Keds Champion Review

9.8
9.8 score
[Editors rating (9.8) + Users rating (8.0)] / 2 = (WalkJogRun) score (9.8)/10


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Editor rating: 9.8 / 10
User's rating: based on 1 user ratings
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If you are a fan of the canvas-style sneaker but need support and comfort in your footwear, then this classic canvas shoe is for you. Available in a variety of sizes and widths, as well as color schemes, the Keds Champion is very easy to style and incorporate into any wardrobe and will keep you comfortable on your feet all day.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Breathable textile upper
  • Flexible
  • Soft and breathable lining
  • Supportive cushioning
  • Arch support
  • Classic silhouette
Cons
  • Narrow fit
  • Durability issues

Outsole

The Keds Champion makes use of a durable rubber outsole, that is water-resistant and provides a good amount of traction to keep the wearer firmly on the ground. Besides good traction and durability, the outsole is also quite flexible and lightweight, which customers appreciated, since it helped them move in a natural way and not feel restricted in the shoe. This makes the Keds Champion ideal for everyday wear, which most reviewers use it for. Additionally, many choose to wear this shoe in a workplace setting or for daily walking as well.

A lot of reviewers chose to buy this canvas shoe to take with them on vacation, for sightseeing and a lot of walking around on different surfaces. All these people were very satisfied with the shoe’s durability and flexibility and recommend buying it. However, some did mention, that since the outsole is not very thick, they could feel the pebbles and gravel on the ground beneath them through the shoe. While this is not a deal breaker for most, some did experience minor discomfort because of it. Additionally, since it is waterproof, the Keds Champion is suitable for rainy weather as well.

Upper

The Keds Champion comes in two different upper materials, namely, leather and canvas. This article will cover the canvas iteration of the iconic shoe. The canvas upper consists of a durable and lightweight textile material, that has excellent breathability. The canvas is a little stiff, which gives the shoe some structure that will help keep its shape for a long time, so that it can withstand extensive wear. As far as customizable fit is concerned, the upper features a standard lacing system that laces up through four metal eyelets, so that the wearer can adjust the snugness of the shoes to their liking. The lining inside the shoe is made of a soft cotton terry material, which breathes very well, ensuring that the wearer will not get hot and sweaty inside the shoe. It is also very comfortable against the skin, and many reviewers choose to wear it without socks. The new and improved Keds Champion features an OrthoLite insole, for supportive cushioning inside the shoe. Not only does it help with arch support, but it also has antimicrobial and moisture absorbing qualities, for dry and odorless feet.

Breathability

Being a canvas shoe, the Keds Champion is highly breathable and excellent for warmer weather, since it will keep your feet cool and dry. Additionally, the cotton terry lining is also a very breathable material, that feels soft against the skin, which is why many wear their Keds without socks. The shoe also has an OrthoLite insole for supportive underfoot cushioning that has antimicrobial properties, as well as absorbs excess moisture inside the foot chamber for a comfortable and odorless ride.

Most reviewers wear their Keds on a daily basis, running errands, hanging out with friends or around the house. One reviewer even called her Keds her new slippers, since she can wear them all day long and does not have any issues with overheating or ventilation. The Keds Champion is a great choice for a travel shoe too, since the wearer does not have to worry about sweaty feet while trying to enjoy the sights. Nurses and retail workers also praise the shoe for its high breathability, as they have to be on their feet for long hours, and this shoe gets them through the day while still feeling fresh.

Comfort

While canvas shoes are not everybody’s cup of tea, due to the lack of support and cushioning for the underfoot, comfort does not escape the Keds Champion. On the outside, there is a stiff canvas material, that provides structure and durability, while on the inside, Keds included a cotton terry lining, which is not only very breathable but feels soft against the skin and provides a nice cushioned fit. Keds did not forget the underfoot either, as they added an OrthoLite insole to provide supportive cushioning for the wearer. This insole gives nice arch support to the wearer and helps keep the feet stable and in place, as well as absorbs any excess moisture and prevents the formation of unpleasant odors. It is also lightweight and flexible, allowing the wearer to move freely and naturally, since the shoe moves with the feet. That is why it is an excellent casual shoe, that you can just put on and not have to worry about discomfort mid-wear.

It is also a great choice for those who have to be on their feet for long hours due to their work, such as nurses or teachers, since their feet will not get tired or sore after a long day at work. People with foot issues, like plantar fasciitis, arthritis and bunions also liked the comfort of the Keds Champion. On the downside, the collar does not have any padding, which some customers found disappointing since it rubbed their heels raw and gave them painful blisters until they broke the shoes in. While many people like to wear their canvas sneakers sockless, it is advised to wear socks during the break-in period, to avoid any blisters. Some also remarked that the new Keds are a bit narrow, but they do stretch out over time.

Durability

Reviews about durability fall into two categories, people either praise the Keds as one of the most durable shoes they have, or they are not satisfied with how the shoes held up. Most of the durability issues concerned the upper. According to some reviewers, the upper would start to show signs of wear and tear pretty early on, even with minimal usage. One customer said that the canvas over the toe box wore off rather quickly, creating holes. Another reviewer complained about the fabric shrinking after a wash, while yet another one reported the color of the insole bleeding onto the white canvas upper, as well as their socks.

A handful of reviewers also mentioned that the laces seem to be thinner and more prone to tearing, as opposed to the older version of the Champion. A few long-term fans of the shoe complained that the new version looked cheaply made and nothing as they remembered. On the other hand, the majority of reviewers praised the shoe and did not report any of the above-mentioned issues. However, several reviewers said that there are a lot of fake Keds available online, and warned people to be careful when ordering. While online shopping made our lives much easier, sometimes it is best to try things on in a retail store, just to be safe.

Flexibility

The Keds Champion is quite the flexible shoe with its rubber outsole. Namely, the rubber material that is used to make the outsole is very flexible, and allows the natural movement and bending of the feet. The OrthoLite insole has a good amount of flexibility too, so it does not feel rigid under the feet. The only remark that reviewers had, was that the canvas upper needed to be broken in, since it was stiff out of the box. But after the initial break in period, the shoe became their favorite everyday shoe.

Style

The Keds Champion has been around for more than a hundred years and is still going strong. People from all age groups and walks of life love this canvas shoe for its excellent breathability and comfort. The Champion canvas shoe did not change a lot over these hundred years, which testifies to the quality of the shoe. However, the new version of this sneaker features a supportive insole, as well as some cosmetic changes. Namely, the most notable change is the number of logos present on the shoe. While it used to be very simplistic with minimum logos on its upper, the new Keds Champion has a couple of logos on the canvas, and one on the outsole as well. Although, the shoe still looks minimalistic and classic, a few veteran fans like the design of the old ones better.

Another notable change is the variety of color options from which to choose. Keds made sure to still produce their classic white canvas shoe for a timeless look, as well as a wide variety of other, more vibrant colors, to soothe anyone’s style. This shoe is very versatile, as it can be dressed up or dressed down, depending on your needs. It goes well with casual clothes, like jeans and leggings, but can easily be paired with a skirt or a dress for a more relaxed look.

Support

Unlike the old Champion sneakers, the new version of this timeless canvas shoe included some much needed support for the wearer. The new Champion features an OrthoLite insole, that provides supportive cushioning for the underfoot, and a good amount of arch support. The addition of this insole made a lot of fans of this shoe happy, as everybody needs a good, supportive everyday shoe. While it does not cure overpronation, people who suffer from plantar fasciitis, back and knee pain, or arthritis, all praised the shoe’s support. Many reviewers who work in hospitals and retail stores also love the Keds Champion, as they can stand on their feet all day long without pain or fatigue. This shoe is excellent for long distance walking too, and many wear it for traveling. The canvas upper offers additional support for the top of the feet, when laced up.

Weight

Everything on the Keds Champion contributed to its overall lightness, from the lightweight rubber outsole and textile upper, all the way to the light, yet cushioning OrthoLite insole. Since this shoe was meant to be worn on a daily basis, for a variety of different activities, lightness was essential, so that the wearer does not get tired or uncomfortable mid-wear. Kids, high school students, stay-at-home moms, nurses, and teachers, as well as many others, enjoy wearing the Keds Champion for their everyday needs.

Width

The Keds Champion comes in a wide selection of sizes and widths. Many claim that it fits true to size and the toe box is roomy enough for a comfortable toe splay. However, some customers still found the shoe too narrow in the forefoot section. While sizing up half a size fixed that problem for most, some reported the shoes still being too narrow in the forefoot and loose in the heel area, even after sizing up. Reviewers who bought their Keds in a retail store did not have any issues with sizing, and advised buying in person, rather than online. Unfortunately, retail stores do not carry all the sizes that online sellers do.

Bottom Line

Ever the classic canvas shoe, the Keds Champion will keep you stylish and comfortable all day long. The lightweight rubber outsole is both durable and flexible for maximum freedom of movement. It has great traction too, that is suitable for dry and wet surfaces alike, due to its water resistant nature. The textile upper is very breathable, and provides a customizable fit with its standard lacing system. Inside the shoe, a cotton terry lining ensures comfort and even more breathability, while the OrthoLite insole provides supportive cushioning and arch support. Women of all ages love the Keds Champion, be it for casual use, walking or work. It also accommodates conditions such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and even helps reduce back and knee pain. Although there were some reviewers who were disappointed with the durability and fit of the Champion sneakers, the majority of customers recommend buying this shoe, as it is affordable and very comfortable once it is broken in. Reviewers also advised purchasing the shoes from retail stores, if possible, as the fit and quality are different than some online sellers’.