Progress comes in so many forms. It doesn’t look the same for any two people, and it certainly isn’t linear. Progress is about taking lessons from our past and moving forward. In fact, looking back at our history is what inspired us to (re)create this handbook.

The Keds Hand-book for Women is a modernization of The Keds Hand-book for Girls series published in the early 1910s-20s. But instead of offering up advice on how to fish or play basketball, we’re giving women the chance to tell their own stories in their own words to show the world that there is no “one” or “right” way to be. It’s not just a handbook—it’s a movement and a platform to encourage women to be their true selves, whatever that means to them. Something Keds has stood for over 100 years. 

This autumn 2020 issue is our second edition, and it’s all about the theme of progress, whatever that means. To us, progress is about pushing our brand to be better. But not just to be better at design innovation; we want to be better to our consumers, to be better in terms of diversity and who we hire, how we treat each other in times of crisis as we have been in this past year and be better to our planet. But enough about us, this handbook is about showcasing badass women who are working tirelessly to push for progress for womankind in all different areas from politics to prosthetics, boardrooms to bars, comedy clubs to craft fairs. We hope these stories inspire you to make progress, #whateverthatmeans to you, and that you share your progress journey with those around you. Being open about your ups-and-downs will undoubtedly inspire others and can offer a roadmap for others who may not know where to begin.