Achilles Low Green Suede — Common Projects
Our Achilles Low in green suede brings refined color to the minimalist silhouette Common Projects has refined since 2004. This low-top is crafted in Italy from full-grain suede sourced from European tanneries, cut and stitched in Marche by artisans who’ve worked with our patterns for over a decade.
We source this green suede from Conceria Incas, a fourth-generation tannery in Tuscany that’s supplied luxury houses since 1976. The hides arrive as full-grain splits from Danish and Swedish cattle, then spend six weeks in vegetable tannin baths before the nap is buffed to our spec.
Sizing & fit notes
Italian vs US sizing
Common Projects uses Italian whole sizes, which run roughly one full size larger than US athletic brands. If you typically wear US 10 in Nike or Adidas, order EU 43. The Achilles Low is cut on a narrow last with minimal toe spring, so wide-foot wearers often go up a half size.
Break-in period
New suede will feel snug across the vamp for the first three to five wears as the upper molds to your instep. The leather insole also compresses slightly, dropping you another millimeter into the footbed. We don’t recommend sizing up to shortcut break-in — an oversized shoe will crease awkwardly and the heel will slip.
Suede care & maintenance
Brush the nap with a soft brass-bristle suede brush after each wear to lift dirt before it embeds in the fibers. For deeper cleaning, we send a complimentary suede eraser with every green colorway order — rub stained areas gently in one direction, then brush away residue.
Avoid waterproofing sprays that contain silicone or wax; they darken suede and stiffen the nap. Instead, treat the shoes with a water-based protector like Nano or Tarrago within the first week of ownership, then reapply every two months. If the suede gets soaked, stuff the interior with newspaper and let them air-dry away from direct heat — radiators will crack the sole adhesive.
Suede & construction details
More Achilles Low colorways in premium Italian leather
Customer reviews
Questions about the Common Projects green suede Achilles Low
The green suede Achilles Low shares the same Italian construction and cup-sole platform as our leather versions, but suede breathes better and develops a softer patina over time. Leather is more water-resistant and easier to wipe clean, while suede requires brushing and occasional eraser treatment. Both materials age beautifully with proper care, though suede shows character faster as the nap compresses in high-flex zones.
Order EU 43 if you wear US 10 in brands like Nike or Adidas. Common Projects uses Italian whole sizing, which runs about one full size larger than US athletic standards. The Achilles Low fits narrow and snug across the vamp, so wide-foot wearers often size up an additional half size. We recommend consulting our size chart and measuring your foot length in centimeters for the most accurate fit.
We don’t recommend wearing suede sneakers in heavy rain or snow. Suede absorbs water quickly, and while the vegetable-tanned lining will dry without damage, repeated soaking degrades the nap and can cause salt stains that are difficult to remove. Treat the shoes with a water-based protector before the first wear, and if they do get wet, stuff them with newspaper and air-dry away from direct heat.
Expect three to five full wears before the suede upper molds to your foot shape. The initial snugness across the vamp is normal — the material will stretch slightly and the leather insole compresses about one millimeter as it conforms to your arch. Don’t size up to avoid break-in, as an oversized shoe will crease poorly and cause heel slip once the materials settle.
Brush the nap with a soft brass-bristle suede brush after each wear to prevent dirt from embedding. For scuffs or stains, use the complimentary suede eraser we include with green colorway orders — rub gently in one direction, then brush away residue. Avoid waterproofing sprays with silicone or wax, as they darken suede and stiffen the texture. Treat with a water-based protector every two months instead.
The gold foil serial is heat-stamped into the suede and bonded under pressure, so it won’t peel or flake with normal wear. You may see minor fading after several years of heavy use, especially if the heel rubs against hard surfaces frequently. The serial number serves as our lot-tracking mark and confirms the shoes were made in our Marche atelier — it’s intentionally subtle rather than a prominent logo hit.
Yes, we sell replacement waxed-cotton laces in every Achilles Low colorway through our accessories page. Each pair ships with one set of matching forest-green laces and one set of off-white spares, so you have a backup on hand. The laces are 120 cm long and cut to fit the eight-eyelet pattern without excess length dragging on the ground.