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It's a Boot Time

Review: Is Common Projects the GOAT White Sneaker?

The pinnacle of white sneakerdom.

The greatest white sneaker of all time, that’s what people say about the legendary and phenomenally expensive Achilles low sneaker from Common Projects and if you’re reading this, your question is probably this: are they worth the eye watering price of $400+?

Well, friend, you’ve come to the right place. I did not get these shoes for free,  this is not a paid post , I picked these up at the Nordstrom’s in Columbus Circle here in New York City — and I felt the gut punch to my wallet just like you would.

I’ve been wearing these sneakers on and off for several months so you and I can properly explore the super clean, timeless, sleek, youthful-yet-very-grown-up Achilles low sneakers from the very mysterious footwear company called Common Projects.

This is the most beloved luxury sneaker on the market. With a minimalist look, sleek profile, and soft Napa leather, many consider it the ultimate white sneaker.

Table of Contents

Common Projects Brand

• Founded in 2004
• Started by a New York art director and Italian creative consultant
• No money spent on marketing
• Cult-like following

Common Projects started in 2004 as a collaboration between Prathan “Peter” Poopat, an art director in New York City, and Flavio Girolami, an Italian creative consultant.

If you can believe it, even though it’s the most talked about white sneaker on Earth and it’s the cornerstone of every outfit on the malefashionadvice subreddit , the company has never spent a dollar on advertising.

On top of that, their website is complete dogsh*t (seemingly existing only to list their retailers), their Instagram is hideous and seldom updated, they really do absolutely nothing to market except let the product itself fuel word of mouth.

Now, I get that the lack of advertising is a form of advertising, but in any case, this approach and this beguilingly simple product has led to a what many have called a cult-like adoration among its followers. More than once I’ve been on the subway here in New York City and had someone approach me like a skittish addict to inquire… “Are those Common Projects?”

“Are you a member? Did you drink the Kool-Aid?”

Well, yeah, I kind of have.

While the sneaker market is flooded with riffs on and ripoffs of the streamlined minimalist white leather kicks, Common Projects might have done it best. Let’s look at the aesthetic before talking diving into the materials themselves.

Common Projects Achilles Aesthetic

• Super clean design; no branding
• Gold foil numbers on heel
• Sole stitched to upper
• Streamlined and slim

This is the simple man’s sneaker.

The Achilles has an incredibly clean design. It’s completely free from branding; the company’s name doesn’t 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 it’s normally only found on the inside of your shoes on the tag.” (That’s what I saw a guy on Reddit say, anyway.)

Otherwise, it’s 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, there’s 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.

White suede lines the inside of the heel for some added traction on rear of the foot, and the rest of the inside is lined with white smooth leather.

A big selling point that some people might miss is that the sole is actually stitched onto the upper. It’s glued as well, but that stitching means that you won’t get those dreaded holes at the toebreak that so many cheaper sneakers eventually develop, and it’s one of many very subtle ways the sneakers tell you that they are not your average kicks.

The fit and the look is very streamlined and slim (too slim for most wide feet, unfortunately, but them’s the breaks) but when it comes to white sneakers, there’s a fine line between sleek and bulbous, wide, thick, and teenager-y. This is an unmistakably adult take on a youthful shoe.

High Snobiety had this great review where the author Aleks Eror said,

When I wear a pair of Achilles Low, I feel like a grown-ass man acting my goddamn age, yet youthful at the same time.

It’s just smart and dignified, almost like a dress shoe. It’s not  literally  a dress shoe, but I have actually been to weddings where people have worn these with a suit and… kind of pulled it off.

Yes, it’s still a sneaker, but it has this breezy stylishness that makes them look just as attractive sitting under some frayed jeans as it does on a slim suit on casual Fridays, on khakis, with joggers, with sweatpants, with board shorts and a tank top, the list goes on. The only pants I wouldn’t recommend them with are those on the baggy side with wide leg openings — they do need a slimmer cuff. But nonetheless: young, old, it’s one of the few sneakers that looks good on anybody and with any outfit.

Common Projects Leather  

• Constructed in Italy’s Marche region
• Made from Napa leather
• Known for being soft and sturdy, often used in couches
• Has a slight sheen

Every Achilles is constructed in Italy’s Marche region in a factory that’s been churning out proper footwear for more than a century.

Let’s talk materials: this is Napa leather, a leather noted for its soft feel. There are actually lot of couches out there made from Napa because it’s so nice and soft, but it’s sturdy as well. Common Projects, I believe, uses patent leather, so it’s treated a little bit to make it a tiny bit shiny. People call it “matte with a little bit of a sheen,” which might sound like a contradiction in terms but hey, but it’s a very complex shoe.

Common Projects Achilles Sole 

• One-piece rubber Margom 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; it’s really thick and great quality Italian rubber, with Gear Patrol calling Margom,

a revered Italian brand (that) creates many of the outsoles for top luxury footwear brands because they genuinely are the best of the best.

It’s attached with what’s 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 and stitched , 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 won’t get holes around the toe break like every other sneaker you own.

[Related: The Ultimate Converse Chuck Taylor All Star review ]

Common Projects Fit & Sizing

• I found them true to size, many don’t
• No half sizes
• No wide widths
• 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:

• No half sizes.
• No other widths. (And it’s a pretty narrow fit.)
• They only use European sizes.
• There’s a lot of misinformation online about how accurate the sizing is.

A lot of people on the internet will tell you to size down with these, but that didn’t work out for me. I’m an 11.5 on a Brannock device which is about 45.5 in European sizing. I ordered these in 44 and they were too small, so I had to take them to the Nordstrom store in Columbus Circle to exchange them for either a 45 or a 46. The former was a bit too small, the latter a bit too big, so given my true size is 45.5 I would say these actually fit true to size.

After a very long deliberation I wound up going with the 45s: today they’re a hair small, but they stretched a teeny tiny bit and they’re still comfy as all hell.

The leather footbed is very thick and soft — it feels like you’re walking on cushions, thanks Napa — and it does indeed mould to the shape of your feet over time. The rest of the leather also softens, so while I wouldn’t say the sneakers need a  break in  period,  the shoes do get more comfortable with wear. Check out my toes indented into the footbed:

The suede on the inside of the heel is a nice (and fancy!) way of keeping the heel from slipping and the sole really is thick and substantial and surprisingly heavy. Walking in these shoes, you can feel they have more heft to them than the average kicks and it’s something of a reminder that they are not your average beat around sneakers.

[Further reading: The 6 Best Leather Sneakers for Wide Feet ]

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 Kelly’s
• Magic eraser on the sole
• Use shoe trees

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; it’ll 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 aren’t many places for dirt to get trapped and it’s easy to wipe them down with just a damp rag now and then.

Sometimes they’ll be a bit too dirty for that, so when it comes to cleaning them:

• First of all you want to give it a brush down with a horsehair brush , which has fine hairs that get deeper into the pores than other brushes.
• Use a leather cleaner. A lot of people use Jason Markk’s Premium Shoe Cleaner — Jason Markk is strongly associated with the brand for some reason — but I use Cobbler’s Choice Leather Spot Cleaner and it works great.
• Apply and then wipe it down with a rag; for tougher clumps of dirt, you might want to use a toothbrush or a stiff haired brush.
• When you inevitably get scuffs and cleaning won’t do the trick, use some leather cream. Saphir’s Crème is usually seen as the gold standard, but you can also use Kelly’s Shoe Cream if you want to save a bit of money. Put a bunch of it on, let it dry, then buff away the excess with a cloth.
• The sole is a lot harder to clean. If your shoe cleaner doesn’t work, use something like Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser .
• Lastly, for long term care, a lot of people like a spray of Jason Markk’s Repel to repel stains. Unlike a lot of leather protectors, it’s water based and shouldn’t alter the feel of the material too much. That said, a lot of purists hate stain repellents like this, claiming it’ll suffocate the leather. I don’t use these products, but I don’t have a strong stance either way.

[Related: My review of Cobbler’s Choice Leather Conditioner ]

One last note on care: this will sound pretty silly, but you should use shoe trees. For those not in the know, they’re foot-shaped pieces of cedar that you insert into shoes to help them maintain their shape and suck up excess moisture. It’s something every smart person uses with boots and it might sound silly with sneakers, but they’re 400-dollar sneakers and you should protect your investment. These cheap ones will do the trick, but some prefer those with a rounded heel, like the famous ones from Allen Edmonds .

Use them, and let them rest a day between wears, and it really does help the shoes to hold up over time. Here’s a two-year-old pair from Reddit user u/standardofstyle who took good care of them:

Treat them well and they’ll last you at least five years, maybe more.

[Related: 3 reasons your shoe trees should be cedar ]

Common Projects Achilles Price

There’s no getting around the fact that these are expensive shoes, usually costing between $400 and $450.

[ BUY THE COMMON PROJECTS ACHILLES HERE ]

Look, I get it. They’re expensive, and there are similar shoes from New Republic and Kent Wang that look pretty similar, but I’ve seen older pairs of those shoes and they simply aren’t as durable. It’s different leather and different craftmanship. Common Projects really will age the best and out of the many alternatives out there, while some come close to replicating the style, they are not going to hold up as well over time.

There are a lot of little things they do, like the fact that the sole is stitched down to prevent it from coming apart, the high quality leather is easier to take care of, the outsole is renowned for its quality, and so on.

Common Projects Alternative

If you’re dead set on finding an alternative, the closest thing to this sneaker out there is Oliver Cabell’s Low 1 . They have the same sole, same stitched construction, same look, they’re even made in the same region in Italy — and they’re less than half the price.

They’re not identical: the footbed isn’t quite as soft but the upside with Oliver Cabell is that the last isn’t as narrow: while the shoes look practically identical, the Low 1 has just a bit more room in the forefoot. Given the skinny fit is the biggest complaint, besides the price, that I hear about Common Projects, I think the Low 1 is definitely the best Common Projects alternative.

You can check them out here if you’re interested, or take a look at my super thorough comparison of Common Projects and Oliver Cabell .

Common Projects Pros & Cons

• Undeniably cool
• Can be worn with any outfit
• Stitched sole
• Very durable
• Easy to clean

• They need some babying
• Toe box quite shallow and narrow
• Sizing is tricky
• Can be stuffy in hot weather
• Phenomenally expensive

Good God, these shoes are cool.

They’re just the coolest shoes. The whole breezy but dressy, casual but formal, minimalist but unmistakably branded look, from top to bottom there just isn’t anything quite like them. They go with every single outfit, it doesn’t matter how casual or formal it is.

I love the fact that the upper is stitched to the sole so you won’t get the dreaded toebreak holes.

They’re very comfortable, I love the softness of the footbed coupled with the weight and durability of the sole.

Now, they’re not sneakers exactly. That word has connotations of beat around shoes you don’t 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.

It’s 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 don’t.

And of course, they’re really, really, really expensive. But I’ve already spilled a lot of ink on this aspect, and the fact is that there is just nothing else like these shoes. This is undeniable. If you have the money and you like the shoes and their story, there is no substitute. I get compliments on these every single time I wear them, and all I can conclude this review with is: I’m glad I spent the money.

Nick English

Editor-in-Chief

Nick English, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Stridewise, combines a rich background in journalism with a profound expertise in  menswear, making him a distinctive voice in durable, casual menswear.

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Founded in 2018 to help men buy the best boots, Stridewise is committed to finding and celebrating footwear, apparel, and gear that’s as close to “buy it for life” quality as possible. Our reviewers and experts create authentic, independent reviews of top-quality casual boots, menswear, and accessories. We take great pride in being your most trusted source for advice while maintaining complete editorial independence. At no extra cost to you, we might earn a commission from a brand when you purchase through our links, which helps us keep our mission alive. Learn More

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November 29, 2019 at 1:32 pm

Great review, Nick! Honest and on the point as always. Cool to see that you’re reviewing sneakers now too. I also own a pair of CP Achilles Low in white and agree with your review 100%. And you are totally correct about them being TTS and that it would be great if CP offered half sizes. I don’t know why people on reddit (still) recommend sizing down a full size – maybe the Achilles ran larger some years ago and CP/Margom changed their sizing a bit recently? I’m a Brannock 11 which is EU 44 and bought a used, well broken-in 43 for my first pair. They were way too small and hurt a lot while walking, and the leather didn’t stretch noticeable at all (not even shoe stretchers helped). My current 44 fit great and comfortable from the beginning and are the same length as my other sneakers, so they don’t look oversized or anything. So my recommendation would also be TTS or sizing down half a size maximum if in-between sizes. Personally I wound’t say they are worth retail at $415, but they can frequently be found for around $300 which is … well.. more reasonable imo. Anyway, cheers and keep up the good work!

December 1, 2019 at 10:52 pm

I know Tom, I’m just lucky I live in New York and was able to go exchange them in person without having to ship them anywhere. Delighted you agree with the review! Yeah, a good $100 of the cost is just the brand name, there are other good sneakers out there. $300 I’d be… pretty happy with, though not delighted haha

December 6, 2019 at 2:21 pm

just prowlin about your stuff having just commented on your John Doe video. regarding ( white ) sneakers you might check Crown Northampton. very happy with their Upton. not cheap but not CP crazy. and they can do a “G” (wide) fitting. but they do max out @ 31cm /13UK. with a touch of help from Mark in their customer service, I find they fit like a glove

December 24, 2019 at 6:36 am

Haha thanks for prowling, Herb. Would love to do more white sneakers, I think I’ll do Taft and Koio and Beckett Simonon in 2020, maybe!

September 29, 2020 at 8:02 am

I recently bought myself a pair of CP in nude/dust pink. After a few weeks of infrequent wear, they have started to crease horribly. Any recommendations on how to solve this? Perhaps a lacing method?

I’ve also experimented, using Universal Creme from Saphir on one side. I was really really disappointed to find that it actually made the tiny wrinkles on the leather more visible and clear. The side that was applied, also is creasing more.

October 3, 2020 at 8:28 pm

Hey Poom, consider using cedar shoe trees and I’ve heard this MAY help with creasing too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAhBsypTT4g That said, creasing kind of just happens :/

September 17, 2021 at 1:57 pm

I bought the all black version of these shoes. I also own the Allan Edmunds version. Frankly I find the latter better made & detailed than The Common Projects. I also find the latter more comfortable. Finally, the Allan Edmunds are considerably less costly.

October 4, 2021 at 12:14 am

Great feedback John! It’s great to find a cheaper alternative that works even better for you

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Put Your Best Foot Forward With The Best Common Projects Alternative

posted 2020 Oct by Tuesday Bote

Tuesday Bote - Oct 1, 2020

Why Common Projects Became "Cult" Shoes

How to get the same quality for less without getting hung up about it.

What Reviewers Say About Common Projects Alternatives

Letting it all out: how oliver cabell's low 1 matches up to the common projects achilles low.

How Oliver Cabell Sneakers Differ From Common Projects Sneakers

Everybody should be happy with their shoes, and even as "perfect" as some hardcore fans think CP is, there's no denying that there's still a market for Common Projects alternatives . People are looking for the same quality but with better options for price and fit:

Why We Believe a Luxury Sneaker Should be Accessible

Tuesday is a content strategist who covers fashion, health and business. She's a blogger who believes that the perfect pair of shoes can change the world - even if its just one step at a time.

Where Are Our Shoes Made?

Leather Tannery (EST. 1954) — Vicenza, Italy

Each pair of Oliver Cabell sneakers is handcrafted by someone who truly lives and breathes the shoemaking process.

Our sneakers are made using old-school shoemaking methods, which requires days to complete in our facility in Italy.

Furthermore, we only use premium Italian calfskin leather and highly regarded Margom outsoles in our leather sneakers.

We believe in full transparency. On our product pages, you can see a complete list of the materials used to craft each shoe, as well as a breakdown of their cost to produce.

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Common Projects Achilles Low Review ($400+ Sneakers)

Published on July 3, 2023 by TMM Staff · Shoes May contain affiliate links ( what's this? )

Want to try out Common Projects but intimidated by the steep price? Before splurging, read this hands-on review of the Achilles Low!

Table of Contents

Common Projects — if you’re a men’s style enthusiast, you’ve undoubtedly heard of this iconic brand. 

If you’re familiar with their classic minimal sneakers , you’ve also seen their eye-watering price tag.

Today we’ll answer the question, “Are they worth it?” 

This guest review was written by The Modest Man reader, James Barrett . James provided photos of his second pair of Common Project Achilles Lows.

History of Common Projects

In 2004, a dynamic pair, Prathan Poopat and Flavio Girolami, set out to make stylish, luxury sneakers . The end result was the Achilles. 

Now, almost 20 years later, Common Projects offers a wide range of high-end footwear. Included in their lineup are Chelsea boots, basketball shoes, loafers, desert boots, and more. 

Though based in NYC, Common Projects are made in Italy’s Marche region from fine Italian leather. ( Source ).

My love affair with Common Projects began around ten years ago. I was immediately hooked once I saw the clean silhouette look on the now-infamous, Bradley Cooper GQ shoot. 

Though aesthetically, my interests were peaked, it would be for at least another four years before I actually attempted to pull the trigger on a pair. In 2013, I was in an entry-level position so spending hundreds of dollars on shoes was out of the question.

Fast forward to 2017, I finally decided to figuratively dip my toes in the water. I was (understandably) still unsure about spending $400+ on shoes.

At that time, I was a frequent visitor of the Mr. Porter website . I ordered the grey leather pair with the intent of sending them back. (I convinced myself that I just wanted to see how they fit and looked). 

After trying them on, sending them back was one of the hardest things, sartorially speaking, that I’ve ever had to do. I was hooked. However, I kept my promise to myself to return them because I still wasn’t financially ready to commit. 

When I was financially ready, boy did I commit. By that time, I’d discovered Grailed . Coincidentally, I was in the same class at college as their brand director. 

I bought my first pair of Common Projects, brand new, for around $300. This time I opted for the all-white pair.

You see up to that point, I had tried brands like Greats, M.Gemi & Beckett Simonon . It’s not that anything was wrong with these brands.

However, they didn’t match the Common Projects’ slim, minimal silhouette. In retrospect, trying to “make due” with other minimal white sneakers was simply my way of biding time — I already knew what I wanted. 

I’m currently wearing the original pair that I bought in 2019. They have become my backup pair and go along with the current well-worn sneaker. Aside from the clean silhouette, the materials just seemed like they were higher quality compared to the other brands that I tried.

The Achilles Low simply blended so well with my aesthetic and became my go-to shoe. 

Wondering how to wear white minimal sneakers ? Take a look at this article . 

My Common Projects Cost Per Wear

Now, here’s where things get a little nerdy. I use an app called Stylebook Men to calculate my cost per wear of anything that I purchase. Yes, that means that my entire wardrobe is logged online. 

While you might think that $300+ sneakers would be a lousy purchase, let’s look at the numbers. 

My original pair of Achilles Lows cost around $300 and I’ve worn them in 337 outfits. That’s a $0.90 cost per wear. I’ve absolutely gotten the value out of these shoes. 

My primary pair, which I purchased in 2021, has a cost per wear of 1.80 cents based on a purchase price of $329 and is used in 191 outfits.

For me, considering the cost per wear has helped me to realize that these purchases were absolutely worth it. 

Now, I have a sneaker cleaning/restoration side hustle, and, as you can see, I’m quite the nerd so I take immaculate care of any shoe that I own.

I still get compliments today on how new they look even after almost 200 wears.

To those of you reading this article that already owns a pair of Common Projects, how does this information translate to you? What would you say is your approximate cost per wear? I’m curious, let me know in the comment section.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s questions people are asking on the web are asking about Common Projects: 

What do Common Projects numbers mean?

The numbers printed on the side of Common Projects indicate the sneaker’s style number, shoe size (European sizing), and color code. The style number and color code are used internally by Common Projects. 

How long do Common Projects last?

Way longer than cheap leather sneakers ! I’ve worn my first pair well over 300 times and they are still going strong. 

How do Common Projects fit?

Common Projects normally fit true-to-size. However, they only come in whole sizes, so, if you’re between sizes, for the Achilles Low I’d size up.

Common Projects Achilles Low: Are They Worth It?

All things considered, at over $300 are the Achilles Low Common Projects Sneakers worth it? 

Well, It depends. 

Now, I know some of you will want a clear yes or no answer. However, we all have different circumstances. 

Personally, my Achilles Lows were absolutely worth it for me. Not only is the cost per wear quite low, but these were also shoes that I coveted for nearly six years before I actually bought them. 

I was more than ready mentally to get a pair. 

I’m also someone who’s very meticulous with my shoe maintenance , so I’ve kept them in good shape. 

However, if you simply want a beater shoe that you don’t have to think about, maybe Common Projects’ current price tag doesn’t make sense for you.

That’s totally ok! In fact, there’s no shortage of brands that offer similar shoes in many different price ranges. 

Check out this video for six great alternatives : 

However, if you resonate with my story and have always wanted a pair. Once they’re on your feet, there will be no regrets. 

Would you cough up $300+ on a pair of Common Projects sneakers ? Let me know in the comment section below!

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About TMM Staff

The Modest Man staff writers are experts in men's lifestyle who love teaching guys how to live their best lives. If an article is published under TMM Staff, that means multiple writers worked on it. For example, sometimes several of us have experience with a certain brand, so we collaborate to publish a more thorough review. Or, if an article was originally written by one person, but then it was updated by someone else, we'll re-publish it under TMM Staff. Remember: all of our articles (including those below) are written by real people with decades of combined experience in men's fashion and lifestyle topics.

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Got questions? Want to share your opinion? Comment below!

July 6, 2023 at 2:30 am

I’m pretty sure that under the “Are They Worth It” section at the bottom that those are a pair of Koio’s, not Oliver Cabells, lol. No biggie.

While I like Common Projects, I don’t think that price per wear is an entirely stand-alone reason to buy them. Reebok Club C 85s are $90, and will one pair of Common Projects really last longer than 3 pairs of Reeboks/Sambas/Air Forces/Stan Smiths? My experience with sneakers is that cheaper pairs like these can handle 1-1.5 years of daily wear before truly wearing out. To match that, one pair of Common Projects will have to last longer than roughly 1,000 wears, minimum, and that’s not even accounting for the fact that Common Projects are $100 more expensive nowadays. Though, to be fair, I have not owned a pair myself.

Although Common Projects are not a bad-value purchase(because there are many other reasons to buy them) I think that the price-per-wear argument has its flaws.

July 8, 2023 at 4:08 pm

You’re right — thanks for catching that mistake! Gold star to you, Mateo 🙂 !

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Plain class: Best Common Projects alternatives

The white leather sneaker is a wardrobe essential, always ready to complement any outfit on any occasion, from the pub to the upscale party and even with a suit to a Michelin-starred restaurant. Common Projects Achilles Low have a well-deserved name with their not inexpensive take on this premium footwear basic - and there are many minimalist and affordable Common Projects alternatives from similarly obsessive artisanal makers available for your everyday sneaker collection. We've rounded up some of the best plain white leather sneakers, all much-loved around here, so we'll leave the final choice up to you.

Best Common Projects alternatives in 2024

Pini Parma White Luxury Sneakers

Introducing the Pini Parma White Luxury Sneakers, meticulously crafted in Italy. These sneakers feature a sleek white calf leather upper and soft calf leather lining for unparalleled comfort. Completed with a stitched rubber sole by Margom, these sneakers blend exquisite craftsmanship with contemporary style for the discerning gentleman.

CLAE Bradley

The CLAE Bradley is another Common Projects Achilles Low alternative. Crafted with Italian Nappa leather, its upper exudes luxury. Inside, leather and recycled polyester lining provide a plush feel. Enhanced with a recycled PU foam insole for superior comfort, all resting atop the Standard Premium sole, boasting 30% natural rubber for durability and support.

Oliver Cabell Low 1 White

Modern materials and long-established techniques are the hallmarks of all Oliver Cabell footwear. Stitched and lasted in Marche in central Italy using local full-grain calfskin leather, with rubber Italian Margom outsoles, Low 1 White sneakers are true to the Oliver Cabell philosophy of "everyday wear, forever". Perhaps the closest to a Common Projects Achilles sneaker as you'll find.

North-89 Court*

Scandinavian minimalism comes no better than this. Design is in Stockholm with each pair hand-crafted in the Portuguese city of Porto. Consider this a waterproof take on the Common Projects Achilles Low, with nylon laces and a durable rubber cup sole. Comfort is key for North-89 and so insoles are memory foam, for a personal snug fit around your feet.

WAHTS Cartes Retro Tennis Sneaker

From a company that likes to say their pieces "follow the rules of comfort and style", the Cartes Retro Tennis Sneaker from WAHTS does just that, with outer construction from high-end Italian suede and an inner of cosseting soft leather. Detailing is subtle, crafting is in Portugal where each sneaker is individually hand-stitched.

Closed Monochrome Sneakers*

Made entirely in Italy, Closed 's Sneakers Low are constructed from a mix of soft suede and smooth leather. Outsole is a subtle contrast to the pure white upper, in cream rubber. Detailing is obsessively executed, including a Closed badge on the tongue and soft leather insole.

Velasca Belèratt

Milan-based Velasca are on a mission: to bring you true artisanal footwear. Each pair of their smooth calfskin white Belèratt sneakers is carefully handmade by a small family concern in the shoemaking town of Montegranaro in Italy. Outer sole is in white rubber and the sneakers are designed, say Velasca, to "complement your casual looks without disrupting any colour combinations".

Discover our pick of the best eco-friendly trainers.

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The Best Cheaper Alternatives To Common Projects

White shoes. They’re the staple of our generation’s age of fashion, and practically every other generation before it. Today, Common Projects are the quintessential brand for white shoes. So, here’s a link to their site and we’ll see you next ti…

Oh, right. It’s $400.

We spent a lot of time scouring the internet for some of the best alternatives to Common Projects for the best quality and price. Let’s be real here: There are some darn good alternatives to Common Projects out there, some are even more comfortable and look better than it.

In this article, we’re highlighting 2 of the best of the best. These are the best cheaper alternatives to Common Projects –and some of them look even better.

The Best Cheaper Alternatives to Common Projects

Sydney brown low sneaker white.

These are going to be the best that it gets. Minimalist, clean, sleek.

One of the best things about this one is the comfort, and that’s saying something since most other new shoes are about as hard as a rock. The lining at the top is soft on the heels, so you’re not going to bleed all over the place like it’s that time of the month.

I was wearing a pair of these a month ago at a kickback house party during my sophomore year of college. One of my “artsy” friends loved the cork material in the soles, and I can’t blame her. It was an Asian household so taking off my shoes showed off the abstract pattern of the brown cork.

It’s also a 100% vegan shoe that is made of recycled fiber and organic cotton laces. If you want comfort and aesthetics but you’re also all about saving the planet, this is your go to piece.

Svensson Classic Low White

This is also a great choice for a better quality, cheaper alternative to Common Projects. Good stitching, good lining, calf leather, rubber outsole, padded tongue, and collar. The laces are flat and compliments the smart sleek design of the shoe’s structure. This one is also more comfortable for your ankles, so you won’t go bleeding everywhere you walk.

For the most part, it’s a comfortable, high quality shoe that lasts and has a white, sleek structure equally stylish to Common Projects. For less.

Can I Trust Grailed For Shoes?

“Shoes make the man.”

This was probably said by some Tibetan Monk meditating on a mountain. But hey, the proverb is pretty true. Shoes are the first thing a lady notices in a man’s outfit, after all. So why skimp out on them?

Okay, so what about getting good shoes from Grailed? Can’t I just get good, barely worn shoes from another person on the internet? Well, kind of.

The thing about Grailed is that they have some pretty good resell clothes there. People post legit photos and you get what you pay for. Now, the problem is that a lot of fakes circulate Grailed, and only some users actually say that they’re fake, but most of them don’t specify that they’re fakes.

In truth, fakes aren’t entirely bad. Some of them, not all, can be pretty good quality and feel quite the same as the real ones. The problem is that these fakes are being sold for 200 – 300 dollars when in fact they should be sold for cheaper than that. Fakes are typically not that expensive, and you can go to much better websites for alternatives that are cheaper and still hold good quality.

ReonDistrict –A Better Alternative

ReonDistrict is one of the few sources that actually provides high quality fakes for a good price without compromising quality. If you scour around other forums online, it’s typically hailed as the place to go to for fakes if you don’t want to have bad quality.  

Best of all, they look exactly alike to the brand they’re faking.

Typically, the fake brand clothes industry is rife with pieces with smell weirds, weird stitching, and structures that cut into your feet. Fortunately, ReonDistrict does fakes quite well, and you won’t have to worry about some tool checking your feet at every inch to check if they’re fake, because they’re practically 99% identical.

So if you’re a broke hypebeast and still want Common Projects to fit with the trend, you can still buy the fakes from ReonDistrct and you won’t compromise on the “Hey, those are CPs right? Nice!” compliments.  

And that’s it! If you need cheaper alternatives to Common Projects, try out either Sydney Brown Low Sneaker Whites, or Svensson Classic Low Whites. If you’re looking for Common Project fakes without losing out on quality, search on ReonDistrict. Don’t use Grailed for shoes. Shoes make the man, so they deserve the respect of the highest quality you can afford.

Got questions about how to pair white shoes? Just questions about shoes in men’s fashion in general? Want personalized recommendations on what outfits work with your body? Hit us up and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

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Can’t Find Eclipse Glasses? Here’s What to Do.

You can watch a projection of the eclipse using some common household items.

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By Katrina Miller

Follow our live updates on the total solar eclipse .

Reliable paper-framed glasses are by far the most popular option for safely watching the total solar eclipse on Monday. But they’ve gotten more difficult to find in some places ahead of the event.

If you’ve checked everywhere — your local planetarium, public library and even online — fear not: There is still a way to watch the eclipse safely, using items around the house. Here are a few options.

Use your hands

Palms up, position one hand over the other at a 90-degree angle. Open your fingers slightly in a waffle pattern, and allow sunlight to stream through the spaces onto the ground, or another surface. During the eclipse, you will see a projection of the moon obscuring the surface of the sun.

This method works with anything with holes, such as a straw hat, a strainer, a cheese grater or even a perforated spoon. You will also notice this effect when light from the partially eclipsed sun streams through leaves on a tree.

Set up a cardstock screen

For this option, you need a couple of white index cards or two sheets of cardstock paper. First, punch a small hole in the middle of one of the cards using a thumbtack or a pin.

Then, facing away from the sun, allow light to stream through this pinhole. Position the second card underneath to function as a screen. Adjust the spacing between the two cards to make the projection of the sun larger or smaller.

Make a box projector

If you’re up for a bit of crafting, you can make a more sophisticated pinhole projector . Start with a cardboard box — empty cereal boxes are often used, but you can use a larger box, too. You’ll also need scissors, white paper, tape, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack.

Cut the piece of paper to fit the inside bottom of the cardboard box to act as a screen. Use tape to hold it in place.

On the top of the box, cut two rectangular holes on either side. (The middle should be left intact — you can use tape to secure this if needed.)

Tape a piece of aluminum foil over one of the rectangular cutouts. Punch a tiny hole in the middle of the foil with the tack or pin. The other cutout will serve as a view hole.

With your back to the sun, position the foil side of the box over your shoulder, letting light stream through the pinhole. An image of the sun will project onto the screen at the bottom of the box, which you can see through the view hole. A bigger box will create a bigger image.

Enjoy the show through any of these makeshift pinholes. And remember, during totality, you can view the sun directly with your naked eye. But you should stop looking at the sun as soon as it reappears.

Katrina Miller is a science reporting fellow for The Times. She recently earned her Ph.D. in particle physics from the University of Chicago. More about Katrina Miller