Keds through the decades: How this cool all-American shoe became a classic (1920s-80s)

Vintage Keds shoes

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Keds sneakers from the past: How this classic shoe kept America moving

Before Converse got famous on the basketball court or Nike became a household name, there was Keds. These simple sneakers showed up in 1916 and quickly became a staple for American families. They were among the first canvas-top, rubber-soled shoes made for both kids and grown-ups — practical enough for play, but polished enough for school or casual outings. Over the years, they earned a reputation for comfort, function and being washable, which helped make them a go-to choice for decades.

Vintage Keds shoes from the 1930s - Less of a boy

Keds didn’t start out trying to be fashionable. They were built for healthy feet. Early ads leaned hard into orthopedic benefits, even quoting doctors who praised the flat soles and flexibility. By the 1920s, Keds had already positioned themselves as the “natural shoe” for growing kids, and soon parents were getting their own pairs, too. It was a shoe that could go from the schoolyard to the tennis court without missing a step.

As time went on, Keds found their place in popular culture. In the ’50s and ’60s, ad campaigns promised you could “run faster in Keds,” and sports figures like Coach Frank Leahy gave the shoes some all-American cred. Versions like the Court King, Brass Ringers, and Mainsails were introduced throughout the decades, each tailored to different types of use — tennis, casual wear, even boating. But they all kept the same basic design and washable fabric that people had come to count on.

1969 Brown suede Keds shoes

Even when fashion trends changed in the ’70s and ’80s, Keds held their own. The Pro-Keds line leaned into athletic performance, offering updated technology for runners and basketball players. But the charm of Keds never really came from flash or hype — it was in their everyday wearability. They were the kind of shoes you didn’t think too hard about, because they worked with just about everything.

Below, we’ve gathered vintage Keds ads, styles and old-school favorites from the 1920s through the 1980s to show how these low-key sneakers helped shape casual American fashion. Scroll through the photos and stories to see how Keds earned their place in closets for generations.

Why you should insist on Keds (1922)

Every child and grown-up can now enjoy the comfort boys have always known.

For years boys have delighted in “sneakers” or “tennis shoes.” Unconsciously they were choosing the shoes that were anatomically right for their feet. The muscles of the feet, we know now, grow stronger naturally in flexible shoes — the best prevention for fallen arches and the foot troubles so common today.

A well known orthopedic physician has said: “The low-heeled canvas rubber-soled shoe is the greatest blessing that has been offered to mothers in a very long time.”

Indeed, a blessing for all. The big development of the Keds line, with rubber-soled canvas shoes for every need, has made it possible for the entire family to enjoy the comfort and healthful foot freedom that boys have always known.

Old Keds Shoes - Vintage ad from the 1920s

MORE: Women’s shoes from the 1940s: Stylish high-heeled vintage footwear


Keds — The natural shoe for America at play (1930s)

Old-style Keds footwear from the 1930s


A boy just has to have Keds… (1930s)

… or he is less of a boy!

To every boy, some other boy is king. And this king is set up by natural supremacy in the boy’s world where athletic prowess, speed and skill, meet their daily tests.

Vintage Keds shoes from the 1930s - Less of a boy


Booster — Aces in every color! (1950s)

Men insist they’re the most handsome, summer-comfortable shoes on earth! Boosters will give your feet a a real summer vacation, for they’re the lightest shoes ever! In fact they float on water!

US Keds - sneakers and shoes from the fifties


“You run faster in Keds!” (1950s)

You run faster in Keds - the shoe of champions - 1950s ad


Wish you were here! (1950s)

Something happens all summer — with Keds along to share the fun! Your feet feel so young and gay, hardly ever tire. Even dad’s a cool guy in Keds Casuals, so relaxed ‘n ready to go!

Keds shoes - Vintage 1950s ad

ALSO SEE: ’80s shoes for men: What stylish guys were wearing


Coach Frank Leahy says, “Win in Keds!” (1951)

“If any fast game and for all sports, you’ll do better for your team, and have more fun, if you wear correct athletic shoes. I was happy to advise on the design of new Frank Leahy Keds, so that your footwork can help you get the most from healthful, manly sports.”

US Keds — The Shoe of Champions — United States Rubber Company

Coach Frank Leahy says, Win in Keds (1951)

Frank Leahy was the coach for the Notre Dame (Fighting Irish) Football team


In or out of action… the big shoe is Keds. (1960s)

Take Keds ‘Court King,’ for instance. It was made for tennis pros, but it walked right off the courts and became a great all-around casual. Small wonder. ‘Court King’ has the cleanest lines, the smoothest fit. the greatest feel you could want.

Retro Keds shoes from the 1960s


Some men wouldn’t think of lounging around in anything but Keds Brass Ringers (1965)

Some men feel the same way about playing in them.

Even if the only game you play is one-upmanship, you’re the winner in Keds Brass Ringer. It’s the lace-to-toe oxford that’s long on looks. Those pull-proof eyelets ore gleaming brass. Strong on comfort.

It has Keds’ famous shock-proof arch cushion and cushioned insole. Washable cotton duck in sporting shades of dark green, navy, faded blue and chino as well as traditional white. Get a pair. It will be a long time before you need another.

DON’T MISS: Vintage shoe stores: See what shoe shopping really used to be like

Retro Keds Brass Ringers from 1965


Vintage Keds Mainsail boat shoes (1965)

Keds Mainsails were designed to grip the heaving, sea-swept decks of racing yachts.

That doesn’t mean you can’t wear Mainsails to hang around in.

You get a real feeling of comfort and security from Keds Mainsail boat shoes. They’re the shoes with deep zigzag cut outsoles for sure grip. No skidding.

Of course, they have Keds shock-proof arch cushions and pull-proof eyelets. In white, navy, chino, green, or faded blue — so nautical, who’s to know you, never been to sea.

Vintage Keds Mainsail boat shoes (1965)


Keds vintage sneakers: Court Kings shoes (1965)

Keds Court Kings were designed to provide sure-footed comfort for America’s top tennis pros.

You can wear your Court Kings to mow the lawn. No foot-fault here. Court King is the most — on grass, clay, concrete or asphalt. They’ve got Keds arch-roof arch cushions, largo pull-proof eyelets.

And they’re washable, of course. In fact, they’re strictly pro all the way. So much so, who’s to know you can’t tell a lob from a forehand smash? In black, white or chino.

Keds Court Kings shoes (1965)


Sneakers after sundown. (1967)

A lot of people wouldn’t dream of going out to dinner and a show with sneakers on. But then again, a lot of people would.

In fact, every night countless Americans actually do go out to restaurants, theaters and what have you wearing good old sneakers (and sometimes even new ones).

Also, a new and rather unusual trend in developing in most parts of the country. Smart dogs everywhere are beginning to fetch their masters’ pipes and sneakers for them. As a result, they’re being taken for bigger and better walks than ever before. All over, people who care about their looks and insteps are wearing our sneakers.

And these same people are also taking great pleasure in knowing that if a piece of pizza happens to fall on one of their beloved sneakers, so what? All they have to do is throw them in the washing machine (all Keds are machine-washable) and they’ll come out as good as new. As a matter of fact, after a few washings they’ll be even better than new.

They’ll be old.

Keds sneakers after sundown - Vintage ad from 1967

ALSO SEE: Vintage Keds Grasshoppers shoes for women (1970s)


Knockarounds by Keds (1969)

Keds introduce either a very dressy sneaker or a very causual shoe. In dark brown or beige. So soft, they can be worn without socks.

1969 Brown suede Keds shoes


Keds vintage sneakers: Pro-Keds (1977)

Vintage Pro-Keds - 1977 athletic products


Our shoes are better than your shoes. (1983)

The midsole is the heart of any running shoe. It helps protect you from injuries and it absorbs most of the shock. And of all the running shoes, only one comes with a midsole guarantee. The Pro-Keds Conquest.

We don’t claim our midsoles last the life of the shoe. We guarantee it.

Unlike the common EVA midsole that loses up to 75% of its resiliency after 300 miles, the Conauest’s EVA/Polyisoprene midsole retains most of its shock absorbent properties for the life of the shoe.

And should it ever go dead before the outsole wears out, we’ll do something unheard of. We’ll give you a brand new pair of Conquests with no questions asked.

The new Pro-Keds Conquest. It’s a better running shoe than the shoe you’re using now. And isn’t that reason enough to switch?

Pro Keds - vintage athletic shoes from 1980s

MORE: Converse vintage shoes: The old-school Chucks, sneakers & athletic footwear

Keds shoes you can buy today

SaleBestseller No. 1
Keds Women's Champion Sneaker,White Canvas,8 M US
  • Lace up style - for perfect fit
  • Textured rubber outsole - sturdy and supportive, long-wearing
  • Canvas upper - keeps things breezy and light
SaleBestseller No. 2
Keds Center 3 Lace Up, Sneaker Womens, White/Navy Canvas, 9 Medium
  • COMFORT MEETS STYLE - Confidently step out in style with Keds Women's Center III Lace Up White/Navy Canvas Sneakers for women. Designed with a rounded toe shape and sleek fit, offering a flattering...
  • SOFT AND SUPPORTIVE - Featuring modern mesh lining for a super soft feel, extra padding under the heel, and ankle-cradling cushioning, these women’s Keds sneakers ensure maximum comfort with every...
  • SPORTY DESIGN - These women’s white/navy sneakers feature relaxed chambray uppers that give them a sporty look, perfect for casual outings or adding a chic touch to your everyday attire. Care for...
SaleBestseller No. 3
Keds Women's Champion Lace Up Sneaker, White Leather, 7.5
  • TIMELESS STYLE – Confidently step out in style with the iconic Keds Champion Lace Up Leather Sneakers for women. Whether you’re at work or running errands, the leather upper on these lace up white...
  • ALL-DAY COMFORT – With a soft, breathable twill lining, these women’s Keds sneakers ensure your feet stay comfortable all day long. Plus, the flexible rubber outsole on these white Keds offer...
  • VERSATILE DESIGN - Effortlessly dress up or down every outfit, thanks to the versatile footwear design. Our white leather sneakers for women offer superior support for your feet with a 10% recycled PU...
SaleBestseller No. 4
Keds Center Lace Up, Sneaker Womens, White Chambray, 8 Medium
  • COMFORT MEETS STYLE - Confidently step out in style with Keds Women's Center Lace Up Canvas Sneakers for women. Designed with a rounded toe shape and sleek fit, offering a flattering look for your...
  • SOFT AND SUPPORTIVE - Featuring modern mesh lining for a super soft feel, extra padding under the heel, and ankle-cradling cushioning, these women’s Keds sneakers ensure maximum comfort with every...
  • SPORTY DESIGN - These womens grey sneakers feature relaxed chambray uppers that give them a sporty and trendy look, perfect for casual outings or adding a chic touch to your everyday attire. Care for...
Bestseller No. 5
Keds Girls School Days (Little Big Kid) Sneaker, White/Navy, 1
  • Memory foam footbed for all-day comfort and support
  • Cushy padded collar for extra comfort
  • Lace-up closure for a secure fit
SaleBestseller No. 6
Keds Kickback Canvas Slip on, Sneaker Womens, White, 9 Medium
  • COMFORT MEETS STYLE - Slide into the Keds Kickback Women’s Slip On Sneakers and enjoy an already broken-in feel straight out of the box with its relaxed cotton washed canvas upper and super soft...
  • EASY ON-AND-OFF - With clever stretch gores and pull tabs at the heel and tongue, these white canvas sneakers for women give the look of lace-ups but have the ease of a slip-on. Talk about sneaky...
  • ALL-DAY WEAR - The cushiony removable Softerra footbed and flexible, lightweight rubber outsole make these the perfect women’s slip on shoes for living your best life from morning to night.
Bestseller No. 7
Keds womens Champion Canvas Sneaker, White, 8.5 US
  • Lace up style - for perfect fit
  • Textured rubber outsole - sturdy and supportive, long-wearing
  • Canvas upper - keeps things breezy and light
SaleBestseller No. 8
Keds Double Decker Slip on, Sneaker Womens, White Canvas, 8 Medium
  • 100% Cotton canvas upper
  • Soft and breathable twill lining
  • Softerra Footbed for comfort

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Comments on this story

9 Responses

  1. Looking for a pair of navy blue canvas, green bottom deck shoes from the 1960s. Please advise. Thank you.

  2. I’d like to see the tennis pro shoes (Court Kings)back and varietyof colors.. Had a pair of navy blue with lined rubber toes. Great support. Wish they’d start making them again. Loved those shoes till I finally had to throw them away. Emailed company, never heard back. Please listen up KEDS.

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