BBall High Top — Common Projects
Our basketball silhouette reimagines classic court sneakers through a minimalist lens. Each pair is handcrafted in Italy from full-grain vegetable-tanned leather, shaped to a high-top profile that offers ankle support without sacrificing the streamlined aesthetic we’re known for. The upper wraps around a white vulcanized rubber sole in a clean two-tone composition.
We source full-grain leather from tanneries in Tuscany and Veneto, regions known for vegetable-tanning processes that develop richer patina over time. The upper is cut from a single hide to minimize seams, then hand-stitched at our Marche workshop. Every stitch count and panel angle is checked against our original pattern before the upper moves to lasting.
Sizing & fit
The BBall High runs on our standard EU sizing, which typically translates down one full size from US men’s athletic sizing. If you wear a US 10 in most sneakers, you’ll likely need a 41 EU here. The toe box is moderately narrow and shaped to European lasts, so wider feet may want to size up a half size.
The high-top collar sits just above the ankle bone with light padding at the Achilles notch. Break-in takes about a week of regular wear as the leather softens around your heel and flex points. We recommend trying them with mid-weight cotton socks first to gauge fit before committing to the final size.
Care instructions
Vegetable-tanned leather arrives with a natural matte finish that will darken slightly with exposure and handling. We recommend a leather conditioner every six to eight weeks if you wear them daily — apply a thin coat with a soft cloth and let it absorb overnight.
For scuffs and marks, a damp microfiber cloth usually lifts surface dirt. Avoid soaking the upper or using solvent-based cleaners, which can strip the natural oils and alter the finish. The rubber sole can be scrubbed with warm water and a brush. Store them with shoe trees to help the upper hold its shape between wears.
Construction & design details
More high-top styles from the collection
Customer reviews
Common Projects BBall High frequently asked questions
The BBall High follows our standard EU sizing, which typically runs one full size smaller than US men’s athletic sizing. If you normally wear a US 10, you’ll likely need a 41 EU. The toe box is moderately narrow, so wider feet may benefit from going up a half size. We recommend referencing our size chart and measuring your foot in centimeters for the most accurate fit.
The BBall High is built on a basketball silhouette with a chunkier sole unit and higher ankle collar compared to the Achilles High or Tournament styles. It uses the same Italian leather and gold foil serial numbering, but the proportions are inspired by vintage court shoes rather than tennis or running profiles. The vulcanized sole and padded collar give it more streetwear character while maintaining our minimalist design language.
The vegetable-tanned leather upper can handle light rain and damp conditions, but we don’t recommend soaking them or wearing them in heavy downpours. Leather is naturally somewhat water-resistant when conditioned regularly, but prolonged exposure to moisture can darken the finish and weaken the material over time. If they do get wet, stuff them with newspaper and let them air-dry away from direct heat.
Most customers report a break-in period of one to two weeks with daily wear. The leather is relatively stiff when new, especially around the heel counter and ankle collar. As the upper softens and molds to your foot shape, the fit becomes more comfortable. Wearing them with thicker socks during the first few wears can help speed up the process and prevent blisters.
Yes, while the basketball silhouette is chunkier than our low-profile styles, we’ve kept branding minimal and hardware nearly invisible. The only external marking is the signature gold foil serial number at the heel. The design relies on proportion, material quality, and clean lines rather than logos or contrast stitching. If you’re familiar with our other models, the BBall High feels like a natural evolution into a sportier category.
We recommend a neutral leather conditioner or cream specifically formulated for vegetable-tanned leather. Brands like Saphir Renovateur or Lexol work well. Apply a thin layer with a soft cloth, let it absorb for 15 minutes, then buff gently. Conditioning every six to eight weeks will help the leather develop an even patina and prevent cracking. Avoid mink oil or heavy waxes, which can darken the finish more than most customers prefer.
Yes, each pair includes an extra set of waxed cotton laces in the same color as the originals. The laces are custom-length for the BBall High’s eyelet count, so generic replacement laces may not fit correctly. If you need additional laces down the line, contact our customer service team for factory replacements.