Keds bring back a lot of memories for me; I wore my canvas pink ones to my family reunion and thought I was the coolest one there — the white leather ones were worn on the first day of school, and I loved wearing double layers of socks with my white canvas ones. Needless to say, it’s been a while since I last slipped a pair of Keds over my little tootsies. Recently I’ve noticed that Keds has been making a big comeback, seen on the hipster set, and Keds-like knock-offs found at Urban Outfitters. The Keds resurgence may have gone largely unnoticed, however one reason compelled me to pay attention: the brand has recently launched Keds Green Label, in a style similar to the originals, and a boat shoe-esque style for starters. What’s so green about them?
Practically everything, including 100% organic cotton, non-toxic inks and dyes, recycled rubber, shoe laces made from recycled water bottles, and recycled insoles. Keds was kind of enough to give me a pair to test out, and I immediately went for the Willow Lace-Ups in Black ($55). I love the Keds “license plate” on the back, along with the small green tag identifying them as part of the Green Label. I also noticed that the Willow lace-ups have nice little bumper around them and are way more sturdy than my Keds of yore, more like a pair of classic Vans. In addition, the insole provides nice, comfy padding and I’m really into the eyelet detail; one of them per shoe is green. Overall, I do have to say that Keds figured out a way to seamlessly introduce an eco-friendly shoe without compromising style or comfort. If you’ve also fell in love with Keds again, also check out the Keds Plenty by Tracy Reese collaboration and another exciting sustainable, organic line: Loomstate for Keds.
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Keds Eco-Friendly Willow Organic Cotton Sneaker, $54.95
