What's the deal with Common Projects?

[DLester]

Seinfeld makes me puke

 

[transient]

This thread probably isn't the appropriate place to rant, but oh well.

I can't see myself ever owning any of the common project shoes. I appreciate quality and craftsmanship of a timeless basic as much as the next guy, but at some point you're hitting diminishing returns. The shoes are basic, it's a super high quality version of a plain sneaker. I mean, it's a rich-mans imitation of a chuck taylor, a plebe shoe. I'm sure one feels a certain level of sophistication in wearing an over engineered version of a basic street shoe, but by god, if you you're going for a sneaker based fit then just wear something real that approximates the original sneaker look. For $500 a pop it's just too much and doesn't make a whole lot of sense, thoughts come to mind of a Saudi prince who'll shell out unnecessary fortune to just be one level above the ordinary, even if it is essentially completely ordinary. Again, diminishing returns.

There are sneakers that are definitely worth that price of admission and at least they have a bit of design and creativity behind them along with the quality and craftsmanship. What cracks me up is that people complain that they aren't even comfortable. But I guess some people will shell out the dough just so that they can have what amounts to a generic shoe done to the nth degree.

 

[aaaeeeiiiooouuu]

Originally Posted by transient

This thread probably isn't the appropriate place to rant, but oh well. I can't see myself ever owning any of the common project shoes. I appreciate quality and craftsmanship of a timeless basic as much as the next guy, but at some point you're hitting diminishing returns. The shoes are basic, it's a super high quality version of a plain sneaker. I mean, it's a rich-mans imitation of a chuck taylor, a plebe shoe. I'm sure one feels a certain level of sophistication in wearing an over engineered version of a basic street shoe, but by god, if you you're going for a sneaker based fit then just wear something real that approximates the original sneaker look. For $500 a pop it's just too much and doesn't make a whole lot of sense, thoughts come to mind of a Saudi prince who'll shell out unnecessary fortune to just be one level above the ordinary, even if it is essentially completely ordinary. Again, diminishing returns. There are sneakers that are definitely worth that price of admission and at least they have a bit of design and creativity behind them along with the quality and craftsmanship. What cracks me up is that people complain that they aren't even comfortable. But I guess some people will shell out the dough just so that they can have what amounts to a generic shoe done to the nth degree.
yo CPs are only $300 or so they're not even high-end, technically def w/in reach of the mainstream

 

[jet]

Originally Posted by transient

This thread probably isn't the appropriate place to rant, but oh well.

I can't see myself ever owning any of the common project shoes. I appreciate quality and craftsmanship of a timeless basic as much as the next guy, but at some point you're hitting diminishing returns. The shoes are basic, it's a super high quality version of a plain sneaker. I mean, it's a rich-mans imitation of a chuck taylor, a plebe shoe. I'm sure one feels a certain level of sophistication in wearing an over engineered version of a basic street shoe, but by god, if you you're going for a sneaker based fit then just wear something real that approximates the original sneaker look. For $500 a pop it's just too much and doesn't make a whole lot of sense, thoughts come to mind of a Saudi prince who'll shell out unnecessary fortune to just be one level above the ordinary, even if it is essentially completely ordinary. Again, diminishing returns.

There are sneakers that are definitely worth that price of admission and at least they have a bit of design and creativity behind them along with the quality and craftsmanship. What cracks me up is that people complain that they aren't even comfortable. But I guess some people will shell out the dough just so that they can have what amounts to a generic shoe done to the nth degree.

Where did you handle them?

 

[g transistor]

$500? Wtf? Also, if you can find me any shoe that looks like white achilles lows I will buy 3.

 

[aaaeeeiiiooouuu]

Originally Posted by g transistor

$500? Wtf? Also, if you can find me any shoe that looks like white achilles lows I will buy 3.
exactly. i see where OP is coming from w/ the diminishing returns argument, but there simply isn't a $100 or $150 or even $200 shoe that resembles CPs (converse look and wear like trash, for the record) it's more accurate to say that CPs are an entry-level luxury sneaker - a basic design w/ quality materials at a relatively accessible price point

 

[transient]

I haven't handled them and I'm not denying their quality at all, I'll take everyone's word. There are models which are $400+ range retail. You can look at some white spring court lows, yes there is a big difference in quality but it's the same idea. There's a time and place for high quality basic designs but this is an overkill imo. I would much rather put that money towards some good boots. Just my opinion guys, just sayin.

 

[jet]

One of my favorite things that people do on this forum (especially idiots like noobizor) is when they judge something based on a picture they saw on the internet.

 

[Makeshift_Robot]

Also the designs aren't really as 'basic' as all that. The shape, at least on the Bball hightops, is fuckin incredible and has some nice subtle detailing. People who aren't into fashion have stopped me on the street to tell me they liked my sneakers. The leather feels supple and good. What else do you want, you know? They're not really my style as much any more but I still really like them.

 

[g transistor]

Okay.

And we all know it's your opinion, yes you don't need to add that caveat. Doesn't change the fact that it's a pretty dumb opinion.

 

[transient]

Well, look, it's fine. I can use my imagination and picture it to be a mighty fine shoe. I'm just saying that for me it doesn't make sense to pay that much for a basic sneaker when you could instead get a more substantial shoe instead and buy something cheaper that will convey a similar aesthetic. I would probably consider getting a pair of lows at some point if it wasn't for people on this forum complaining that they're uncomfortable if you walk around all day in them, which defeats the whole idea of an athletic shoe.

 

[linkinwayne]

But technically you can always buy something cheaper to 'convey a similar aesthetic'. That's why mall brands like J Crew exist

 

[g transistor]

Common Projects are not athletic shoes.

 

[transient]

Correction. Casual shoe designed to look like an original athletic shoe.

 

[norcal_indy]

Originally Posted by transient

Well, look, it's fine. I can use my imagination and picture it to be a mighty fine shoe. I'm just saying that for me it doesn't make sense to pay that much for a basic sneaker when you could instead get a more substantial shoe instead and buy something cheaper that will convey a similar aesthetic. I would probably consider getting a pair of lows at some point if it wasn't for people on this forum complaining that they're uncomfortable if you walk around all day in them, which defeats the whole idea of an athletic shoe.
I bought my first CPs (Achilles Low in White) off of B/S for $200 and they were barely used. I wasn't sure if I'd like them as I'd never seen them in person, but as soon as I opened the box I understood the hype. They look awesome and I find them as comfortable as any other shoe or boot I own. I've worn them all day on multiple occasions and have no complaints. Since then, I've bought a couple pair at full retail and have no regrets. My lady loves them and I'm not exaggerating when I say that they get a compliment nearly every time I wear them out. It's easy to make them look good and hard to make them look bad. I'm not trying to convince you to change your mind... just keep your mind open to checking them out in real life or take a chance on a pair in the B/S forum.