IMAGE: END

All the other kids with the pumped up kicks. You know, the cool ones with the pristine white sneaks, crisp white tee, black jogger topped with a cap, it’s almost like a uniform of sorts that only those in the know, know. And that white pair of sneakers is almost always from Common Projects, the be-all and end-all holy grail as far as sneakerheads are concerned.

Why? For one, the label’s shoes are clean and minimalist, with the Achilles sneaker (their signature staple) in a simple silhouette that was originally launched in leather. Then there are those 10 gold-stamped digits (the first four numbers representing the style code, the middle two its size and the last four being its colour code) that have become its unofficial official logo over time.

Also, when they were first launched (and this was way before luxury brands were doing sneakers), they courted controversy with a starting price point of USD265 (it’s almost USD400 a pair now), but its quality finish and sleek good looks slowly grew on customers and the demand caught on, with the rest as they say, history.

The brand has since gone on to create sneakers for the ladies (named Woman by Common Projects) that come in smaller silhouettes/sizes for the fairer sex. And if you want to get yourself a pair now (or add on new season offerings to your collection, here’s some good news.

The Original Achilles Leather Sneaker is now available online via Dover Street Market Singapore, where it is retailing at SGD616 and SGD630 for mens’ and womens’ styles respectively. And besides its iconic white sneaker, other colours for the ladies include Black, Light Grey and Powder Blue. For the boys, they’ve got everything except Light Grey.

Besides DSMS, you could also check out END, MATCHESFASHION and Mr Porter, where prices are generally lower although you might have to keep an eye on the current exchange rates (and accompanying shipping and tax duties) before you commit because they usually only show up when you hit the checkout button.

Image: END