Sometimes, you just want a simple and minimalist pair of sneakersâsomething classic and timeless to elevate your outfit. If youâve read our selection of the best premium sneakers for men, you know that plenty of great options are available.
But if you want style without breaking the bank, thereâs really only one option on the menu for you.
Meet the New Republicâs Kurt sneakers. Iâve worn the Kurt for three months now, so Iâm ready to share my thoughts and recommendations on this pair of minimalist sneakers.
Curious to know if theyâre the right sneakers for you? Step into my hands-on New Republic Kurt review to find out.
Style | Clean and minimalist low top lace-up |
Material | Clean and minimalist low-top lace-up |
Made in | China |
Available colors | All white, black and white |
Sizes | From size 4 to size 15 |
Shipping | Internationally |
Pros:
- Exceptional style and quality for the price
- Genuine leather
- Comfortable sole
- Simple and timeless design
Cons:
- Often out-of-stock
- Not comfortable for long days of walking or standing
- Not as durable as more expensive alternatives
Our verdict:
I recommend the New Republic Kurt if you want a simple and minimalist pair of sneakers on a budget. You wonât find better alternatives under $100. Theyâre well built and donât look cheap at all. They are better alternatives if you can stretch your budget, though.
Why you can trust Luxe Digital? Weâve tested and reviewed so many sneakers at Luxe Digital that weâre officially sneakerheads certified. Just take a look at our posts on the Oliver Cabell Low 1, Koio Capri, Axel Arigato Area Lo, and Axel Arigato Rush to get an idea of our experience with sneaker reviews.
As with every other hands-on reviews, Iâve personally worn the New Republic Kurt sneakers regularly for several months before writing this post.
New Republic sent me a pair of Kurt to test, but my opinions and recommendations are my own. The brand didnât get to review or influence this article in any way.
See how we test products and learn more about our HAPPY philosophy (read: Honorable Craftsmanship, Aesthetic Design, Positive Impactâon People and the Planet, Purpose, and Function, and Yielding Value) for buying luxuries. You can also read our selection of the best designer sneakers for men for every budget to learn more about our experience with similar shoes.
New Republic Kurt review: Affordable style
Look, we can keep things really simple here: with the Kurt sneakers, New Republic aims to provide the best value for money possible. Everything in this pair of sneakers is designed to keep costs to a minimum without sacrificing style or comfort.
And theyâve succeeded!
The New Republic Kurt is our favorite minimalist sneaker under $100. đïžđ€(#micdrop)
On the outside, the Kurt looks like any other minimalist sneakers crafted with genuine leather (thinking about you Common Projects). On the inside, the insole is made with cushy foam to keep you comfortable.
This pair of sneakers wonât win any fashion awards, but thatâs ok. Itâs not what youâll want them for.
This is the perfect pair of budget sneakers to elevate your capsule wardrobe. You can easily dress them up or down, depending on the look youâre going for. Itâs an inexpensive way to add flair to your outfit, especially during the spring and summer months when white sneakers add a touch of freshness.
Unboxing: Setting the tone
Unboxing the New Republic Kurt instantly sets the tone for the rest of my experience with the shoes. The box is simple and minimalist, but the sneakers are well protected inside and come with a dedicated pouch to store them away. It’s a nice little touch that you wouldnât expect for a pair of shoes under $100.
Aesthetic & design: Minimalism with details
If youâre after bold or chunky design, look somewhere else because the New Republic Kurt is an entirely different vibe. This pair focuses on a minimalist style with just the right level of detail to elevate your outfit.
Thereâs no branding on the side of the shoes, which I really like. Youâll only find a discreet logo on the tongue of the shoe and New Republicâs trademark hand-sewn signature stitch on the heel tab.
Materials & craftsmanship: Quality and durability
Hereâs the brandâs secret to keeping their shoe affordable: theyâre designed in Los Angeles and crafted with genuine leather but produced in China.
Thatâs not necessarily a bad thing, though, as long as the labor is fairly compensated and the materials are high quality. And thatâs the case with New Republic.
The brand uses a specially crafted action leather upper thatâs water and wrinkle-resistant. As a result, after three months of daily wear, my pair is holding up great. Thereâs no visible wear to the leather, unlike Nike or adidas, which tend to wrinkle quite a bit where my toes begin.
The New Republic also uses micro-suede lining thatâs nice and soft but hotter and less breathable, so I would most definitely recommend wearing these shoes with socks. Check out our round-up of the best socks for men if you need a great pair.
Comfort and fit: Surprisingly good, but not exceptional
To be honest, I wasnât expecting much in terms of comfort when I first unboxed the Kurt. At this price point, I assumed the sole would quickly be atrocious to walk on.
So, my expectations were low.
Turns out the Kurt are actually very comfortable to walk with. New Republic uses a form of foam in the insole to absorb shocks when you walk. Their marketing term is EVA foam with Tencel, and the result is a soft yet supportive sold right out of the box. There was no break-in period to make these sneakers comfortable.
That being said, theyâre not the most comfortable shoes for standing all day available out there. Check our round-up if thatâs what youâre after.
Sizing guide: True fit
The New Republic Kurt are true to size. I wear 10.5 with Nike, so I took the same with New Republic, and they fit perfectly.
I particularly like the large number of sizes available on the site, too. You can get the Kurt from size 4 all the way to size 15 for both women and men.
Variants: Keeping things simple
I tried the triple white version of the shoe (white sole, white upper, and white laces) and love them. Theyâre perfect for that fresh summer look. Theyâre also available in black and white if you want more contrast.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that because New Republic is a small-batch manufacturer, they produce limited runs of each style and keep their stocks relatively low. As a result, youâll often see that some models are out of stock. They usually refurbish them, but youâll need to wait and keep an eye on their website for new stocks.
Price: This is the highlight đ°
As Iâm sure youâve gathered by now, the price point is where New Republic really shines. The Kurt costs $98, and you can often find them on sale for $89.
Considering the quality and comfort of the sneaker, I think this is a great price. You couldnât ask for more under $100.
That being said, if you can bump up your budget, you could get the Oliver Cabell Low 1 or the Koio Capri for less than $300. Theyâre both a little more premium and durable. Check our review of the Oliver Cabell Low 1 and our Koio Capri review to learn more.
Care & maintenance: Business as usual
Nothing special in terms of care and maintenance for these shoes. Just make sure to clean them once in a while with fresh water or a dedicated sneakers’ cleaning product if you have one.
I cleaned mine after the summer to store them away until next spring, which seems to be sufficient.
The brand: Who is behind New Republic?
New Republic was founded by designer Mark McNairy in 2016. You might know Mark McNairy from his collaborations with brands like Timberland and adidas and celebrities like Pharrell. He started New Republic to offer a stylish and affordable brand to a broader public.
The brand focuses on shoes, but it also has a limited selection of clothes and accessories. While the brand produces in China, they use premium materials and handcrafting production.
Check our dedicated brand page to learn more about the story behind New Republic.
Who is it best for?
The New Republic Kurt are the perfect sneakers for fashion enthusiasts on a budget. Theyâre comfortable and look great if you donât want to spend more than $100 on your shoes.
Where to buy New Republic Kurt?
The best place to buy New Republic shoes is on their official website. They often have sales so you can get them at a discounted price.
Alternatives to New Republic Kurt sneakers
While the most direct comparison to the New Republic Kurt is often the Common Projects, I donât think this is the most relevant considering their price point.
You wonât find better alternatives under $100, but if you can bump up your budget to $250, you should consider the Oliver Cabell Low 1. Theyâre slightly more comfortable and come in a large variety of colors. Check our review of the Oliver Cabell Low 1 to see how they fit.
If you can further increase your budget to $300, look at the Koio Capri. Theyâre made with high-end Italian leather and are more durable. Check our review of the Koio Capri to learn more.
And if you want something with more style flair, check the Axel Arigato Clean 90. I absolutely love them too. Check our in-depth Axel Arigato Clean 90 review here to see why.
Frequently asked questions about the New Republic Kurt
Yes, New Republic is a good brand. They focus on selling quality products at a fair price. Their aesthetic is simple and minimalist, with genuine leather for their shoes. Check our dedicated brand page to learn more about the story behind New Republic.
Yes, New Republic shoes are good quality. Iâve worn the Kurt sneakers for over three months now, and theyâre holding up great. The brand uses genuine leather and comfortable foam to produce its sneakers. Read my hands-on New Republic Kurt review to see if theyâre good for you.
Action leather is a form of leather that is pressed into a smooth and even fabric. It is then laminated with a Polyurethane foil that is glued onto its surface. The result is a water and wrinkle-resistant leather thatâs practical for sneakers.
New Republic was founded by designer Mark McNairy in 2016. He remains the primary owner to this day.