Keds Get a Makeover: Fall in Love Again with the Iconic Sneaker

I am a child of the ’80s, so it goes without saying that I have owned my fair share of Keds. In elementary school, I spent many a morning (after eating my bowl of cereal, of course) trading out the shoe laces in each pair for ribbons. When I wanted to feel extra-super-stylish, I would wear my black Keds with two different neon socks, or I would even wear one pink shoe with one black shoe. Did you own a pair when you were a kid?

I haven’t given much thought to Keds since those days, but now that I’m seeing the next generation of Keds hitting store shelves, I’m beginning to truly miss them. And that’s good because I need an uncomplicated pair of knock-around shoes this summer.

I need tennis shoes that aren’t of the workout variety. Some wear-about-town kicks that are cute, easy and unfussy. Aren’t these Keds just perfect for running around on busy summer days? They would look irresistibly adorable when paired with a flouncy, girly skirt—and, as always, when partnered with a go-to pair of skinny jeans.

Today I’ve rounded up a group of Keds that are just perfect. Whether you rocked them in your grade school days—or if you just envied the pairs that your classmates sported on the playground—I’m pretty darn sure that you’ll fall in love with these classic kicks all over again.

1. Walk the Line: Navy and white stripes scream nautical, which as you know, is a look I’m obsessed with during summertime. Champion Mini-Stripe Sneaker, Keds (nordstrom.com).

2. Just Plum Perfect: The ombré shading of this dip-dyed pair—which is the color of a yummy grape snow cone, I might add—is so unexpected. And the contrast stitching along the laces and throughout the seams? Such a stylish addition. Champion Dip Dye Sneaker in Dark Purple, Keds (nordstrom.com).

3. The High Road: My mister has never known the joy of owning a pair of Keds, but I suspect that he, a connoisseur of sneakers, could not resist this pair. The striped canvas and the leather piping along the seams make for a stylish take on the classic high-top sneaker. Champion Fall Stripes High-Top Sneakers, Keds (bloomingdales.com).

4. Shades of Gray: If you’re looking for a pair of Keds that are similar to the first pair you fell in love with long ago with just a little something special, let me introduce you to these graphite-hued beauties. This sneaks will pair easily with everything in your summer wardrobe, but the neon yellow laces add that extra pop that will elevate them above your standard sneakers. Champ Oxford in Graphite, Keds (piperlime.com).

5. Shine On: I absolutely have saved the b-e-s-t for last. I’ve had my eyes on this pair, the product of a collaboration between Alice + Olivia and Keds, since they came out this spring. These shimmering sequin pretties are a wee more expensive (okay, a lot more) than your average Keds slip-ons. But, come on—they sparkle. They’re Keds gone glam. The third-grade me wearing one black and one pink shoe is begging for a pair! Sequin Keds Sneakers, Alice + Olivia (saks.com).

(Keds Image: calleecakes)