Why The Keds Champion Was And Is So Important
Today, a canvas, rubber-soled shoe isn’t much cause for celebration, but its introduction then was nothing short of revolutionary. Because it was one of the first women’s footwear options to be simultaneously accessible, fashionable, and comfortable, the Keds Champion stood as a symbol of mobility: If a woman wanted to do something or go somewhere, she could with a pair of Keds.
The company’s roots in blazing a path for women are still central to how it conducts business today. Keds has an all-women leadership team and an all-women product development team, and the company as a whole is 88% women. Worn by athletes, actresses, and First Ladies alike, it has never prescribed specific behaviors that its fans and customers should abide by. Its only mission, from the beginning, has been an open and empowering one of “Ladies First.”
Its most popular and recognizable silhouette, the Champion Originals, hasn’t changed much since it first entered the American consciousness 103 years ago, and its popularity even today is a testament to the simplicity, versatility, and forethought of this design.
How Keds Continues To Innovate
Though it probably could ride on the success of the Champion Originals alone for the next hundred years, Keds continues to find new ways to keep the brand fresh and interesting.
Its full collection of styles includes lace ups, slip ons, flats, and boots in a variety of materials like wool and leather. You can get a fresh new pair of white Champion Originals, but you can be more adventurous with tall platform sneakers or glittery shoes if you want. The company is also experimenting with stylish athleisure options with its Studio collection of lightweight sneakers.
Collaborations with other brands are best-selling favorites as well. The Rifle Paper Co. collection of pretty embroidered and painted floral patterns is the much nicer execution of all those times you tried to paint your own canvas shoes, while the Ladies for Ladies collection currently features the work of a handbag designer who uses the same marine-grade material as lobstermen’s bait bags.
Beyond comfort and variety, Keds is the ideal brand for the value-conscious shoe lover most of its styles cost around just $50. In fact, the three styles we tried from the brand, which perfectly capture its range from classic to modern silhouettes, cost $40 to $60.
Womens Keds Champion Original Casual Shoe
The true classic is back in action, it’s the new Champion Original Casual Shoe from Keds! A classic, goes-with-anything sneaker, the Champion Original Casual Shoe rocks a clean canvas upper and breathable lining, Ortholite® cushioned footbed for premium comfort, and a durable rubber outsole for flexible traction. Available online at Journeys.com!
- Sturdy canvas upper with breathable lining
- Lace closure offers a secure fit
- OrthoLite® cushioned footbed ensures lasting comfort
- Durable rubber outsole delivers flexible traction
Point the camera at your feet to see the shoes!
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Intriguing Designs For Contemporary Stepping
Boast your personality with unique Keds finds at JCPenney! Baseball fans will adore the sporty red stitching of the Keds Champion Pennant Lace-Up Sneakers. The Keds Double Decker Slip-On Shoe is drenched in sequins, bringing a glam-worthy attitude to even casual occasions. Charm your way through that yacht party or simply stroll by the pier in the Keds Charter Chambray Slip-On inspired by the classic boat shoe.
With so much variety, you can find that perfect fit for comfortable striding! We have narrow width, medium width and wide shoes sized just for you. And don’t forget about our range of colors, from dramatic black and white, to steadfast gray and tan, to pastel orange and pink!
Treat your wallet right by taking advantage of Keds shoe bargains. Grab a few pairs to suit any occasion. Don’t sleep on these amazing shoe deals! Shop JCPenney today and save big on all of your favorite shoe styles from Keds.
History Of Keds Champion
From 1892 to 1913, U.S. Rubber Co. introduced 30 different kinds of rubber-soled footwear but with no success. Several company tweaks and consolidations after, the company launched an American canvas shoe with a rubber sole in 1916.
Due to its sneaky nature and soundless character, the newly found plimsolls were coined “sneakers” as it 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.
Peds 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, which was also the Native American word for moccasins.
Aside from hailing it 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.
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Get Moving With Keds Women’s Shoes From Jcpenney
Make your move in style when you shop the JCPenney sale on Keds Women Shoes! We’ve got what you’re looking for, from classy low profile slip-on loafers to durable lace-up athletic sneakers. Effortlessly style your shoe shelf with our extensive collection of women’s shoes from Keds!
Check out our blue and gray slip-on shoes in size 8 for women. These neutral hues add so much variety to your regular wardrobe stand-bys. Add a preppy pop to your stride with the Keds Women’s Kickstart Lace-Up Oxford Shoes. Take on errands and quick jogs with the action-ready design of the Keds Lively Slip-On Round Toe Shoe in medium.
