First off I must say I'm a "glass half full" type of person so perhaps I'm a bit biased. I will agree that Keds is probably the most inconsistent sneaker manufacturer around but the quality of the newer products is not really bad as far as I'm concerned. I have Keds in my collection dating back to at least the 50's and truthfully they are horrible quality. US Keds were never very good. Once they started making them in Korea (80's - 90's) the quality really improved. In my opinion the best generation was the 2 years after the awful flared heal. The canvas was think, the soles were good rubber, the insoles were thick and well padded. Then came the new sole, tiny blue patch and a couple of seasons of crap. It may well have been our complaining that made Keds make more changes. I have checked all the Keds that I'm currently wearing and they are from China and I have not seen any from Vietnam. Those may change my review.
The first 4 photos are of a navy pair I have been wearing to work for a few months. The shape is still good after many many miles, the canvas is firm, the insole padding is intact, and the soles show little wear. I can't complain at all well maybe the 40.00 price pisses me off.
The next 4 photos are from a pair I just bought for Aimee. The canvas is nice and thick, the insoles are padded really well. Much better than the pair I'm wearing, the rubber sole is quiet nice. It would be better if there was more pebbling but all in all a really good Keds Champion. My one complaint with the pointers is that extra line if stitching by the eyelet even though it does improve the sneakers construction.
If Keds is listening I would like to see all the new Champions have the Pointer insole and breather eyelets on the inner side of of the sneaker like the men's and many of the new woman's styles.
The first 4 photos are of a navy pair I have been wearing to work for a few months. The shape is still good after many many miles, the canvas is firm, the insole padding is intact, and the soles show little wear. I can't complain at all well maybe the 40.00 price pisses me off.
The next 4 photos are from a pair I just bought for Aimee. The canvas is nice and thick, the insoles are padded really well. Much better than the pair I'm wearing, the rubber sole is quiet nice. It would be better if there was more pebbling but all in all a really good Keds Champion. My one complaint with the pointers is that extra line if stitching by the eyelet even though it does improve the sneakers construction.
If Keds is listening I would like to see all the new Champions have the Pointer insole and breather eyelets on the inner side of of the sneaker like the men's and many of the new woman's styles.
