The Sneaker Hall Of Fame is FashionBeans’ compendium of the most iconic trainer designs of all time. From the Common Projects Achilles to the Nike Air Force One, these are the kicks that have changed the course of footwear history.

The plain white sneaker is more than just a shoe rack staple, it’s a bona fide style essential. No man – or woman, for that matter – should be without a pair. And when it comes to choosing, there’s certainly no shortage of options.

Adidas and Converse are two of the big names that immediately spring to mind, but even among such stiff competition, there’s one brand, and one shoe in particular, that stands out: the Common Projects Achilles Low.

Having only been on the scene since 2004, the Achilles may not have the century-spanning heritage of Converse high-tops, nor the sporting pedigree of the Stan Smith, but with its buttery Italian-leather construction and streamlined silhouette, it has successfully set the benchmark for all other minimal sneakers to aspire to.

Here we delve into the details behind every stylish man’s stripped-back sneaker of choice and look at what makes the Achilles Low a modern classic.

Each pair is crafted from luxurious Italian leather

The History Of The Common Projects Achilles Low

Magazine art director Peter Poopat and footwear brand consultant Flavio Girolami became friends after repeatedly bumping into one another around the fashion scene in New York City. The two began meeting up after work from time to time and often discussed their frustration at not being able to find the right clothes or footwear to suit their select tastes.

While living in different countries, Poopat and Girolami began working on a number of ventures together – or ‘common projects’ – one of which involved creating the perfect sneaker.

The mission was simple: to design a pared-back white leather shoe that combined the casual appeal of a sneaker with the high-end build quality and premium materials more commonly found in luxury Italian casual dress shoes. This footwear hybrid became the Achilles Low – Common Projects’ first and, at the time, only model.