A Pro-Keds History:
Pro-Keds, a 1949 offshoot of Keds, launched with the Royal Canvas sneaker and the intent of being the serious athletic shoes of the already established Keds line. The Pro-Keds quickly became synonymous with many of the great names in professional basketball. Yet something unexpected happened. As Pro-Keds were conquering the feet of basketball players, the New York City hip hop community started to embrace the shoe, hailing it as the first sneaker with style. As time went on, however, the popularity of Pro-Keds in basketball and urban style fizzled, and the company was left dormant for over 20 years until the Stride-Rite Corporation, owner of Saucony and Sperry Top-Sider, took over Keds and Pro-Keds. In an attempt to revitalize the brand Stride-Rite entered a cooperative endeavor with manufacturer / distributor Tom Nastos and hip hop mogul Damon Dash—a move which successfully brought the Pro-Keds back into sneaker culture. In addition to reissuing classic models such as the Royal Canvas, Court King, and Royal Master, Pro-Keds has been consistently introducing new sneakers and designs.
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Pro-Keds Sneak-Facts:
• In recent years, Pro-Keds have offered scented sneakers. Odors include coconut, lifesavers flavor, and watermelon.
• Damon Dash uses Pro-Keds to give back to his hometown Harlem, New York by funding Kingdome—the oldest community basketball tournament in Harlem—and providing free Pro-Keds apparel and footwear for all involved.
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Notable Models:
The Royal
The Royal is a Pro-Ked that predates Pro-Keds. Originally introduced under the Keds moniker in 1926 as the Royal Tread, the Royal became a part of the Pro-Ked family in 1949. Since then the sneaker has gone on to be worn by some of basketball’s most legendary athletes. Available as a low top and high top.
Royal Master
Introduced in 1970 and heralded as the ‘70s basketball shoe of choice, the Royal Master—originally called the Royal Plus—was offered in a variety of suede and leather.
Court King
A 1969 tennis shoe that faded into obscurity until Pro-Keds Japan began to modify the sneaker with bright toe caps in the 1990s. Pirated copies of the modified Court Kings began to sneak into the UK at the request of cutting edge sneaker connoisseurs. In 2002, when Pro-Keds re-launched, the now colorfully toed Court King became an official sneaker of the line.
69er (aka Uptowner / aka The Super)
A true New York City sneaker introduced in 1969, the 69er was embraced and cherished by the break dancing community as the sneaker of choice. Rock Steady Crew and Grandmaster Flash waxed lyrical about the shoe. The most notable feature of the sneaker is the three stripe foxing tape design.
The Shotmaker
A Pro-Keds basketball sneaker introduced in 1981.
Royal Serve
A legendary tennis sneaker.
142nd Street
Billed as representing “the ultimate fusion between basketball and lifestyle,” the 142nd Street is a new offering from Pro-Keds. The 142nd Street comes in a variety of vibrant colors and designs.
Royal Court
A modern homage to the rich history of Pro-Keds. The Royal Court is designed to perform well both on the court and on the street.
Metro Slip-On
The Metro Slip-On is a lace-less twist on the Royal Lo. It strives to still maintain the authenticity of a basketball shoe while adding the convenience of a slip-on.
