What Was the First Sneaker Brand?
Last Updated Mar 30, 2020 1:24:19 PM ET
Converse and Keds are the two earliest noted and still extant sneaker brands; Converse created rubber soled athletic shoes in 1908, 8 years before Keds made its debut in 1916. However, according to a 2010 article from 'The New York Times,' there is evidence that rubber soled athletic shoes existed as early as the 1830s, though they may not have been mass manufactured under a single brand name.
Though rubber-soled shoes may have existed before Keds came on the scene, that company claims to have coined the term 'sneaker' to refer to soft, rubber-soled shoes that could allow the wearer to sneak up on people without being heard. From this perspective, it could be said that Keds is the first official sneaker brand.
More From Reference
Understanding D-Day: What Is the History of the Normandy Invasion?
8 Simple Ways You Can Make Your Workplace More Inclusive for LGBTQ+ Folks
How Do Archaeologists Determine the Purpose and Meaning of Ancient Monuments?
Mythology 101: A Basic History of Zeus the Greek God
What Services Does the Clever Portal Offer Students for Distance Learning?
When Was the First Memorial Day?