GREATS Updated Its Classic Royale Sneakers For The First Time In A Decade
Sneakerheads, rejoice.
When a sneaker develops a cult following and a rabid fan base, it might be easy to say that it needs no improvement, least of all any design changes. But few modern sneakers are like the GREATS Royale, a wildly affordable take on a luxury leather trainer, and the GREATS Royale 2.0 looks to shake things up even further.
The buzzed-about Brooklyn sneaker brand, which has also dipped its toes into making rugged leather hiking boots and premium leather loafers, just dropped a revamped edition of one of its best-selling flagship styles, getting back to its roots in the process.
Of note, the silhouette has been slimmed down and the shoe’s signature side panel again sees the use of GREATS’ tack stitch detailing.
The cleanly designed leather sneakers are also getting a new (old) home in terms of production, moving back to Portugal and Italy, and doing so at a much lower cost than typical luxury sneaker manufacturers.
GREATS notes that the Royale 2.0 boasts “thoughtful updates to our flagship style abound,” including an ergonomically inclined “evolved fit that feels impossibly comfortable right out of the box.”
The sneakers also get a luxe touch via gold foil branding and a perforated leather lining for breathability.
Even the collar and heel get extra padding for additional comfort (and GREATS sneakers are already plenty comfortable right out of the box.
The company also slimmed down the thickness of its 100 percent cotton laces for a cleaner look, and they’re finished with an anti-microbial molded PU footbed with added cushioning.
The logo of the brand itself also gets a fresh, 1920s-inspired update, and as if that wasn’t enough, the brand notes that these sneakers should require no break-in time out of the box.
The GREATS Royale 2.0 features plenty of new-and-improved bells and whistles, to go along with more than a few nods to the game-changing original design, but the best part about the entire package might be the price: They retail for less than $200 ($189 on the dot) online at GREATS. Not a bad deal for your next pair of luxe-looking leather sneakers.