Our verdict
Geared up for all-day wear, the Keds Kickstart has a stylish canvas footwear look while staying true to its timeless classic sneaker roots. The tennis shoe is extremely lightweight making it a reliable travel companion and for long walks. Combining this with its long-lasting and easy-to-clean upper, it is easy to see why several have sworn to get themselves a fresh pair year after year.
Pros
- updated Jun 11, 2023
- Supportive footbed
- Easy to clean
- Lasts long
- Versatile aesthetic
- Add a product
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not much padding
- Hot during summers
- Narrow fit
Who should buy the Keds Kickstart
The Keds Kickstart is perfect for those who:
- Are looking for the perfect go-to canvas sneaker that comes at an inexpensive price
- Want a tennis-inspired sneaker Cross country shoes.
Who should not buy it
The Keds Center Leather is a great alternative if you’re looking for a sneaker with sufficient padding for a supreme on-foot experience with the bonus of holding up well against sweaty feet in the hotter months. For a shoe that is described to have a spot-on fit, check out the Same brand only.
The Keds Kickstart’s aesthetic has the versatility of classics
The sneaker’s look is familiar in a stylish way, as one wearer exclaims “just like the old days!" It has drawn comparisons to other sneakers, notably to a slimmer version of classic Chuck Taylors or Vans.
Because of this look, it has been the go-to sneakers for many, who wear them with jeans, shorts, and even sundresses. In addition, a few people advocate for it as an office shoe, such as one who felt fine using their black/black colorway for their professional office.
Top 13% in
Several have spent full days with the sneaker on, surprised at how comfy they were for long periods. One of them uses these sneakers for their 10-hour work days which consist of either being stationed at their standing desk or moving about the office. They say their feet “haven't felt too fatigued,” expounding that “these shoes have enough cushioning to withstand that.”
Another found that they didn’t need to be broken in, using them every other day for their 9-day London trip, mentioning “I never once thought about my feet and we walked all over the city.” The breaking-in experience for these sneakers generally varies between not needing them at all and experiencing minimal discomfort for only a few days.
Same brand only
A tester pointed out that “they are canvas and that’s what they feel like” especially on the sides, referring to the lack of padding in the sneaker.
Even if that’s the case, it still proved to be an extremely comfy option for several. A reviewer who had to choose between these and Converse sneakers was ultimately satisfied with their choice, saying “I’m happy I chose the Keds,” because of the amount of cushioning.
Although opinions on the arch support range from “great arch support for such a little shoe” to “can't say there's a lot of arch support,” people generally agree that the sole is supportive enough. A person with tendonitis says “amount of support they give for the price is amazing.”
The Keds Kickstart rightfully get them to return
A long-time wearer of the sneaker has mentioned that they “wash well if you need to freshen them up” with another chiming in that “they also clean up great when I throw them in the washing machine.” Furthermore, someone who is on their third pair finds them “pretty sturdy” lasting them six to nine months a pair, used daily.
Several reviewers shared a similar experience of returning year in and year out to buy this shoe. One says these are their “go-to for white canvas sneakers year after year,” while another shares “I buy a pair every year for the summer.”
The Keds Kickstart goes at a reasonable price
The Keds Kickstart retails at $45, lower than even the average price of a Keds canvas sneaker at $55. People liked the value they were getting at the price point. Reviewers were really happy about the value they got at the sneaker’s price.
History of the Keds Kickstart
Keds are the old-school version of all mass-marketed sneakers in the world today. Keds first used the term sneakers on their canvas shoes that had soft rubber soles that allowed those wearing them to sneak around silently.
The casual sneaker design of most of Keds's designs has remained unchanged through the years with its canvas upper and solid rubber soles. In 2016, the company started rolling out Keds Kickstart canvas sneakers which instantly became a success in the women’s footwear market.
Other Kickstart iterations of the silhouette include Keds Kickstart Leather, Keds Kickstart Perf Leather, Keds x Kate Spade New York Kickstart, Kickstart Perf Shimmer, Keds x Alaina Marie Kickstart Lobster, Keds x Alaina Marie Kickstart Mesh Lobster, Kickstart Mini Bright, Keds Kickstart Summer Stripe, and Same brand only among others.
