They feature the New Republic trademark hand-sewn signature stitch on the heel tab. I appreciate this minimal labeling, and the cool-factor of the “vague branding ” approach. Price

The Stantons fit true to size and should be wide enough if you prefer wide sizing. Half sizes are available, so finding the perfect fit shouldn’t be an issue. They’re built with a flat welt resulting in a pretty tight construction. The Sonomas are an overall solid shoe, design wise. Fit and Comfort Like other suede boots and shoes, I don’t recommend wearing these in the rain or other wet conditions, since suede and water don’t mix. Your boots won’t be instantly ruined if wet, but it’s best to reserve these for sunny, dry days to best preserve the leather and its construction quality. Fit and Sizing That’s not to say that a flat-welt isn’t sturdy, it’s just not as rugged as a storm welt, which is normally used in hiking or work boots. I’ve owned all of these at some point (for testing purposes, of course), and the Koio Capris are my overall favorite, in terms of looks, quality, and silhouette. Who knows though, preferences change 😉I've looked at the Svenssons, but the silhouette looks more like Stans (which I do not like) and I don't particularly care much for the look of the Greats Royale. Personal touch: For those who want to make their shoes truly their own, New Republic offers personalization options on select products, allowing customers to create a unique and one-of-a-kind piece. When action leather is used with footwear, the result is a quality-looking shoe that’s also water and wrinkle-resistant. I was able to confirm that water does indeed roll off the leather nicely, but that doesn’t mean you should go using them as rain boots. The Stantons feature a vulcanized rubber sole with the classic waffle bottom tread you normally see on slip-ons. I tried the Bowery Canvas Sneaker, Kurt Leather Sneaker, Stanton Recycled Suede Sneaker and Sonoma Suede Chelsea Boot. Read on to see what I think about each of them. Bowery Canvas Sneaker

The insole is made from EVA foam with a Tencel mesh top cover, which I found goes a long way in keeping your feet cool. EVA foam is a rubber-like plastic that’s known for its cushioning and durability. This is an important distinction to make because leather is no longer defined as “cowhide” as it once was but now includes the hides of other animals. This means that varying scraps of the lowest grade of leather can be rebuilt and embossed into a product that can then be marketed as “genuine leather.” Again, I wanted to do this to add to the community and provide people that were looking at these for a "cheap" alternative some insight before buying. The New Republic logo is embossed on the shoe’s tongue, which I think gives a nice classy touch to these shoes. Right away I could imagine wearing these with jeans and a short-sleeved button-down for drinks on the town, or with a casual summer suit. SoleStiffness in the laces when attempting to synch down and tighten around the foot (alleviates with time and wear). Handcrafted: Each New Republic shoe is handcrafted, ensuring a high level of quality and attention to detail.

Versatile styles: From sleek dress shoes to casual sneakers, New Republic offers a range of styles to suit any occasion, making them a versatile addition to any wardrobe. The Sonomas are a simple and classic style, with a chic silhouette. The crepe sole and suede upper combination gives them an effortlessly masculine vibe, at an excellent price. Cons White sneakers provide such robust versatility; it's ridiculous. Whether it's streetwear or a more preppy/business casual look, a pair of white sneakers is a men's wardrobe staple. Since these shoes aren’t intended for skateboarding, given the suede uppers, you just get a tough pair of shoes that can take a beating.The Kurt also features a Tencel mesh footbed designed to prioritize comfort for the wearer’s feet and thus decrease break-in time. The newest version of the Kurt, which has been available for roughly a year now, comes with a tonal microfiber and leather lining meant to accommodate comfort and complement the all-white silhouette. HANDS-ON THE PRODUCT