PRO-Keds pioneered the performance basketball shoe as we know it. It all started in 1949 with the introduction of the Royal Lo, which immediately established a new standard for athletic footwear. Worn and endorsed by the basketball greats of the day, PRO-Keds became established as the professional basketball shoe of choice. Later on, a high-top version, the Royal Hi, hit the scene and was just as much of a hit as it’s low-top brother.