Image: Samantha Sutton; Cariuma; Adobe. Design: Sasha Purdy / StyleCaster
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If you had asked me about Cariuma sneakers a year ago, I probably would have shrugged and recited common headlines. The shoe brand is known for being sustainable, using eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled plastics. On top of that, celebrities such as Helen Mirren, Pete Davidson, and Whitney Port have been spotted wearing pairs of their own, making these kicks go viral every couple of months.
These days, however, my closet contains two different pairs Cariuma sneakers. After packing them for multiple vacations, I now consider them to be the best travel shoes, and there’s a long list of reasons why I won’t fly off without them.
While I’ve heard great things about the Catiba Pro, it’s Cariuma’s OCA Low White Polka Dots Canvas sneakers ($95) that are my all-time favorite. What initially drew me to this pair was, of course, the print. While it’s fun and unexpected, the combination of black and white colors makes them feel somewhat neutral, and I knew they would stand out without overpowering the rest of my outfit.
OCA Low White Polka Dots Canvas
$95Buy Now
The first time I wore them was last December when I pretty much spent the day walking the length of New York City, looking at holiday lights and pushing through crowds at Rockefeller Center. While new shoes usually give me blisters minutes after slipping them on, these sneakers didn’t, and the combination of organic cotton canvas and a thick, slip-resistant rubber sole managed to feel both soft and sturdy enough for a full day of wear.
Since then, I’ve taken my Cariuma OCA Low sneakers to Miami, Montréal, Myrtle Beach, and a handful of other destinations, solidifying their spot as my most comfortable walking shoe. I’m someone who doesn’t relax on vacation—I enjoy seeing the sites and visiting cafés or restaurants I’ve added to my Google Maps. Despite getting in over 20,000 steps each time I broke them out during my trips, my feet felt perfectly fine throughout the day (although the rest of me definitely needed a nap by the end of it).
I’ve fielded a lot of questions about these kicks, mainly about where I got them and if I find them easy to style. I’ve paired my polka-dot shoes with luxe-looking, faux leather pants, gave them a preppy spin with crew socks and mini-skirts, leaned into the playful vibe with an all-yellow outfit (the jacket and skirt pictured are from NA-KD), and even mixed prints, working them into pink plaid looks. I try to limit my shoes when packing, but surprisingly, these are more versatile than other options I own, since they act as both a statement piece and a subtle little extra, depending on what you wear with them.
Courtesy of Samantha Sutton
It also appears I’m not alone when I say these shoes are it. Right now, on Cariuma’s website, they have a 4.75-star rating, and the comments are overwhelmingly positive.
“These are adorable !!! And of course there’s the Cariuma comfort !!” reads one glowing review.
“This my third pair of OCA Low shoes,” another wrote. “Love everything about them – and the company is a dream! Professional, efficient, and they even plant two trees for every order. I will continue ordering more shoes. Branching out to a pair of slip-ons next! 😊”
Another major perk is that these sneakers are made of breathable canvas, so they will be perfect for wearing all summer long. I might even invest in an all-white pair ($95) and keep them in my rotation throughout the season—and I definitely plan to pack ’em for even more excursions.
Courtesy of Cariuma
OCA Low Off-White Canvas
$95Buy Now
