This Iconic Greats Sneaker That ‘Looks Great With All Sorts of Outfits’ Is Now Nearly 50% Off
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For a time, the hottest sneakers on the planet were the simplest. Styles like Adidas’ Stan Smith and Common Projects’ Achilles dominated the market on the low and high end, respectively. The trend may have cooled, but minimalist sneakers remain popular among guys who are more interested in looking put together than chasing the latest sneaker trends.
Founded a decade ago in Brooklyn, Greats earned accolades for its full-grain leather sneakers, which were a more affordable alternative to the premium pricing of brands like Common Projects. Right now, Greats’ signature sneaker, the Royale, is discounted by as much as $90. That drops the $189 price to under $100.
Greats The Royale in Cuoio Tan, $99 (was $189) at Greats 
The Royale is a low-cut style with a white rubber sole, leather upper, and matching laces. The upper is cut from full-grain leather with a soft leather lining and a cushioned footbed for all-day comfort. The outsole is made from natural rubber, while the laces are made from waxed cotton, adding durability and reducing abrasion. Aesthetically, the Royale sneakers resemble other minimalist sneakers, but a stitched panel on the sides adds subtle branding.
Not content to rest on its laurels, Greats redesigned the Royale, dubbing the new iteration the Royale 2.0. It has a more streamlined fit that places a greater emphasis on ergonomics, and the side panel was tweaked as well; the perpendicular stitching was replaced with angular stitching, and a gold-tone logo was stamped on the heel.
We were excited when we saw the Royale 2.0 go on sale last year, and now it’s even more steeply discounted. The original is available in tan leather for $99, as are several colorways of the 2.0. If you like your sneakers minimalist in styling but maximalist in color, the Greats 2.0 is on sale in pink, featuring a contrasting black side panel and a green heel panel. Other more subtle color-blocked options that are on sale include Mocha and Black-White.
Greats Royale 2.0 in Pink, $99 (was $189) at Greats 
The OG Royale is backed by over 3,000 reviews, including one shopper who called them “the ultimate minimal sneaker,” adding that they’re “super comfortable” and “look great with all sorts of outfits.” Another who owned multiple pairs wrote that they were “eyeing one more color to round out my wardrobe.”
Shoppers also gave high marks for the Royale’s comfort, with one writing that they’re “comfortable right out of the box.” Another wrote that they “love the casual yet polished look,” adding that they “feel like slippers.”
Sizes run from 7 to 15 and include half-sizes between 8.5 and 11.5. Most options are still in stock in the Cuoio tan colorway, so you’re likely to find the right size. And at $99 for these full-grain leather sneakers, it’s the right price, too.
