Common Projects Sneakers Review (+ Affordable Look Alikes)

July 8, 2023

Spring in Paris Outfit I M.M.LaFleur Poplin Dress and Loewe Tote and Common Projects Sneakers

The shoes I’ve gotten the most mileage out of since purchasing them are definitely my Common Project Achilles sneakers. I’m really picky about sneakers as I want them to be sleek enough to be styled in a variety of ways without adding much “bulk” to an outfit and these Common Project shoes fit the bill perfectly.

Common Projects Sneakers Review

I was drawn to this white sneaker style after seeing a friend wear them on repeat. I loved that they weren’t too sporty and weren’t too casual. They were elevated and stylish and just super, super sleek. I love the minimalist white I have them in and love that they aren’t overly branded. (You’ll notice I’m not one for logo-mania personally!) If you’re curious about buying a pair of Common Projects today’s post should be helpful for you. 

Spring slip skirt

J.Crew Icon Trench

Eileen Fisher Cozy Home Outfit I wit & whimsy

Casual, Sporty Fall Look I wit & whimsy

Everlane Summer Jean I wit & whimsy

Two Piece Eyelet Set on Nantucket I wit & whimsy

Ann Taylor Spring Jackets I wit & whimsy

Easy Weekend Style I wit & whimsy

I truly can’t believe how much I have worn these shoes. The sneakers did take a bit of breaking in but once I did so they’ve been a dream ever since. I wear them almost always when I am traveling due to their comfort and my favorite part is that the style allows them to be worn with everything from jeans and shorts to dresses and midi skirts.

They are so versatile that I reach for them over and over again. Practical yet luxurious. Because of their sleek profile I find them a lot more elevated than a lot of other white sneakers I see on the market. They feel less casual than say, a Veja sneaker, too which means I can pair them with dresses without feeling frumpy.

I want to acknowledge that I know these sneakers are really expensive. More than most would ever spend on a pair of shoes so I have included some Common Projects alternatives below that are more affordable options with similar aesthetics. But they are really high quality and definitely fall in line with the quality I would expect from a luxury footwear brand.

But, since I’ve gotten many questions about the sneakers since owning them (whether they’re worth it, favorite ways to style them, whether they were comfortable, etc.) – I thought this post was worth sharing.

As for sizing, it is a bit interesting. I have them in a size 36 even though I almost always a size 37 in European shoes so be sure to read up on guidance for sizing before purchasing if you think you may make the splurge. I don’t have wide feet but I find the toe box and the shoe overall to be really comfortable and the leather molds to your feet with wear.

I’m a big believer in investing in nicer shoes so that they hold up and so that they are comfortable to get a lot of wear in – Common Projects have absolutely been worth it for me. I’ve owned them for five years and worn them multiple times every single week since I first bought them. 

I’ve bought a second pair as I ran through my initial pair after four years of constant wear. They are a total wardrobes staple and it is easy to see why they are often sold out. The white color does not go on sale so it is worth snapping up a pair if you find them in stock in your size!

They are available at the following retailers including Revolve, Saks and Nordstrom.

 

Even more ways I’ve styled them:

Easy T-Shirt Dress Styled by Meghan Donovan of wit & whimsy

Flirty and Sporty Summer Style I on Meghan Donovan of wit & whimsy

J.Crew Sweater Blazer on Meghan Donovan of wit & whimsy

Best of Lisbon, Portugal I wit & whimsy

Weekend Fall Style I wit & whimsy

Casual Fall Outfit I wit & whimsy

Winter Neutrals I Teddy coat I wit & whimsy

Common Projects Sneakers Review I wit & whimsy

Cute Trench Coats for Fall

Linen Blazer I wit & whimsy

Paris Winter Outfit

If you love the look of the sneakers but want a more affordable pair, the best options I found are below. I can’t speak to them as I don’t have them but I understand that the price of the Common Projects sneakers are rather high for a shoe – let alone a sneaker. 

Common Projects Dupes

 

 

And to keep your white sneakers looking good? I clean mine regularly with a Magic Eraser. And then when I am traveling, I stash a few of these handy wipes to touch up my sneakers to ensure they are looking as good as new while on the road.

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[Carter Fish Photography]

comments +

  1. Margaret says:

    How do you clean them?

  2. GF says:

    I’m a sneakers gal through and through (there’s just really no other shoe that is comfortable enough for walking around NYC) and I love my stan smiths. i’ve been eyeing those veja ones you featured, too! even though I don’t own the common projects sneaks you have, I love seeing the different ways you style them, which inspires me to try my sneakers with new looks, too!

  3. Rhonda says:

    So much fashion inspiration! Thank you!! I love all the different ways you styled your sneaks!

  4. Kate says:

    You HAVE to add the adidas Sleek to your roundup – crazy similar silhouette and under $100. Full disclaimer, I work for adidas, but I have been wearing my Sleeks with dresses and with denim, the profile is just perfect & super versatile. (I don’t have any random benefit from telling you this either, just wanted to spread the love!)

    • Meghan says:

      Ooo I just looked them up and they’re great! A bit more sporty than I usually go for but so glad you made me aware of the style as the price point is indeed great! Thank you, Kate!!

  5. Rachel says:

    What socks do you wear with these (if any)? I am on my second pair of supergas and still have not found the perfect sneaker sock!

  6. Sabrina says:

    I LOVE my CP’s. I have the rose’ coloured ones. The light pink.
    I will even wear mine with a suit, they are so simple and cute.

    Other obsession if you want a new pair of sneaks are Tretorns!

  7. Jules says:

    I just got a pair of the lace ups from Rothy’s in bright white, not leather or leather-like of course, but they are very comfy so far and I hope they will be easy to clean because you can throw them in the washing machine!

  8. Lauren says:

    How are these for traveling? Going to Italy for 2 weeks next month and anticipating a lot of walking. Will breaking them in a month before help or should these not be my main shoe for a vacation with a lot of walking?

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