Which Sneakers You Should Buy: Veja or Common Projects
Veja Esplar Unisex - White and Black (38)
Common Projects Achilles Women’s - White (37)
Veja Esplar vs. Common Projects Achilles
PRICE: Veja are about $105-$290 (the lowest price Veja is a full canvas instead of leather) vs. Common Projects are $440 (there are different Common Projects styles and some can go up to $495+)
FIT: I wear a 38 in Veja and 37 in Common Projects (my normal size is 7.5). Common Projects have a slightly longer toe box and I like my shoes to fit snug. I originally purchased a 38 in my Achilles and felt the toe box was roomy.
COMFORT: To me I found both pairs to be very comfortable right out of the box. I remember initially feeling like I needed to break in the Common Projects around the toe box, but I was wearing them for 8, 9 sometimes 10-hour work shifts on my feet. Now, I am able to wear both shoes comfortably all day with a thin sock. As I’ve said in other posts, I have trouble with my arch and joints in my feet so I am very particular about whether or not my shoes are comfortable.
STYLING: While both shoes are pretty minimal, the Veja logo does stand out when it is in black. Luckily there are several color options in both shoes so if you’re not looking for a white sneaker, you can find an alternative in both brands. I used to own a pair of baby blue Common Projects and found I never chose them so I decided to sell them second-hand. Now, I find myself wearing both equally and with the same outfits because they are both so neutral. When I just want a plain white sneaker, I’ll grab my Common Projects first.
QUALITY: I've had my Common Projects longer and used to wear them every day when I was working (especially at the end of my pregnancy). They have held up perfectly, though I will need to replace a shoelace soon (I am not easy on my shoes). “Hey, they’re meant to be worn, right?!” So far, my Veja have held up pretty well with the exception of one thing: I have noticed the leather pulling away from the rubber sole a tough at the inside of my right toe box (pic attached). It doesn’t bother me, but I guess thats why they’re $140 vs. $440.
SUSTAINABILITY: I’ve already talked about how Veja is both a sustainable and ethical product and brand in my Veja Esplar Review. I am honestly blown away by the companies transparency, integrity, product and affordability. Unfortunately Common Projects is not highly rated on the scale of sustainable fashion. Though the company does not use fur, down, exotic animal skin, exotic animal hair or angora. It does use leather and wool, and does “not provide sufficient relevant information about its environmental policies. Its final stage of production is undertaken in Italy, a medium risk country for labour abuse. There is no evidence it has a Code of Conduct. There is no evidence it ensures payment of a living wage in its supply chain.” (Good On You)
COMPLIMENTS: Before white sneakers were actually popular, I would get compliments all the time whenever I wore my Common Projects. I don’t get as many compliments on either pair sneaker nowadays, but considering they’re both pretty minimal and don’t stand out, I don’t expect people to notice my shoes (luckily, I don’t wear them for compliments, I wear them because they’re comfortable).
So, Which Pair of Sneakers Should You Buy?
This is such a hard decision because they are very different in price point so let me spell out a few factors for you. If you want a comfortable, low profile shoe for less than $200, then I would say the Veja is one of the best fashionable sneakers out there for the price. Yes, mine do have some visible wear, but I still wear them a lot which makes me feel like this is not odd by any means. Let’s pretend price isn’t an issue… I would buy the Common Projects over and over again. They are all things good in a minimal-low profile-white-fashionable sneaker. I am watching the grey and the nude color as my next two pairs.
Something that may help you decide: I wrote a post about the Veja Esplar sneaker a while back that you may want to refer to. Also, in case you’d like to compare another style sneaker, I reviewed the Alexander McQueen Oversied sneaker which is not low-profile whatsoever, but it is a pretty cool white shoe that will go with a lot of things. These should help to answer any further questions you might have.
