Boston, 1949—Born as part of the U.S. Rubber Company, a pioneer in rubber footwear, PRO-KEDS was created to power the demands of a new generation of athletes.

Our iconic sneakers quickly became legendary, worn by some of the greatest athletes of all time: Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar, Pete Maravich, Magic Johnson, and a young Michael Jordan. PRO‑Keds shoes powered five NBA titles for the Minneapolis Lakers (later the L.A. Lakers), an NFL championship for the New York Jets, and Grand Slam moments for tennis star Manolo Santana.

In the 1970s, PRO‑KEDS stepped off the courts and into the streets of New York City, where a new culture rose from concrete and rhythm. Our designs became a symbol of streetwear and unfiltered self‑expression, and a must‑have for the emerging hip‑hop movement.

Nearly 80 years later, PRO‑KEDS is back. Through triumphs and setbacks, we have carried forward the same mindset—being a PRO is not about sports; it is about living with commitment and purpose, no matter the spotlight. Whether on courts or streets, PRO‑KEDS honors those who chase their passions with the drive of great athletes. Our story continues…