PRO-Keds Breathe New Life…And What A Life It Is!!!

Back in 2005, when we learned that Dame Dash of Rocawear fame was entering the shoe game via PRO-Keds we were interested. After all, this is the man rumoured to wear a new pair of kicks everyday.

We figured he would have a impact on the brand by bringing his urban appeal to the shoes. We were also a bit leery, wondering if the opportunity would be used to plaster his moniker all over every shoe.

Two years later we are pleased that this is not the case. Instead Mr. Dash has brought the brand back to life and better than ever. The range of styles offered is impressive and left us wanting many, if not all of the collection.

The styles offered stay true to the PRO-Keds heritage. There are classic styles, including such favorites as the Royal Canvas, Court King and the Royal Master basketball shoe.

But there are also designs capturing today’s pop trends. In particular, one shoe has the images of Wonder Bread mixed with the all-over-print trend to produce an eye-popping pleasure.

The brand is hopping on the guest-designer bandwagon, developing lines with today’s most sought-after contemporary artists for limited edition series.

Mr. Dash has also brought new levels of innovation to the industry. The brand has introduced concepts such as scented sneakers (coconut, lifesavers flavor and watermelon). Seriously, who thinks of this?

The website is well-designed. One could easily kill time at work getting lost in the styles presented on the website. Through the ’shoe definition’ section you can learn about their classics styles and the differences.

The retro mixed with new idea is also brought forth on the website which plays classic, old-school hip-hop artists. We didn’t hear one song twice. Better yet, do as we did and let it act as D.J. playing background music free of commercials. Seriously…it’s that good.

The range of styles is all the more appealing when one looks at the prices, which are more than reasonable, in the $50-$75 range. With styles swinging from the simple, minimalist to the in-you-face.  There is truly something for everyone. A surf through the site is encouraged, even by those not considered in the “urban” market.

PRO-Keds [website]