Obama’s Favorite Sneakers? Right This Way.

Greats opens their first ever brick-and-mortar in Venice

February 22, 2018 9:00 am

Sign of the time, folks:

All those online-only, direct-to-consumer stalwarts? They’re going brick-and-mortar now. And naturally, they’re all on Abbot Kinney.

Warby Parker. Happy Socks. Suit Supply.

And now: Greats, the most reasonably priced and simply styled sneakers in the game.

Their new store is in an alleyway not far from Gjelina, and inside, sneakers sit perched on plateaus and air plants dangle from the ceiling. You’ll find all of their styles among the shelves, from New Balance-esque dad kicks to slick, L.A.-friendly slip-ons.

The brand was co-founded by Ryan Babenzien and Jon Buscemi, the latter of whose eponymous upscale sneaker brand stands at the opposite end of the spectrum, price-wise. But they’ve brought that same attention to quality to Greats, designing simple sneaks with full-grain leather and no branding or loud embellishments. Hell, even President Obama rocks them.

Our picks for spring?

The Vans-esque Wooster in patent navy and the Royale in perforated white.

Walk on by, and walk out happy.

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