Oliver Cabell vs. Koio: The BEST Common Projects Alternatives?

[@BrockMcGoff]

For more Common Projects alternatives, including some cheaper options, check out this article - www.themodestman.com/common-projects-alternatives/

[@boldaslion281]

Koio is a better fitting shoe. Better quality and more comfortable. I have wide feet and even though the Cabell looks wider its much more narrow. Also the footed in the Koio is much softer. The customer service experience with Koio is extraordinary. They deal with issues quick and the staff weather online or by chat are incredible. Judy and Camille. Koio lives up to the hype. I had to get pay pal involved to return the Oliver Cabell shoes. I returned two pairs due to the squeaky sound when walking and the stiff tongue. I bought the 2 Koio capri!!! Love um!!!

[@clint7312]

Thanks for discussing toe box space vs instep space. That’s actually really useful info I don’t hear in other shoe comparisons.

[@bernardtan1]

I know what a toe box space is but what's an instep space ?

[@lt3880]

​@@bernardtan1 how much the inside arch curves in or leaves broad

[@erinkayeozga9947]

I bought a pair of Koio Capris and I love them! Comfortable and stylish!

[@leojohnwayne1422]

Agree! Bought 4 pairs already

[@ainoaguy]

I love how Koios look but they are currently a little outside my price point. Got some Greats about a year ago and they have been holding up great. Super comfortable and clean. Highly recommend!

[@jeffhicks8428]

$200 isn't a lot for a shoe that can last several years of daily wear. Assuming they're high quality. I've never tried them and don't plan on it. I doubt they would fit me well. None of these trendy shoes has an anatomical last. I see some on their site on sale for less than $100. That's a red flag to me. To be honest all these social brands are an automatic red flag from me. The fact that they claim they're a "$600 shoe" yet have them on sale for 95$ is a massive red flag to me. What kind of crack are they smoking to make that claim? If they're a $600 shoe, then sell them for $600 and see how it goes. how much do you think they actually cost to manufacture them? The fact that they tell you to loosen the laces for a wider fit is another red flag. That's not how it works, dawg.

[@michaelsullivan1216]

I've tried Common Project. Expensive and not comfortable. I sent them back. They were just too narrow for my foot in the toe box.. Then I tried Greats. Greats are good. I love the quality and fit, but they just feel heavy and oversized to me, compared to the others in the game. They also have a fair break-in period. Initially, the shoe cut into my toes around the first last when I stepped. They eventually broke in. I also felt like they were just a tiny bit narrow. I had to size down a full size on length and that probably cut the width down a little. I kept them but wasnt fully 100% satisified. I then tried Koio. I love them! I really cant find any issues with them and they are comfortable out of the box. They are a nice sleak minimalist sneaker. My only issues is the price. I've been tempted to try OC, but I think I might just stay with KOIO.

[@TheoJay615]

I did not expect a wrist watch check but I'm not complaining either! Happy to see you incorporating it!

[@BrockMcGoff]

I’ll try to keep doing them!

[@Nyasananda5]

Brock, love the reviews of the footwear, but just wanted to share-- your production here is really exceptional brother! The audio and video presentation of the descriptions is really WELL put together. Cheers!

[@BrockMcGoff]

Per erez thank you! I’ve been trying to step it up 😎

[@MRT021286]

I own a white low 1 OC. I personally love its aesthetic. Took me a few wears to break in, but once it did....it has been pure pleasure. I also like their GAT models. On the other hand, looking forward to acquiring KOIOs for its minimal silhouette and massive customer feedback. Great review. Def a thumbs up.

[@jonjonontheradio]

Did you have a similar issue with the squeaking? Or does that fade after wearing in? Or just get shoes that fit in the first place?

[@MRT021286]

​@@jonjonontheradio I had no such issue with my OC's. I was lucky to get the shoes of my size so no problem there either. Have been wearing low ones for a few years and they are as good as new. As you might have probably learned it is the best offer quality/price.

[@hectorsanchez5818]

I'm deciding between these perfect timing.

[@boldaslion281]

Go Koio. Better shoe and customer service.

[@Remkay7]

Picked up my first pair of Koio, love the quality!

[@HectorOrona23]

The attention to detail is why I’d choose the Koio’s 👍🏼

[@slackjaw4467]

The Brown and grey sneakers they have look amazing

[@fahimahmad8569]

I've been waiting for the video...you always come with great Content ..I really love to watch your videos

[@BrockMcGoff]

Thank you, sir!

[@Poetc]

Agreed! Gratitude MM!

[@Mickey_Bauer]

I think i like the looks of Cabells a little better but have not had a chance to wear either of them.

[@rafael-rossi]

I'd highly recommend Crown Northampton sneakers. They are just the cream of the crop. Outstanding quality, impeccable design and many colours and shapes. I got one about a year ago, my best purchase on the very plural sneaker market.

[@wespae]

Wow the Koio looks amazing!! These two are definitely an amazing alternative to the Common Projects! Definitely do love the silhouette and color and style of the Koio better

[@robjshipley]

I love Koio! They fit my foot better than Common Projects which was too narrow. Great review!

[@mikebjx]

Were the koio fit true to size for you?

[@robjshipley]

@@mikebjx I wear a 42 in Koio and a 10 in Stan Smith's. I'm a 9 1/2 in most dress shoes, but can wear up to an 11 in gym shoes. My Asics running shoes are an 11, but I wear 10 1/2 in Nike. Hope that helps!

[@jasonchoy535]

@@robjshipley do u wear 10.5 for jordan 1's?

[@robjshipley]

@@jasonchoy535 Sorry....I don't have any Jordan 1's.

[@thestarvingstudentreviews622]

“Aged like Pierce Brosnan” 👌😂

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

LOL

[@garettsmith6906]

Hello Brock would you consider doing a video review for Magnanni dress shoes? I would be curious to see you take and how they compare to Allen Edmonds. FYI many Magnanni shoes will be on sale during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. Thank you for all the shoe reviews you do and for helping to keep me stylish.

[@uuuultra]

That's me

[@gregrodriguez3169]

I don’t own either, but have an older pair of Greats and also M.Gemi in this style. I also own an unworn pair of CPs (purchased on sale) but can tell that they will be my favorite of the group. Between the two you reviewed, I agree with Koio. Heard and seen nothing but positive things. Thanks for the video. I always look forward to your content!

[@BrockMcGoff]

Greats and M.Gemi are both solid. I've tried CP but found them too long/narrow for my feet. They do have an awesome silhouette!

[@joshwesley-maxlevelphysiqu671]

Just ordered the OC I think they look better than the koios!

[@jeremyhelquist]

I haven’t tried either, but have researched Oliver Cabel. Personally I like the look of them over the Koio. It’s also nice that you can get them on sale. Still hard to justify spending over $200 on a pair of shoes! 👟

[@nikhilsrl]

I will be trying the Oliver Cabells next. Of course once the pandemic is over. No point buying too many shoes now, is there?

[@uuuultra]

u HOPE the pandemic ends....

[@xxflamezxx1able]

I got a pair of Beckett Simonon for 110$ and honestly for the price they’re awesome

[@caidelander2561]

Apparently the quality control on Oliver cabel is pretty bad

[@eberhwang23]

You really do get what you pay for. Especially when they’re Italian made. Honestly once you have them in hand and try them on, smell the leather you’ll understand why. They’re basically sneakers that are the qualify of dress shoes and you know they’re going to last a long time.

[@chuckielong1]

to be honest, after looking for an alternative for so long I can honest say just to save your money and buy CP. Idk about other people but when I have my eyes on something no matter how many alternatives I buy i still long for the original item that I want. So cut cost elsewhere and save for it and you'll be happy to rock it every time. Buy it, take care of it every now and then and enjoy :) If you can't afford it for retail go with the after market they usually can be find every now and then for around the 200 mark 9/10 condition u just gotta spend time and look. It will be worth your time. I picked up mine from the after market for about 250 and never been happier lol the shapes and quality is deff better than the oliver cabell which i owned and didnt like due to the toebox

[@SirMopy]

I have the white low 1 Oliver Cabell. It's really comfy and nice. People in Germany: Don't forget the fees for customs. was around 48€.

[@SoaringThief]

Thank you for this video. Been undecided which pair to buy. After watching this, Koio it is!

[@MilitantX1]

I prefer Koio Capri's hands down! Mine are so comfortable and very stylish.

[@superseiyan]

what made you pick the koio over the cabells?

[@antonioruiz8506]

Just got the Capri for 175!!! Biggest steal ever. Not gonna lie I should've gone for a size 7

[@tankbro6413]

Do you wear a size 8, normally? I wear a size 8 and was gonna downsize to 7 is why I'm asking.

[@antonioruiz8506]

@@tankbro6413 I wear a size 9 in vans and I got a size 8 in these but there's extra room that's why I was thinking of getting a size 7

[@RemySlays]

I wore Oliver Cabell's for a year, and the squeakiness never went away. Every time I walked into a quiet room, every would stare at me. I bought Koio's a few months ago and wish I had bought them initially instead.

[@jonjonontheradio]

Is this a common problem with OC sneakers? An ongoing manufacturing defect or just bad luck?

[@RemySlays]

@@jonjonontheradio AWxInc did a review and they mentioned the same problem. It could be bad luck but I’d go with the Koio’s to be safe

[@redReiRei]

I would probably stay away from OC, very poor customer service and the quality is very spotty

[@RemySlays]

@@redReiRei They took down my negative review on their website. Very sketchy company.

[@ForTheLoveOfSuits]

Great review as usual. And great to hear Nick at Stridewise getting a mention. An excellent channel for footwear and jeans reviews.

[@lucashyde1164]

Tried oliver cabell twice. Threw the first one away at 2019 after 4 months because it squeaked a lot. Other reviews mentioned this too. The tongue is too long it digs into my ankle. After 4 months, it still doesn't break in. Bought another 2 years later but size was too big to judge. But had the same issue with the tongue and the stiffness taking too long to break in because oliver cabell inside are not lined with fur like koio. Tried koio at the retail shop and doesn't hurt at all. It's comfortable, narrower silhouette, fits me better and just overall looked better. Also sustainability seems to be on koio side. It's more expensive but after throwing away my Oliver cabell once after 4 months and another not worn for years. I personally choose to just invest in a good shoe that fits me. Hope this helps to others deciding.

[@alias5152]

I have them both, i am loyal Oliver Cabell customer in so many years and i will always have their shoes. Both of them are fantastic and i reccomend everyone to have one of them, is pricy to cash out at once but let's be real guys.. you buy good quality shoes once per .. 3 years on average right.. so price is not that high for that amount of months/years wearing them.. Never cheap on shoes. Thank you for the video

[@fitness403]

I buy a pair of Breckett Simonon in black and for the white pair I'm going with Koio.

[@gerryfrancis3350]

Good objective comparison, man. I like the OC's more for styling, my only issue is that higher toe box

[@billcicardo4775]

I have 3 pairs of Greats and really like them. Im ordering the KOIO triple white for my daughters wedding. Im rocking them with a Cobalt slim suit

[@Shaverboy516]

You should check out Thursday boots brand, they have an incredible minimal sneaker with premium leather, and much less in price than these two brands in the video.

[@justinsugay1149]

Just ordered some Cabells. Very objective and well done video. Thank you!

[@chinito3094]

First time viewer, great video and very informative review. Never wore a pair of Oliver Cabell but do own Greats Royale and the Koio Capri. I prefer my Koio’s over the Greats because of the slim and streamlined silhouette. I feel the Greats are a tad bulky and heavier on feet. Maybe someday i’ll try the Oliver Cabells due to their positive reviews. Thanks again and look forward to more of your reviews. 👏🏼 👏🏼 ❤ 👞

[@stephensarni5788]

I own Oliver Cabel and I love them . So I am partial to them

[@davegball]

Since you have a lot of international subscribers it would be interesting to add whether the products you discuss ship Internationally. These two brands do ship international from what I can see from their website but many US companies still don't offer shipping outside the US. Speaking from experience.

[@teatowel11]

Yes i just went with Oliver Cabel and a big reason is that they showed pricing in my currency AUD and calculated taxes and shipping easily. I was looking at another brand and i had to calculate the currency conversion and then guess at the exchange fees from my cedit card company and taxes. I believe the shipping times quoted were quite short too which i guess i'll find out if true.

[@markg0410]

Another alternative - Thursday Boots Premier Low Top sneakers for $129

[@josechambel5278]

Hello, I'm from Portugal. Congratulations for the channel and keep the good work.

[@AndreasHamberg]

I have wide feet and Koio offers a wide option, but just the shipping alone was 130$ Europe. Safe to say I went with the OC.

[@JuanDominguez-]

I have the all white leather sneakers (Reids) from Beckett Simonon! They are great, the quality is on point.

[@nikhilsrl]

I own the Greats Royale in black/white and I kinda like their shape, though people feel they look bulky.

[@passiondimension]

great review, just a question to your experience which brand is the lightest pair? want to find a light and comfortable everyday pair. thanks

[@wehavefamily]

great comparison! This definitely helps me choose! Also wanted to ask what socks you were using in the videos

[@alanchappell4845]

I only ever buy Dr Martins and Reebok classic trainers always in a European size 8 and ordered white Koio capris in size 8 but very big fitting and had to add heal grips and a Dr Martins insole to make them wearable as the standard foam insert lifts the heel up in the shoe which tends to make them feel sloppy when walking, all of this could have been avoided by going down a size but I ordered them online from USA to Australia so difficult to return and there are no retail stockists for these shoes in Australia. Great quality product though I wish a shoe size was standard like the lengths on a ruler!

[@tukkura131291]

Great video Brock, as usual.

[@veer98667706488]

The only thing I hate about calf leather is that it is made by slaughtering a one day old calf. Forgive me god

[@Baphometal.666]

I have the Low 1's in white and the Greats Royale in black/white. I like them both, but I think the Greats are more comfortable for my feet.

[@aerysyap1904]

Thank you for making this video! This helped me make a better decision!

[@ortiztino]

Thank you… Love your content, I have the greats royal and they’re not very comfortable… they chafe a lot for my feet.

[@WesleyPardue]

Also check out the Beckett Simonon Reid. Yes, you have to wait on them. But for the price, they are incredible.

[@Galaxia405]

For me, the Oliver Cabell's fit my feet better than Koio. Size 38 is just a tad too tight for me as I wear it throughout the day while 39 is a bit too long

[@HiepTran-dz9og]

i bought low 1 as a beater and common project as for more special occasions since i truly think, regardless of everything else but the silhouette alone, common project is top 1 out there. imo

[@doncorleon8104]

I have a pair of the triple white Koio capri's and I love them! But I'm looking to get some all blacks and Oliver cabells are on sale right now so I might try those out!

[@michaelbui2148]

I've never owned a pair of Koio's, but I do own a pair of Oliver Cabell's and I prefer them over the Koio's. The reasoning is because the Margom sole on the Cabell's is lower in profile than the Koio's and the aesthetic is much more pleasing in my opinion.

[@uuuultra]

Yes

[@MrPrentissDJones]

I’m just thinking about Shawty shoe construction. Even with common project. I forgot what video mentioned that like they actually cut the shoe open

[@LNatureblush]

What a great review and great editing/modeling. Thank you for this video!

[@umarhussain7798]

Excellent video. I thoroughly enjoyed your insight into both the sneakers - it was great. I would like to hear your opinion on these two brands: Thursday Boots Premium Low Top White Sneakers and Idrese Nuno White Sneakers. They both look pretty awesome but I am a little sceptical. I was hoping to get your opinion on them. Thanks.

[@NunezDesignReels]

I love the stan smiths

[@locutusdborg126]

I had Koio and Common Projects and much prefer CP for the fit.

[@BrockMcGoff]

Nice! I tried CP in the past, but they were too long and narrow for my feet. Great silhouette, though.

[@albertmanuel5028]

I’m looking to get a second pair of white sneakers and will look into both of these. I have a pair of Gustins, which are also made in Italy with comparable materials. At $169 they are a bargain, but they are crowdsourced and have a bit of a wait to get them.

[@TH-du8nc]

for wider feet would you recommend the koio over the cabell?

[@kyeljohndavid7850]

Still on the fence on what size to get since the sneakers I mostly wear are either half size bigger, and half size smaller. with that said I wear a Adidas Samba: 7.5US Mens , Chucks 70 low: Size 7 US mens, Both of which have a 25.5cm from heel to toe. What size can you recommend?

[@gregbrown2834]

Love your advice. I need a slightly wider sneaker. Any advice on what premium minimalist white sneaker might be a little wider?

[@pubgtourney7337]

Agree with you bro

[@kevinbrook7033]

Hey Brock. Great video, I love all of your content. Any chance you could do a video on explaining why $200, $300 or even $400 dollars is justified on a pair of white sneakers, and do a comparison with say a $50 and $100 pair? When it comes to boots and shoes I can understand the value of having a goodyear welt or blake stitch construction, and the superior value of a leather versus a rubber sole. But with white sneakers I bulk at paying so much money for what I consider to be fairly low cost, no frills items. I own a few pairs of affordable white sneakers (we call them trainers in the UK) and I enjoy wearing them, especially in the summer, but I'd love to know what Koio and Common Projects offer that makes them cost so much more?

[@kevinbrook7033]

@King Yellowman Thanks I will check those out.

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

The difference for me between all these minimalist white leather sneakers is the inside heel. Koio has a wide suede piece on the inside while the Oliver Cabell and Greats have a seam right dead center at the back of the shoe. This seam dug in to me and was very uncomfortable (even drew blood) therefore I cannot recommend a shoe built that way. I was perfectly happy with the materials, build and looks of the Greats otherwise, but that one detail made them a no-go for me.

[@albundy3929]

Brock, do you ever wear a black sneaker with white outsole? I'm struggling how to wear them.

[@guangchenglu5334]

Brock, great video with great details. I have tried a pair of AceMarks white sneakers, they are really nice and surprisingly comfortable (said by me who wears sporty lifestyle sneakers most of the time). I am curious why it didn't make it to your top picks? It will be great to know the concerns if any. Also, I just got my Geller Trainers from Beckett Simonon, bigger surprise than the AM sneaker, crazy cushioned insole.

[@BrockMcGoff]

IMO Ace Marks dress shoes are better than their sneakers. They're not bad, just not as desirable as Koio (to me at least).

[@guangchenglu5334]

@@BrockMcGoff Thanks Brock, good to know. Looking forward to trying Koio then.

[@np5548]

Rose Anvil cut both open along with a bunch of others to review the build and leather quality

[@amirhrnjadovic6741]

has anyone tried Hugo Boss mirage sneakers? they are much better quality than koio and common project, but I feel that I have too much heel slipped, does anyone know why and will heel slipped disappear with time?

[@bltcfo]

Regarding the Koios - what is the name of the specific color you have? There are so many on their site.

[@martyp5531]

Great job. Any comment on the new version of the Koio's which seem to be a bit different including no more Margom outsole?

[@jamesty8623]

oh boy KOIO sizing is killer me hard! already down 1 size but I have to down 2 size ...

[@Ikejiaku]

Great video, great info; thx. Quick question, I'm partial to textured/pebbled leathers & wondered how the sneakers from To Boot NY match up against these? Also, on the question of leathers, which would be better or more desirable between "full-grain tumbled calf leather", "Italian calf leather" & "Italian alpine deer-skin"?

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

I’d probably go with Koio however Nordstrom had the Greats Royale on sale for $80.55 a few months ago so I went with those.

[@BrockMcGoff]

Eye Heart Sushi that’s a steal 👌🏼

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

The Modest Man Ended up getting 3 pairs: All white, black with white sole, and white with gumsole.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

King Yellowman I like my gum soles the best.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

King Yellowman LOL hey the circle of life for sneakers: at one point they become beaters.

[@CCLovejoy96]

What lace pattern are the Koios in?

[@davidtaylor6663]

what about Officine Creative. I know they are expensive but they make great sneakers.

[@Somali1971]

Honest reviewer thanks mate.

[@eberhwang23]

Got a pair of Koio’s in Onyx and was blown away. The silhouette, the quality in every aspect from the leather, margom sole, stitching, etc. left me without a single regret. Basically the desire to ever want to purchase a pair of Common Projects was completely negated. Next up a pair of Triple Whites.

[@kit2770]

How was the fit of the Koios? The website says they fit true to size, but the fellow in this video says they run one full size big. What was your experience? Also, what about width? Do the Koios feel significantly more narrow than other shoes you've worn, or are they comparable? Thanks in advance 🤚

[@eberhwang23]

@@kit2770 so I typically wear a size 10.5 in most shoes. Sometimes an 11. I ended up getting size 10 and they fit great! I also have somewhat wide feet and grabbed the normal width and they fit good. Sometimes I wonder what a Wide would feel like, but no complaints here. Hope this helps :)

[@kit2770]

@Eber Hwang Sounds good. Thanks, man. 👍

[@eloycavazos2816]

I’d go with KOIO’s.

[@Poetc]

Pick: KOIO

[@musicfashionstyle9269]

Can you tells us about Koio Vs Common Projects. Which one is better to buy.

[@TopMale]

Koio all day Modest Gentleman! Good review!

[@monkiram]

Greats were acquired by Steve Madden in 2019 and I've heard their quality has gone down since then

[@robd7934]

Any opinions on Uniform Standard? The Koio and OCs look pretty narrow

[@markg737]

I love the Koios too. What about Uniform Standard. Have you tried their sneakers?

[@radicaldreamerkid1]

I recommend the Everlane Court Sneaker. Its 100% full grain leather and its only $98.

[@jayzhang14]

I got mine on sale $40 lol

[@tentimetex]

An often overlooked brand is Mephisto, which is a 60 year old French brand, known for making the most comfortable shoes in the world. (George Clooney, Schwarzenegger, The Pope...are all fans). They're super high quality and hand made in France since the 60's. Their white sneaker is the Mephisto Cristiano. Most importantly, you get the same advantages as the Cabell and the Koio, but for a lower price point. Plus they have a patented 'soft air' cushioning system.

[@toonlad4091]

Great video mate👌 I think "more affordable" option sounds like you also need to skip quality and value which isn't the case, all things considered the Oliver Cabell, Artisan Lab, Greats are the best 'value' white trainer available right now. That being said, like you say buy what you can afford but value for money is a smarter way to go.

[@chevaschirstion9816]

The suitsupply one is the best. It has no branding on the outside.

[@gaylongraham077]

My logic, if you're willing to spend $250 on sneakers, save an extra $200 and buy the Common Projects, wear them for a couple of years, taking care like you would any expensive shoe and resale then for $250+ after 2 yrs.

[@jonniewaniak4494]

What are brands that are more trendy that make sneakers like Gucci or Christian Louboutin that style but without having to pay for all the names

[@KiangiAri]

Great vid here...I wear size 42.5/8.5Uk/9.5U.S, in Nike AF1....what do you suggest my size should be in Koio?

[@pedrocols]

Ace Marks sneakers are also very nice.

[@cidcdomingo713]

Brock, do white sneakers make you look shorter? Thats how i feel about wearing them esp when i am sporting an all black look. Thanks!

[@hnguyen218]

Anybody getting into fashion was into this menswear intro starter pack? CP's, chucks with the hearts, APC petit standard

[@uuuultra]

Eh?

[@aidanbeals5431]

“Chucks with the hearts” how dare you disrespect the infamous CDG Converse 😂

[@aaronhgaines]

White leather Jack Purcells all the way. Classic, comfortable, and $70.

[@mejungleeone]

Hello again. If I wear Koio size 7 how that can be translated to Koio womens size. Thanks

[@zen8]

where do u usually find the Oliver Cabell's on sale / when is the best time to buy?