Designer sneakers were nothing new: everyone from Lavin to Gucci offered an equivalent shoe, and just like before, Greats was entering a crowded market. Of course the shoe had to look good, but everyone else made good-looking shoes, too. They just cost $600, more than 10x the price of Greats’ first shoe.

To the outside observer, Greats was in a bind: how could the small American startup possibly win against its global competition? Simple – by beating them with efficiency and passing on the savings, just like before. The Greats Royale retails at $159, less than half the price of Lanvin, Saint Laurent, and Common Projects. Long story short, the Royale may just be the best value in footwear today.

Impressions

The Greats Royale is a shoe you buy because you appreciate the finer things, but also like living indoors. Like any internet fashion dweeb, I’ve lusted over triple white leather sneakers since Common Projects first burst onto the scene – however, I also have rent to pay and even bulk ramen costs 10% of an Achilles Low. Beautiful shoes without the eye-watering price tag? Sign me up.