How to Keep Common Projects Sneakers Looking Pristine

Common Projects has become the global benchmark for minimalist sneakers: clean lines, premium leather, and the signature gold-foil serial number on the heel. Yet it’s precisely this stark simplicity that makes them vulnerable to stains, scuffs, and loss of their original luster. Without the right maintenance, even white or pastel versions can start to look tired after just a few months of regular wear. To keep your Common Projects sneakers (available on Sartale) looking fresh—whether you own the Achilles Low in white or the suede variants —follow these steps, from daily upkeep to proper storage.

1. Daily Maintenance: Removing Dust and Light Dirt

1. Brush Off Dust and Debris
   After each wear, use a soft-bristle brush (such as a shoe brush designed for smooth leather) to sweep away fine dirt particles. Brushing in one direction—from toe to heel—prevents dirt from embedding into the leather’s pores.
   
   

2. Light Wipe with a Damp Cloth
   For white models like the Achilles Low, lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with water and gently wipe the surface to remove street grime and water streaks. The cloth should be merely damp, not soaked, so that no water seeps into the leather.
   
   

3. Apply a Protective Spray
   Once the surface is clean, spray the entire sneaker with a leather-specific water-repellent product (for instance, Collonil or Crep Protect). This invisible barrier helps shed moisture and prevents rain spots or accidental splashes.
   
   

2. Deep Cleaning: Tackling Stubborn Stains

1. Sole Cleaning
   The white rubber soles of Common Projects tend to yellow over time. Use a soft toothbrush and a mild soap-and-water mixture (no harsh bleach) to scrub away discoloration. Focus on the tread grooves, then rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
   
   

2. Upper Cleaning (Smooth Leather)
   
   

• Routine Stains: Create a solution of room-temperature water and a small amount of neutral liquid soap (e.g., Ivory or Marseille). Dip a microfiber cloth, wring it until only slightly damp, and gently rub the stained area.
  
  

• Tough Stains (Oil or Ink): Apply a leather cleaner—such as Saphir Médaille d’Or—sparingly with a soft brush. Work in gentle, circular motions, then wipe away residue with a dry microfiber cloth, finishing with a lightly damp cloth to remove any soap film.
  
  

3. Suede and Nubuck Care (For Suede Models)
   If you own a suede version—like the Common Projects Retro Low Suede —use a suede brush to lift the nap, then a dedicated suede eraser to gently “rub out” stubborn spots. For persistent marks, a light mist of suede-specific cleaner can help; once dry, brush in one direction to restore the texture.
   
   

3. Drying and Storage: Preventing Deformation and Yellowing

1. Proper Drying When Wet
   If your sneakers get soaked—say, from walking through a puddle—never place them near a radiator or use a hairdryer. Instead, stuff the interior with crumpled paper towels or newspapers to absorb moisture from the inside. Let them air-dry naturally at room temperature with good airflow; a fan on low speed can help speed evaporation without heat damage.
   
   

2. Use of Shoe Trees and Shape Retainers
   To retain the toe and heel shape, insert wooden or plastic shoe trees whenever the sneakers are not in use. This prevents unwanted creasing in the leather and allows the shoe to “breathe” internally, preserving its original form.
   
   

3. Store Away from Direct Light
   White Common Projects sneakers can yellow if kept in direct sunlight. The best practice is to store them in their original box or in a breathable 100% cotton shoe bag. You can also place a small packet of silica gel inside to absorb excess humidity.
   
   

4. Rotate Multiple Pairs
   The more days you give your sneakers “to rest,” the longer they will last. Avoid wearing the same pair every single day. Rotating at least between two pairs gives materials a chance to recover and prevents premature wear.
   
   

4. Routine Prevention: Keeping That “Just-Bought” Look

1. Conditioning the Leather
   Once a month, apply a thin layer of a high-quality leather conditioner—such as Saphir Renovateur—using a microfiber cloth. Let it absorb for 10–15 minutes, then buff with a dry portion of the cloth. Conditioning replenishes the leather’s natural oils and protects against micro-cracks.
   
   

2. Cleaning Laces and Insoles
   To keep laces looking crisp, remove them and soak in cool water with a mild detergent, then rinse thoroughly and air-dry. For insoles, gently wipe them with a mild soap solution, rinse lightly, and allow them to air-dry completely before putting them back in.
   
   

3. Protecting from Grease and Household Spills
   Avoid contact with oily substances (e.g., during cooking) or colored liquids that might drip. If you do spill something, act quickly: blot up excess liquid with a dry cloth, then use the appropriate cleaner—oil remover or mild soap—for the stain type.
   
   

5. Example Style Descriptions with Common Projects

To illustrate how proper care maintains both form and function, consider these outfit examples:

• Everyday Casual: A pair of white Common Projects Achilles Lows styled with slim indigo selvedge denim from Barba Napoli and a navy merino crewneck from Finamore. The crisp white silhouette of the sneaker offers a clean focal point, while the dark denim gently tapers to reveal the low profile. This outfit blends effortless style with daily practicality.
  
  

• Urban Minimalist: Black Common Projects Original Achilles Leather paired with dark gray flannel trousers by Cesare Attolini and a white cotton poplin shirt from Maria Santangelo. The sneaker’s deep black and clean lines contrast sharply with the crisp white shirt, while the neutral gray trousers create a seamless, monochromatic look.
  
  

• Refined Sport-Chic: Olive suede Common Projects combined with tailored sand-colored linen pants from Emanuele Maffeis and a muted gray jersey T-shirt from Sease. The clean silhouette of the olive sneaker grounds this modern athleisure inspired ensemble; the linen and jersey textures complement the sneaker’s simplicity.
  
  

Explore the Common Projects collection on Sartale

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I clean my white Common Projects to keep them looking fresh?
You should brush off dirt with a soft brush after each wear and perform a damp-wipe deep clean every one to two weeks, depending on how dirty they get. Applying a water-repellent spray also reduces the frequency of intense cleaning.

2. Can I machine-wash the insoles of Common Projects sneakers?
No. Instead, clean insoles by hand: soak them in cool water with a small amount of mild soap, gently rub with your fingers, rinse thoroughly, and air-dry completely before placing them back in the shoe to maintain shape and integrity.

3. How do I prevent yellowing along the rubber sole edges?
Regularly scrub the sole with a mild soap-and-water mixture and a toothbrush, paying attention to discoloration in the tread. For extra whitening, use a rubber-specific whitening paste. Always store your sneakers away from direct sunlight and high heat.

4. What is the best way to care for suede Common Projects?
Use a dedicated suede brush to lift the nap, then gently rub away stains with a suede rubber. For tougher marks, apply a suede cleaning spray sparingly. After the sneaker fully dries, brush again in one direction to restore its soft, velvety texture.

5. How can I keep my Common Projects in shape if I wear them frequently?
Right after taking them off, insert shoe trees or crumpled newspaper to help them retain their form. Avoid wearing the same pair two days in a row; giving them a rest prevents excessive creasing and prolongs the life of the leather.

6. Are Common Projects sneakers suitable for rainy weather?
It’s best to minimize exposure to moisture. If they get wet, wipe off surface water with a soft cloth immediately, stuff the interior with paper towels to absorb residual moisture, and allow them to dry at room temperature with good air circulation—never near a radiator.

7. How do I restore the look of scuffed white Common Projects?
For light scuffs, use a white leather cleaning paste. Apply a small amount with a soft cloth, let it sit briefly, then buff the area gently to restore the uniform white finish and conceal minor abrasions.

By following these guidelines—from daily brushing and gentle spot cleaning to proper storage and routine conditioning—you’ll ensure your Common Projects sneakers remain pristine and maintain their minimalist aesthetic for years to come.