Keds Champion
Keds, which launched its first sneaker in 1916, has joined forces with Barneys New York and Loomstate to create a new green sneaker which will also come in recycled/repurposed shoeboxes.
Already moving forward with their own Green Label line, Keds recently implemented 100% organic cottons for their shoes along with non-toxic inks and dyes, 20% recycled rubber insoles and shoelaces from recycled plastic water bottles.
Based on Keds tried-and-true “Champion” sneaker, the new merge plans on designing five prints that have 100 percent organic uppers and linings, nickel-free eyelets and 100 percent recycled insoles. Additional triple bottom line efforts include donating proceeds from all shoe sales to The Organic Exchange, which aims to expand organic agriculture.
Stylish sneakers were certainly not made a fashion staple by Michelle Obama, but the Keds/Barneys/Loomstate line might be inspired by the first lady who was recently spotted volunteering with Jill Biden at a Washington, D.C. food bank in a plum and silver-laced pair made by the high-end French design house Lanvin. (The $540 pair of shoes are sold in select Barneys.)
The new green sneakers from the Keds, Loomstate and Barneys union will kindly retail for $75 per pair and will be at select Barneys locations and online this month.
A nicer price point for those of us not living in the White House.