Absolutely, for style, comfort, fit and longevity. Typically I find buying cheaper tends to be a false economy. You'll just end up rebuying over and over again. Do it once, do it right.
agreed! also there's something to be said about buying into a brand's story, cachet, exclusivity, and "coolness" factor... but maybe that's a different video :)
Well thought out and informative video. I personally do not prefer all white sneakers but it would be worth it to me for a pair in black, navy blue or brown. I enjoy the other Greats non- leather sneakers I own.
I’ve enjoyed and benefited from your articles for the past couple years. I’m just discovering your stuff on TH-cam now and man is it great! Editing, lighting, content...very well done across the board.
Glad to hear it mark! Appreciate you. Wonder why you’re just discovering the videos now since I’ve been doing them consistently for over a year... maybe I don’t publicize them enough? 😬
I think there's a sweet spot. There are brands making make quality items that may not have the higher end finishes but are still thoughtfully made, comfortable and durable. I get great ideas from your videos, but moderate price ranges are important to me. These are $180 so I'd look for something that was $90-100.
The thing is, "moderate" is relative. I'd consider $180 moderate because high-end, to me, is like a CP at $420. Just depends on a person's budget. But in general it's hard to find high-quality materials in a $90 shoe. The costs are usually too high to justify selling it for that little. $180 makes sense... $90, not so much. Not that it wouldn't be a good shoe, just that the material / construction won't be on the same level.
You get the look but not necessarily the quality, which is totally fine, but it’s important to know. I do like the New Republic stuff, I have a pair of their Chelseas and they’re fine. Long term not sure how they’ll hold up and they’re not the most comfortable ones I have
"Genuine leather" is not the "cheapest and lowest quality type of leather that you can get. "Bonded leather" (a layer of shredded leather fibers mixed with a polyurethane binder that is embossed with a leather-like texture) is the cheapest form of leather that you can get (although it's not a true leather, companies that use bonded leather are legally allowed to market their product as "leather"). Your K-Swiss sneakers likely use bonded leather or "bicast leather" (split leather backing covered with an embossed layer of polyurethane), which explains the cracking. And btw, the highest quality leather you can get is not "full grain leather", it's "shell cordovan" leather. Search "shell cordovan sneakers" but be ready for the price tag.
I'd say it's worth it depending on your lifestyle. I hardly wear sneakers, so I don't see me dumping all that money on them in my current situation. I like the boost of audio quality, my man 😎👌
Thanks. Learned a lot. A question though. Are shoes that have 'genuine leather' make worse than shoes just with just 'leather' make on sites like Amazon
Good question. The term is very loosely used. If it isn’t expressly stated that it is full grain leather, or top grain, you can assume it’s lower quality leather.
So for those that like the asthetic of the GREATS but don't necessarily love the price, check out the collaboration between GREATS AND Nick Wooster. Its a suade natural color for $125 on sale from $279. For me that's were I get interested. Also I know it's not white BUT a natural color is almost as versatile.
I do like some of the collabs with NW and that’s cool they’re on sale, but that’s like $50 less. If it comes down to having 1 versatile pair of sneaks you can wear for 10 years, I still suggest all whites. What’s $50 over 10+ years of wear?
I stick with Common Projects. You can find them for 415 U.S. and they are, in my opinion, the best pair of white sneakers out there. If you have enough money for a pair of Greats you shouldn't have a problem saving enough for Common Projects... especially when it's considered "The Best" on the market. Also, I find the Royales to be on the bulkier side as compared to Common Projects. Not knocking on Greats. I actually own a pair of Greats runners (the GreatsxDyne Pronto) and I think they're one of the most comfortable pair of leather shoes that I own. But as far as all white sneakers are concerned I think anyone in the market for them should highly consider Common Projects. It's worth every penny, IMO.
I do love the CPs. For some people watching this vid, Greats may already be the stretch, so saving double for CPs is unfathomable. But yes if one can go for the CPs, then go for it.
Greats is about 43% the cost of Common Projects. That's a lot of money as it is. Why not save a little more and actually go for the gold standard of white sneakers? We're not talking about just another high end white sneakers. We're talking abut what is considered the best pair of white sneakers after all. I think if one wants to go luxury in this case, then totally go for Common Projects since they're very much attainable. Also, there's nothing wrong with sub 100 dollar white sneakers. I own a pair of white Vans sneakers which I use more than the CP.
they're my most worn white sneaker! i love all my children equally but this def gets the most use. still great, buttery soft now that they're super broken in.
Great video! I couldn't believe it because I just ordered these same shoes two days ago! I can't wait for them to arrive so your video made me even more confident in my purchase.
Would love to see how greats compare to epaulet trainers. I've been lying Epaulet for a while now. I just don't know if I can get past the seams in the sides of the greats. Maybe I'm just overthinking this.
Well you have a preference, nothing wrong with that. Check out the Koio and Oliver Cabell models too. I don’t think they have seam detailing on the side
totally! at a crazy good price point when you consider what goes into it. There are a few others in the space (Koio, Oliver Cabell, Ace Marks) but I haven't looked into them as much just yet. working on it
Yeah I hear that, I'll do outfits w/ them in future vids. Also follow me on Instagram I'm sure I'll be posting stuff on there too instagram.com/effortlessgent
So I'm torn. I like luxury, but it's just that. Luxury. I think quality materials matter more in a solid pair of dress shoes and less in sneakers. I don't think I could bring myself to spend that much on white sneakers. Im in a place where I want the asthetic most. That's not to say I wouldn't spend more for a pair later on
Yeah they are. Pretty sure i mention somewhere in there that I’ve owned the kswiss pair for a while the greats are new. But that doesn’t affect the 3 distinctions
Cole Haan, in my experience, doesn't really compare to any high end white leather sneaker. It's like comparing the Stan Smith to Greats, Koio, CP, etc. No comparison.
The general understanding is that it goes full > top > everything else. Full is closest to natural with no grain removed, meaning the most durability and strength. This explains succinctly: www.quora.com/Whats-the-difference-between-full-grain-leather-and-top-grain-leather
OK Gents! Worth it to spend for great quality? YES or NO? Let's hear it
Effortless Gent I found this video very informative thank you 🙏
@@alexconner1718 thanks for watching
Absolutely, for style, comfort, fit and longevity. Typically I find buying cheaper tends to be a false economy. You'll just end up rebuying over and over again. Do it once, do it right.
agreed! also there's something to be said about buying into a brand's story, cachet, exclusivity, and "coolness" factor... but maybe that's a different video :)
Well thought out and informative video. I personally do not prefer all white sneakers but it would be worth it to me for a pair in black, navy blue or brown. I enjoy the other Greats non- leather sneakers I own.
I’ve enjoyed and benefited from your articles for the past couple years. I’m just discovering your stuff on TH-cam now and man is it great! Editing, lighting, content...very well done across the board.
Glad to hear it mark! Appreciate you. Wonder why you’re just discovering the videos now since I’ve been doing them consistently for over a year... maybe I don’t publicize them enough? 😬
I think there's a sweet spot. There are brands making make quality items that may not have the higher end finishes but are still thoughtfully made, comfortable and durable. I get great ideas from your videos, but moderate price ranges are important to me. These are $180 so I'd look for something that was $90-100.
The thing is, "moderate" is relative. I'd consider $180 moderate because high-end, to me, is like a CP at $420. Just depends on a person's budget. But in general it's hard to find high-quality materials in a $90 shoe. The costs are usually too high to justify selling it for that little. $180 makes sense... $90, not so much. Not that it wouldn't be a good shoe, just that the material / construction won't be on the same level.
@@EffortlessGentTV I hear you B, but I am where I am.
Yep totally! Everyone’s at a different place and gotta pick the best option for himself / herself
I was recommended New Republic for sub-$100 boots and sneakers.
You get the look but not necessarily the quality, which is totally fine, but it’s important to know. I do like the New Republic stuff, I have a pair of their Chelseas and they’re fine. Long term not sure how they’ll hold up and they’re not the most comfortable ones I have
Waiting on my Greats to arrive as I’m watching this
Love it
"Genuine leather" is not the "cheapest and lowest quality type of leather that you can get. "Bonded leather" (a layer of shredded leather fibers mixed with a polyurethane binder that is embossed with a leather-like texture) is the cheapest form of leather that you can get (although it's not a true leather, companies that use bonded leather are legally allowed to market their product as "leather"). Your K-Swiss sneakers likely use bonded leather or "bicast leather" (split leather backing covered with an embossed layer of polyurethane), which explains the cracking. And btw, the highest quality leather you can get is not "full grain leather", it's "shell cordovan" leather. Search "shell cordovan sneakers" but be ready for the price tag.
Good thorough explanation, appreciate it!
Waxed cotton laces?! Didn’t know they existed thank you!
I've been using the same 3 pairs of sneakers since 2014, They were $20 each
that's great!
Yes!! The GR would be for special occasions, plus I already have a pair of old white "Lacoste" for reg. use! 👟
Got my almost new greats from a thrift store for 15$ and I have gotta say the comfort and quality speak for themselves!
great find!
How's the sizing? Compared to Nike. planning to buy the gum sole.
I'd say it's worth it depending on your lifestyle. I hardly wear sneakers, so I don't see me dumping all that money on them in my current situation. I like the boost of audio quality, my man 😎👌
Thanks! And yeah good point, this is assuming you're in the market for a pair of white sneakers and you plan on wearing them regularly
Thanks. Learned a lot. A question though. Are shoes that have 'genuine leather' make worse than shoes just with just 'leather' make on sites like Amazon
Good question. The term is very loosely used. If it isn’t expressly stated that it is full grain leather, or top grain, you can assume it’s lower quality leather.
So for those that like the asthetic of the GREATS but don't necessarily love the price, check out the collaboration between GREATS AND Nick Wooster. Its a suade natural color for $125 on sale from $279. For me that's were I get interested. Also I know it's not white BUT a natural color is almost as versatile.
I do like some of the collabs with NW and that’s cool they’re on sale, but that’s like $50 less. If it comes down to having 1 versatile pair of sneaks you can wear for 10 years, I still suggest all whites. What’s $50 over 10+ years of wear?
Effortless Gent the sole is going to last 10 years? I’m skeptical of that. Maybe if you don’t wear them much.
@@007cheburashka Assuming you have several pairs of shoes that you cycle through, and aren't wearing 1 solitary pair for 10 years straight... totally.
Just got the greats today from Nordstrom rack at a great price.had seen this review a few months ago.. coming back for this comment
sounds like you found a great deal!
For sure sir
I stick with Common Projects. You can find them for 415 U.S. and they are, in my opinion, the best pair of white sneakers out there. If you have enough money for a pair of Greats you shouldn't have a problem saving enough for Common Projects... especially when it's considered "The Best" on the market. Also, I find the Royales to be on the bulkier side as compared to Common Projects. Not knocking on Greats. I actually own a pair of Greats runners (the GreatsxDyne Pronto) and I think they're one of the most comfortable pair of leather shoes that I own. But as far as all white sneakers are concerned I think anyone in the market for them should highly consider Common Projects. It's worth every penny, IMO.
I do love the CPs. For some people watching this vid, Greats may already be the stretch, so saving double for CPs is unfathomable. But yes if one can go for the CPs, then go for it.
Greats is about 43% the cost of Common Projects. That's a lot of money as it is. Why not save a little more and actually go for the gold standard of white sneakers? We're not talking about just another high end white sneakers. We're talking abut what is considered the best pair of white sneakers after all. I think if one wants to go luxury in this case, then totally go for Common Projects since they're very much attainable. Also, there's nothing wrong with sub 100 dollar white sneakers. I own a pair of white Vans sneakers which I use more than the CP.
Yeah ok bro 😆
Whats the name of the cheaper brand?
k swiss
Ik im like 1 year late but how are they holding up so far? By the way great informative vid!
they're my most worn white sneaker! i love all my children equally but this def gets the most use. still great, buttery soft now that they're super broken in.
There is some value to the cheaper one if you like to mix it up and or if you're young and might outgrow it
yep, v true
Great video! I couldn't believe it because I just ordered these same shoes two days ago! I can't wait for them to arrive so your video made me even more confident in my purchase.
Oh great! That's good to hear. I think you'll like em ;)
Nice video! How easy is it to clean white leather sneakers?
Pretty easy. I use Jason Markk cleaning products
But tbh I like the look of well worn sneakers. I don’t clean mine often
Love ur vids and learn a lot, thx😍
appreciate you watching!
Would love to see how greats compare to epaulet trainers. I've been lying Epaulet for a while now. I just don't know if I can get past the seams in the sides of the greats. Maybe I'm just overthinking this.
Well you have a preference, nothing wrong with that. Check out the Koio and Oliver Cabell models too. I don’t think they have seam detailing on the side
Under no circumstances should you go 1/2 size down from your regular sneaker size. Disregard everybody telling you to do so. It WILL be too tight.
Thanks for the thoughtful review!
hey thanks for watching! appreciate it
How do you tie the bows like that?????
I have a video on it! -> Best Way To Tie Your Shoes: How To Tie Shoes Securely th-cam.com/video/DftOcZdpkI0/w-d-xo.html
How’s the sizing on greats?
For me they were true to size!
Nice !
Common Projects alternative?? 👀👀👀
totally! at a crazy good price point when you consider what goes into it. There are a few others in the space (Koio, Oliver Cabell, Ace Marks) but I haven't looked into them as much just yet. working on it
Effortless Gent definitely check out Koio and Crown Northampton, I feel they are both of the same if not better quality than Common Projects.
Would have been nice to see you wear them in the real world so we can get a feel on how they look :). Keep up the good work though
Yeah I hear that, I'll do outfits w/ them in future vids. Also follow me on Instagram I'm sure I'll be posting stuff on there too instagram.com/effortlessgent
Thats good lacing technique with the greats, waht do you call that lacing? I saw these givenchy white sneakers in nordstrom they look ok as well.
Wait what do you mean, it’s your standard lacing style
Effortless Gent oh im sorry you laced them so well i thought its a different kind of lacing 👌🏻
So I'm torn. I like luxury, but it's just that. Luxury. I think quality materials matter more in a solid pair of dress shoes and less in sneakers. I don't think I could bring myself to spend that much on white sneakers. Im in a place where I want the asthetic most. That's not to say I wouldn't spend more for a pair later on
For sure, and nothing wrong with that! We all have our preferences
Maybe try some kurt new republics? Perfect balance.
really nice sweater
heh thank you! one of my faves in my closet
@@EffortlessGentTV may I ask what brand or maker it is?
@@carolinefiller4898 J.Crew
Greats are tacky af. Why would I pay that much for basically having formal air force ones
Tough crowd
🔥
The K-Swiss in the video look like they've been worn a lot more than the GREATS. Is that an illusion? Regardless, my vote is for the latter.
Yeah they are. Pretty sure i mention somewhere in there that I’ve owned the kswiss pair for a while the greats are new. But that doesn’t affect the 3 distinctions
@@EffortlessGentTV are they the kswiss belmont?
Quick Court
Music is too loud
good to know, thanks
Apples and oranges
Can you please review and compare cole haan white sneakers to greates royale?
Cole Haan, in my experience, doesn't really compare to any high end white leather sneaker. It's like comparing the Stan Smith to Greats, Koio, CP, etc. No comparison.
On the side note i think need yo visit dentist.. sss sound is very prominent..
CP sneakers are the most uncomfortable sneakers I have. It's like walking on rocks
Hmm, interesting
@@EffortlessGentTV honesty. For the price. And the styles cp offer ... I must say it's way over rated.
Bro, are you a Pinoy?
yessir 🇵🇭
100th comment yay
woohoo!
I would never buy a greats shoe the quality is terrible, just go with koio. If I had a choice between greats and a stab smith, smith wins.
Have to disagree w you there, after seeing both Stans and Greats. I do like Koio though, that’s another great alternative
@@EffortlessGentTV Nah my man stab smith are dope ASF but Stan Smith be trash, though.
Hahaha
Full grain is not the highest quality leather out there. Top grain leather > Full grain leather. Great review though!
The general understanding is that it goes full > top > everything else. Full is closest to natural with no grain removed, meaning the most durability and strength. This explains succinctly: www.quora.com/Whats-the-difference-between-full-grain-leather-and-top-grain-leather