In this review
In this review
Navigating the concrete jungle that is New York City means finding chic footwear that can go just about anywhere. I’m perpetually on the hunt for that perfect urban sneaker – and I may have finally found it in the Cariuma OCA Low. It's a $79 sustainably made low-top, making waves with its Brazilian heritage, superior comfort, and simple styling. And according to the Cariuma website, it has 40K+ 5-star reviews.
Over the past few weeks, I've put these shoes to the test, traversing city blocks and subway commutes, to bring you my honest review. Is the Cariuma OCA Low truly the answer to my metropolitan sneaker search?
Initial Impressions
When I first received the OCA Low, the attention to detail and dedication to sustainability was immediately clear, starting with the packaging. The sneakers come in a single recycled cardboard box. It included a note that my purchase planted two trees in the Brazilian rainforest! The upper is constructed of a soft but sturdy organic cotton canvas, with metal eyelets that add a bit of flair and extra durability. Inside is a very fancy looking insole. It’s made of cork, bio memory foam and organic “mamona oil.” I’m not sure what the last part does, but the sole feels and looks great.
The outsole is made of thick, ethically sourced natural rubber, with great grip out of the box. Overall, the material and build of the sneakers were impressive and the understated branding suggested a focus on quality over flashy logos.
Ratings Breakdown
A little bit about me: I’m someone who tries really hard to avoid fast fashion, so I shop second-hand whenever possible to find quality pieces that last. But thrifting can only take you so far when it comes to footwear. Finding good quality, long-lasting, sustainably made shoes that don't break the bank has been really difficult!
Cariuma is an exception to the rule. And now that I’ve spent a good amount of time with the OCA Lows, I’m excited to break down why they’re so special and why you should make the jump!
Style: ★★★★★
Cariuma sneakers have a classic silhouette. They’re simple and stylish from afar, but it's the little details that really set them apart from the competition. Whether it’s metal eyelets and lace caps, quality stitching, or cute heel stamps, I’m still finding small details that I love about these shoes.
Value: ★★★★
I’ve searched long and hard for a comfortable, stylish sneaker below $100. Let me know if you find something that beats Cariuma’s quality at their price point ($79), because I certainly can’t. Yes, Chucks and Vans Authentics look the part, but as a frequent wearer of both in the past, I can say the build quality is not even close.
Comfort: ★★★★★
Remember those fancy soles? Cork + bio memory foam + mamona oil + arch support—need I say more? Cariuma’s OCA sneakers are hands down the most comfortable casual sneakers I’ve put on—and that’s straight out of the box. They’ve handled walking and commuting life with aplomb, with zero break in time.
Durability: ★★★★
I haven’t had my Cariuma’s very long, but the toe cap, fully-stitched outsole, and thick organic cotton canvas have inspired a lot of confidence. I’ve taken a look at the reviews on their site and a big focus is on the longevity of these kicks.
Style
My canvas OCA Lows are fun and stylish. So stylish in fact, that a bunch of celebs have been seen wearing them: Ashton Kutcher; The King of Staten Island, Pete Davidson; even Queen Helen Mirren has a pair. And tbh, I wanna wear whatever Helen Mirren is wearing #styleicon.
It’s easy to see why celebs love the look of this shoe, but I’m sure they’re also drawn to Cariuma’s environment and sustainability focus. It’s good to know my footwear isn’t participating in the destruction of our planet. And that’s not just marketing – Cariuma is actually B Corp Certified, which means it meets high standards for social and environmental performance and corporate governance.
I tried out several colors for this review – Off-White, Green, Pink Lemonade, and Black Polka Dots. All of them work well with just about any of my casual outfits: Off-White as my staple, Polk Dots when I want to add a little excitement, and Green and Pink when I want to make a bit of a statement. They can all easily take me from day into night.
Cariuma offers a whole lot more color and design options (no kidding, they did a collaboration with the color experts at Pantone, and if you’re an Avatar fan, there’s a shoe for that too!). There is no shortage of collabs and color options to help you find the perfect Cariuma pair.
Another thing I love about my canvas OCA sneakers is their attention to detail. I’m not a fan of big stitching, but Cariuma’s outsole is delicately stitched and tasteful. Their laces have little metal caps that add style while protecting them from splitting. Their heels also have cute green logos stamped on them, another small touch that I’ve come to really enjoy.
Value
For a shoe that’s well designed, handcrafted, and made with quality materials, you honestly can’t beat Cariuma’s $79 price point. In my long search for simple, stylish, and comfortable sneakers, I’ve of course also tried Vans Authentics and Converse Chucks. While I was happy with the style of these sneakers, they disappointed in comfort (flat, slab soles) and quality (thinner canvas, basic materials), and of course they lacked the sustainability focus that I love so much about my OCAs. Given the similar price point, the OCA is a no-brainer.
Comfort
Like I mentioned, because walking is my main mode of transportation, comfort over long periods is my biggest priority. Because of those insoles, I felt like I didn’t need to break in my Cariumas at all.
Whether it was long days exploring, running to the grocery store, walking my dog, or just having a chill day at the park, out of the box these sneakers felt like they were made specifically for me. You guys, I think I’ve made this clear: they’re super comfortable!
On the outside of the shoe, Cariuma’s textured mini toe cap is something I didn’t know I needed. It protects my delicate toes from stranger stomps, and adds style and durability, but doesn’t restrict movement like the much larger versions on Chucks. The sneakers are still very lightweight and easy to slip on.
Durability
When I do buy a new pair of sneakers, I want them to last. And although I haven’t had these sneakers for long, I can already tell that they will. As I mentioned before, Cariuma’s OCA sneakers are made with high quality materials:
- The natural rubber soles are ethically gathered from the hevea brasiliensis tree
- The insoles are 100% vegan, made from bio memory foam, organic mamona oil and cork
- The lining, laces, threads, and labels are all made from recycled plastic bottles (wow!)
- The canvas itself is made from organic cotton, free from pesticides and harmful chemicals
In my eyes, quality equals durability. So while I expect some wear and tear over time, I expect these babies to do just fine.
Final Thoughts
The Cariuma OCA Low is a modern classic. It’s the type of shoe you could wear in twenty years and be just as stylish. They might even last that long.
If you’re still somehow on the fence, go for it. The brand offers a generous 60 day return policy if you change your mind. Your feet, your wallet, and the planet will thank you.
