Greats vs Koio vs Svensson vs Common Projects vs Kent Wang and more - The Best Minimalist Sneakers
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ม.ค. 2019
- Original Sneaker Round-up: • The Luxury Sneaker Buy...
I promise to finish the companion blog post for that soon ;-)
Koio: thekavalier.reviews/Koio
Free cleaning kit with code: KOIOKAVALIER
Greats: thekavalier.reviews/Greats21
Beckett Simonon - Albas: thekavalier.reviews/BeckettSim...
Svensson: thekavalier.reviews/Svensson-Low
Ace Marks: thekavalier.reviews/AceMarks
M. Gemi: thekavalier.reviews/M-Gemi1
I am frequently asked about Greats vs Koio, Greats vs Common Projects, Svensson vs Common Projects and every other combination of those brands. I address the price gap in Common Projects and my thoughts on their pricing. I also include a quick review on Ace Marks new sneakers, M. Gemi and more.
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For reference, I am 6’4 usually 170lb. Typical sizes of clothing:
T-shirts: S
Long sleeve shirts/button downs: M
Dress Shirts: 15.5 x 35
Pants: 30 x 34
Dress Shoes: 12
This video is not sponsored. This video contains affiliate links which is the primary way I support my channel.
Edited by Ashley Saldanha
You are truly the hero TH-cam needs, not the one it deserves. Keep fighting the good fight. Others will follow!
Re: minimalist sneakers, I agree.
The Modest Man Batman quote lol
Honestly Jon, you are tops at comparing brands. You have integrity and style.
Thank you Caroline! 😁
@@The_Kavalier i got the becket simonon sneakers for 79 bucks and shipped in 2 weeks.
I just got my first pair of common projects. Watching your videos over the past few days convinced me to take he plunge. I have also subscribed to your channel. Thank you so much for taking the time in doing/uploading the videos.
Great video. Love your channel! You’re one of the few gents that speak from experience and with honest opinions. Keep up the good work and making your vids as real as always. Cheers from 🇭🇳
As far as I'm concerned you've established yourself as an objective reviewer with integrity. If any companies want you to try their products I see nothing wrong with letting them send you merchandise, with the understanding that you're going to give an honest review with pros and cons. I love this channel but kinda feel bad that you're probably spending a lot of money for the sake of fair comparison even though you aren't using everything you order. I *hope* that you're able to return every item you don't like for a full refund. (Btw I'm anxiously awaiting my shawl collar 3d sweater from amazon.. if it looks half as good on me as it did on you I'll be a happy camper!)
By this point, I don't even know how I found your channel, but all hail to you. Great reviews with that comprehensive "journalist" approach that I love (I am a journalist myself). Unfortunately I only spent some weeks/months in the states every few year, but I definitely do my shopping tour based on your videos.
Thank you for the unbiased, honest and helpful review. Some TH-cam reviewers seem to have yielded to the mighty dollar and turned to advertising disguised as reviews.
Great video. I've had my eye on a Minimalist sneaker. I have looked at a few reviews and your review is the best one I have seen. I think I will go with the Greats. Thanks man!
Just to add my personal experience between the Greats and the Koio's, Koio not offering half-sizes is what lead me to the Greats. I really wanted a pair of the Koio triple whites, but size 10 was way too snug, 11 was too big... the Greats 10.5's fit like a glove. Not sure if the other brands have half-sizes or not, but just something for people to be aware of! If i'm paying what these sneakers run for $$$, it's gotta fit right!
Love all your videos Kavalier, I come to you before any new purchase now!
The video that I've been waiting for! It really helped me made my decision to pick up Koio!
🙂
Fantastic review! You just solidified my purchase of some new Koio’s. Thanks!
Hey Jon, I saw your white sneaker video and how you covered the New Republic sneakers. I've had a pair for about 7 months now and they still look really good with regular use. I've even had to run in them a few times. The laces cover the creasing at the toe area so it has the appearance of being new.
Perfect video! I'm thinking about purchasing some Svenssons to upgrade my white Beckett Simonons.
Came back to this video 100 times, M.gemi are an absolute steal and grabbed a few pairs off ebay for cheap
thanks for covering svensson, i have a pair and bought it on a whim without seeing reviews on them. i knew they were comparable to CPs tho.
Thank you for the informative video Jon! Loved it 👌
Would love to know your thoughts on Oliver Cabell sneakers.
Tim Dessaint They’re in his older sneaker round up video.
@@Hypee559 Oh awesome, thank you! I'll check it out 🙂
Hey man. Congrats on the baby of course. Watching many of my favorite videos of yours again. Did you ever review the Oliver Cabell’s....?
You have some of the best reviews on here. Thank you!
Yes! You liked the M.Gemi's! My favorite. Regarding Beckett Simonon. You commented on the soles being rigid. I have found the entire shoe is a little rigid and tight. It's more narrow than the Gemi, so I think you really need narrow feet for the Beckett Reids. I do hope they break in, but so far...still rigid. And I've mentioned my aesthetic issue with the Beckett's...the soles outside is thicker and there is less leather over top than others. Seems like the cheaped out on the quantity of leather to rubber ratio. I won't buy another Beckett, but I'm sure eventually I'll get a third M.Gemi.
Jon, awesome content!! love your sneakers comparison videos!
You nailed the thumbnail for this video!
OMG, your comment on the B.S. soles is so true! I found in unwearable without some customization. I had to get some Dr. Scholl's insoles, and the laces were too short that I couldn't tie them and had to order a longer custom pair. On the bright side, the B.S. customer service covered to cost for the new laces.
How did you pay? Right now they are $100 and the lowest I have seen is $80.
Thanks for mentioning the Crown Northampton Shoes from England which I have. But Greats still a good investment if you’re looking for a reliable leather sneakers.
Over the last year I've bought two pairs of greats, the new republic Kurt and the Beckett Simonon reids.
The greats are definitely extremely comfortable, though the silhouette is a tad bulky.
I got the Kurt's for $45 which is an amazing value, they look really good but don't expect them to last long.
The Beckett Simonon Reids look rather nice, and yes the laces are excellent. They have started to crease a bit more than I would like
The m gemi Buffalo leather ones I've tried looked amazing, but returned them due to the price
May I ask where did you get Kurt's for $45? That's great value.
This is really sweet, as a tall guy (even in Holland) it is a pain to find slim fitting shirts. I would definitely try this, you instantly feel much better when your shirt is fitting well. I only found out I liked shirts when the slim fit fashion popped up. I now only wear slim fitted dress shirts with extra sleeve length but maybe I'll go and buy that sewing machine so I can even tackle casual shirts with size XL and slim them down (as large sizes often give extra length).
Great video but:
Can’t believe the $75 difference between Koio and Greats is only given by the type of leather. You normally buy 1 meter of top quality leather (Common Project’s one) from Marche for around 75€ (obvs Common Projects pays it much less because they may own the factory or they do quantities). With that you can make around 3/3.5 shoes, which means around 25€ per shoe. Now, even if Greats was using the best calfskin in the world and Koio the worst one, the maximum difference will be around 25€ ($25 just to stay large). It wouldn’t even get close to $75.
First of all, great content as usual. I was wondering if you ever tried a pair of "Shoe The Bear" sneakers ? They also have sneaker line made in Portugal that can be an alternative to common projects.
Hi thx for the reviews as always! I was wondering which brand among those you presented is the most suitable for a wide foot? I think that my feet’ width is EEE...
Many thanks to your sharing. Greats is on my list but I found New Republic's Kurt Sneakers also have the minimalist look. Have you tried it before?
Another comment as another data point. I think everyone has their own opinion with specific angle. For example, I will not value common project because it is too stiff on my feet, and don't like greats because it is too heavy. I value comfort over aesthetic over build quality over material. All I mean is from your angle other TH-camrs' opinion may look biased (sponsored), but they may be not given another thought. Anyways, I really like your content from your point of view, have learned so much more about men's products, looking forward every next one.
Yes there's nothing wrong with sponsored content but recommending the sponsored brand is pretty shady. Love the integrity Jon,luckily the only thing I share with the TH-camr in question is my first name:P
Regardless of any criticism, I thought the original sneaker review was very well done and informative.
For The Greats what is your sizing recommendation? I wear an 11 in adidas Gazelles but I wear a 12 in almost any other sneaker
You need to check out Buttero Tanino Low! The design is slightly different compared to all these other minimalist sneakers. 😊 Made in Italy, a beatiful design and quality materials.
I’ve had my white koios for 2 years. I literally wash the laces and clean the shoe with shoe cleaner and they’re pretty much new all over again. Best investment for me.
I have worn Vans for years. Maybe it’s time to upgrade this summer 🤔
Hi, do you I think that I can use a size 46 on Svensson when I use a size 12,5/13 in Adidas.
In your opinion, would opt for koio or m gemi sneakers? Realistically we are looking at a 25 dollar price difference.
Love your sneakers review! Would like to hear your comments about Onism (more details besides from the roundup) and another brand I found recently, Sweyd
Great video. Thanks. Is there an update to this for 2021? Are Koio's quality the same? I'm leaning towards them.
Hey man, love the content you produce, great taste and very objective! I wanted to ask you about those Onism Official white sneakers you mentioned in one of your videos, you didn't give much information then but I would like to know your opinion on those after a few days of use? Also, have you tried Velasca or SevenFeetApart? Thanks in advance, keep it up!
For someone with wide feet (Brannock at 7 EEE) can you recommend which of these might be the best to size up on?
Beckett Simonon had a $99 Reid sneaker promo a few weeks ago. I jumped on that. Looking like it’ll ship in August
How are the sneakers if you already received them and are they true to size?
@@jamesmontoban1338 Yup, I received it a couple of weeks ago. Size 10.5 fits like a glove. If you scoop up Thursday sneakers, the sizing is the same.
Definately needed more time given to the ace Mark's cause I'm looking to buy a couple pairs priced at 169 but I do like the greats and koios...thx
Great video man !
What watch are you wearing in this video ?
I went to Nordstrom, looked at a pair of Common Projects the first thing I noticed when I held them was the weight it felt heavy, compared to the other all white sneakers in the store that felt lightweight. Just the weight alone felt like you were getting something of great value.
Mind you, there where no Greats, Koio, Svensson & Kent Wang in Nordstrom to compare to Common Projects. The Kavalier do Koio has around the same weight as Common Projects?
Ive been waiting for another luxury sneaker video!! Gustin is the only one missing.
Dammit! They take forever to get.
Awesome review. May I ask what’s your size with the Greats Royals and the Beckett Simonon Reid? I’m reluctant to order online because there’s no way to try them on for size first. I’m a size 9.5 with the Royale
Love the grey suede koios just saw they sell in Venice beach and Nordstrom and jcrew
Dude - Thank you! After watching your video, I purchased the new republic, KOIO, common projects , and ace marks (all leather white sneakers). The most comfortable for my feet is the ace marks atom! I returned the common projects and greats - they do not feel comfortable as the ace marks - plus the ace is only $155 - which I think is a bargain. I wouldn’t have known ace marks if it were’t for your video - so thank you. By the way, i also got the Taft woven sneakers in brown and it is also very comfy and beautiful = you might want to give it a try
For some reason, I think cheap knockoff quality when I hear Ace Marks. I don't mean they are actually bad just the name of the actual brand makes me think of something like TJ Maxx or Ross.
I would like to see a follow up on the Ace Marks. I have the Koio’s in black and white and was considering an all black pair. However, if Ace Marks are better than I’ll invest there.
I have the Greats in black and Ace Marks in white and I love them. Maybe getting Koio in brown it grey soon
Hey, can you review onism in depth? Just bought them and it seems like its pretty good, though I don't know hoe it stacks up against the rest
I have a dark grey suede Koio (capri Roccia) that im pleased with. They have an off white called Nuvola (cloud) that I'll probably get eventually. The avalanche nude (koio) is a good looking shoe and its a different silhouette.
Have you ever worn Uniform Standard sneakers? I’ve been curious about that brand as well & would love to see a review on their quality
Would you be able to review the J. Fitzpatrick and Cobbler Union sneakers? They are both DTC brands and they seem to be nice quality.
Thanks for video, very useful. Which one will be widest one?
Which Minimalist Sneaker have a heel back cushion or padded? I have a pair of common project and it hurt my back of the heel so bad. Thank you!
Wonderful videos, thank you! I humbly suggest you consider the Ecco Soft 7 and Soft 8 too. I have the 7 in True Navy and they are ridiculously comfortable. It has more obvious branding than the 8 however.
Freco1967 I have the Soft 7’s in 6 colors including True Navy. I watch these vids just to see if anyone will mention them, and sadly they never do. It’s amazing how slept on they are. The quality and comfort, in my opinion, far exceeds most shoes of the like out there. I kinda wanna mention them, but figure why? I’ll just keep them my secret, and continue to get compliments as I stroll around in them!
@@jayd8547 Haha, I know! Ecco definitely seems to be the sleeper shoe brand out there on these fashion channels as nobody seems to have heard of them. I think I'm up to six pairs including some dress shoes - it's by far my go-to shoe brand for consistently comfortable shoes. They may not be handcrafted from the finest leather in an Italian village, but they're sooooo comfortable. I've tried the Crown North Hampton, the Greats and the Koio and passed them all up.
Greats can be had in Canada right now for 150 via J. Crew. We are limited on choice here so this is a steal.
Great video. Was originally looking to get the Greats but then I found out they don'tship to EU. Thanks to this video I found a good alternative, and ordered the svensson ones, thanks man! :D
😎👊🏻👊🏻
Hello Kavalier!!! I love your videos and the way you review everything. I would love for you to review the sneakers that I manufacture.
My Greats Royale Blanco does not specify on the bottom of the shoe that it is a margom sole. How can I verify that it is?
Can you do a side-by-side silhouette comparison of your favorite from the other channel, the Crown Northamptons in white vs. the Common Projects? It looks like the Crown Northampton is less 'white' and wider than the CPs, but it's hard to tell from the stock pictures.
any thoughts on jak shoes (specifically the atom)?
Great video!! You really know your stuff. Keep up the excellent job and see you at Mensfluential!
May i ask that are svensson using genuine leather like calf skin or not? Thanks
Do the ace marks have like a raised heal kinda like the koio? How long did it take for your koio to break in? Did you find if they stretched at all? Some times the width gets a little tight for me. I could probably size up but then afraid the shoe might be too big.
I have the all black koio and trying to figure out brand to get in all white. If I go koio I’ll try sizing up one, but was leaning towards ace mark
Do you have any experience with the Axel Arigato sneakers?
subscribed. great review. great channel. You're like the Dave2D for sneakers or something
I like a thicker sole since I'm on the shorter side, which ones would you recommend?
Great video you set the record straight !
Nice video like always love ur videos what size shoe do you wear
Great channel! Would love to see you review “Blake McKay” Italian sneakers
Can you find the greats on sell and are they true to size?
Ure the best youtuber who does men style on youtube.
Nice vid. Koi is my fav 👌🏾
What about Marcel Floruss brand the Ankarifloruss white sneaker? It's price point is $165 dlls
would you go for the common project Achilles low all white for 380$ or get the one with the back florescent heel also all white for 200$ on sale for farfetch?would the yellow heel restrict the usability of the shoes?
Although I wear different brands! I respect your opinions! Good job!
I just got a pair of koio at my normal sneakers size of 12. Their a bit loose on the heel and they give me blisters on the back of heel. It hurts a lot. Iv read leather dress shoes can do that too. Is this normal ? Is their a break in period? I remember you mention that they were comfortable right out the box but this isn’t the case for me. I can’t go a size down cause iv tried it and it’s too tight on my toes.
So i hate the look of mixing suede and leather on sneakers so koio are a no. What would be the best other than the Koio? Also not keen on the perforated toebox on the Greats as they seem less put together and juvenile because of it but I'd have to try hands on.
So what would be the best option?
Which shoes are the most comfortable to wear all day? Comfort is everything to me.
Do the Svenssons have a fully leather lining?
Have you ever heard of Zespa. I like their design but don’t know about the quaility
One brand you had in the original roundup that didn't make it into this one is one I have been strongly considering. That is Oliver Cabell. Does that mean that several of the ones you featured here you would personally recommend ahead of OC?
Hey john.can you tell me what you think about the sneakers from pini parma
Can you add Epaulet's lows to your comparison list?
The M. Gemi ones are on sale right now in some colorways. Seems like a great buy at 195 if you like the color. I think it looks beautiful, especially if you already have white sneakers.
If you had to chose between the Greats and M.Gemi at the same price, which would you chose and why?
Jon, I want a pair of light weight waterproof hiking boots as a beater whenever I travel. I have seen those ones from cole haan look very good, or should I buy from brands like Thursday? I think hiking boots are trending and everyone needs one pair, really want to hear your opinion on them. Thanks.
Are the ace marks bulkier or is it just me? I have the greats. I want a sleeker silhouette but I need half sizes. Most premium sneakers don't come in half sizes. Why? Because I'm 12 true to size and when shoes run big size 12 looks huge. Size 11 is too small. Great video btw.
Great video. What do you think of Goodman Brand shoes?
What are your thoughts on Good Mans Brand sneakers? They seem similar to these.
are Beckett Simonon shoes good quality?
Are the Koio and Svensson sizing the same?
When and where will i get authentic common projects at sale. I can wait even an year.
Ooh been waiting for a svenson review
Straight up, would you prefer Koio or Svensson?
Just bought greats and am experiencing some pretty bad blisters. Is this normal?