Why are the Common Projects Achilles Low So Popular?
I finally picked up my own pair of Common Projects Achilles Low shoes up. It’s about time as I have been eyeing these studs for over a year. Browsing through footwear websites and Common Projects Achilles Low sneakers always popped up.
Strolling through a footwear retail outlet and Common Projects Achilles Low sneakers would be standing on display.
What was the latest blogger talking about for sneakers? His latest Common Projects.
I decided on the dark grey Common Projects Achilles Low suede sneaker which has become one of my favorite shoes. Here is why I love my Common Projects Achilles Low.
Where Did Common Projects Start?
Common Projects was started by two guys from New York who basically wanted to redefine the minimalistic sneaker. The first pair the Achilles sneakers was born in 2004 and the brand has since blown up. The original sneakers came in only three colors and in very basic ones. Take a guess? Yes black, grey, and white. The sneakers which usually require $400 have become the new challenger within the fashion sneaker market. Big-box fashion retail outlets have all picked picked up on the hype and can be seen on numerous shopping sites.
So how did this simple shoe stand out amongst the giant brand names out there? They bridged the gap between sneakers and fashion. And the golden numerics on the side have given them that instant recognition. That personal flair where you won’t see the same set of numbers of anyone else’s pair of Common Projects.
How Do the Common Projects Achilles Low Fit?
I usually wear a size 9 for men’s footwear and in my Common Projects Achilles Low I snatched up a size 42. As the brand doesn’t do half sizes they have just a touch bit of room in the toe box. If you’re a half sizer I would recommend going down. My size fits great and I wouldn’t go down as the width feels comfortable. I have a pretty average foot width, maybe a tad on the wide and these Common Projects don’t fit narrow. A majority of the people who I questioned for sizing say they fit narrow. I won’t be buying into that anymore. If you have a slighter wider foot, they’ll fit just fine.
A first-hand experience with any Common Project shoe and they will feel just like the money-tag on the box. The suede leather is rich and the shoe construction just feels like it’s there. You can feel cheap quality leather when you go to a shoe store and pick up a pair of shoes that feels like crap. You just have that instant click in your head where you know the shoe quality is not quite all there. If you needed a little reassurance then you will also read that all Common Projects shoes are Made In Italy.
Distinct Features of the Common Projects Achilles Low Sneaker
Common Projects soles are made with a Margom cup-sole. Most sneakers you come across these days utilize a vulcanized sole. With a Margom cup-sole you are getting an overall better built shoe and a sole that will wear longer. This is mainly since the soles are glued and stitched to the upper. This is why they are a more durable shoe in general and also consist of a higher-quality grade rubber. I wear my Common Projects at least a few times a week and you hardly notice any wear on the heels. If you have a wider foot the sole design and width of shoe tend to fit better.
One distinct feature I noticed about the Common Projects was the plush tongue of the shoe. It has a nice grip and you can feel the extra padding embedded within it. I thought it gave a nice aesthetic lift to the tongue of the shoe and made it stand upright a bit more. All throughout the lining of the top back-heel area you will notice the cushion lining. I feel like you don’t see that in many sneakers these days. It fills in the side gaps of the shoe and gives you an extra layer of comfort. The insole of the shoe is well-cushioned and also contains the emblazoned Made In Italy text. All this has definitely added to the all-day walking capability of these shoes with not one area of discomfort anywhere.
Common Projects Achilles Low Sneaker: Final Thoughts
The shoes come in a very minimalistic box, a reference of the approach the designers took with their shoes. Common Projects even thought about the little things by including extra shoe laces and a dust bad. The Common Projects Achilles Low are definitely worth the attention they have built up. The shoes are of high-quality and are super comfortable. Take your chance on a pair and I believe you’ll find a new go-to brand for your sneaker preference. If you want to read even further about other Common Projects styles please read my review on the collaboration with Robert Geller.
