8 Best Common Projects Alternatives: Solid Footwear in 2024

Common Projects has the kind of sneakers you wear to casual parties or even dressier ones if you can pull it off. Their minimalist design and solid colors make them versatile to match any clothing, from jeans and shirts to khakis and button-downs.

The only thing the brand falls short on is comfort, as their kicks prioritize more style and ease of maintenance. They can be troublesome to wear all day, but their looks are just too good to pass up.

To get the best of both worlds, I gathered the best Common Projects alternatives that you can wear, whether you want comfortable pairs or showcase the same low-key image the company is known for.

Read more to find the right footwear for you.

Key Takeaways

To uncover the best Common Projects alternatives, I combed through tons of Amazon listings and judged them based on size, fit, color, and materials. The Cole Haan Men’s Grand Crosscourt II kicks stand at the helm for their sports-inspired design while featuring beautiful uppers. They’re followed by the Nautica Men’s Casual Shoe, which is an affordable pair of sneakers that pamper your feet with cushioned insoles.

Why they’re great: The Cole Haan Men’s Grand Crosscourt II features a sleek and simple design that adds a tailored casual finish to your outfits. They come in beautiful leather, suede, and textile uppers with more than nine solid color options, giving you opportunities to grab the right pair that suits your taste. The injection molded outsole with rubber pods provides exceptional traction and grip, preventing you from slipping on different surfaces.

The Grandfoam technology cushioned footbed of these alternatives to Common Projecs ensures that your feet won’t feel pain even when you’re standing all day. Despite all the features, their lightweight construction keeps you light on your feet, no matter where you go.

Who are these for? Perfect for guys looking for top-quality, comfortable casual shoes.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some people say that the material is quite flimsy.

Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 6.5–16 | Colors Available: 9

Why they’re great: The Velasca Milano Belèratt are luxurious sneakers with smooth, full-grain calf leather uppers. Italian artisans turn the fabric into a beautiful and soft material by gently hammering the surface, bringing out the hide’s natural characteristics. The shoes are then built using the Strobel construction technique, making these kicks soft and flexible enough to tank against daily wear.

The rubber outsoles are sewn into the upper at the sides, which gives the shoes a smooth, flat, and polished finish. The Belèratt comes in eight magnificent colors, allowing you to choose pairs that match your style and personality.

Who are these for? Anyone looking for luxurious, cool-looking sneakers will love these alternatives to Common Projects.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: You need to break them in before they feel comfortable.

Material: 100% Calf leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 5–13 | Colors Available: 8

Why they’re great: The Clae Bradley Essentials are crafted with Italian leather, adding a touch of elegance to the sneakers’ minimalist aesthetic. The flat waxed cotton laces allow you to secure and adjust your fit without compromising on design. The leather linings also add sophistication while keeping them sturdy enough for everyday use. These kicks don’t skimp out on comfort either because the molded EVA footbeds keep your feet properly cushioned.

The modern rubber outsoles also provide premium grip and traction, preventing you from slipping as you walk on wet surfaces. The Bradley Essentials come in three versatile colors, which makes these low-tops appropriate for any occasion, both casual and formal.

Who are these for? Guys who want versatile kicks that pair well with any clothes will get a knack out of these alternatives to Common Projects.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Their leather uppers require careful maintenance.

Material: 100% Italian Nappa leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 4–14 | Colors Available: 3

Why they’re great: If you’re out in the market for affordable leather sneaks, then try the Nautica Men’s Casual Shoe. Made from faux leather, they’re specifically designed to keep your feet cozy throughout the day. Their cushioned insoles provide optimal support, making them suitable for long walks and heavy commutes. You can even play tennis while wearing them.

The rubber outsole ensures that they can resist impact and keep your footwear intact. The lace-up closure allows you to easily customize the fit, keeping you snug and secure. They’re lightweight and have more than 60 colors to choose from. The best part is that they only cost less than $50.

Who are these for? These alternatives to Common Projects are a great choice for anyone looking for bang-for-buck casual shoes.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: They fit guys with narrow feet more.

Material: 100% Faux Leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 7.5–13 | Colors Available: 62

Why they’re great: If you want to wear sneakers to corporate parties, then do so with the Bruno Marc Men’s Casual Dress Sneakers. Their supple vegan leather upper also features a classic lace-up design to keep your feet secure and snug. Their padded tongues and collar provide additional comfort, preventing them from chafing.

These shoes also come equipped with 3.5mm rubber outsoles, providing excellent traction and grip on wet surfaces. The supportive midsole and tapered edge also add impact resistance and overall durability. The brand also provides spare laces with every purchase, giving you immediate access to replacements when one deteriorates over time.

Who are these for? Among the best alternatives to Common Projects, these are an excellent option for people looking for snappy dress sneakers.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: You might need to add insoles to make them more comfortable.

Material: 100% Vegan Leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 6.5–13 Wide | Colors Available: 3

Why they’re great: Nailing comfort, style, and durability, the Adidas Men’s Stan Smith Shoes can be your go-to footwear for work, neighborhood barbecues, and even sports. Their timeless, clean look and the brand’s shell-toe style provide you with a sleeker way to look great while still protecting your toes. The full-grain soft leather upper features enhanced comfort without compromising durability.

The Stan Smith logo and perforated stripes also add a subtle yet modern finish that makes them more appealing. These alternatives to Common Projects also come in recycled polyester options as a means for the company to become more environmentally friendly.

Who are these for? People who want tried-and-tested comfortable kicks should go for the Stan Smith.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Order a size down because they do run a bit large.

Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 3.5–14.5 | Colors Available: 44

Why they’re great: The Vans Men’s Seldan Sneakers can elevate your jeans and chino shorts wherever you go. Their soft canvas upper and classic lace-up design provide another timeless appeal that sneakerheads love. They come in 14 different color variations, and each pair can breathe a modern and contemporary image into any clothing style.

Their vulcanized construction keeps them durable, ensuring that they last for years, and the padded tongue and collar keep your feet snug and comfortable. The brand’s original waffle outsole not only adds aesthetic appeal but also provides functional grip support. Their knurled heel and toe bumpers also protect your feet from impact.

Who are these for? These alternatives to Common Projects are great for men who love classic low-top sneakers.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The insole doesn’t have enough cushioning.

Material: 100% Canvas | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 6.5–16 | Colors Available: 14

Why they’re great: Leather fans will enjoy wearing the Rockport Men’s Colle Tie Sneakers. They’re made with pure leather uppers, which provide durability and a sleeker finish. The textile lining and soft footbeds offer breathability, making every step you take cool and confident. The fully cushioned removable Ortholite footbeds with EVA heel cups offer lightweight cushioning, keeping your feet nice and cozy during long walks.

These alternatives to Common Projects also have shock-absorbing properties through Rockport’s trueTECH technology. The flexible outsoles feature impact absorption, and the Strobel construction at the forefoot gives the Colle Tie ample flexibility, maximizing freedom of movement. These kicks come in six versatile color options, ensuring that they pair well with any clothes.

Who are these for? People who want sleek leather shoes should try the Rockport Colle Tie.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: They’re not as comfortable as other brands.

Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Ethylene Vinyl Acetate | Sizes Available: 6.5–16 Wide | Colors Available: 6

Buying Considerations For Common Projects Alternatives

Size & Fit

Your shoes should fit you just right. They shouldn’t be so loose that they end up falling off, and they shouldn’t suffocate your feet, either. Always order a pair closest to your size. It’s also important to check reviews to see if you need to order a size up or down.

Material

Not all footwear is built the same. Some shoes come in durable leather uppers, which add a sophisticated and refined appearance. Others come in comfortable soft canvas material, which are more breathable and lightweight but tend to have little to no water resistance. Your preferences and needs will determine which builds will work best for you.

Color

Naturally, the color of your shoes should match your style and clothing. If you want to play it safe, then you can go for brown, black, white, and other neutral hues. If you want to stand out, then go for bolder shades of red, violet, or even dual-colored options. You’ll also benefit more if you have pairs that you can casually wear for work and another for special occasions and parties.

How We Chose

Most brands will claim that they have high-quality shoes that can outperform Common Projects footwear. Sadly, they also offer little evidence to back them up. To give potential buyers an accurate assessment, I picked the best Common Projects alternatives using the following criteria:

Brand Reputation: You can gauge a brand’s reputation by looking at how many people buy from them and the rates they get online. I made sure that each item on the list comes from reputable companies that produce top-quality footwear.

Design: Their design and construction are important factors when making these suggestions. I selected footwear that can match certain clothes and styles.

Customer Reviews: Customer reviews are also great indicators of a product’s quality. Their feedback provides a window into the kicks’ durability and performance based on first-hand experience.

Price: Spending on the most expensive pair of shoes isn’t a wise move, especially when the affordable alternatives are more than enough. When making these suggestions, I made it a point to strike a balance between quality and price.

Why Trust Us?

Finding the best alternatives to Common Projects requires meticulous attention to detail and a strong background in men’s fashion. Joe Niehaus has years of experience as a writer, lifestyle blogger, and product reviewer. He’s also covered similar categories like uncovering the best loafers for wide feet and classic sneakers, which give him familiarity in identifying shoes that men can benefit from the most.

His approach includes analyzing the footwear’s features and judging their materials and construction. He also considers customer reviews as part of the judging process so readers can make informed decisions about their purchases based on expert assessments and real-life testimonials.

Final Verdict 

The best Common Projects alternatives should have the same minimalist and stylish appearance without sacrificing comfort and durability. The Cole Haan Men’s Grand Crosscourt II adds a refined and tailored finish to your outfits, and their cushioned footbeds ensure your feet stay cozy when worn. Their stylish build, sleek color options, and more than 16,000 positive Amazon reviews prove that they deserve the top spot on this list.