Achilles Low

Used as the comparison baseline in a cut-apart teardown — looks nearly identical to the Koio Capri but feels completely different underfoot, with less flexibility, while costing roughly twice as much.

He lived in these back in the day and still thinks they're a great shoe, but feels minimal white sneakers as a category have become an overdone, predictable default.

The original and culturally iconic Italian minimalist leather sneaker, but overpriced relative to competitors. Excellent leather and comfort after break-in, though narrow fit and lack of transparency are drawbacks.

Used as the benchmark and found wanting — the reviewer criticizes its foam-and-cardboard filler insole and argues it costs roughly twice as much as the comparable Koio Capri.

Bought a white pair with his first paycheck in 2016; found them way too narrow and had to size up, resulting in a poor fit.

Set the standard for this style of minimalist white sneaker and remains genuinely high quality — full leather lining, flipped flesh-out heel counter, leather board heel and proper board lasting. Severely overpriced, but the construction elements are all there.

His pick for a clean minimal white leather sneaker — keeps a look modern without making it juvenile. The key is restraint.

Expensive Italian-made sneaker with poor quality over time. The reviewer wore them while opening their store and they look terrible, demonstrating insufficient durability for regular use.

Iconic white sneaker that popularized the minimal white sneaker aesthetic, but overpriced relative to materials and construction. Heavy coating on leather separates from substrate; interior construction uses inferior materials and processes compared to modern alternatives.