How to recognise it
A canvas upper, a rubber toe cap, a rubber foxing band around the sole and a thin, flexible sole. Low or high, laced or laceless.
Where it comes from
In 1916 the US company U.S. Rubber launched canvas Keds, the name from which the Lithuanian word kedai comes. In Britain similar shoes were called plimsolls.
Who and when it suits
Light summer sneakers for town, holidays and weekends. They go with jeans, shorts and summer dresses.
Variations and look-alikes
They come low or high, in white, black, colours or prints, laced or slip-on, on a thin or platform sole. Platform canvas sneakers add height. They differ from leather sneakers in their light canvas.
How to style it
- Hand wash, or machine wash in a bag if the maker allows.
- With a summer dress and a denim jacket.
- Add an insole for long walks.
- Clean white canvas with baking soda and a toothbrush.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01Where does the word Keds come from?
From the 1916 American canvas shoe brand Keds.
02How do canvas sneakers differ from other sneakers?
They are canvas with a thin sole; sneakers in general have thicker soles.
03Can you wash canvas sneakers?
Many can go in the machine on cool in a bag, but hand washing is better.
04Do canvas sneakers work in autumn?
On a dry autumn day yes, but canvas soaks through, so not in the rain.