These Forgotten $45 Sneakers From the '90s Are Making a Major Comeback in Hollywood (2024)

Everyone is wearing them.

By

Tara Gonzalez

These Forgotten $45 Sneakers From the '90s Are Making a Major Comeback in Hollywood (1)

Tara Maria Gonzalez has been a fashion writer and editor for more than 6 years. She was most recently the style commerce writer at InStyle, where she covered celebrity looks, fashion week trends, and everything you don’t need but probably should buy.

Published on April 5, 2021 @ 05:24PM

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These Forgotten $45 Sneakers From the '90s Are Making a Major Comeback in Hollywood (2)

Right now, everyone is wearing sneakers. While that's not necessarily shocking, it is a stark contrast from the Ugg boots that seemed to be everywhere just a couple weeks ago. Spring is finally here, and while some celebrities are starting to wear pumps, most of them are opting for a simple sneaker to get around. Which is some good news considering we may have some time to kill before wedge sandals really become a thing again.

And while Jennifer Garner wearing Vejas or Gigi Hadid wearing Reeboks isn't necessarily shocking, Emily Ratajkowski wearing Keds definitely is. If you're thinking "Wow, I haven't heard the name Keds in a while," you are absolutely right.

Keds have been popular since the '80s, particularly after Jennifer Grey wore a pair in the film Dirty Dancing. They experienced their biggest wave in the '90s, often seen as a go-to comfort shoe that cost under $50. But eventually they fell out of favor, mostly because sneakers quickly became seen as a trendy item and not just a wardrobe staple. Suddenly there were hundreds of brands and styles to choose from.

But Emily Ratajkowski, who is always on-trend, was just spotted out in New York in a pair of Keds, an Aya Muse knit top, a Prada Cleo bag, low-rise trousers, and an Evolvetogether mask. If it wasn't for the mask, the look could easily have been pulled from an early-2000s VMAs or Teen Choice Award red carpet. It feels very Y2K and like something you'd dream of wearing in middle school. And since it is nice to imagine any era that isn't now, maybe the Keds resurgence is right on time.

On top of being nostalgic, Keds are also an incredibly innocuous sneaker. They're not controversial like chunky sneakers and they're not unexpected like blue Vejas. They're also super affordable, with more than a handful of pairs under $50 on Amazon right now. Keds are made of canvas, which makes blisters nearly impossible. And unlike most white sneakers that you have to panic about getting dirty, Keds are easy to wash and affordable to replace when the time comes.

Nobody really saw Keds making a comeback, but we're honestly here for anything overthrowing the Golden Goose reign in Hollywood. Plus, wearing a pair of Keds is the easiest way to look a couple years younger, too. So while these sneakers may not have been the most obvious trend, maybe they're the only one we really need right now.

Shop the best pair of Keds sneakers on Amazon below.

Keds Women's Champion Canvas Sneaker

These Forgotten $45 Sneakers From the '90s Are Making a Major Comeback in Hollywood (3)

Price at time of publish: $55

Keds Champion Original Leather Sneaker

These Forgotten $45 Sneakers From the '90s Are Making a Major Comeback in Hollywood (4)

Price at time of publish: $55

Keds Kickstart Seasonal Solid Sneaker

These Forgotten $45 Sneakers From the '90s Are Making a Major Comeback in Hollywood (5)

Price at time of publish: $50 for Size 7

Keds Courty Core Canvas Sneaker

These Forgotten $45 Sneakers From the '90s Are Making a Major Comeback in Hollywood (6)

Price at time of publish: $50

Keds Champion Canvas Slip on Sneaker

These Forgotten $45 Sneakers From the '90s Are Making a Major Comeback in Hollywood (7)

Price at time of publish: $55 for Size 8

Keds Champion Slip On Leather Sneaker

These Forgotten $45 Sneakers From the '90s Are Making a Major Comeback in Hollywood (8)

Price at time of publish: $65

Keds Champion Daisy Eyelet Sneaker

These Forgotten $45 Sneakers From the '90s Are Making a Major Comeback in Hollywood (9)

These Forgotten $45 Sneakers From the '90s Are Making a Major Comeback in Hollywood (2024)

FAQs

What happened to Keds shoes? ›

In February, Designer Brands Inc. acquired the Keds label from Wolverine Worldwide. As part of the deal, the DSW-parent company took over all Keds products, including the Pro-Keds sneaker line, and the brand's e-commerce business.

Why are Keds famous? ›

Keds is an American brand known for its canvas shoes with rubber soles. Founded in 1916 by U.S. Rubber, its original shoe design was the first mass-marketed canvas-top sneaker. The brand was sold to Stride Rite in 1979, which was acquired by Wolverine World Wide in 2012.

What year were Keds popular? ›

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.

Are Keds making a comeback? ›

While they've never gone out of style, I think it's safe to say they are making a major comeback with the classic Keds in new colors and patterns and the addition of athleisure styles like the Ace sneakers. They have a sneaker for every style & occasion.

What celebrities wear Keds? ›

Over the past 100 years, Keds® have been worn by iconic women such as Audrey Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Jackie O and Yoko Ono.

What year were white Keds popular? ›

The brand particularly rose in popularity in the 80s after Jennifer Grey wore a pair of white Keds in the film Dirty Dancing in her role as Baby.

Are Keds meant to be worn with socks? ›

Should you wear socks with Keds? Keds look better without socks but the insoles could start to smell if you wear them for long periods of time. I personally recommend wearing shoes for no more than an hour at a time and then allowing your feet to be bare for an equal amount of that time before putting shoes back on.

Are Keds shoes good for walking? ›

Keds are very basic with not a lot of bells and whistles. You're getting a classic, iconic style that suits all moods. They do have a cushioned Ortholite insole, however, so you can wear them on long walks without experiencing discomfort.

What do you wear with Keds? ›

Keds and jeans go together like peas and carrots. I love the effortless, casual vibe of a pair of skinny or boyfriend jeans paired with classic white Keds. I wear my Keds in the fall with cozy sweaters and in the spring or summer with classic striped T-shirts.

Did they wear Keds in the 90s? ›

Keds. Perhaps the surge of Keds in the 1990s was the aftermath of the late-'80s epic Dirty Dancing—that's what drew me to them at least—but Keds are a timeless sneaker you'll commonly see today. They're a hybrid between a sneaker and ballet flat, making them great for dancing.

Are Keds shoes expensive? ›

They're also super affordable, with more than a handful of pairs under $50 on Amazon right now. Keds are made of canvas, which makes blisters nearly impossible. And unlike most white sneakers that you have to panic about getting dirty, Keds are easy to wash and affordable to replace when the time comes.

What era are Keds from? ›

The Keds Champion

Keds iconic Champion silhouette was introduced in 1916 as America's go-to sneaker. Canvas-topped and rubber-soled, the design was one of the first footwear options to provide ladies with accessible, fashionable shoes that allowed them to be who they wanted to be, and go where they wanted to go.

What toe shape is in style 2023? ›

The square toe shoe trend is back in fashion for 2023.

What is the most popular sneaker color? ›

Simple, clean, classic, fashionable, and flexible—these are just some of the characteristics of white shoes that make them the top choice among shoe lovers and enthusiasts!

Are black sneakers in style 2023? ›

Black sneakers are popular in this category, too, as long as they have a colorful or metallic accent. Key brands to look for when shopping the ongoing Gorpcore trend for 2023 are Saloman, which has been spotted on Bella Hadid, and Emily Ratajkowski. Asics sneakers are also popular, as are sneakers from New Balance.

What shoes does Oprah wear? ›

When Oprah Winfrey finds a product she loves, she doesn't just shout about it from the rooftops; she reaches an even larger audience by featuring it on her Favorite Things List. And, based on the number of times they've been featured, it's clear Winfrey is a big fan of Vionic shoes. It's not hard to see why.

What sneakers does Brad Pitt wear? ›

Brad Pitt Continues His Love Affair with Adidas x Gucci Gazelle Sneakers.

How do you find what celebrities wore? ›

Many accounts that post celebrity outfits use apps like Wheretoget, ScreenShop, SiBi, and The Hunt. Search on your phone's application store for one of these apps and tap “download” or “get.”

Are all white shoes still in style? ›

Regardless of your style preferences, white sneakers will always be a key piece in any closet.

How do you clean old Keds? ›

How to Clean Your Keds
  1. For most stains we recommend a non-bleach stain stick (for the really tough ones, check out our deep cleaner for sneakers)
  2. For scuffs and marks on the rubber bottom, we've found that both nail polish remover and disinfecting wipes do the trick.

Why did my white Keds turned yellow? ›

They will turn yellow due to persistent deposits, such as dirt and sweat stains. Another reason is that the shoes still contain some amount of detergent (or soap), which is not completely erased and creates a chemical reaction under the sun during ventilation. In this situation, the shoes will turn yellow.

What shoes are you not supposed to wear socks with? ›

Boat shoes are one of the best shoes to wear without socks. They normally fit like a slip-on and they are meant to be used sockless. But not all of them are breathable and appropriate for the more warm weather, especially the leather ones, which might get too sweaty with skin.

Do socks go with shoes or pants? ›

As a general rule, socks should be worn the following way: You should coordinate your socks with your pants, not your shoes. Although it appears to be a simple guideline, it is quite difficult to implement. The most popular socks are black, navy, or charcoal.

What socks did they wear in the 90s? ›

Slouch socks were a popular option during the 1990s. These heavy socks went up to the mid-calf, but women never wore them that way. Instead, women pushed them down to their ankles.

What are the best shoes for walking at work all day? ›

  • Hoka One One Bondi 7 Sneakers. BEST OVERALL.
  • Crocs On-The-Clock Work Slip-On. Best Slip-On.
  • Brooks Ghost 13 Sneakers. Best Support.
  • Dansko Professional Clogs. BEST CLOGS.
  • Skechers D'Lites Memory Foam Sneakers. Best With Memory Foam.
  • Yhoon Sock Slip-On Sneakers. BEST SLIP-ONS.
  • FIGS New Balance 327 Sneakers. ...
  • Oofos Unisex Clogs.
May 4, 2023

What shoes are good to walk on concrete all day? ›

Top Shoes for Walking on Concrete
  • Adidas ultraBoost 5.0 DNA – best for walking on concrete all day, men's and women's.
  • Sketchers arch fit – best for standing all day.
  • Sketchers Gowalk Joy- Best shoes for standing all day on concrete.
  • Nike Revolution 5 – men and women – runner up for walking on concrete.
Apr 21, 2023

Do Keds run narrow or wide? ›

That's a good thing. They run true to size, the wide is actually a wide (unlike many brands) and there is reasonable arch support. The sole is a bit on the thin side, so if you're looking for an athletic shoe for high impact aerobics/running, etc., this isn't it.

How do you wear sneakers and look classy? ›

3 Sneaker-Styling Rules to Live By
  1. Always show some skin in between your shoe and your jeans, joggers, or dress. Jeans should hit about an inch or two above our ankle bone.
  2. Don't wear socks that show. Wear no socks at all or no-show socks. ...
  3. Buy the ones you love (not like) and you will always find a way to wear them.
Aug 19, 2021

Are Keds comfortable for wide feet? ›

Simple and always classic, the Keds Champion wide feet sneakers are so easy to throw into your luggage and wear with absolutely anything on your trip! The interior is soft, lightly cushioned, and breathable, while the sturdy rubber outsoles have some flexibility for added comfort.

Can teachers wear Keds? ›

The Keds Women's Jersey Sneaker is the best flats for teachers. They have a great cushioned sole and a pretty soft footbed. These shoes are lightweight and bendy and are best for narrow feet.

What shoes did girls where in the 90s? ›

Loafers, square-toe sandals, and knee-high boots all fit the bill here. They're sophisticated enough for the office, but you can also use them to add balance to trendier clothing pieces. Ahead, shop 11 of the '90s shoe trends that are worth checking out all over again.

How to dress like the 90s female? ›

Key elements of a 90s-inspired outfit for women include high-waisted jeans, crop tops, oversized clothing, grunge-inspired pieces, tracksuits, Doc Martens, and chokers. To create a 90s-inspired look, a fashion brand can mix and match these elements to reflect a woman's personal style.

What are the current most expensive sneakers? ›

A pair of Michael Jordan's shoes have become the most valuable sneakers ever to be sold at auction. Sotheby's says the Nike Air Jordan 13 sneakers sold for a record $2.2 million on Tuesday.

What is the most expensive thing shoes? ›

The world's most expensive shoe is Antonio Vietri Moon Star Shoes at $19.9 million.

What decade are chunky sneakers? ›

80s & 90s. Late 80s - we first saw chunky sneakers in parking lots around the US - worn by skater kids flexing their tricks and kicks. Some of the OG styles from the late 80s and 90s were the Etnies Natas 1, Nike's Airwalk Prototype and a tonne of clunky releases from DC.

What are 1930s shoes called? ›

1930s evening shoes

Such footwear usually featured a Louis heel up about to 3 inches in height and leather soles. The style came to be called 'dancing shoes', because they were usually only worn in the ballroom.

What year did pony sneakers come out? ›

Founded in 1972 on Madison Avenue in New York City, PONY was created by industry veteran (and Uruguayan-born) Roberto Muller, along with financing provided by Adidas Chairman Horst Dassler.

What sneakers are cool right now? ›

20 On-Trend Sneakers to Shop Now
  • Supreme x Nike Air Bakin Sneakers. ...
  • Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Silver Sneakers. ...
  • Kiko Kostadinov x Asics Gel-Quantum Zientzia Sneakers. ...
  • Prada America's Cup Sneakers. ...
  • Camper Drift Trail Sneakers. ...
  • Miu Miu x New Balance 574 Vintage-Effect Nappa Leather Sneakers.
Mar 20, 2023

What is the rarest toe shape? ›

What is the rarest type of foot ? The rarest foot is the Greek foot which is present in 5% of the population (but in 46% of Greeks). The Egyptian foot is the most common with a presence in 70% of the population. Finally, the square or Roman foot is found in 25% of the population.

What color is in style 2023? ›

Digital Lavender, Luscious Red, Sundial, Tranquil Blue and Verdigris are the color names for 2023. Who chooses the names of the new colors?

What is the most worn sneaker in the world? ›

The Nike Air Force 1 — the iconic sneaker that debuted nearly 40 years ago and has been seen on the likes of everyone from Victoria Beckham to Justin Timberlake — tops the list of the most searched for sneakers in 2021, according to an analysis from ebay of 32 brands of sneakers over the past four years.

What color of shoes go with everything? ›

Neutral-hued shoes are fantastic because they go with anything, including all colors, patterns, and prints. In this case, it's best to stick to basics like black, white, cream, beige, brown, and gray, or switch things up and choose navy, which, yes, is considered neutral, too. Why are neutral colors best for traveling?

What color sneakers go best with jeans? ›

Mid-wash jeans are perfect for every day errands because they are very casual and typically work with a variety of footwear colours. That said, lighter shades such as tan, white, beige, and light grey tend to pair better with mid-wash denim. Depending on what you're wearing on top, black footwear can also work.

What sneakers will go up in value in 2023? ›

2023 Sneaker Trends: 10 Styles Guaranteed to Sell
  • Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 (and 350)
  • Air Jordan 3 White Cement Reimagined.
  • Air Jordan 1 High OG Celtic (2023)
  • Air Jordan 1 High University Blue (2023)
  • Air Jordan 1 High '85 Panda.
  • New Balance 550.
  • Adidas Samba.
  • A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 4.
Jan 19, 2023

What are people wearing in 2023? ›

These Are the Spring 2023 Trends Vogue Editors are Wearing Now
  • Skirt Suits But Make it Fashion. Marine Serre Oriental Towels boxy tailored jacket. ...
  • Everyday Preciousness. ...
  • Extra Baggage. ...
  • Perfectly Imperfect. ...
  • Short n Sweet Jackets. ...
  • Buttoned Up Shirting. ...
  • Modern Boho. ...
  • Blazers Become Cinched.
Apr 5, 2023

What style is in right now 2023? ›

Trends such as knee-high splits, geometric cut-outs and sheer fabrics all lends themselves perfectly to a sultry skin moment, whereas for the inevitable open-air soirée, amping up the drama is easy with a 1970s It-girl-inspired hooded gown.

Are Keds still in business? ›

Today, Keds announced its new brand vision. Keds is getting a brand refresh. In February, Designer Brands Inc. (DBI) acquired the Keds label from Wolverine Worldwide.

Who bought Keds shoes? ›

US footwear firm Designer Brands Inc. has acquired the Keds brand from Wolverine Worldwide. A new licence agreement has also been signed with Hush Puppies for the US and Canada. Designer Brands is the parent company of footwear retailer Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW).

Who owns Keds? ›

For now, Wolverine Worldwide is handing off Keds to Designer Brands to “guide the iconic Keds brand into its next phase,” Brendan Hoffman, Wolverine Worldwide's president and CEO, said in a statement.

Are Keds and Pro-Keds the same? ›

About Pro Keds: In the 1960s and 1970s, footwear brand Keds added a line of athletic shoes called Pro-Keds, specifically intended for basketball, to its range of casual shoes. Pro-Keds became an icon of American sports, especially after NBA Hall of Fame Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made Pro-Keds his shoe of choice.

Are canvas shoes still in trend? ›

There are plenty of options when it comes to men's casual shoes but one footwear style that continues to be a huge hit with the mass is canvas shoes.

What shoes does Skechers own? ›

Skechers designs, develops and markets a range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for adults and children. Its brands include Skechers Sport, Slip-ins, D'Lites, the charity line Bobs, Our Planet Matters, Mark Nason, Skechers Work, Go Walk, Go Run, and Go Golf.

Were Keds popular in the 60s? ›

In the 1960s, canvas sneakers became far more common and accepted as a part of everyday dress, leading to Keds becoming a ubiquitous brand across the US (Source).

Do Keds run small or true to size? ›

If you're on the fence about purchasing, buy them!! Especially if they have your size. I went back and fourth about the size because Keds usually do run small and narrow. I have a wide foot, wear a 6.5-7 and ordered the 7, they are large.

What does Keds stand for? ›

Kids' Eating Disorder Survey.

Why are Converse called chucks? ›

Converse started making an early basketball shoe in 1917 and redesigned it in 1922, when Chuck Taylor asked the company to create a better shoe with more support and flexibility. After Converse added Taylor's signature to the ankle patch they became known as Chuck Taylor All Stars.

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