About Pro Keds

Pro-Keds stepped onto the court in 1949: an American sneaker line by U.S. Rubber, positioned as a performance-focused division alongside Keds to challenge the standard-setting Converse of the time. The shoes are all about sport: athletic sneakers with basketball at their roots. The original model, the Royal, was designed specifically for basketball players and backed by George Mikan. In 1953, the Minneapolis Lakers roster was outfitted in Pro-Keds, and NBA stars such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar later wore the brand. That gives the line serious court credibility, shaped into clean, purposeful models that point back to the gym floor. On Solezilla, compare that history with today’s deals: see instantly which shops carry your size for each pair and which price best fits your budget.

Frequently asked questions about Pro Keds

What exactly is Pro-Keds?

Pro-Keds is an American sneaker brand introduced in 1949 by U.S. Rubber as Keds’ performance offshoot. It was launched as an athletic sneaker line to compete with Converse.

Which Pro-Keds shoe is the best known?

The Royal. This original basketball model was designed specifically for players and endorsed by George Mikan; in 1953, the Minneapolis Lakers roster wore Pro-Keds, and NBA stars such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar later wore the brand.

How does Pro-Keds fit?

Generally true to size. To be sure, check the retailer’s size chart for the pair you want to buy.

How can I quickly find the best deal on Pro-Keds?

Prices vary by retailer and size. On Solezilla, you can immediately see which stores have your size in stock for each model and how much you’ll pay, so you can choose the best option.