A sneaker loved by best-dressed celebrities, famous athletes, and Travel + Leisure editors has just sold its millionth pair. Cariuma’s classically cool Oca style started as an underground shoe borrowed from skate culture, but it’s now breaching the mainstream with silent endorsements from the likes of Helen Mirren and Gabrielle Union, who even wore them on a red carpet.
Recently, Cariuma announced the news of its one-millionth pair on Instagram, saying, “Oca has graced the feet of eight Olympians, five Golden Globe nominees, three supermodels, two rock stars, and most importantly, one million of you.” According to the post, the Oca is sold in 50 countries — no surprise, since the Brazilian brand makes note of which shoe designs are most popular in cities across the world.
There’s an off-white canvas Los Angeles aesthetic, a New York-favorite style in edgy black, a cloud-gray suede loved in London, and camel and white kicks that Toronto residents can’t get enough of. Though it comes in many variations — high-top, low-top, canvas, leather, plain, patterned, quilted, and more — the Oca maintains a few telltale features in every pair. Those include the cap toe, chunky rubber outsole, and bio-based memory foam (specifically made of cork and castor oil — it’s reportedly more comfortable than it sounds).
Cariuma Oca Low Canvas Sneaker
Cariuma
This particular Oca is the brand-identified LA fave, with its casual low profile, clean off-white color, and canvas material you can wear with anything. Cariuma calls it an “elegantly simple … refined take on Rio’s street and beach culture.” More than 9,000 shoppers have given the shoe five stars on the website, many writing that it’s their second, third, or even fifth pair. One said they’re “nothing short of amazing. I have taken them with me while traveling as my only pair of shoes, and they were comfortable all day.”
Cariuma Oca Low Canvas Sneaker
Cariuma
The combination of cushion and arch support makes this a solid shoe for traveling, too: T+L editors swear by Cariuma shoes to get them through big walking days (we also highly recommend the Salvas, Slip-on, and Catiba Pro styles for travelers). One factor that bridges the gap between the brand’s famous fan following, die-hard sneakerheads, and everyday people is the low price: Cariuma Ocas start at $95.
Cariuma Oca High-top Gum Canvas Sneaker
Cariuma
The Oca is also available in a high-cut profile, with a contrasting outsole option that gives this cotton canvas sneaker a little extra character. Reminiscent of old-school high-top Vans, they add interest and coolness to every outfit. In addition to this white and beige style, there are also all-white, black-and-white, and bold animal-print options. Of the high-tops, one reviewer said, “[They’re] hands down the best pair of shoes I’ve ever owned.”
Cariuma Oca High-top Gum Canvas Sneaker
Cariuma
Clearly, with a million shoppers, this under-$100 sneaker is a smart buy, especially since it’s so versatile — it’s fit for the airport, sightseeing, running errands, and even the red carpet! If you didn’t already know what the hype was about, this is your sign to get your hands on a pair — you might be Cariuma Oca’s 1,000,001st fan.
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