10 Shoes like Keds: Alternatives in Styles and Designs

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Shoes like Keds
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Last Updated on July 2, 2022

When it comes to sneaker shoe brands, I am always on the lookout for alternatives to shop in my favorite styles and designs. This is why I came up with this amazing list of shoes that are similar to Keds. 

I mean, there is nothing wrong with Keds, I actually love them! But it is always nice to have options and styles that push the boundaries a little.

When it comes to lightweight canvas, there is little room for variation, so it’s nice to find delightful prints, different styles of outsoles, constructions that resemble a boating shoe, and slip-ons that masquerade as a lace-up sneaker.

For example, I found a very nice Doc Martens that looks just like a Champion. Yeah, I didn’t believe it at first either. Guess you’ll have to scroll down to find out, huh? 

#1. Adidas Women’s Grand Court Sneaker

What makes it cool: The classic three stripes of Adidas in a soft mauve color add a feminine touch to this iconic model, while the rest of the shoe adheres to the most iconic lines of the brand.

Who is it best for?: Nostalgic ladies with a taste for court sneakers. 

Price Range ($, $$ or $$$): $$ 

Mini-Review of Shoe: These synthetic leather Keds lookalike shoes have a similar construction to the Keds’ Champion but have all the durability that its materials provide. However, PU leather can easily puncture and crack over time, so it’s not as durable as leather might be. 

Pros: 

  • Highly durable
  • They add 1 inch in high
  • Cloudfoam comfort sock liner

Cons:

  • They are a bit heavy
  • Tends to make feet sweat
  • They feel a bit stiff

Also available to shop on Adidas.

You May Like: Family Roots Run Deep: Adidas vs. Puma

#2. Roxy Women’s Rory Slip-On Sneaker

What makes it cool: These light canvas shoes have the tiniest touch of color in the form of rose gold rivets and a striking print that runs down the heel right next to the brand’s logo. The print is typically Roxy but very lowkey. 

Who is it best for?: Girls with a love for casual surfer clothing and going to the beach.

Price Range ($, $$ or $$$): $

Mini-Review of Shoe: The shoe has hidden stretch panels for slip-on ease, a relaxed surfer vibe, double stitching on the edges, and an intricate rubber sole that depicts the brand’s iconic flowers. What I love the most is the fact that these allow you to tighten your laces one time and slip them on and off as many times as you want with ease. They are so soft that you can also squish the heel inside and use them as slippers if you have sandy feet!

Pros: 

  • Lace-up sneaker with slip-on comfort
  • Padded memory foam insole
  • Terry lining
  • Fresh for summer

Cons:

  • Stretchy collar(might feel tight)
  • Not ideal for walking long hours
  • Very light-weight

Read:

What are Keds? (And What Makes the Shoes Special)

Top 5 Kate Spade x Keds Shoes Reviewed

Keds Women’s Camp Boot: A Complete User Review

Keds Dream Foam vs. Ortholite: What’s the Secret Behind Keds’ Most Comfortable Shoes?

#3. Superga Unisex 2750 Cotu Classic Sneaker

What makes it cool: All-white iconic design that is super nostalgic and has a distinguishable 90s vibe.

Who is it best for?: Anyone that was a Spice Girls fan or into pairing bucket hats with canvas sneakers in Dawson’s Creek style.

Price Range ($, $$ or $$$):

Mini-Review of Shoe: These comfortable canvas shoes are 100% cotton, making them perfect for summer. They are very breathable, fresh and they dry very fast when wet. They are one of the most similar shoes to Keds there is!

 Pros: 

  • Breathable
  • Pure cotton
  • Silver-tone rivets
  • Wide design

Cons:

  • Little arch support
  • The insole is not removable

Also available from Superga.

#4. Sperry Women’s Lounge Away Sneaker

What makes it cool: The perfect shoes like Keds with arch support and what a marvelous color! My absolute favorite boating sneaker!

Who is it best for?: Preppy and ivy league style lovers that are all about classic American brands. 

Price Range ($, $$ or $$$): $

Mini-Review of Shoe: Breathable, lightweight canvas upper with hidden elastic goring makes for an easy slip-on experience. These are one of my favorites because despite having un-marked rubber outsoles, they are non-slip. 

Pros: 

  • Wide and comfortable
  • Super grip, non-slip
  • Arch support

Cons:

  • They are snug at first
  • They require breaking in
  • Little padding

Read:

9 Top Preppy Movies with Timeless Fashion Sense

24 Preppy Clothing Brands that Ooze Sophistication

17 Outfit Ideas to To Get That Preppy Style (Women’s Edition)

#5. Skechers Women’s Bobs, Skipper – Beach Camp Slip-On

What makes it cool: Heather jersey upper. It is just something you don’t see every day, makes them feel downright cozy.

Who is it best for?: Women looking for everyday shoes that are comfy and nondescript. Ideal for the home or quick errands.

Price Range ($, $$ or $$$): $

Mini-Review of Shoe: This hybrid between Keds’ Champion and Sperry’s boating shoe has a synthetic speckled sole and contrasting laces. 

Pros: 

  • Washable
  • Stretch inserts on collar
  • Easily adapt after first uses
  • Very lightweight

Cons:

  • No arch support
  • Run a little large

Also available from Skechers.

Read: Keds vs. Toms: Which Relaxed Shoe Brand Wins?

#6. Roxy Women’s Sheilahh Slip-on Platform Sneaker Shoe

What makes it cool: The striped print in soft summer colors and the rivets on the side of the canvas upper. Makes me itch for a picnic or an afternoon at the beach.

Who is it best for?: Summer camps bound girls, anyone bound for a summer resort, or casual strolling downtown!

Price Range ($, $$ or $$$): $ (they are actually regularly super on sale so it’s more like ½ $)

Mini-Review of Shoe: The classic design on these sneakers makes them look just like Keds. They are beyond stylish but with a breezy feel about them. They are very light but they require some easing into. The first time, they tend to feel a bit stiff. 

Pros: 

  • Made of canvas
  • Rubber outsole
  • Elastic under the tongue

Cons:

  • Insoles are not removable
  • They run small
  • Requires breaking in
  • Easy to clean

Also available from Roxy.

Check Out: 25 of the Best Chunky Loafers You Can Buy Right This Minute

#7. Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Women’s Madison Sneaker

What makes it cool: It is sustainably crafted, using recycled bottles to make the microsuede used for its soft linings and microsuede. Isn’t that awesome?

Who is it best for?: Streetstyle savvy girls that enjoy a minimalist shoe.

Price Range ($, $$ or $$$): $$ 

Mini-Review of Shoe: These synthetic leather Dr. Scholl’s have a textured upper that adds an elegant touch to their looks. It is a classic slip-on with elastics on the sides. It is quite a durable shoe despite it being PU.

Pros: 

  • Vegan shoes
  • Removable insoles
  • Stretchy

Cons:

  • Little arch support
  • Not for extended walks
  • Not breathable material
  • The shoes soften after a few uses

Also available from Dr. Scholl’s.

Read: Less is More: How to Embrace the 90s Minimalism Look

#8. Lacoste Women’s Jump Serve Sneakers

What makes it cool: The beyond cool Lacoste logo on the side is written like graffiti with the tiny embroidered crocodile in the middle in a black-on-white design. Tre chic!

Who is it best for?: Anyone who wants to invest in a pair of elegant, cool and classy, go-with-anything pair of canvas sneakers.  

Price Range ($, $$ or $$$): $

Mini-Review of Shoe: A vulcanized lace-up sneaker that is a departure from the tennis sneaker. The canvas upper is finished with a contrast heel piece and a striking wraparound Lacoste scribble. The inside of the tongue features a quote from René Lacoste that says: “Without style playing and winning are not enough”.

Pros: 

  • Super budget
  • Most stylish design
  • Minimal B&W

Cons:

  • Synthetic linings
  • Not super fresh
  • Iconic brand

Deep Dive:

Is Lacoste a Quality Brand? This is Our Opinion

6 Brands Like Lacoste: Minimalist, Luxury & Sporty Vibes

#9. Dr. Martens – Womens Santanita 3 Eye Shoe

What makes it cool: It’s Doc Martens but lowkey low tops! I mean, what more can I ask for? 

Who is it best for?: British-loving, loyal fans of Docs all around the world. Also, anyone that likes punk or goth-style clothing. They look superb!

Price Range ($, $$ or $$$): $$ 

Mini-Review of Shoe: A canvas upper and the typical Docs rubber sole make this a sturdy sneaker with grooved sides, yellow sidewall thread, and a scripted heel-loop. All trademark points of the brand. It is also very comfortable thanks to its Softwair memory foam insole. 

Pros: 

  • Cemented sole construction
  • True Docs rubber sole
  • Softwair memory foam

Cons:

  • Not as light as Keds
  • Looks like Docs and Keds had a baby

Also available from Dr. Martens.

Read: Doc Martens: Off-Duty-Model Look Style Guide

#10. Lugz Women’s Ally Classic Canvas Low Top Fashion Sneaker

What makes it cool: The delightful pastel lavender shade that resembles cotton candy (and its other appetizing colors!) makes this footwear brand stand out. 

Who is it best for?: Preppy girls that want to dress up in Legally Blond color-coordinated attires in pastel shades. Kidding, they totally blend amazingly well with all shades of denim, so go for it!

Price Range ($, $$ or $$$):

Mini-Review of Shoe: A great budget option that is guaranteed to complete any number of outfits for you and add a dash of color to the most boring ensemble. These rubber-soled, canvas-upper sneakers also have a vulcanized rubber outsole and a cushioned insole. 

Pros: 

  • It’s lavender!
  • Vulcanized outsoles are super durable
  • True to size

Cons:

  • Padded collar
  • High shaft
  • Not waterproof
  • Sturdy built

Read Next: Get Your Fix with these Nineties Kicks: 9 Iconic 90’s Sneakers

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Lorena Lombardo
Lorena Lombardo is a fashion designer specialized in trend forecasting and fashion journalism. She studied at the UAL (University of London), ORT (Universidad ORT Uruguay), and taken various courses about traditional craftsmanship while living in Tokyo. Some of her favorite memories during the 90s include wearing bucket hats and trying to copy Rachel’s hairstyle. Her absolute favorite show was Buffy: the Vampire Slayer but she was also a huge fan of Clueless because of its amazing fashion choices. Her top track of the decade is currently disputed between How soon is Now? by the Smiths and Here with me by Dido. Both also happen to be the opening songs for two great 90s shows: Charmed and Roswell. Coincidence? I think not!