Shoes of the Month: Common Projects
This new blog feature is the perfect way to remind me that the month is coming to a wrap, and what better reminder than shoes. My pick of the month was a little trickier to decide on this time – because I wanted to bring you something more weather appropriate. On second thoughts, since we are moving into Spring and continuing the theme of exceptionally comfortable luxury trainers I bring you the most affordable from my last three picks: Woman by Common Projects.
Girolami and Poopat first met in the mid-1990s at a bar in New York’s East Village and soon decided to work on collaborative “projects” together. Both were avid sneaker enthusiasts; Stan Smiths, Air Jordan 1s and Chuck Taylors were some of their favourite go-to models, which later provided the inspiration for some of their own footwear. However, as their tastes evolved neither of them could find the more aesthetically refined and high quality sneakers they were increasingly looking for. “We didn’t want to wear Converse anymore,” says Girolami.
Common Projects have been on my radar for quite some years now but since trainers were not I never invested in a pair. Now that I am finally embracing the trainer trend they were an easy choice. They are an immaculate luxury basic and the colour palette is unique and classic.
The Stan Smiths of footwear for people with taste ! ?
Matt convinced me to reach for my first pair of (off) white shoes this time, and what a fantastic choice for Spring/Summer. It really is quite a novelty to look down at your feet sporting an all new colour.
Below you will see my picks from their other models and colours, trying to steer away from the safe black option to bringing you pink, grey and a more classic navy option. However, I finally gave into the black pair which are their platform option – perfect for ladies like me.
I am not one for any branding on clothing or shoes but I find this unique gold stamp feature on the side of the Common Projects shoe is really its unique selling point.
Ten numbers, divided into three sets, are stamped in gold on the outer heel of each shoe. Each set corresponds to a style number, European size and colour. It’s the only visible branding on a pair of otherwise perfectly clean, pared-back Common Projects shoes. But to a certain rubber-soled cognoscenti, these gilded digits have become every bit as emblematic as the Nike Swoosh or the Adidas Trefoil.
Shoes: Woman by Common Projects Original Achilles Sneakers
Comfort: 5/5
These are again amongst the most comfortable shoes I own. The deliciously thick, padded soft leather insole and firm leather outer make them comfortable to wear right from the start and might need to be broken in a little at home.
Quality: 5/5
The soft quality leather and finish on these shoes is impeccable and like the last two pairs they are Made to the highest standard in Italy.
Sizing: They run a bit big. Mine are a size 35, which is my usual size (with a tiny bit extra room).
Price: These beautiful trainers don’t tend to go on sale and are a standard price of around £250 / €310 (give or take for certain models)