Cariuma OCA Low Sneaker Review: Worth the Hype & Worth the Price
Product Review Summary
Cariuma’s OCA Low sneaker has been making some major waves on the sneaker scene, and they certainly live up to the hype. From the thoughtful construction, to the first-rate insole, to the use of sustainable materials, these are a must-have everyday shoe.
Ratings
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★★★★★
They’re really a pair-with-anything kind of shoe that can be worn comfortably for hours on end, which makes them a welcome addition to just about any getaway.
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★★★★★
These sneakers are super well-crafted, and I especially liked the construction of the sole; it felt really substantial even though the shoes seemed lightweight overall.
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★★★★☆
Even though these shoes felt great right off the bat, after a little while it seemed like maybe there was some extra room in the heel. I do think I could’ve fit into a half size smaller (i.e. the 6.5), but it’s difficult to say whether those might’ve been too snug in the long run.
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★★★★★
The OCA Low comes in at $79, which honestly feels like a steal given the craftsmanship and sustainability of this shoe.
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★★★★★
As Cariuma sees it, they’re ‘crafting sneakers with a green conscience,’ which has certainly influenced their decision to use premium raw materials (like bamboo, rubber, and organic cotton), since these resources yield a much smaller carbon footprint. But perhaps what’s most unique about this brand, is that with each pair of shoes purchased, Cariuma helps plant two trees in the Brazilian rainforest.
Pros:
Padded footbed with solid arch support
Durable sole with great traction and wear
Superior comfort with no break-in period
Sustainable materials and packaging
Cons:
Sizing has the potential to run a bit large
Almost exclusively available online (not in stores)
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Cariuma is an increasingly popular shoe brand that makes sustainable sneakers in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors. Whether you’ve been eyeing this company for a while or you’re just curious to learn more about their mission, our Cariuma review will give you a detailed look at what their OCA Low has to offer — from its design and fit, to the overall quality and value.
Cariuma: What To Know About the Brand
There’s no shortage of shoe brands on the market today, and even eco-friendly footwear has been on the rise over the last few years. And yet, despite all this competition and potential for comparison, Cariuma has really been able to set itself apart. Cariuma’s line of sneakers effortlessly blend comfort with style and have a sustainability element that’s truly all their own. In Cariuma’s words, each sneaker is designed to be ‘high quality and low impact’ — an intention that’s evident through their use of timeless silhouettes and responsible practices.
As a Certified B Corporation, Cariuma has made a conscious choice to work with ethical factories and adhere to strict production guidelines that make environmental protection a priority. As Cariuma sees it, they’re ‘crafting sneakers with a green conscience,’ which has certainly influenced their decision to use premium raw materials (like bamboo, rubber, and organic cotton), since these resources yield a much smaller carbon footprint. But perhaps what’s most unique about this brand, is that with each pair of shoes purchased, Cariuma helps plant two trees in the Brazilian rainforest. That’s a pretty awesome initiative if you ask us!
Cariuma OCA Low Review
Given all the great things we’d heard (and read) about Cariuma’s sneakers, we felt like it was about time we tried them out for ourselves. The following is a review of Cariuma’s OCA Low style, purchased in a women’s size 7 and in the off-white canvas color.
Unpacking and First Impressions
First impressions tend to have a big impact, and I can honestly say I felt equal parts excited and inspired when my delivery arrived from Cariuma. Right away, I noticed that the shipping box and the shoe box were one in the same. Instead of using some type of exterior packaging, there was a convenient pull tab that opened right up to my shoes. Inside, there were also very limited packing materials — just a single sheet of tissue paper, and two recyclable ‘shoe horns’ so both sneakers held onto their shape. But my favorite detail was the informational card Cariuma included, highlighting all the incredible features my new shoes had to offer.
Quality of Materials
In doing my own research about the brand, it was clear Cariuma prided themselves on the quality of their products — and for good reason. These sneakers are super well-crafted, and I especially liked the construction of the sole; it felt really substantial even though the shoes seemed lightweight overall. I wore the OCA Low over the course of a weekend to go for a walk and run a few errands, and there was *literally* zero break-in period. Amazing! The footbed was crazy comfortable from the start, which I’m sure has everything to do with the vegan insoles that are cushioned with bio memory foam to provide additional arch support.
Sizing and Fit
Even though these shoes felt great right off the bat, after a little while it seemed like maybe there was some extra room in the heel. Before I ordered them, I used the sizing guide provided by Cariuma, and measured my foot at 23.5 centimeters (which fell right in between sizes 6.5 and 7). I opted for the bigger size since that’s typically what I wear in sneakers, and because the reviews suggested these were true to size, as well. I do think I could’ve fit into a half size smaller (i.e. the 6.5), but it’s difficult to say whether those might’ve been too snug in the long run. My plan is to lace them up a little tighter the next time I go out, and I should be all good!
Value for Money
The OCA Low comes in at $79, which honestly feels like a steal given the craftsmanship and sustainability of this shoe. To be totally honest, the fact that you can buy these sneakers for well under $100 is wild to me. They have a sleek yet classic shape, one of the coziest insoles I’ve ever worn, and they’re made entirely from natural and environmentally-friendly materials — that’s a lot of high points for one pair of shoes! So in my opinion, this purchase is an excellent value for the money, and one that I plan on wearing again and again.
Sustainability Efforts
Cariuma’s sustainability efforts are what drew me to the company right off the bat, and they’re definitely something that would lead me to become a repeat customer. As I mentioned with my first impressions, I really appreciated that the shipment contained the least amount of waste possible, and that the shoe box itself is both recycled and recyclable. I also love the transparency throughout Cariuma’s website, marketing, and social media, as they’re not shy to discuss their origins, ethos, and their constantly evolving approach to sustainable design.
The Bottom Line
My first experience with Cariuma has been overwhelmingly positive, to say the least. Despite the small hiccup with sizing — which could’ve been due to a measuring mistake on my part — everything else about these shoes deserves a whole lot of praise. I’m so excited to style these sneakers for different seasons and occasions, and I can’t wait to take them along when I travel, too. They’re really a pair-with-anything kind of shoe that can be worn comfortably for hours on end, which makes them a welcome addition to just about any getaway.
Cariuma Shoe FAQs
Are Cariuma shoes comfortable?
Cariuma makes incredibly comfortable sneakers that have virtually no break-in period. That’s largely thanks to their natural rubber sole, custom-designed vegan insoles (with bio memory foam), and soft cotton lining that guarantees all-day comfort and ease of wear.
Where are Cariuma shoes made?
Though Cariuma is a Brazil-based brand, their shoes are ethically manufactured in China. As their website states, Cariuma’s employees ‘make a comfortable, living wage’ and stick to a manageable work week that ensures every individual has a healthy work-life balance.
Do Cariuma shoes have good arch support?
Yes, Cariuma’s shoes offer wonderful arch support via the specially-designed footbed that was inspired by the ‘feeling of walking barefoot in the grass.’ For anyone who needs a little extra support from their sneakers, Cariuma does a great job of pairing comfort with stability.
Can I wash my Cariuma shoes?
To clean your Cariuma shoes, first use a soft brush to remove any lingering dust or dirt. Then, drop them in the washing machine on the cool cycle, and air dry them away from direct sunlight. As a preventative measure, you can also use a small amount of stain protector on your shoes.