Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

GREATS Has Your New Favorite Summer Sneakers

greats has your new favorite summer sneakers 2
Image used with permission by copyright holder
If you need a wardrobe refresh, GREATS has your new favorite summer sneakers covered. The Brooklyn-based brand has made waves in the industry for its blend of style, efficiency and affordability — not to mention a slew of clean, classic kicks, and the brand’s shown a keen eye for detail that just works.

Starting with crisp-yet-versatile silhouettes like the Royale (one of its best-sellers) and carrying through more classic staples like the Rosen (a retro-style runner), the brand offers plenty of choices for the shopper just dipping his toes into rocking sneakers on a daily basis. Even if guys are hesitant at first to trade out their leather loafers or chukka boots, GREATS co-founder Ryan Babenzien says wearing sneakers can be made easy when they’re paired with other style staples.

Greats-1
Image used with permission by copyright holder

“I think every guy should have a clean canvas, suede or leather lace-up sneaker in white,” Babenzien said via email. “You can wear it with a suit, shorts, denim or anything else for that matter. A good white sneaker is as timeless and classic as a good white  T-shirt or a good pair of jeans.”

Recommended Videos

Related: Buck Mason Has Your New Favorite Tee for Summer

GREATS has certainly built a foundation off the classic white sneaker, as the captoe Wilson sneaker is an easy-to-wear silhouette that’s developed something of a cult following. The very agreeable price tag (under $50) is partially a driving force, but the quality behind the simple shoe is an even bigger contributor to its success. The brand recommends burgeoning sneakerheads check out styles that run even lighter in weight and construction, though.

Particularly in the summer months, Babenzien thinks “knit uppers will continue” to be a popular trend, citing the brand’s comfortable G-Knit sneaker as a prime example.

The brand is also developing an Italian knit upper to complement its other releases — such as its recent collaboration with streetwear brand Noah,a label launched by Babenzien’s brother Brendon (formerly of Supreme).

The GREATS x Noah collab is an update itself of the GREATS Royale Chukka, an extremely wearable style that blurs the boundaries between a sneaker you can wear with a T-shirt and a sneaker you can wear with a blazer and dark denim.

Greats-3
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Styles like the GREATS Pronto also play off the brand’s affinity for making sneakers that transition from style scenario to style scenario — the Pronto is one silhouette that you can style with a chambray blazer when it’s hot, and with wool trousers and a crewneck sweater in the fall. Of course, the perils of weather can be an issue no matter the time of year. That’s another tricky obstacle for sneaker fans — how exactly to care for your kicks?

“Leather is fairly easy to care for — mild soap and water will do the trick,” Ryan Babenzien said. “With suede, it’s so porous, you should really spray it first with something like Crep, which will protect it. Cleaning suede is a bit more challenging — we recommend Jason Markk.”

With those care tips in mind, GREATS devotees (and new fans alike) should be able to keep their sneakers in good enough condition to withstand the wait until the brand’s next hotly anticipated release.

“We’re always thoughtful about what we develop and have a few things on the board,” Ryan Babenzien said. “All I can say is that the next style will be Italian and something you’ll wear at the pool, the beach or on your Riva boat off the Amalfi coast.”

For plenty of fans of the brand, that sounds like good news ahead.

Stay up on the latest #menswear news here.

Beau Hayhoe
Beau Hayhoe is a freelance men's style writer, consultant and PR pro based in Brooklyn. Beau's menswear and gear writing has…
What to wear to a funeral: Tips for choosing proper attire
Man in black suit

If you are reading this article, then our first words to you are, we're sorry for your loss—our condolences to you and your family. Now, having said that you are likely here because you have the unfortunate reality of attending a funeral coming up, and you are trying to navigate what you are allowed to wear and what is a no-go. While conventional wisdom tells you that you should be wearing nothing but a black suit, the world has changed a little, and there may be some ways you can maneuver around the black suit rule if you don't have time to pick one up.

Funeral attire for men has been the same for as long as we can remember, so if you have time to pick up a suit, you absolutely should. But, if not, we can help you navigate the dress code and pay your respects correctly. Starting with the first question, everyone asks.
Is black all you can wear to a funeral

Read more
This REI Winter Sale is basically an early Black Friday event — You need to see these prices
Man sitting outdoors -- Feature for REI Winter Sale early Black Friday event

While everyone else is busy shopping the most popular Black Friday deals on electronics, like TVs, tools, games, and all that nonsense, I like to spend my time shopping for things I actually need. You know what I mean. The gear that rarely goes on sale or sees those deep discounts we all know and love. A perfect example is fall and winter gear, from clothing, jackets, and other apparel, to camping, climbing, travel, fitness supplies, and more. Right now, one of the best places to shop for all of that stuff, at great prices, is REI. You can expect to save up to 30% off gear and clothing in a wide variety of categories.
Shop the Sale
 
What to shop in the REI Winter Sale on gear and clothing

It seems obvious, but I would recommend sitting down and either considering or figuring out what gear you and your family need this winter. Actually, sit down and figure out if there's any gear you'll need for the coming year. Some of the items on sale are usable year-round, like camping, hiking, and fitness gear. But let's provide some examples. In the REI Winter Sale, you can save up to 30% off The North Face apparel, up to 30% off outdoor electronics like Garmin, BioLite, and more, up to 25% off footwear, including boots, and up to 50% off jackets. Again, those are just some quick examples. There are a ton of other options in this sale.

Read more
Wrangler adds two more fits to its selvedge capsule
Wrangler selvedge now available in original and slim
Wrangler Cone White Selvedge shirt and jeans

One of the common phrases you may hear in the fashion world is selvedge denim. While that may not mean a lot to you when you first start hearing the term, it is hugely popular with those denim heads who love a good pair of jeans. It essentially means that there are no unfinished edges on the jeans that can fray. All seams, even on the inside, are finished. If you notice a good pair of selvedge jeans, they are almost always worn turned up at the ankle so you can see the finished seams. They are of higher quality and harder to produce, so, therefore, they are definitely something to show off. Last month, Wrangler dropped a new selvedge line with a denim jacket and jean made from the remainder of the denim loomed at the Cone Mills White Oak plant. They have now added two new fits to the Wrangler Selvedge line.
Now in an original and slim fit

The original fit, known in Wrangler speak as the Cowboy Cuts, is a mid-rise design with a regular fit through the thigh and a slim through-the-leg opening. The slim-fit straights are lower on the waist, with a slim fit through the thigh and a straight leg that’ll still fit over your favorite pair of boots. They both feature all the heritage details, including our signature five-pocket styling, ‘W’ embroidery on the pocket, and the dark indigo color perfect for your favorite Western look. Here is some advice from us: Get a pair about an inch longer than your usual jeans to roll them up and show off the selvedge seam.
Wrangler Premium Collection

Read more