How Greats Footwear Puts Its Best Foot Forward A modern footwear company reimagines classic styles.

Greats is not your father's footwear startup, but chances are Dad will dig its shoes, just like you do. The company's approach to timeless classics like high-tops, slip-ons and chukkas is both stubbornly traditional and refreshingly modern, translating to products perfectly suited for stylish, sophisticated gents of all ages.

"The name of our company is very relevant to our design concept," says Greats co-founder and CEO Ryan Babenzien. "We said, "Let's pick the greatest silhouettes in men's sneakers and footwear, and design our DNA into them.'"

That DNA splicing is what sets Greats apart. Its old-school sensibilities are rendered in distinctly contemporary materials and colors. For example, last year the company produced limited-edition versions of its popular Royale sneakers in silver and gold leather, the latter attracting the attention of NBA star Kevin Durant, who donned a pair in the hours leading up to a key playoff game.