Common projects

[countrygirl171]

Does anyone have any common projects trainers? I'm really tempted by a pair but can't decide between these and the Gucci ace bee ones. I've been saving up for a while so want to make the right decision. I love the backs of the Gucci ones but I'm not sure if I prefer the common project ones that are not so obviously branded. Thank you for any advice.

My OH has them, likes them well enough but in terms of trainers not that different from cheaper versions of them. They're less understated than you'd assume because of the all over colour look (unless you get them in white, which are so blah they look like any old shoe unless the rest of your style choices are very hypebeast) which works well but it makes them somewhat less versatile than expected.

I don't mean this patronisingly, but the two pairs you're considering are very much fashion trainers and in terms of fashion their heydays have long passed. They're also stylistically at complete opposite ends of the spectrum, maximalist Gucci vs minimalist CP that are both heavily inspired by the Adidas Stan Smiths. What exactly is your criteria, if it's a recognisable expensive designer shoe but not too shouty about it then there's currently probably a different 'it shoe' at the moment that would meet that criteria.

If you like the minimalist aesthetic I'd have a look at Axel Arigato too, their clean 90 and 360 models specifically. They're still expensive but about half the price of common projects.

Thank you for your reply. I'm not really sure what I want. I think I'd like something that isn't going to date and will work with trousers and skirts/dresses. I don't normally wear things that are heavily branded. Are there any other brands that you would recommend?

I'm really not much of a trainer head. By the sound of it though, you are chasing an aesthetic of the versatile trainer under everything silhouette which is not as current anymore. Nothing wrong with that if it works for you and you like it that's all that matters but just something to be aware of and consider if it's really worth paying a premium for if the original Stan Smiths do the same job. Especially since you mention not wanting something that dates and the original usually tends to endure better than the derivatives.

I have a pair in this style from Isabel Marant from a few years ago as they fitted me well where the original Adidas' are too wide but crucially they were on sale at a 70% discount and I had a loyalty voucher from the shop and I paid something like €70 in the end for them and that's about as much as I was willing to spend on them as I'm not someone who wears trainers all that much. They're versatile and don't scream a certain era but they're not that noticeably 'fashion' either but do have a considered design with a mix of leather and suede that flatters me with the colour way (by elongating my legs, especially when worn with black tights or socks, this has been a major plus for me as most of these trainers seem to need to be worn sockless).

Veja are very popular but have fit issues for some due to a long tongue IIRC. Golden Goose were very much the premium trainer under everything of choice for awhile but it never saturated the market and is therefore somewhat considered a classic by some, you have to get over paying a premium for dirtied up trainers though. The Last Conspiracy if you lean more grunge. Allbirds seem to be having a moment but they're a different style of trainer. Onitsuka Tiger from Japan is quite niche but I've always felt unfairly overlooked. Then there's the ones often mentioned on MN, Air and Grace (may have seen mentioned quality not that great but can't recall properly), Superga, Hush, etc.

The Chloe chunky trainees in punchy pastel colours seems very popular under the somewhat 'fashion with a trainer' obsessed at the moment. It's a look for sure and it does go under everything as it basically clashes with everything enough to look intentional. With the more 'showy wear your labels out and proud' set the Valentino's with the extra wide stripe are popular but the price on those is just stupid IMO. I feel both of these will date quite soon but tbh if you're a frequent wearer of trainers, it's not like they have an endless life either.

Everything dates.

As Botemp said, they are two completely opposite styles of trainer. I'd definitely agree that the time for the Gucci has passed. With CP less so, in that there is still a place for a clean, plain white trainer that can be worn instead of a more formal shoe, especially in the workplace if the dress code allows.

I have CP in plain white, and also black with a white sole and have had them for at least five years. The white ones are definitely not box fresh anymore, but still wearable, and I'm still happy to do so. My overall looks is quite minimal, workwear led, in neutral colours and denim (think Margaret Howell/Cos). I would say though that they not my most comfortable trainer. The leather is thick and fairly rigid, in fact more like a shoe than the comfort you'd expect from a trainer. Also, they come up a size big. I'm a 38 and wear a 37.

Axel Arigato are a good and cheaper alternative, in face I'm considering them instead of replacing my aforementioned ageing white CPs. Also Golden Goose do a "clean" new version of their superstars, and GG are extremely comfortable.

Thank you for the comments. I have some Vejas but find them quite chunky and I would like something more feminine. I have a few pairs of Air and Grace but these are all in patterns and prints so would like something plainer. I have some glittery golden goose hi-tops and I do find these comfortable.

I like the look of the Stan smiths, the axel arigato and the clean golden goose. There are some other ones that I hadn't heard of before so I will take a look of those too.

I've always fancied a pair of the Isabel Marant wedge trainers so may go for a pair of those, even if they aren't particularly fashionable.

I have the Isabel Marant wedge trainers, bought way back just before their first wave of immense popularity. Still love and wear them (another pair that are flattering to my legs) and have yet to be arrested by the fashion police for them