Our verdict

90
Great!

Starting a legacy of its own, the Keds Champion is a pioneering sneaker emblazoned with simplicity and sophistication while expanding its horizons of function and style. Its prim appeal ironically enlists itself as an all-around sneaker for basic tasks like running errands to casual leisure activities. The minimalist design from Keds which was also the Native American word for moccasins.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Fashionable
  • Inexpensive
  • Everyday foot apparel
  • Dries quickly
  • Everyday foot apparel
  • Functional
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Long breaking in period
  • Weak laces
  • Add a product

The OrthoLite insole wicks away moisture and prevents odor build-up

Keds Champion is a sneaker with a simple character and seamless toe box, which pairs with everyday slouch capris to more extravagant shirtwaist dresses and maxi skirts.

Keds Champion logo

OrthoLite technology 

Why trust us.

Keds Champion toebox

Who should buy Keds Champion

The sneaker is produced in a vulcanized construction with a rubber outsole that ensures protection and traction. The heel outsole is slightly thicker than the rest of the outsole.

Keds Champion sole

The OrthoLite insole wicks away moisture and prevents odor build-up

From 1892 to 1913, U.S. Rubber Co. introduced 30 different kinds of rubber-soled footwear but with no success. After several company tweaks and consolidations, the company launched an American canvas shoe with a rubber sole in 1916.

Keds Champion heel cage

Track and field "sneakers" as they allowed the wearer to creep around silently. The term was brilliantly marketed by Henry Nelson McKinney almost after its release and from then on, the word sneakers became a staple term for casual footwear.

Keds Champion laces

Peds (Latin for foot) was the initial option for branding the first "sneakers," but unfortunately, the name was already taken at the time. The company opted to replace "P" with "K" resulting in Keds, updated 12 Mar 2023.

Keds Champion collar

Aside from hailing its sneakers, Keds thought of a catchy name for their breakthrough shoe. The first marketing act to take shape was to name their sneaker the "feel-like-everyday's-a-Saturday-shoe," but after realizing it was a mouthful, the company branded it as the Champion. After surpassing a century, the Keds Champion would look down on all other brands utilizing its sneaker term and let them bow to its ingenious legacy.