Converse are probably one of those sneakers that make you feel bomb. They are amazingly comfortable sneakers that can be paired with just about any outfit fit. Converse generally come prepared for long days with their built-in padding in the collar, heel, and tongue. They also come equipped with an Ortholite insole and boast the iconic Vulcanized rubber sole for extra comfort.
Despite the praise, Converse isn’t the only brand with massive recognition. If you’re a fan of Canvas-Style sneakers, then you’ve probably heard of Keds. Available in various sizes and widths, and even color schemes, Keds, just like Converse, are very easy to style, blend into any wardrobe, and promise to remain comfortable on your feet all day long.
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Keds vs. Converse: Overview
Keds is an American brand of Canvas shoes with rubber soles. Established in 1916, the company is owned by Wolverine World Wide. The Keds Champion was their original shoe design and the first mass-marketed canvas-top sneaker.
Creating styles from more ethical materials, Keds are meant to have a longer shelf life compared to most sneakers out there. Basically, Keds consist of a stitched upper portion, a toe cap that’s mostly made of white rubber, and an outsole that’s usually made of brown rubber.
With the Converse, Chuck Taylors are mostly made from various materials such as leather. However, the original, and quite possibly the most widely known version of the shoe is made from cotton canvas.
Keds vs. Converse: Construction
Various models of Keds and Converse are similar in some ways but are also very different in some other ways. Each brand offers its own vibe. For example, Converse naturally comes with a cool kid look while Keds mostly feature refined excellence of both style and appearance.
Unlike other street sneakers, Converse usually features a flat and padded bottom, which makes them suitable for wearing in the gym. They also have low top-slides and flat bottom that provide plenty of flexibility around the ankle, which makes them ideal for running. Each shoe is likely to feel slightly different on your feet.
Keds, meanwhile, are said to have the best arch support and have an almost kiddish style. That means they will look best with shorts and skinny jeans. Keds are most people’s favorite and you can wear them with almost everything.
While both shoes tend to stretch slightly with wear, some customers state that these sneakers usually fit small. Thus you might want to consider half size up for more room or if you have wide feet. Nonetheless, below is a quick comparison between these two brands, focusing on comfort, upper, outsole, and durability:
Keds vs. Converse: Comfort
Comfort-wise, canvas shoes are not everybody’s cup of tea, probably due to the minimal support and cushioning for the underfoot. However, Keds hardly skimp on comfort. The exterior of the shoe features a stiff canvas material that enhances structure and durability, while the interior comes with a cotton terry lining, which is soft, breathable, and well-cushioned for an excellent fit.
Like Converse, Keds also features an Ortholite insole to ensure the much-needed supportive cushioning for the wearer. That means they provide nice arch support for your feet and help keep your feet stable and in place. They are also designed to wick any excess moisture and combat the formation of unpleasant odors.
Converse, on the other hand, are versatile shoes that are not only reliable for the gym but also a great addition to any outfit. Perhaps one of the most impressive things about Converse is that they are developed with lightweight canvas material and comfortable rubber soles. That means your feet, back, and legs will remain comfortable all day long.
The seamless design offered by these shoes makes them great for those looking for support for the bottom of the feet as well as the ankles. They will also help maintain your balance during weight lifting and are well-ventilated to keep your feet cool and sweat-free.
Keds vs. Converse: Outsole
Keds shoes are made with durable rubber outsoles that are water-resistant. They provide a good amount of traction to keep your feet stable on the ground. Aside from being durable, the outsole is also flexible and lightweight, which is a good feature to help you move more naturally without feeling restricted in the shoes.
The soles of the Converse All-Stars, meanwhile, are derived from an OrthoLite, which is moisture wicking. That means your feet will remain cool and dry in all temperatures. Converse shoes are also lightweight and flexible and will let you move freely with your feet. Based on reviews, Converse are excellent casual footwear and you won’t have to worry about discomfort amid wear.
Keds vs. Converse: Upper
Both Keds and Converse shoes usually come in two different upper materials: including leather and canvas. The upper on Keds is a little stiff, to provide some solid structure and help keep shape for a considerable time.
That means the shoes can withstand excessive wear. Keds uppers are also designed for a customized fit, featuring a standard lacing system that runs through four metal eyelets. That means you can adjust the snugness of the shoes to your liking.
Converse shoes, on the other hand, are composed of stitched upper portions, a toe cap that is usually made of rubber. As mentioned, the Chuck Taylors are mostly made from different materials including leather, but other widely known Converse collections are made from cotton canvas.
Breathability
Both Keds and Converse shoes are made from canvas or leather, meaning their breathability is pretty much comparable. The shoes are highly breathable and ideal for warmer weather because they will keep your feet cool and dry.
Moreover, the stated cotton terry lining is also breathable enough and feels soft against the skin. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why most people like wearing Keds without socks.
Keds Vs Converse: Durability
With Keds, reviews about durability fall into two categories. Customers either praise the shoes as being among the most durable in the market, while others weren’t quite satisfied with how the shoes actually held up.
According to reviews, most durability issues stem from the upper, where some people reported the uppers started to show signs of wear and tears pretty early on, even with minimal usage. Some also stated that laces on Keds seem to be thinner and more vulnerable to tearing.
That said, it’s good to mention that several reviewers stated that there are a lot of fake Keds shoes out there. So be sure to be careful when ordering.
Converse, meanwhile, are highly durable, with the All-Stars being one of the strongest sneakers in terms of wear and tear, probably due to the presence of rubber soles.
Their functional and Ultra-comfortable design as well as their chick silhouette makes them a buyer favorite. Similar to Keds, Converse uppers are not the most durable but are an excellent value and good vibe that will go great with just about any casual outfit.