If you're a fan of footwear, you're almost certainly familiar with Common Projects. The brand defined the luxury minimalist sneaker with its sleek leather silhouettes, impeccable craftsmanship, and that iconic gold-stamped serial number on the heel. They're the epitome of "if you know, you know" style.
But whether you're looking for a similar vibe at a different price point, a more sustainable option, or just want to expand your sneaker rotation, there are plenty of other brands capturing that same understated cool. For those who love the clean, versatile look of Common Projects, here are 20 amazing alternatives to check out.
Handmade in Italy, Koio delivers that same luxury minimalist feel as Common Projects but at a slightly more accessible price point, typically from $200-$400. Their sneakers feature clean lines, premium leather, and a focus on comfort and durability that makes them perfect for everyday wear. Koio stands out by also prioritizing sustainability, using eco-friendly materials that let you feel as good as you look.
Shop now at koio.co
Coming from the high-end streetwear world, Fear of God Essentials offers sleek and minimalist sneakers with a modern edge. Priced mostly between $100-$200, their footwear perfectly blends subtle branding and clean silhouettes with a comfort-first approach. For anyone who loves the simplicity of Common Projects but wants a slightly more relaxed, streetwear-adjacent vibe, Essentials is the perfect fit.
Shop now at fearofgod.com/collections/essentials
Swedish brand Axel Arigato has mastered the art of minimalist sneakers with a contemporary twist. With prices often in the $150-$250 range, they share a clean aesthetic with Common Projects but aren't afraid to add unique details like chunky soles, embroidered birds, or perforated leather. It's the ideal choice when you want a simple, high-quality sneaker that still has a bit of personality.
Shop now at axelarigato.com
Known for its commitment to "Radical Transparency," Everlane makes minimalist style accessible and ethical. Their Day Glove Sneaker, typically priced between $100-$150, is crafted from high-quality, sustainably sourced leather for a clean, go-with-everything look. It offers a similar streamlined aesthetic to Common Projects at a fraction of the price, making it a smart, conscious choice for any wardrobe.
Shop now at everlane.com
Think Vans, but make it fashion. Vans Vault is the brand's premium line, reimagining classic silhouettes like the Old Skool in elevated materials with a more refined finish. For around $100-$150, you get that same iconic skate style but with higher-quality leather and more subdued branding, giving it a minimalist feel that works surprisingly well as a casual alternative to luxury sneakers.
Shop now at vans.com
Brooklyn-based Greats was founded on the idea of making premium, classic sneakers without the luxury markup. Their price point of $100-$200 gets you clean silhouettes and high-quality leather construction that strongly echoes the vibe of Common Projects. With a focus on sustainable practices and timeless Italian design, Greats proves that great style doesn't have to be outrageously expensive.
Shop now at greats.com
With a dedication to Italian craftsmanship and transparent pricing, Oliver Cabell is a fantastic Common Projects alternative. Their minimalist sneakers feature sleek, elegant designs and use the same high-quality leathers you'd expect from a luxury brand, but are priced around $150-$250. It’s an ideal choice for someone who values heritage craftsmanship but doesn't want the premium name-brand pricing.
Shop now at olivercabell.com
Veja has become a global phenomenon by combining minimalist style with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. At a price range of $100-$150, their sneakers offer clean lines and a classic court shoe shape, accented with their signature "V" logo. While the look is similar to Common Projects, Veja's appeal is rooted in its eco-friendly mission, using materials like wild Amazonian rubber and recycled plastic bottles.
Shop now at veja-store.com
If you love the luxury feel of Common Projects but want something with a bit more designer cachet, the Saint Laurent Court Classic is a perfect match. Priced from $500-$700, these sneakers have a similarly sleek leather silhouette but stand out with subtle branding like stitched logos. They offer a refined, high-fashion take on the minimalist sneaker that effortlessly elevates any look.
Shop now at ysl.com
The Stan Smith is an all-time classic for a reason. Its clean, simple design is the blueprint for many minimalist sneakers today. While it's more of a sporty wardrobe staple than a luxury item, it shares the same versatile, understated DNA as a pair of Achilles Lows but at a budget-friendly price of around $80-$100. It's truly a timeless and accessible alternative.
Shop now at adidas.com
For those who appreciate minimalism but don't shy away from a playful twist, Minna Parikka is the brand to know. Her Finland-based line delivers sleek, clean sneakers (around $200-$350) but often adds whimsical details like their signature bunny ears or unique textures. It's the perfect choice for anyone who wants high-quality craftsmanship with a dash of unexpected fun.
Shop now at minnaparikka.com
Mephisto mixes understatement with incredible comfort. In a similar price range to Common Projects ($400-$600), they offer sleek leather sneakers designed for all-day wear, thanks to ergonomic soles and premium cushioning. It’s the brand for someone who values minimalist aesthetics and fine craftsmanship but puts foot health and comfort above all else.
Shop now at mephisto.com
Rag & Bone brings its signature downtown NYC cool to the minimalist sneaker game. The Marl low-top sneaker, priced around $250-$350, features a clean, simple profile made from high-quality leather. It has the same versatile base as Common Projects but with slightly edgier, more contemporary details and finishes that feel distinctly modern.
Shop now at ragandbone.com
French brand A.P.C. is a master of minimalism, and their sneakers are no exception. Priced between $250-$350, their simple leather tennis shoes are the definition of Parisian chic. They offer an incredibly clean and refined look that rivals Common Projects, perfect for anyone who aims for an aesthetic of effortless, understated elegance.
Shop now at apc.fr
This isn't a brand, but a collaboration worth putting on your radar. When luxury eyewear brand Oliver Peoples teams up with Nike, the result is the perfect fusion of sleek design and athletic innovation. These limited-run sneakers (around $150-$250) combine modern silhouettes with subtle, sophisticated branding, making them a unique find for those who appreciate understated style mashups.
Shop now at nike.com
M.Gemi specializes in Italian-made shoes with a focus on timeless design and craftsmanship, sold through a direct-to-consumer model. Their minimalist sneakers, which usually cost between $150 and $300, boast ridiculously soft leather and a clean aesthetic. They provide a refined, luxury feel that punches way above their price tag.
Shop now at mgemi.com
For the ultimate sneaker splurge, Loro Piana is in a league of its own. Priced well over $1,000, these are ultra-luxury sneakers made from the most exquisite materials imaginable, like cashmere and buttery-soft leather. It's the Common Projects ethos taken to its absolute peak, focusing solely on quiet elegance, subtle branding, and unparalleled quality for those seeking the very best.
Shop now at loropiana.com
Another master of Parisian cool, Sandro delivers chic, minimal sneakers made from beautiful leather and suede for around $250-$350. Their styles are sophisticated and clean, perfectly capturing that elevated-but-not-trying-too-hard look. They strike a similar chord as Common Projects but infuse it with a distinctly European fashion sensibility.
Shop now at sandro-paris.com
While primarily known for their jewelry, Bleue Burnham's footwear offering captures an artisanal, minimalist spirit. This boutique brand produces handcrafted sneakers (typically $200-$350) from high-quality materials like Italian leather. It's a great choice for shoppers who want an ethically made, small-batch sneaker with a clean design and a unique point of view.
Shop now at bleueburnham.com
CamperLab is the creative, experimental offshoot of the Spanish shoe brand Camper. For around $150-$300, they offer minimalist sneakers with a modern, slightly avant-garde touch. They maintain a simple overall silhouette but often experiment with innovative materials or unique textural details, creating shoes that are understated yet incredibly forward-thinking.
Shop now at campershop.com
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