Helen Mirren Looked So Chic In These $95 Sneakers, So Obviously I Had to Test Them Myself
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Total: 91/100
At this point, I basically collect white sneakers, and one style I didn't have yet was a set of low-rise ones. I've always had my eye on the Cariuma OCA Low Sneakers ($95) since I saw Helen Mirren wearing them at Cannes a few years back and finally got a pair for myself in off-white. (Side note: I have come to the conclusion that off-white, instead of pure white, sneakers are the way to go because they don't show dirt as easily. I can't be trusted with keeping sneakers clean). While these Cariuma sneakers initially hooked me for their stylish looks, I was even more intrigued by the brand when I learned they use organic and natural materials for the products and pledge to plant two trees in the Brazilian Rainforest for every pair purchased.
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My Review of the Cariuma OCA Low Sneakers
First and foremost, the look of these sneakers is so simple and casual. They're such a great alternative to traditional leather sneakers, and the fact that they're off-white sets them apart, too. The canvas upper and rubber toe cap also create a more laid-back look overall.
For having a rubber sole, they're remarkably lightweight to wear, which I wasn't expecting. Pro tip: A little scrub with a Magic Eraser on the rubber gets any scuffs or dirt right off. The insole is made of a lightweight cork, bio memory foam and mamona oil, so even if my feet are sweaty, they don't slip around inside.
Now, I know what you're wondering: But does she get blisters wearing these shoes? Nope! Even the first couple days of wear (sans socks), I was pleasantly surprised that the back of the shoes didn't bother my heels at all. Sure, the heel tab rubs against my foot occasionally, but even then, I haven't experienced any irritation.
Olivia Dubyak for PureWow
Cons:
As with any light-colored shoes, they're easy to dirty up. And canvas isn't the easiest to clean. I've gotten a couple of marks on my upper and have been able to clean off most of it, but it has left a bit of a shadow where the stain was. You also have to dab at the stain to not rough up the texture of the canvas. Luckily, these aren't a stark white, so there's not as much of a contrast between the stain and the color of the shoe.
The laces on these shoes are meant to be tucked under the tongue of the shoe, and it took me forever to get them in a good position once they're on my feet to make them comfortable. The laces are a little on the thicker side, so getting them to lay as flat as possible without pressing into the top of your foot is a little frustrating.
It's also worth noting that canvas is not very breathable. Wearing these shoes sockless, or even with low socks, makes my feet a little warm, so it's easy to get a little sweaty. I've only been wearing them for a few weeks, so I can't speak to if they start to smell, but so far, so good, in my experience.
If you need arch support, these are not designed to offer that and you'll need an insert. I prefer an insert in my shoes to support my arches, but I don't need it, so these shoes don't cause any pain for me, but would definitely feel more comfortable with a little extra cushion.
Olivia Dubyak for PureWow
Final Thoughts
I'll 100 percent repurchase these sneakers. They're generally comfortable, don't give me blisters and are very cute, which are my three main boxes to check. No, they aren't the most breathable and the canvas is easy to dirty up, but hey, don't wear them in the mud or to play with your kids in the yard (like I did) and you're golden. The price point is definitely fair, especially given the mission of the brand to give back to the environment in exchange for your purchase. I've always been a fan of Cariuma, and adding these sneakers to my collection even more solidifies my opinion of the brand.
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