Tag / greats

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The GREATS Royale 2.0 Are Some of the Best Leather Sneakers for Men to Buy Now – Bet On It

If you’ve been keeping up with the thoughtfully curated pages of this Brooklyn style blog, perhaps you’ve noticed that we’re all about lacing up some of the best sneakers for summer these days. They’re a crucial component of any guy’s footwear rotation, ready for looks that are both casual & laidback as well slightly more crisp and business casual — if you secure the right pair of the best sneakers for men, that is.

And given my time in Brooklyn across the past dozen or so years, it’s only fitting that it’s a New York City brand (Brooklyn’s own GREATS!) that should catch your eye for the first time — or as a repeat customer.

Find out more and shop sneakers now at GREATS

The men’s and women’s sneaker and shoe company is one of the more buzzed-about affordable men’s sneaker brands across the past decade-plus, and a brand that’s doing things better than ever with the evolution of the GREATS Royale 2.0.

Of course, if you’ve kept up with the blog, you know GREATS has a knack for expertly crafting styles both on-trend and more classic, like the court sneaker style cues of the original GREATS Royale. And yet, better fabrication and construction makes all the difference, to the tune of more than 300,000-plus pairs of the GREATS Royale sold (yes, it’s true!).

The company even goes so far as to call one of its flagship models “the epitome of effortless cool,” and that’s a hard seniment to argue with — these are fresh and minimal while also proving eye-catching and stylish in their way, especially in a sleek shade of all-white premium leather.

And with handmade craftsmanship hailing from Portugal, it’s certainly worth noting that the GREATS Royale 2.0 are as much of a steal as the original style. But wait, there’s more! In fact, some pairs of the GREATS Royale 2.0 are marked down by as much as 40 percent right now at the company, these fresh kicks could change the way you get dressed this summer.

You can find the GREATS Royale 2.0 in 14 classic and limited-edition color combinations (try the Burnished Cuoio shade or Navy for a look that’s both dressy and on-trend), and each pair is outfitted with the same signature GREATS outsole plus tack stitching for contrast and durability.

Shop the GREATS Royale 2.0 and more now

The GREATS Royale 2.0 are also built with a leather-lined removable footbed designed to mold to your foot and offer support and cushioning over time — that’s critical no matter whether you wear your new favorite sneakers with stretch chino shorts and a pocket tee, or with a light blue chambray shirt and olive linen trousers for a high-low mash-up of business casual style.

The next time the occasion calls for you to lace up a pair of fresh kicks, you’ve got an ace up your sleeve with the GREATS Royale 2.0 — they’re back and better than ever.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The GREATS Reign Sneakers are Some of the Best White Sneakers to Buy This Summer

Just when you thought you had your rotation of the best white sneakers for men all sorted out, another option enters the fray to convince you that yes, your search for a pair of the best sneakers for men isn’t quite finished. At least, that’s the case in my experience as we continue to consider all manner of stylish men’s summer footwear here on this Brooklyn style blog.

From boat shoes to suede chukka boots to, yes, the GREATS Reign Sneakers seen above, a guy’s footwear assortment needs just enough variety and versatility all summer long.

Find out more now at GREATS

Of course, this you well know if you keep up with the pages of this site. And if you’ve grown tired of wearing canvas sneakers — at least from time to time — and want a pair of fresh kicks with a dash more refinement (yes, refinement!) and crisp looks, then allow me to introduce you (or reintroduce you) to Brooklyn-based GREATS.

The online upstart is a longtime footwear favorite of mine when it comes to crafting the best sneakers for men at fair prices using ultra-premium materials. GREATS branding on the heel of most pairs of GREATS men’s sneakers finishes them off in eye-catching yet subtle fashion, for good measure.

The brand has made waves over the years for making what you might call designer sneakers, yet at supremely low prices compared to more expensive luxury sneaker brands (lookin’ at you, Common Projects). My GREATS reviews over the years have also found that the brand prizes comfort as much as style, another benefit to adding a sharp pair like the GREATS Reign Sneakers to your style rotation.

They share much in common with the iconic and better-known GREATS Royale and GREATS Royale 2.0 Sneakers, which take a classic court sneaker design and elevate it with materials like a premium Italian leather upper and lining, plus a natural rubber margom outsole for rebound and cushioning.

Find out more and shop sneakers at GREATS

The GREATS Reign Sneakers are handcrafted in Portugal and finished with details like a luxe, soft leather lining — the kind that molds to your foot over time and features anti-microbial properties, to boot. Waxed cotton laces give the stylish white leather sneakers for men an added dash of elegance, at least slightly.

Another pair of GREATS for your consideration: Sleek, lightweight sneakers to wear this summer.

I’ve worn GREATS sneakers for years, and if I were you, I’d take the GREATS Reign Sneakers for a spin with everything from rolled light wash denim and a printed short-sleeve buttondown to olive chinos and a blue chambray shirt on casual Friday.

The GREATS Reign Sneakers are among an indispensable crop of dressed-up or dressed-down white leather sneakers to add to your rotation, and not a moment too soon as we keep rolling through the high heat of summer.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: These Retro Runner Sneakers from GREATS Are Now 50 Percent Off (Seriously)

You might be of the mind that you’ve exhausted all your options when it comes to finding a pair of the best sneakers for men to buy in 2025 and 2026, but I’m here to tell you that’s certainly not the case with today’s standout deal. And in fact, you’re able to get an ideal mix of quality and style from GREATS, the Brooklyn-based sneaker upstart with a standout history of hitting the mark on both fronts.

GREATS men's sneakers review.

Better still is today’s deal: A chance to secure a pair of retro-style men’s sneakers at a real double whammy of a price. The GREATS Greenpoint Runners build off the New York City brand’s penchant for iconic styles made with durable materials — all the while in on-trend silhouettes. And better still is the deal you’re getting on these crisp, classic sneakers: Try ’em on for 50 percent off via the GREATS Outlet now.

Learn more now at GREATS

I’ve been a fan of GREATS for close to a decade now, be it trying out timeless sneakers for early fall or looking back on one of my very first GREATS sneaker reviews years ago. Thankfully, the GREATS Greenpoint Runners harken back to the brand’s early days in terms of consistent quality, classic-yet-modern style and a cool-as-can-be silhouette.

And at under $100, the GREATS Greenpoint Runners are some of the most affordable designer-quality sneakers on the market, made with premium leather, soft suede and durable nylon for good measure. This particular colorway pairs with anything in your wardrobe — from light wash denim now to tobacco-hued chinos in early fall — and again, you can’t beat some of the best sneakers for men at 50 percent off.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Save Nearly 30 Percent on these Timeless GREATS Sneakers for Early Fall

GREATS sneakers review 2023.

Now, my friends, I know what you very well might be thinking on this fine early fall Sunday. Isn’t it just about time to lace up some of the best men’s boots? Well, yes… and no. Balmy temperatures are sticking around, at least in my area of Brooklyn, for just a bit longer, and that means that it very well might be advantageous to snag a pair of the best men’s sneakers while they’re still on sale.

I’m not quite talking about an overly flashy pair, though — I’m talking about a certified classic that’s making a comeback, like the retro-style runner sneakers seen here from Brooklyn’s own GREATS Brand.

Learn more now at GREATS

The NYC sneaker startup, a longtime favorite of mine here on the blog, specializes in subtly stylish sneakers, from the runner style seen here, right on through to low-top tennis-style lace-ups, classic basketball high-tops and even sporty slip-ons and sleek loafers.

They’re truly a footwear player across nearly every category these days, and the GREATS McCarren Runners are a classic for that reason. They’re crafted from designer-level materials at a price that’s certainly lower than many designer names, and that’s why they’re up for grabs in today’s Sunday Sale.

Learn more and shop GREATS now

Score them right now for nearly 30 percent off, then wear them with everything from rolled dark blue jeans to classic chinos and a shawl cardigan in the weeks ahead.

Beyond that, know that these stylish GREATS sneakers (which blend two types of leather accents with a tread outsole) will still be plenty good-looking call next spring. You can’t ask for much more than that with a pair of the best on-sale sneakers for men, and that’s what it’s all about today.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Get 50% Off the Best Men’s Sneakers & More at GREATS

Best affordable sneakers for men.

Let’s talk sneakers on this fine Sunday, shall we? In fact, let’s do more than that: Let’s dive into how to shop one of the best early Black Friday deals from GREATS right now, one of the best sneaker brands for men and a company that’s been making waves in Brooklyn with stylish men’s sneakers for about a decade now. Hopefully, you recognize the fan-favorite brand for its ability to sell the best affordable high-top sneakers and other winter-friendly kicks, like the most rugged men’s boots, but let’s talk about the savings available right now at GREATS on essentials like the stylish GREATS Royale Sneakers.

Of course, those classic men’s leather sneakers are just one of the pairs you can get seriously discounted right now: In fact, you can save 50 percent off select styles at GREATS for a limited time. That includes everything from the best men’s sneakers to functional sneakerboots and even cozy winter slippers in select sizes and colors. Sounds too good to be true, right? You better believe it, though.

Best leather sneakers for men.

As incredible as it might seem, these savings on the best sneakers for men from GREATS are the real deal, and that goes for extremely popular models like the GREATS Royale Sneakers, too. The GREATS Royale Sneakers are a fan favorite for a plethora of reasons, from the use of fine leather and to the fact that they’re made in Italy, yet served up at an extremely agreeable price. And yes, here’s another reminder that picks like the handsome GREATS Royale Sneakers are now 50 percent off for a limited time at GREATS. In my humble opinion, that makes them a worthy addition to your sneaker collection right now.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Shop & Save on the GREATS Wooster Mid, the Best Men’s High-Top Sneakers Right Now

Best men's high-top sneakers

We talk often here at the ole Style Guide about taking advantage of any opportunity to shop the best men’s style essentials on sale, and when the style essential in question happens to be some of the best men’s high-top sneakers, it’s all the better to save a few hard-earned bucks. In fact, when the brand making those sneakers is Brooklyn-based GREATS — a longtime favorite of your Brooklyn author — then things only get even better.

Satchel and Page

Perhaps you recognize GREATS from making standout product picks like some of the best hybrid sneaker boots, and today’s equally outstanding pair is just as stylish and versatile. For starters, you can get the GREATS Wooster Mid in a crisp Blanco leather upper and gum rubber outsole for a whopping 50 percent off. Yes, that’s right: These sneakers are marked down below $70, and it doesn’t hurt that they’re some of the best sneakers for men to buy now and wear into early fall.

Sure, the GREATS Wooster Mid are a heck of a deal to shop right now, but that doesn’t mean the brand cut corners on quality — they used a vulcanized rubber outsole with a sturdy reinforced toe design and a treaded pattern for traction as you move through stylish city streets. The tongue boasts exposed foam for a neat deconstructed touch, while the overall design of the GREATS Wooster Mid is modeled after old-school high-top sneakers.

Part tailored jacket, part sweater, all versatility.

The GREATS Wooster Mid are the kind of kicks you can dress up or down — try them with your favorite light wash jeans and a pocket tee this summer, then swap the T-shirt out for a rugged henley and a waxed trucker jacket come fall. The combination of gum rubber and a clean, crisp white is a seriously cool style touch that wears well with colorways like olive, navy, tan… you name it, and you can rock the GREATS Wooster Mid with that ensemble. For now, these stylish high-top sneakers are an outstanding 50 percent off at GREATS – do yourself a major favor and shop accordingly today.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Save More Than 30 Percent on these Hybrid Sneaker Boots at GREATS Today

Summer is certainly a prime time for stepping back into the best sneakers for men, especially from an illustrious sneaker producer like Brooklyn’s own GREATS. The company is already well-known for making the famed, highly affordable GREATS Royale Sneakers, but today’s Sunday Sale offers up another deal that’s nearly too good to pass up: The GREATS Wythe Chukka Boots are now more than 30 percent off via the GREATS Sale section, a nice chance to snag some lightweight hybrid sneakers for a solid price (just a shade under $120).

Learn more at GREATS

To be sure, you can get 15 percent off your first order at GREATS with the code BROOKLYN15, but this is an even better way to ensure you’re stocking up and saving on some go-anywhere chukka sneakers. The GREATS Wythe Chukka Boots feature everything you know and love about GREATS sneakers, including responsibly sourced and produced leather, plus a sustainably made footbed featuring repurposed algae fiber.

Yes, that’s right: The GREATS Wythe Chukka Boots will offer up both comfort and eco-conscious design for more than 30 percent off. Plus, the profile on the GREATS Wythe Chukka Boots is versatile enough to wear with your favorite cotton shorts or with rolled light wash denim in equal measure. Long story short: Shop and save now with the GREATS Wythe Chukka Boots. Cheers, my friens.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Head to GREATS To Save 30 Percent on the Best Hiking Boots for Men

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It’s rare at this point in the season to be able to find a deal on some of the best hiking boots for men, let alone the best winter boots, right? And yet, that’s what you’re getting in today’s Sunday Sale via the exceptional GREATS Wooster Hikers, a pair of durable and tough-as-can be hybrid boots for men that just so happen to be on sale right now for 30 percent off at GREATS. Why turn to a brand like Brooklyn-based GREATS for some of the best boots for men, when in fact the brand is more commonly known for making stylish high-top sneakers and some of the best shoes for spring and summer? Well, that’s a perfectly good reason in fact, which is what makes the GREATS Wooster Hikers some of the most efficient, affordable boots to buy right now in the throes of winter.

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Yes indeed, the technology put into the GREATS Wooster Hikers is every bit as exceptional as the way the brand builds its more traditional sneakers, which makes them more than worthy of your hard-earned cash. This is a deal that won’t be around for very long, so I’m keeping it brief today, but know that the GREATS Wooster Hikers feature both a premium footbed and a springy, comfortable vulcanized outsole with a GREATS tread pattern, plus classic speed-lacing design and durable construction. Now, note that the GREATS Wooster Hikers aren’t quite as overbuilt as your favorite pair of snow boots, so save them for more casual, crisp winter days than major blizzards. That being said, they’re a perfect pair of sneaker boots to wear with slim jeans, a thermal henley and a bomber jacket on casual days aplenty. And yes, last but not least, the GREATS Wooster Hikers are a great value at just $119 (compared to $169). That’s 30 percent off your new favorite hiking boots. Shop ’em while they’re still around.

Shop the GREATS Wooster Hikers now

Winter style just got even easier
by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Weekend Getaway Bag, New Spring Jeans & The World’s Oldest Whiskey

We’re through another spring week and we’re drawing closer, ever-so-slightly closer, to the days of summer travel. Right off the bat, get on out there and enjoy Mother’s Day (safely!) — more on that in a moment. I’m feeling a mixture of excitement and some trepidation, but mark my words when I say I know how I’m going to hit the road: In style, of course. If this whole road trip thing feels unfamiliar, it’s best to start, in my estimation, with the gear you’re bringing, like the best bag for a weekend getaway. That bag, my friends, comes from Herschel Supply Co. and is available right now for under $100 in an array of new, seasonally friendly colors. It’s the Herschel Novel Duffle, which I talked about here as being the best bag for winter road trips.

Well, guess what — it’s ready for spring and summer, too. It looks great, it performs spectacularly and it’s got 33 liters of carrying capacity. Call it the best weekender bag on the market, if you please, but make sure it ends up in your shopping cart to start this weekend. Now that you’ve crossed one item off your to-do list, let’s roll onward with the Friday Read.

As for me, well, I’m staying plenty busy on the road myself this weekend. My time in Florida is nearing an end, but I’ve loved the sun, the sand, the local craft beer from Point Ybel Brewing and the chance to safely catch up with family. I’ve still got plenty in the works on the writing front, including my ongoing, twice-weekly stories at Jacob Graye (more on that in a second), plus my latest and greatest for The Manual — in addition to this blog and my music-menswear-craft beer newsletter (be sure to hit Subscribe!). What’s on your weekend to-do list? Any great weekend starts, in my mind, with the coolest gear on the planet. Prepare accordingly right now.

  • Before we go too deep into, say, the best new sneakers to pair with your getaway bag, let’s talk about the best light wash jeans to bring on that weekend trip. Nudie Jeans makes styles like the Nudie Jeans Lean Dean, a classic slim-straight fit, with plenty of quality top of mind.  The tapered leg, light wash and organic cotton construction all make them worthy of the top slot to lead into the rest of today’s Friday Read.

  • I talked on the blog last week about the best new sneakers to buy from GREATS, so consider this yet another reminder that the time is here to stock up on even more of your new favorite sneakers for spring and summer. To get to the point: The GREATS Royale Eco Mesh Sneakers are lightweight, they’re sustainable, they’re easy to wear with tailored shorts or olive chinos, or light wash jeans for men from Nudie, and they’re easy on your pocketbook, too. Go on, get the best new sneakers for men ASAP. Oh, and remember that you can get 15 percent off your first order with the code BROOKLYN15.
    • Speaking of GREATS, you should know that the brand is also offering a last-second Mother’s Day promo — you can get 20 percent off orders of $75 or more with the code MOMSDAY. Talk about a perfect gift for the mom who loves sneakers, ehh?
  • As mentioned in the headline, well, I know at least one place you can go to read about the world’s oldest whiskey. Yes, that’s right: The oldest whiskey in the world in fact hails from down South in Georgia, and you can read all about the full scoop in my latest dispatch for Maxim.com. How cool is that news?? Very cool, indeed. Cheers to that.
  • Here’s another fun dispatch for you from my neck of the woods. Over at the recently revamped lifestyle site Jacob Graye, I wrote about the best beard care products for men, no matter how long or short your mane happens to be. Give it a read and try some of those stellar products out for yourself.

Let’s wrap things up for the weekend (for now) with one last dispatch for your Friday enjoyment. Battling spring rain and wind is a never-ending task based on where you live (looking at you, my friends in the Pacific Northwest), so might as well get a jacket that can match every challenge. Click on through to this blog post to read all about the best jacket for spring rain from Eddie Bauer, in fact. Stay dry, stay stylish and let’s get out there this season.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These GREATS Royale Sneakers Are the Best Spring and Summer Shoes

Folks, let’s get one thing straight right now. For spring and summer, starting right now, you need a pair of the best men’s sneakers, and you need to shop with style and sustainability in mind — that’s where the GREATS Royale in Eco Leather comes into play, and they’re going to change your sneaker rotation as you know it. My appreciation for the GREATS Royale Sneakers dates back years (just check out this 2016 blog post, for starters), and if you know the Brooklyn-based brand, you’re aware that they get the job done when it comes to affordable, premium sneakers for men. It helps that this pair is very eco-friendly, but more on that in a second. The affordability factor is crucial, and that’s because GREATS works with factories that can offer quality product at prices that are far less than some luxury sneakers. That also means the GREATS Royale in Eco Leather retail for just $169, and when you see what you’re getting, that’s a downright steal of a price.

Mack Weldon

And when it comes to the GREATS Royale in Eco Leather, your sneaker rotation is all the better for it. But before we go any further, know that you can get 15 percent off your first order with the code BROOKLYN15 — what better way to dive into a new sneaker brand and your new favorite pair of sneakers, ehh?? Oh, and helpfully, GREATS offers free shipping and free returns on every order. Not bad at all, my friends. But back to the GREATS Royale in Eco Leather, yes?

SHOP: The GREATS Royale in Eco Leather

The leather is what really makes the difference here, and it’s got plenty of technical innovation built right in. GREATS says that these sneakers are made with “sustainably engineered recycled leather,” and in this instance, that means they’re made from 70 percent recycled fibers and leather — how’s that for your new favorite pair of sneakers, right? As to what that means for you, the GREATS Royale in Eco Leather are remarkably lightweight and yet durable (try 40 percent lighter than other pairs of sneakers). Plus, the footbed is made from proprietary Bloom algae foam for a springy feel and sustainable construction, while the custom outsole is also made with recycled rubber. Yes indeed, the GREATS Royale in Eco Leather have plenty going for them when it comes to innovation and eco-friendly design. Last but not least, they’re also lined in soft leather for a comfortable fit and feel.

Timex US/CAN

Of course, they’re also highly stylish and crisp, the perfect sneakers to pair with everything from olive chinos and a navy polo to light wash jeans and a fresh white T-shirt. That’s just a start, though. The GREATS Royale in Eco Leather, with their low-profile design and classic court shoe look, are as versatile as it gets. Take ’em for a spin as often as you please, and know that you can feel great about wearing them.

SHOP: The GREATS Royale in Eco Leather