Common Projects Bball Leather Sneakers
When it first landed on the scene in 2004, the Common Projects Achilles Low felt revolutionary: a simple, streamlined tennis shoe crafted by hand in Italy from fine Napa leather. In 2021, the luxury sneaker market is flooded with riffs on minimalist low-top sneakersbut CP still does em better than anybody. Our favorite model these days is the BBall, which marries the labels signature no-frills aesthetic and high-quality construction with hallmarks from timeless classics like the Air Force 1 and Stan Smith. Still clean and supple and built to last, but a little less stark and plain than its predecessor.
Common Projects Pros & Cons
- Can be worn with any outfit
- Toe box quite shallow and narrow
- Sizing is tricky
- Can be stuffy in hot weather
- Phenomenally expensive
Good God, these shoes are cool.
Theyre just the coolest shoes. The whole breezy but dressy, casual but formal, minimalist but unmistakably branded look, from top to bottom there just isnt anything quite like them. They go with every single outfit, it doesnt matter how casual or formal it is.
I love the fact that the upper is stitched to the sole so you wont get the dreaded toebreak holes.
Theyre very comfortable, I love the softness of the footbed coupled with the weight and durability of the sole.
Now, theyre not sneakers exactly. That word has connotations of beat around shoes you dont have to care for, you know? Common Projects need shoe trees, for goodness sake they need more babying than the average sneaker out there, which is a turn off to some folks.
Its also too slim and sleek for some people, not only in its width, but the toebox is quite shallow and narrow, squeezing the toes of the bigger-footed among us. They should do half sizes and wider widths, and they dont.
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The Koio Capri is our top choice if youre looking for an alternative to Common Projects.
Made with the highest quality Italian leather and manufactured in the Marche region, both the Capri and Achilles are outfitted with Margom soles.
Nike Air Force 1 07 Sneaker
All real sneakerheads know that black Air Force 1s are a bad omenif you see someone in them, it means you should turn and run. White Air Force 1s, on the other hand, are a sign of nothing beyond the wearers very fine taste. Since 1982, when they were introduced as Nikes first basketball shoe to feature its revolutionary Air tech, the AF1 has held it down as the Swooshs single most reliable model. Its hardly the flashiest Nike ever released, or the best performing on the court, or the most storiedbut its tasteful, understated, and wholly timeless, three adjectives that dont get thrown around in sneaker circles often enough. Long before Balenciaga made clownishly oversized sneakers a thing, Air Force 1s were chunkier and more bulbous than any of the sneakers that came before them. When doused in all-white, those proportionsalong with the perforations on the toe and the panelling along the sidesfeel all the more statuesque. And while they look incredible fresh out the box, theyre among a rare class of white leather kicks that genuinely still look killer smoked to high hell. Whether youre on your first pair or your 40th, its never really a bad time to pick up another.
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Converse Chuck 70 Sneaker
Looks-wise, the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star has hardly changed at all since it first hit the hardwood in the early 1920s. In terms of construction, though, the no-frills GOAT hit its peak in the 70s: the canvas upper was weightier, the rubber midsole rode up a little higher, the toe cap was a touch smaller, and the patch on the back of the heel was a cool retro black rather than the standard white. A few years back, Converse decided to make them that way again. For a cool $85, the Chuck 70 gets you all those key design upgrades, plus the benefit of modern cushioning installed into the thicker vintage outsoles. Theyre the same Chucks youve always loved, only better.
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Best High Top: Alexander Mcqueen Tread Slick High Top Sneaker
What We Love: Style-wise, we love how these high-tops have a boot-like feel.
What We Don’t Love: We don’t love the price point. While they are a designer sneaker and our top choice compared to other high-tops, they are quite an investment.
These Alexander McQueen shoes are like combat boots trapped in a high-top sneaker’s body and we are here for it. We believe that high-top sneakers are a great way to make a statement and lean into your personal style a little more and, although they are all white, these designer sneakers don a lot of flair with their trendy chunky platform sole and boot-like feel.
With all that said, the price point is definitely on the higher end. While we don’t love that, we do love that Nordstrom has a stellar return policy, so if you don’t love them as much as we do, you can return them up to 45 days after your order date.
Material: Leather | Fit: True to size | Size Range: 5-11
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Original Achilles Leather Low
Sleek leather sneakers are constructed in a supple finish. Leather upper Round toe Lace-up vamp Leather lining Rubber sole Made in Italy SIZE Platform, 1 Please note: This style runs large. Order one size down. Mens Shoes Contemporary Lifestyle > Saks Fifth Avenue > Barneys. Common Projects. Color: White. Size: 11.
The Mens Common Projects Sneakers Buying Guide
Common Projects sneakers specialize in creating mens footwear that have a sleek and minimalist style. The labels range of kicks includes high-tops, slip-ons and low-top sneakers available in leather and suede. Using a varied color palette from brick red to jet black, sneakers like the Common Projects Achilles have gained a cult status over the years. Expect to see every pair stamped with the signature gold numbering at the heel.
Common Projects sneakers are defined by their clean-lined look, premium craftsmanship and high-quality materials. The New York-based labels cult-favorite Achilles tennis sneakers are said to have kickstarted the luxury sneaker market and Common Projects continues to stay true to its minimalist roots today with a wide range of pared-back styles. Read on for our Common Projects mens sneakers buying guide, which will help you decide on the style and size that works for you best.
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Which Achilles Low Alternative Is Best For You
Its not an easy choice dropping over $400 on a pair of white sneakers .
Its even more difficult knowing you can get the same quality at nearly half the price.
Whether youre after a luxury sneaker experience or youre looking for a versatile wardrobe essential on the cheap, we know your next favorite.
Reebok Club C 85 Sneaker
If Pete Dohertys lyrics and every issue of NME from the 90s are to be believed, the Reebok Club C is the most-worn sneakersorry, trainerby wayward youths in the British Isles. Its also the very same sneaker that Harry Styles himself turned to for a clean look. What makes the Club C such an ideal all-purpose shoe? Its nondescript enough to work with everything in your wardrobe, but still distinctive enough to not look totally bland. If youre keen to switch up your regular rotation of Chucks and Stan Smithsor youre a really big Pulp fanthe Club C is the way to go.
- Streamlined and slim
This is the simple mans sneaker.
The Achilles has an incredibly clean design. Its completely free from branding the companys name doesnt even appear on the tongue or the sole. The only bit of design is the iconic gold foil stamp on the outside heel, which is the style, size, and color of the shoe.
Sure, some feel the gold foil stamp is incongruent with the minimalist aesthetic, others love it because it glamourizes something so simple and mundane that its normally only found on the inside of your shoes on the tag.
Otherwise, its a totally monochromatic shoe that manages to be as low key as it is luxurious. Meticulously designed with nice, smooth, white leather overlaid with leather eyelet panels running from the forefoot to the ankle collar, theres also a minimal ankle tab above a seam that splits the leather at the back of the shoe, running up the center of the heel.
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What Are Common Projects
Common Projects is a shoe brand that has amassed a following amongst sneaker heads. Their Achilles line started a minimalist sneaker craze.
The brainchild of an art director and brand consultant, Common Projects runs a bare-bones operation. With no marketing to speak of and a barely functional site, the brand has made its way into the luxury shoe space through word of mouth.
Made in Italy with hand-selected calfskin leather, these sneakers are like wine they get better with age. Theyve become so popular that stockists are having trouble keeping them around, even with a $400 price tag.
Not looking to drop that kind of scratch for a simple white sneaker?
Here are our favorites that will get you the look while leaving a little left in your wallet.
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Best Platform: Soludos Ibiza Platform Sneaker
What We Love: We love the attention to eco-friendly detail the leather is sustainably sourced and the sole is crafted from a blend of eco-friendly materials.
What We Don’t Love: They take some time to break in.
Soludos is our go-to for sneakers with personality even these all white Ibiza Platform Sneakers make a statement. But, what we really love about this style is the platform sole. Platform sneakers traditionally provide a little more cushion, but this elevated classic style is designed with a cushy Ortholite molded insole, making them comfortable enough for everyday wear while adding a little height. Adding to the list of things to love, these sneakers are sustainable through and through with responsibly sourced leather that is certified by the Leather Working Group and outsoles created from a blend of eco-friendly materials, including recycled rubber.
One thing to note about these platform sneakers: They take a little bit of time to break in, and some customers reported experiencing blisters. The author of this article has a pair and didn’t have a problem with this, but recommends wearing bandaids on your heels as a precaution and to add a little cushion when breaking them in.
Material: Leather | Fit: Go up a half size | Size Range: 5-11
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Best Classic: Adidas Originals Stan Smith Shoes
What We Love: They are ultra-durable and can withstand all types of weather, including rain and snow.
What We Don’t Love: They are slightly narrow, which can cause discomfort for those with wider feet.
It doesn’t get more classic than the Adidas Originals Stan Smith Shoes. They are certainly one of the most loved shoe styles of all time, with celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Sienna Miller, Bella Hadid, Victoria Beckham, and Karlie Kloss helping to keep their legacy alive. One of the reasons we love these sneakers is because of their durability, which makes them an excellent everyday sneaker that can withstand all types of weather . The timeless sneaker is the epitome of a classic and can be worn with everything from a midi dress to mom jeans and more.
When it comes to sneakers, sizing is very important to us, so it must be noted that these sneaker are a little more narrow, which isn’t ideal for those with wider feet. They also run large, so be sure to size down.
Material: Vegan leather | Fit: Runs large | Size Range: 5-11
Common Projects Vs Golden Goose
One of the most common questions I get asked is how my Golden Goose Superstars compare to my Common Projects Achilles and which I prefer, and its so hard to answer. Theyre both comfortable, but if I had to choose, Id say that Golden Goose has the edge in the comfort department due to the wider footbed .
Golden Goose is more flashy and makes a statement, and the shape of the shoe and slight elevation of the heel makes them even more flattering than the Common Projects if were using flattering in a traditional way to refer to looking taller and leaner.
However, if I had to choose between the two, Id pick Common Projects every time. To me, the quality of the leather, laces, and shoe materials as a whole is superior. And more importantly, they go with literally everything in my wardrobe, can dress up and down, and look timeless.
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Menswear Must: White Common Projects Achilles Low Sneakers
Of the many things you can buy, few things are more satisfying than a new pair of white sneakers. A classic pair of sneakers can go a long way, and when you own the right pair, they can take your style to a new level. The most premium white sneakers out there will cost anywhere from $200 $400 at minimum, but when you spend that much, you can expect them to last for years. At the top of the sneaker market, our favorite pair of white sneakers is the Common Projects Achilles Low. Not only are they some of the sleekest sneakers available, but you can wear them with anything.
Common Projects started in 2004 with a single pair of sneakers that quickly became one of the most coveted pairs of shoes in the world. After having no luck finding anything other than Chuck Taylors or Stan Smiths, the founders of Common Projects set out to design the perfect sneakers for their themselves .
Inspiration for the brand came from the everyday sneakers of Converse and Adidas while tying in the elegance of Italian leather, hand-stitching, and impeccable quality. Common Projects arent just made of any leather, though they are crafted from Italian napa leather thats smooth and soft to the touch. This casual-meets-coveted design pulled on inspiration from the founders original love for the classic Converse and similar sneakers, but to meet the needs of men with elevated taste.
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Common Projects Bball Sneakers
Inspired by classic basketball styles, Common Projects BBall Sneakers are subtly detailed with perforations at the vamp. Set on rubber soles for traction, these lace-ups keep all detail to a minimum except the signature gold serial number stamped at the heel. Expect styles made from suede or leather, or offset by a contrast-colored lining or sole.
- Thick, good quality Italian rubber
- Stitched and cemented to upper with Stroebel stitching
- More durable than standard sneaker construction
The upper is attached to a one-piece rubber Margom sole, which can take a beating without crumbling and wearing away like most sneaker soles its really thick and great quality Italian rubber, with Gear Patrolcalling Margom,
a revered Italian brand creates many of the outsoles for top luxury footwear brands because they genuinely are the best of the best.
Its attached with whats called sidewalk stitching or Stroebel construction, a mixture of cementing and stitching which is super rare. Most sneakers have the sole glued, on this is glued andstitched, with the stitching being the main method of attachment. That means maybe, possibly you could get these resoled when the time comes. Maybe.
More importantly, as I mentioned earlier, it means that with age you wont get holes around the toe break like every other sneaker you own.
- Thick, soft leather footbed
- Surprisingly heavy sole
There are four reasons the fit & sizing is a bit of a pain in the ass with Common Projects:
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My Honest Review Of Common Projects Sneakers
One of my favorite things to share is product reviews, especially for luxury items. Ever since I started to write reviews, Ive received requests to review my Common Projects sneakers, so Im excited to finally bring that to the blog today!
If youre not familiar with Common Projects, its a luxury footwear company that specializes in sneakers. The shoes are hand-stitched in Italy and have a sleek, minimal aesthetic. I was immediately drawn to the clean, simple silhouette and had been looking for a minimalist white sneaker for everyday when I bought my pair.
So lets jump in! See below for my honest review of my Common Projects Achilles leather sneakers with thoughts on whether theyre worth the price point and notes on sizing, break in time, and how to style them.
How To Clean And Care For Common Projects Achilles
- Clean regularly with damp rag
- Occasionally brush with horsehair brush and use leather cleaner
- Use white leather crema for scuffs, like Saphir or Kellys
- Magic eraser on the sole
Cleanliness is next to godliness, and it says a lot about a man if his sneakers are white and spotless. Boys like their sneakers beat up and dirty, but do not be that guy who spends $400 on shoes and lets them get ugly. Keep them as clean as you can itll extend their lifespan and make you look like a guy who gives a damn.
The good news is that this is smooth leather, so there arent many places for dirt to get trapped and its easy to wipe them down with just a damp rag now and then.
Sometimes theyll be a bit too dirty for that, so when it comes to cleaning them:
Treat them well and theyll last you at least five years, maybe more.
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