Pro-Keds

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Stride-Rite Inc.
Type Private corporation
Founded 1949
Headquarters New York City, New York, USA
Key people Tom Slosberg , VP Sales
David Butler Distributor Damon Dash, Representative
Tom Nastos, Manufacturer/Distributor
Industry Footwear
Products Athletic shoes, accessories
Website http://www.prokeds.com/

In the 1960s and 1970s, Keds introduced a line of athletic shoes called Pro-Keds, which were intended for more serious use, specifically for basketball. Over the years many basketball players and teams wore Pro-Keds shoes while playing. The first Pro Keds product was the Classic Royal.

Pro-Keds had become synonymous with some of the biggest names in basketball history and professional sports, and attained cult status as the first real sneaker with style among New York City's hip-hop community. Some of basketball's biggest names wore Pro-Keds on and off the court, including Nate Archibald,[1] Kareem Abdul Jabar and Pete Maravich. [2]

Pro-Keds re-issued the classic Royal Canvas, the Court King and the historic Royal Master basketball shoe. After a dormant period of over twenty years, the Stride-Rite corporation entered a joint venture with manufacturer and distributor Tom Nastos and hip hop entrepreneur Damon Dash [3]. In the past three years the company has been revitalized and is now producing several new styles, including the "142nd" and "Royal Court." [4]

In 2005, PRO-Keds reentered the footwear market via Damon Dash Enterprises by reissuing a series of “old-school” favorites including the Royal Canvas, Court King and the Royal Master basketball shoe. Under the leadership of Damon Dash, CEO of Damon Dash Enterprises, the brand continues to stay rooted in its heritage with its classic styles while reinvigorating the footwear category with designs that capture today’s popular culture trends. Recording artists such as Swizz Beatz, Sizzla and Bun B, among others, have all joined PRO-Keds to design their own signature sneakers. The PRO-Keds collection for women and kids are also being developed with the same design-driven focus. In addition to innovative attributes such as scented sneakers (coconut, lifesavers flavor and watermelon) PRO-Keds continues to drive the leading edge by incorporating fresh and unique designs in its athletic footwear. Currently, the brand is developing lines with today’s most sought-after contemporary artists for a limited edition series of sneakers. Dash’s vision for PRO-Keds includes utilizing the brand to positively impact the community. Specifically Dash fulfills his goal to give back to his hometown Harlem, New York by funding Kingdome the oldest community basketball tournament in Harlem and providing PRO-Keds apparel and footwear for all the athletes, referees and coaches. With All-Star games between tournaments, this highly anticipated tournament is attended by high-profile athletes and celebrities alike. Due to its popularity, the tournament is currently branching out to additional cities such as Philadelphia and Chicago.

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