Men’s BBall 88 Leather Sneakers
We designed the BBall 88 to honor the golden age of basketball footwear while maintaining the refined minimalism Common Projects is known for. Handcrafted in Italy from supple full-grain leather, these high-top sneakers feature our signature gold-stamped serial number and premium rubber cupsole.
The BBall 88 bridges athletic heritage and contemporary style with a silhouette that works equally well on city streets and casual Friday offices. Each pair undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure the leather upper, stitching, and sole meet our exacting standards.
Premium construction details
Italian Leather & Margom Cupsole Construction
Our common projects bball 88 leather sneakers start with full-grain Italian leather sourced from Tuscany’s premier tanneries. This natural material develops a rich patina over time while maintaining structural integrity through years of wear.
The Margom rubber cupsole—vulcanized in Italy using traditional methods—delivers superior grip and flexibility compared to mass-produced alternatives. We reinforce high-stress areas with double stitching and use cement construction to bond the upper securely to the sole. Each pair requires approximately three hours of hands-on work from pattern cutting through final inspection.
Sizing & Fit Guidelines
How the BBall 88 Fits
We produce the BBall 88 in whole sizes only, from EU 40 through EU 46 (US 7–13). The sneaker fits true to size with a medium width that accommodates most foot shapes comfortably. If you typically wear a half size, we recommend sizing up for optimal comfort.
The high-top design provides natural ankle support without restricting movement. Our padded collar hugs the ankle gently, and the leather upper will mold to your foot shape during the first few wears. Customers who explore our new arrivals often appreciate the consistent sizing across our entire sneaker range, making it easy to order confidently online.
Leather Care & Maintenance
To preserve your common projects bball 88 leather sneakers, we recommend regular cleaning with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove surface dirt. Avoid saturating the leather—excess moisture can damage both the upper and the adhesive bond.
Apply a neutral leather conditioner every 8–10 wears to maintain suppleness and prevent cracking. We suggest using products specifically formulated for full-grain leather rather than synthetic treatments. For stubborn scuffs, a quality leather cream in a matching color can minimize their appearance.
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Common Questions About the BBall 88
Yes, our common projects bball 88 leather sneakers fit true to size with a medium width. We produce them in whole sizes only (no half sizes available).
If you typically wear a half size, we recommend ordering the next whole size up for optimal comfort. The leather upper will conform to your foot shape during the first few wears while maintaining structural support.
Clean your BBall 88s regularly with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove surface dirt and dust. Avoid saturating the leather with water or harsh cleaning solutions.
Apply a neutral leather conditioner every 8–10 wears to preserve suppleness and prevent cracking. For scuffs, use a quality leather cream in a matching color. Store them in a cool, dry place with acid-free tissue paper stuffed inside to maintain their shape.
The Margom cupsole is vulcanized in Italy using traditional manufacturing methods that date back decades. This process creates a flexible, durable rubber sole with superior grip compared to injection-molded alternatives.
Margom soles are highly valued in premium footwear for their longevity and comfort. While they’re not resoleable, proper care and rotation with other sneakers will extend their functional life significantly.
While the full-grain leather offers some natural water resistance, we don’t recommend wearing the BBall 88 in heavy rain or snow. Excess moisture can damage the leather upper and compromise the adhesive bond between the upper and sole.
If your sneakers do get wet, stuff them with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture and let them air dry away from direct heat sources. Applying a leather protectant spray before wearing can add an extra layer of water resistance for light precipitation.
The BBall 88 features a high-top silhouette with a padded collar that provides ankle coverage and support, making it visually distinct and ideal for cooler weather or styling with cropped trousers.
Our BBall Low maintains the same premium Italian leather, Margom sole, and gold-stamped serial number in a low-top design that sits below the ankle. Both share identical construction quality—the choice comes down to your preferred aesthetic and seasonal needs.
Our common projects bball 88 leather sneakers represent a commitment to Italian craftsmanship, premium materials, and timeless design that transcends seasonal trends. Each pair requires approximately three hours of skilled labor from pattern cutting through final inspection.
The full-grain Tuscan leather develops character over time rather than deteriorating, and the Margom sole delivers years of comfortable wear. Customers consistently report that our sneakers remain in their rotation far longer than mass-produced alternatives, making them a cost-effective choice when evaluated per wear over their lifespan.
We offer a 30-day return policy for unworn sneakers in their original packaging with all tags attached. If the sizing doesn’t work for you, contact our customer service team to initiate a return and exchange.
We provide a prepaid return label for domestic orders, and you’ll receive a full refund or exchange once we receive and inspect the returned sneakers. For detailed fit guidance before ordering, refer to our size chart or reach out to our team with your specific measurements.