These Canvas Low-Top Sneakers Have Become My Go-To for Running Errands

As a New Yorker, walking is my primary mode of transportation. Even if I'm taking the subway or the bus, I have to walk to the station or stop on either side of the journey. On weekends, I routinely walk five miles or more per day just running errands and bopping around the city.

Suffice it to say, I can be a bit of a tough critic when it comes to comfortable walking shoes. So when I had the chance to test the Cariuma Oca Low Off-White Canvas Sneaker ($85), I was intrigued — especially because the high-top model of this sneaker made our list of the best women's sneakers for 2024.

Cariuma Oca Low Off-White Canvas Sneaker

From

$85

$85 at Cariuma

As soon as I got my hands on a pair, I slipped them on with a pair of my favorite jeans, a crew-neck sweatshirt, and my go-to puffer coat and headed out on a Saturday afternoon walk. Keep reading for my full Cariuma Oca Low Sneaker review.

When I shop for casual sneakers, I first look for a clean, minimalist design that I can style with a variety of different outfits. They have to be comfortable — with enough arch support to keep my feet from hurting and a grippy sole that won't slip on wet sidewalks. I also look for durable materials that will hold up over several seasons, so I can get the most use possible out of a pair of shoes.

To put the Cariuma Oca Low Sneakers to the test, I wore them several days in a row — on quick grocery store runs and longer coffee strolls with friends — to see how they performed in my typical routine.

From the first time I laced up the Cariuma Oca Low Sneakers, I was pleasantly surprised by just how comfortable they are. The organic mamona oil and cork insoles offer plenty of support, although they are a bit firmer than a typical foam insole. The canvas in the top of the shoe conforms nicely to the foot without feeling too tight or restrictive, and overall, I found they run true to size.

Cariuma's classic design sensibility was another plus. Although I tested these sneakers in January, I could see the simple, minimalist sneakers working equally well with a sundress, denim cutoffs, or even a beach coverup in the summer. The off-white canvas is a particularly versatile colorway — and because I want to get as much use out of everything in my closet as possible, that's a major perk.

I also appreciate Cariuma's commitment to sustainable production practices. The brand uses organic cotton to produce its canvas, and the mamona oil in the insoles is a plant-based alternative to petroleum. Plus, Cariuma has pledged to plant two trees in the Brazilian rainforest for every pair of shoes sold.

While I personally found the Cariuma Oca Low Sneakers comfortable, they are a relatively flat-soled shoe. If you know you need a lot of arch support, they might not be the best option for you.

The first time I wore them, my feet did feel tired at the five-hour mark. By day three, I had fully broken them in, and the Cariuma Oca Low Sneakers felt like my old favorites. That said, it's worth noting that you may have to spend a few wears breaking them in to make these sneakers feel completely comfortable.

I'd recommend the Cariuma Oca Low Sneakers to anyone looking for a simple, everyday sneaker for running errands or casual walks, especially if you're looking for an affordable, sustainable option.

You can order the Cariuma Oca Low Sneaker on Cariuma's website.

Rating: ★★★★☆