The American-based brand launched in 1916 and was originally supposed to be called "Peds" after the Latin word for feet. When they realized that word had already been trademarked, the company decided on the name Keds. They started producing canvas-topped shoes that became known as "sneakers," because their rubber soles allowed you to "sneak around."
By the 1920s, the brand's sneakers were being used by Olympic soccer players, tennis champions, and college athletes alike. In 1936, Keds started targeting women by launching "Kedettes," a washable heeled shoe that provided the same comfort level as a sneaker. They launched their sporty Pro-Keds silhouette in 1953, and the shoe became a cult favorite by the late 1970s after being spotted on basketball players, the band The Ramones, and the hip-hop community.
