In 1916, the 'Keds' brand was introduced by the U.S. Rubber Company as the first national athletic and lifestyle footwear brand. At this time, the shoes were called sneakers, a term invented in late 1916 by the Keds advertising agency because the rubber soles made the shoes quiet.
Not only was Keds a leading athletic brand, it was also the brand of choice for leading style icons due to its classic, stylish, and authentic characteristics.
Now days Keds are being worn by celebs around the world, with Mischa Barton (of OC fame) the newest face of Keds. Finally in Christchurch shoe stores, the styles around at the moment are inspired by the 1940s & 1950s, some with round toe, but also a more pointy toe available as well.
The full range includes jandals & lace-ups but the common style is the flat pull on. They have style names such as 'Rave', 'Demon', 'The Craze Destroyed Mary Jane' and with a novelty stitch details and playful outers and linings, Keds are a mix of casual appeal with an elegant twist.
Most Keds in Christchurch stores we saw are around $69.95 - so pretty cheap! And you can wear them as casual flats or team them up with your dresses or skinny jeans for a night out! A la Mischa! Although your Keds aren't suede, a good spray with waterproofing sparay will avoid them getting stained!
