New Republic Kurt Review: Style On A Budget

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As with every other hands-on reviews, I’ve 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 didn’t 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 Impact—on 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 they’ve succeeded!

The New Republic Kurt is our favorite minimalist sneaker under $100. 🖐️🎤(#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 won’t win any fashion awards, but that’s ok. It’s not what you’ll 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 you’re going for. It’s 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 wouldn’t expect for a pair of shoes under $100.

Aesthetic & design: Minimalism with details

If you’re 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.

There’s no branding on the side of the shoes, which I really like. You’ll only find a discreet logo on the tongue of the shoe and New Republic’s trademark hand-sewn signature stitch on the heel tab.

Materials & craftsmanship: Quality and durability

Here’s the brand’s secret to keeping their shoe affordable: they’re designed in Los Angeles and crafted with genuine leather but produced in China. 

That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though, as long as the labor is fairly compensated and the materials are high quality. And that’s the case with New Republic.

The brand uses a specially crafted action leather upper that’s water and wrinkle-resistant. As a result, after three months of daily wear, my pair is holding up great. There’s 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 that’s 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 wasn’t 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, they’re not the most comfortable shoes for standing all day available out there. Check our round-up if that’s what you’re 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. They’re perfect for that fresh summer look. They’re 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, you’ll often see that some models are out of stock. They usually refurbish them, but you’ll need to wait and keep an eye on their website for new stocks.

Price: This is the highlight 💰

As I’m sure you’ve 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 couldn’t 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. They’re 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. They’re comfortable and look great if you don’t 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 don’t think this is the most relevant considering their price point.

You won’t find better alternatives under $100, but if you can bump up your budget to $250, you should consider the Oliver Cabell Low 1. They’re 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. They’re 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.

Frequently asked questions about the New Republic Kurt