but they are generally easy to clean with a little soap and water.

One great thing about Keds is that many styles are machine washable. Solid-color Keds sneakers can be thrown in the wash for easy cleaning, however printed styles should be washed by hand. To keep your Keds looking new, it‘s a good idea to wash them every few weeks and treat stains right away.

What Customers Are Saying About Keds

Keds has thousands of glowing customer reviews online. On Keds.com, best-selling styles like the Champion Original and Double Decker have hundreds of 5-star reviews from happy customers. Here‘s what Keds fans have to say:

"I love my Keds! They are so comfortable and cute. I wear them almost every day."

"Keds are the only sneakers I buy. They have the best fit and last forever."

"I have wide feet and Keds are one of the only brands that fit me well. They have a great selection of extended sizes."

"Keds are my go-to mommy shoes. I can chase my kids around all day and my feet never hurt."

The biggest complaint from Keds customers? Some find that the shoes run a bit large and can stretch out over time. Many recommend ordering a half size down for the best fit.

Conclusion: So, Are Keds Good Shoes?

After this deep dive, we can confidently say that Keds are indeed good shoes! With their rich history, commitment to quality, and focus on comfort, Keds are an excellent choice for men, women, and kids looking for an affordable, stylish sneaker.

Keds‘ impressive range of styles and extended sizing makes them an incredibly accessible shoe. There really is a Keds sneaker for everyone! We especially love that Keds offers so many great options for wide and narrow feet.

While Keds may not be the most high-tech sneaker out there, customers agree that they deliver when it comes to all-day comfort. With their cushioned insoles and flexible construction, Keds provide a consistently comfy ride at a wallet-friendly price point.

As with any shoe, Keds may not work for everyone. It‘s a good idea to read reviews on the specific style you‘re eyeing to get a sense of fit and sizing. You may want to size down and choose a wide or narrow width for the best fit.

Overall though, if you‘re in the market for a versatile, well-made sneaker, you can‘t go wrong with a pair of Keds. Their timeless style and reliable comfort make them a worthwhile addition to any sneaker lover‘s closet!

Note: Keds shoe prices and availability are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit Keds.com.