Greats Sneakers Review: The Low-Key Luxury Kicks You Need
Hey there, sneaker lover! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the perfect pair of kicks. Sneakers that are versatile enough for any occasion, so well-made they‘ll last for years, and look good with everything from sundresses to suits. Bonus points if they‘re eco-friendly and give back!
I know, I know – I‘m asking for a lot. But after months of researching and wearing tons of sneaker brands, I‘ve finally found The One: Greats.
In this ultimate Greats sneakers review, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about the Brooklyn-born brand, including:
- What makes Greats different from other sneaker companies
- Deep dives on best-selling styles like the Royale and Wooster
- Sizing tips and styling ideas for every Greats silhouette
- Honest thoughts on quality, comfort, customer service and more
- Why Greats‘ sustainable practices matter – and how they‘re changing the game
I‘ve also included some of my own IRL pics and feedback from other Greats enthusiasts to give you the full scoop. So whether you‘re a die-hard minimalist or a full-blown sneakerhead, I‘ve got you. Let‘s dive in!
Why Greats Sneakers Are Worth the Hype
If you‘re not familiar with Greats, here‘s the TL;DR: They‘re a direct-to-consumer sneaker brand that specializes in timeless, uber-comfy and unisex kicks. Since launching in 2014, Greats has won over everyone from GQ editors to NBA players with their laid-back luxury.
But what exactly sets Greats apart from the Nikes and Adidases of the world? I‘d say it comes down to three main things:
1. Quality craftsmanship
Unlike most sneakers, which are mass-produced in far-flung factories, each pair of Greats is made by hand in Italy. The brand works exclusively with family-owned factories and skilled artisans to ensure the highest quality.
I was lucky enough to tour Greats‘ main factory in Tuscany, and let me tell you – the attention to detail is INSANE. We‘re talking hand-stitched uppers, hand-painted edges and expert lasting (that‘s the process of molding the leather to the sole). No wonder Greats offers a 12-month warranty on manufacturing defects.
2. Sustainable, innovative materials
Greats is all about making sneakers that look great and do great things for the planet. That means sourcing eco-friendly materials like chrome-free Italian leather, natural rubber and recycled knits.
For example, the brand‘s best-selling Royale Knit is made entirely of yarn spun from single-use plastic bottles. Each pair diverts 7 bottles from landfills and oceans. So far, Greats has repurposed over 1.5 MILLION bottles and counting.
They also use things like algae-based foam in some of their insoles and recycled cotton for laces and linings. And ALL of their packaging is made with recycled and FSC-certified materials. Major props for not just talking the sustainability talk!
3. Versatile, unisex designs
Greats‘ design ethos is all about keeping it simple and tasteful. Rather than pumping out new models every week, they focus on perfecting a few key silhouettes.
The result? Sneakers that look modern but never trendy, in colorways that work with everything. I have Greats in basic white and navy as well as funkier metallics and knits. And I don‘t think I‘ve met an outfit they can‘t jive with.
Greats is also super gender-inclusive. All of their styles are sold in men‘s and women‘s sizing, which I love. None of this "shrink it and pink it" nonsense. Just great sneakers for all!
Putting Greats to the Test: Royale and Wooster Review
Okay, now that you have the basics down, let‘s talk specifics. Over the past year, I‘ve tried a bunch of Greats styles. But the two I reach for the most are definitely the Royale and the Wooster.
Royale Low-Top Leather Sneaker Review
The Royale is Greats‘ flagship style and it‘s not hard to see why. It‘s a simple, streamlined low-top that goes with pretty much every casual look. Seriously, I‘ve worn mine with jeans, joggers, jumpsuits, skirts – even a cocktail dress once!
I have the Royale in both white and tan, but it comes in a rainbow of core and seasonal colors. The leather is thick and buttery with a subtle sheen that makes it look really expensive. I‘ve had my tan pair for over a year and they‘re only getting better with age.
Let me be real, though – the Royale is not the world‘s most padded sneaker. The insole is pretty flat and there‘s not a ton of arch support. But for a fashion sneaker, it‘s super wearable. I regularly walk 3-5 miles in my Royales and my feet are never screaming by the end of the day. The leather also requires zero break-in time.
In terms of sizing, most Greats fans advise going down half a size in the Royale. They definitely run a bit roomy, especially in women‘s sizes. I‘m usually an 8.5 and I took an 8 in the Royale.
Here‘s a screenshot from the Royale product page so you can get a sense for the color range:
[Screenshots from Greats.com to illustrate women‘s and men‘s Royale colorways]The Royale retails for $179, which is definitely pricier than your average fashion sneaker. But considering the quality and the fact that they‘re handcrafted in Italy, I think it‘s more than fair. Koio‘s Capri low-top, which is a similar vibe, costs $250+.
Wooster Suede High-Top Review
Looking for a high-top with a little more oomph? Meet the Wooster. Named after NYC street style legend Nick Wooster, this sneaker is a chunkier, retro-inspired take on the court shoe.
I have the Wooster in ‘Steel Blue‘ suede with a white sole and I‘m pretty much obsessed. The suede is so rich and the hi-top silhouette makes my legs look miles long. I mostly wear my Woosters with casual stuff like slouchy trousers and band tees. But I‘ve also worn them with midi skirts and they look cute!
Compared to the Royale, the Wooster is a little heavier and more structured. The suede also requires more TLC – you have to treat it regularly to keep it from picking up stains. But it‘s a great option if you want a thicker, more retro-feeling sneaker.
Sizing-wise, the Wooster runs true to size for me. I stuck with my usual 8.5 and it fits like a dream. Here‘s a product shot so you can check out the details:
[Screenshots from Greats.com to illustrate Wooster sizing, design details]The Greats Shopping Experience
Ordering from Greats is stupid simple. Their website is well-designed and easy to navigate, with tons of detailed product shots, videos and fit tips. You can browse by style, color, size, width – even occasion. So finding your perfect pair is a breeze.
Once you place your order, Greats offers free standard shipping on all US orders over $50. In my experience, the shoes always arrive within 5 business days. They also do free returns and exchanges for 30 days, as long as your sneaks are unworn and in the OG packaging.
Greats‘ packaging is top-notch too. Each pair comes in a sleek black box made of 100% recycled materials. They also include a matching dust bag, spare laces, a sticker and a return label. A+ for presentation!
As for customer service, I‘ve had nothing but great experiences with Greats. When I had an issue with a frayed lace, they sent me a replacement pair overnight free of charge. And when I DM‘d them about a restock, they got back to me in like 5 minutes. 10/10 would recommend sliding into those DMs if you need anything!
Greats Discounts and Perks
For a luxury-ish brand, Greats is actually pretty generous with the promotions. I always see them running sales for major holidays like Memorial Day and Black Friday. You can usually score 20-30% off sitewide.
Greats also has a killer referral program. For every friend you refer, you get $25 off your next pair. Your friend also gets 15% off their first order. It‘s a win-win!
Students and teachers also get 15% off year-round with a valid .edu email address. And vets, active duty military and first responders get 20% off with ID.me verification. Love a brand that looks out for the heroes!
The Final Verdict
Welp, there you have it fam – the good, the bad and the bottom line on Greats sneakers. As you can probably tell, I‘m a fan. Like, I don‘t think I‘ve ever written a review this long about ANYTHING.
But for real, these sneakers check all my boxes. They‘re well-made, classically cool and crazy comfy. I love that they go with everything from Levi‘s to Lululemons. And the fact that they‘re sustainable and support my spending habits is just chef‘s kiss.
Of course, Greats aren‘t perfect. The break-in period on some styles can be a little long. The leather and suede require some upkeep. And at $150-$250 a pair, they‘re definitely a splurge for most people.
But if you want a pair of versatile, reliable AF sneakers that will make you look and feel like a million bucks, Greats is 1000% worth checking out. Trust me, your feet (and your fits) will thank you!
