As a Lindy Hopper, it’s pretty mandatory that you have at least one pair of Keds in your collection for dancing. They are comfortable, last for a long time and come in cool colours and now super cool designs. BUT did you know that Keds had a division that started in the 1930’s that were strictly for women called “Kedettes“? They did! and the line was stylish, really beautiful and with its shock-absorbing sole also comfortable (Keds history)!
Take a look at the following selection of vintage ads for Kedettes and start imagining how cute you would have looked on the dance floor with them on!
Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
“Kedettes”-Keds Stylish Women’s Shoe Division
The Vintage Advertising
Love this dancing Kedette ad from the 1930s.
1940s vintage ad for women’s shoes perfect for summer time fun! I will take the Green one’s, the Yellow ones, brown ones…..
1950s vintage ad: “Say Saludos when you buy your next pair of new Kedettes”.
I just loved the colours AND styles in this 1950s ad and had to add it to the collection of pics.
All of these 1940’s Kedettes would be perfect in my closet, every single one.
1940s for Kedettes Wedges that are perfect for Spring and Summer.
Source: Etsy
I may be tall but I’m a sucker for a wedge and these wedges don’t seem to be too tall for little old me and they are so beautiful as well. 1940s ad.
1940’s Kedettes are simply gorgeous and I have at least 10 dresses that would look perfect with them 🙂
Would you like to own a pair of Kedettes? Here are some examples of what was on sale on the web at time of posting (head over to Etsy to do a search for more updated finds)
1950s / 1960s Kedettes in red, white and blue slip on. So cute! (Avail as of Nov 2023).
Source: Etsy – BombyxVintage
Vintage 1950s Kedettes yellow ballerina flat slipper shoes. A beautiful pair of 1950s flat shoes made of bright yellow woven cotton fabric with a yellow cord loop on top.
Source: Etsy
1940s 1950s Summerettes Kedettes canvas shoes lace-up sandals in blue and off-white.
Source: Etsy
Original Vintage 1940s /1950s Red Canvas Strappy Kedettes Summerettes Wedges Sandals.
Source: Etsy
There you have it, Keds was not always a brand for just running shoes. Now I don’t know about you but I think I might run off to ebay/etsy and see if any still exist in this world that I can drool over.
FURTHER READING:
- Vintage Fashion: ‘Keds’ Turn 100
- Vintage Fashion 1920s-1960s (Archived Blog Posts)
Liz 🙂
Awesome post! Would you believe it, I’ve never owned a pair of real Keds? I had a few similar pairs of shoes as a youngster, but nary a pair of genuine Keds. I don’t believe any of our local shoe stores sell them, but they’re on my shopping wish list for the next time I find myself in a big city, as it’s high time I remedied that (I have hard to fit feet, so I rarely buy shoes online any more – too many rough experiences – which is why I’d want to try them on in person first). These fabulous vintage ads will definitely be in my mind when I go hunting for a pair someday.
♥ Jessica
I’m going to petition Keds to bring back vintage styled Kedettes lol 🙂 when you get to the “big city” the Bay had a wonderful collection of Keds at least Toronto did so I would imagine that most Bay’s would. Good luck!
Reblogged this on vintagemouse.com and commented:
So cool I need some NOW.
They were truly machine washable! They would not fall apart when thrown in the washing machine! They’d make a helluva lot of noise when thrown in the dryer. Kitties would scatter in all directions!
lol! I have this vision of cats running for the hills now 🙂 That is always the sign of a good shoe, one that can be washed..easily.