Chic $95 Sneakers Spotted on Helen Mirren: I Had to Try Them Myself

Total: 91/100

I have quite the collection of white sneakers, but I was missing a pair of low-rise ones. Inspired by Helen Mirren, who sported the Cariuma OCA Low Sneakers at Cannes a few years ago, I finally decided to get a pair for myself in off-white. Despite loving pure white sneakers, I’ve learned that off-white doesn’t show dirt as easily, which is an added bonus for me since I am not the best at keeping things clean. Initially drawn to Cariuma for their stylish looks, I was pleasantly surprised when I found out the brand uses organic and natural materials and pledges to plant two trees in the Brazilian Rainforest for every pair purchased.

First and foremost, these sneakers have a simple, casual look that sets them apart. They’re a great alternative to traditional leather sneakers, thanks to their canvas upper and rubber toe cap. The off-white color gives them a laid-back appearance. Surprisingly lightweight given their rubber sole, these sneakers are comfortable to wear. A quick scrub with a Magic Eraser keeps the rubber clean. The insole, made of lightweight cork, bio-memory foam, and mamona oil, ensures that my feet don’t slip around, even if they get sweaty.

Another pleasant surprise: no blisters! Even after wearing them for a couple of days without socks, my heels remained unbothered. Occasionally, the heel tab does rub against my foot, but it’s never caused any irritation.

Cons: Like any light-colored shoes, these are prone to getting dirty. Canvas isn’t the easiest material to clean. Despite my best efforts, a couple of marks on the upper have left faint shadows. Cleaning the canvas involves careful dabbing to avoid roughing up the texture. Thankfully, the off-white color makes stains less noticeable.

Another minor hassle is the laces, which are meant to be tucked under the shoe’s tongue. It took me quite a while to get them positioned comfortably. The laces are rather thick, making it tricky to get them to lay flat without pressing into the top of my foot.

It’s also important to note that canvas isn’t very breathable. Wearing these shoes sockless or even with low socks can make my feet warm and sweaty. I’ve only had them for a few weeks, so I can’t comment on whether they’ll start to smell, but so far, so good.

If arch support is essential for you, these sneakers might not be the best choice. While I don’t necessarily need arch support inserts, I find that they add comfort, and these sneakers would definitely benefit from a little extra cushion.

Final Thoughts: I will 100 percent repurchase these sneakers. They’re generally comfortable, don’t give me blisters, and are very stylish, which are my three main criteria. While they aren’t the most breathable and the canvas easily gets dirty, they avoid most issues as long as you’re careful where you wear them. The price is reasonable, especially considering the brand’s commitment to planting trees. My experience with Cariuma has always been positive, and these sneakers only reinforce my admiration for the brand.

$95 at Cariuma

$85 at Amazon

Source: PureWow