A few years ago, If you’d asked if I’d get the common project sneakers, my answer would have been heck no!
I wasn’t going to spend over $400 on any formal shoes, let alone a pair of white sneakers and quite frankly, I think it’s normal for anyone to feel that way.
Fast forward to today, and I’m a proud owner. In fact, I’ve worn them for 3 years (and counting).
A few things had changed my mind…
This was the selling point for me as none of my previous ones lasted that long. In fact, my oldest lasted about a year and a half before I ditched them.
Now, this review isn’t to persuade you into getting one, or meant to just focus on the awesomeness of the shoes, but rather to share my honest experience using them—both good and bad––giving you an overall view and possibly helping you to come to your own objective conclusion.
But first, little snippets about the company...
Founded in 1994 by Prathan Poopat and Flavio Girolami, Common Projects is a luxury footwear brand that has taken the sneaker world by storm. The duo founded the sneaker because they wanted a premium yet casual sneaker that’s timeless and luxurious enough for the stylish person. This would later birth the name of the brand as they often found themselves working on “common projects” together.
And of all their footwear, the white Achilles lows have pretty much been the most in demand as they’re sold in over 200 retail partner stores worldwide, making them the signature of the brand.
The company has its design and business operations done in New York, USA, with its actual production done in Italy.
Great aesthetics, super clean design with no branding logo anywhere on the upper, tongue or sole of the shoes.
Just a number-like gold foil stamp at the side which signifies the style, size and colors of the shoes.
They do have a pretty slim profile which is great as I have narrow feet, but also a sign of formality as I’ve always preferred my sneakers to be on the smart casual side — more like something that makes you feel like a grownup, yet youthful at the same time.
Inside has a partly grey suede design that keeps your heel from slipping off the shoes, with the rest having a smooth glove-like leather feeling to it. But it’s super soft and sturdy at the same time.
Another great selling point is the soles which are well stitched onto the upper of shoes with a so-called “stroebel stitching” which is often a sign of authenticity.
While most sneaker soles are glued to the upper, this has both, with more emphasis on the stitching and you can see part of them on the inside.
I’ve worn them on several occasions and haven’t noticed any loose threads whatsoever.
Made in Italy’s Marche region, the footwear is produced with Napel leather which is quite soft and sturdy at the same time. But with a little bit of a sheen effect to it. Kind of like the ones used in making couches according to my research.
They also come with thick soft leather footbeds, and the soles are made with Italian one-piece Margom rubber — widely known for their thickness and high quality.
I also noticed that they are heavier than every pair of sneakers I’ve owned. I'm guessing that’s why they're expensive.
They weren’t in my experience!
I wear a size 42 but they looked 44 when I tried them on the first time. I then requested size 40 which was quite ok, but slightly shorter than what I would normally wear. (By the way, they only come in European measurements so keep that in mind). However, 40 was the closest I got to my size, as 41 was still slightly bigger than my foot.
To be honest, it would have been better if they had half sizes—like 40.5––would have been my perfect size. I still can’t stand or walk for long hours without a little bit of discomfort here and there. I guess the point here is it's better to visit a physical store and try them on first before deciding whether or not to get them. I live in London and got mine from Harrods. But there are multiple partner store locations both in the US and EU where you can buy a pair.
As mentioned, there are other retailers to choose from — including searching for their store locations based on your country and city.
To do this:
Go to their official website and navigate to the “stockists” option at the lower right of the homepage.
Next, click on it and a new page will open showing a list of countries where each retail partner is based. To find a partner store, click on your desired country for a further display of their details and contact.
You then can decide whether to visit their physical location — which I highly recommend, or get one from their website.
I wasn’t going to spend over $400 on any formal shoes, let alone a pair of white sneakers and quite frankly, I think it’s normal for anyone to feel that way.
Fast forward to today, and I’m a proud owner. In fact, I’ve worn them for 3 years (and counting).
A few things had changed my mind…
- The popularity of the shoes: they have a cult-like following like none other white sneakers.
- The silhouette: they’re the most stylish white leather sneakers I've ever seen.
- Versatility: they go with almost every type of outfit.
- Literally everyone I knew who had one, said they wore them for at least 5 to 7 years before getting a replacement.
This was the selling point for me as none of my previous ones lasted that long. In fact, my oldest lasted about a year and a half before I ditched them.
Now, this review isn’t to persuade you into getting one, or meant to just focus on the awesomeness of the shoes, but rather to share my honest experience using them—both good and bad––giving you an overall view and possibly helping you to come to your own objective conclusion.
But first, little snippets about the company...
Brief history of Common Projects
Founded in 1994 by Prathan Poopat and Flavio Girolami, Common Projects is a luxury footwear brand that has taken the sneaker world by storm. The duo founded the sneaker because they wanted a premium yet casual sneaker that’s timeless and luxurious enough for the stylish person. This would later birth the name of the brand as they often found themselves working on “common projects” together.
And of all their footwear, the white Achilles lows have pretty much been the most in demand as they’re sold in over 200 retail partner stores worldwide, making them the signature of the brand.
The company has its design and business operations done in New York, USA, with its actual production done in Italy.
General features of the white sneakers
Great aesthetics, super clean design with no branding logo anywhere on the upper, tongue or sole of the shoes.
Just a number-like gold foil stamp at the side which signifies the style, size and colors of the shoes.
They do have a pretty slim profile which is great as I have narrow feet, but also a sign of formality as I’ve always preferred my sneakers to be on the smart casual side — more like something that makes you feel like a grownup, yet youthful at the same time.
Inside has a partly grey suede design that keeps your heel from slipping off the shoes, with the rest having a smooth glove-like leather feeling to it. But it’s super soft and sturdy at the same time.
Another great selling point is the soles which are well stitched onto the upper of shoes with a so-called “stroebel stitching” which is often a sign of authenticity.
While most sneaker soles are glued to the upper, this has both, with more emphasis on the stitching and you can see part of them on the inside.
I’ve worn them on several occasions and haven’t noticed any loose threads whatsoever.
The material of the shoes
Made in Italy’s Marche region, the footwear is produced with Napel leather which is quite soft and sturdy at the same time. But with a little bit of a sheen effect to it. Kind of like the ones used in making couches according to my research.
They also come with thick soft leather footbeds, and the soles are made with Italian one-piece Margom rubber — widely known for their thickness and high quality.
I also noticed that they are heavier than every pair of sneakers I’ve owned. I'm guessing that’s why they're expensive.
Some not-so-cool stuff about Common Projects sneakers
- The fitting. While the slim widths are great for my type of feet, I don’t think they’ll be that comfortable for people with wide feet. I feel it would have been great if they had both thin and regular size options. Kind of like what Birkenstock offers on their website. This would appeal to more customers.
- Sizing. For me, this was more disappointing as I’ve seen and read forum debates on whether the shoes are true to size or not.
They weren’t in my experience!
I wear a size 42 but they looked 44 when I tried them on the first time. I then requested size 40 which was quite ok, but slightly shorter than what I would normally wear. (By the way, they only come in European measurements so keep that in mind). However, 40 was the closest I got to my size, as 41 was still slightly bigger than my foot.
To be honest, it would have been better if they had half sizes—like 40.5––would have been my perfect size. I still can’t stand or walk for long hours without a little bit of discomfort here and there. I guess the point here is it's better to visit a physical store and try them on first before deciding whether or not to get them. I live in London and got mine from Harrods. But there are multiple partner store locations both in the US and EU where you can buy a pair.
- Prone to counterfeiting. Because of their popularity and the fact that the company doesn’t have a physical store, nor sell through their website, you’re likely going to find fake ones everywhere, as they are likened to designer brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton etc. Which often have counterfeits. This is why I bought mine from Harrods; one of the world’s most luxurious stores and a recommended retailer by the company.
As mentioned, there are other retailers to choose from — including searching for their store locations based on your country and city.
To do this:
Go to their official website and navigate to the “stockists” option at the lower right of the homepage.
Next, click on it and a new page will open showing a list of countries where each retail partner is based. To find a partner store, click on your desired country for a further display of their details and contact.
You then can decide whether to visit their physical location — which I highly recommend, or get one from their website.
Final thoughts…
Are Common Projects Worth It? Should you buy a pair? The answer… yes and no!
Yes. If you can afford and are looking for something stylish, long-lasting, and versatile enough to be worn with jeans, chinos or even a suit for those casual outings.
No. If you don't have the money to invest in them. There are other alternatives such as the ones from Koio which are of a similar quality but cheaper. You can go that route.
Yes. If you can afford and are looking for something stylish, long-lasting, and versatile enough to be worn with jeans, chinos or even a suit for those casual outings.
No. If you don't have the money to invest in them. There are other alternatives such as the ones from Koio which are of a similar quality but cheaper. You can go that route.
Hope this helps 🙂
Thanks for stopping by. See you in the next post!
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