About as essential to every woman's closet as the Little Black Dress, Keds has been cranking out their timeless line since 1916. Originally manufactured by U.S. Rubber Company (known today as Uniroyal), Keds were first sold to the public as canvas sneakers in 1917.

Speaking of sneakers, Keds is responsible for that word becoming a part of our vocabulary. The term was coined by Henry Nelson McKinney, an agent for N.W. Ayer & Son for advertising, because the soles of the shoes don't make any sounds on different kinds of surface. It can especially be used when people want to sneak around quietly and they don't want to be caught, thus the name sneakers.

Keds spawned Pro-Keds (also available here at SHOEBACCA.com) which is a line of sport-specific shoes. Keds blew up in the 80s, when the popular look was to rock Keds with leggings. Now that the style is starting to make a comeback, so are Keds.

SHOEBACCA.com offers a selection of Keds and Pro-Keds for your wearing pleasure, and thanks to nearly 100 years of quality construction and timeless design, you're sure to love Keds!