Achilles Low
The minimalist Italian calfskin low-top with its gold-stamped serial number is the sneaker that made the brand's name.
Explore Achilles →Brand profile
Common Projects
New York–designed, Italian-made minimalist footwear, defined by the gold serial-numbered Achilles low-top sneaker.
New York CityOrigin
UnisexFocus
Minimalist / ContemporaryStyle
$$$Price
19 brands like Common Projects like JAK Shoes, A.P.C., Officine Generale →
What to know about Common Projects
Common Projects is a footwear label founded in 2004 by Flavio Girolami and Prathan "Peter" Poopat, designed in New York and manufactured in Italy. The Achilles low-top defines the line: Italian calfskin uppers, a slim rubber sole, and a ten-digit gold serial number stamped on the heel encoding style, size and colour — the only visible branding. The range extends to Original Achilles, BBall, Tournament and Chelsea styles, plus boots and small leather goods, in muted, logo-free colourways.
The pieces that define Common Projects
BBall
The taller, gum-soled basketball silhouette is Common Projects' other core sneaker, applying the same logo-free leather treatment to a chunkier court shape.
Explore BBall →Chelsea Boot
Waxed suede Chelsea boots extend the label's clean, hardware-free approach from sneakers into footwear proper.
Explore Chelsea boots →How Common Projects fits
Overall fit
runs large
Common Projects sneakers are widely reported to run large and long, so buyers typically go down half to a full size for a clean fit.
Tip: Most people size down a half or full size from their usual sneaker size.
High confidence · based on 40 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sneakers | runs large | narrow to regular width with a low, sleek volume | Size down a half size (many go a full size down); the calfskin softens and stretches slightly with wear. |
| Boots | slightly large | slim, low-volume last | Consider going down a half size, especially if wearing thin socks. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like Common Projects
See all 19 brands like Common Projects →
87% matchJAK Shoes
Logo-free leather sneakers, Portuguese-made
What changes: Lower price, smaller range, less brand cachet
80% matchA.P.C.
Same quiet, logo-averse French basics wardrobe
What changes: Denim and ready-to-wear rather than footwear focus
74% matchOfficine Generale
Soft understated tailoring to build around the sneaker
What changes: Clothing-led, more Parisian workwear texture
70% matchMaison Margiela
Blank-label anonymity taken to a conceptual extreme
What changes: Far pricier, deconstructed and avant-garde
Common Projects fit questions
Does Common Projects run big or small?
Common Projects runs large. Most people size down a half or full size from their usual sneaker size. Common Projects sneakers are widely reported to run large and long, so buyers typically go down half to a full size for a clean fit.
How does Common Projects fit?
Common Projects sneakers are widely reported to run large and long, so buyers typically go down half to a full size for a clean fit. Overall shape: narrow, sleek silhouette with a low-volume fit.
How do Common Projects sneakers fit?
Common Projects sneakers runs large. Size down a half size (many go a full size down); the calfskin softens and stretches slightly with wear. Shape: narrow to regular width with a low, sleek volume.
How do Common Projects boots fit?
Common Projects boots fits slightly large. Consider going down a half size, especially if wearing thin socks. Shape: slim, low-volume last.
Brand facts
- Founded
- 2004
- Origin
- New York City, United States
- Made in
- Italy
- Price
- $$$
- Focus
- Unisex
- Styles
- Minimalist / Contemporary, Quiet luxury