Roughly two years ago, when I signed my lease for an apartment in New York City, I simultaneously committed to a significant lifestyle change: walking everywhere and clocking in upwards of 10,000-plus steps a day. At first, novice as ever, I had envisioned myself as the Carrie Bradshaw type, romanticizing cute (and often impractical) shoes with little to no regard for my feet. But, after a few weeks of blisters, bleeding ankles, and actually seeing that New Yorkers, in reality, prioritized comfortable shoes, I knew that I was going about it all wrong.
Just one look at any NYC street, whether it’s in Williamsburg or the West Village, and you’ll see that there’s a new sneaker trend emerging; people everywhere are sporting comfortable, practical-yet-stylish black sneakers with white soles instead of all-white sneakers. It’s actually incredible, really, just how far a pair of black kicks can take you — figuratively and literally. Dressed up with a blazer and trousers or casually worn with jeans and T-shirt, black sneakers’ versatility really knows no ends. And of all the countless styles out there, few rank as high with New Yorkers as a pair of Cariumas — specifically the Oca Low Top Canvas Sneakers.
Cariuma Oca Low Black Canvas Sneakers
Cariuma
According to the brand, the Oca Low Black Canvas Sneakers are the most popular version among New Yorkers, and between how much praise they’ve earned from Travel + Leisure editors, celebrities like Helen Mirren, and shoppers (they have more than 7,900 five-star ratings), it’s really no surprise that the people of one of the most style-savvy cities loves these sleek sneakers.
This eco-friendly pair is available in both men’s and women’s sizes, ranging from 5 to 13, and are each priced at $89. Designed for all-day wearing, these comfy kicks are made with supportive memory foam insoles and sustainability sourced rubber outsoles for great traction, even on the slipperiest subway platform. Even more, they’re crafted with organic cotton for a lightweight and breathable build that you’ll never want to take off.
Cariuma Oca Low Canvas Sneakers
Cariuma
In their reviews, Cariuma shoppers have dubbed the Oca Low Canvas Sneakers the “perfect blend of fashion and function.” In fact, one wearer even called them the “most comfortable shoes [they] own.”
Even as a relatively new New Yorker, I know I’m not alone when I say that I’m not interested in any shoes with a break-in period. So when I read that one shopper said that these shoes are “perfect out of the box,” I promptly added a pair to my cart, especially if they’re what all of the other Manhattanites and Brooklynites are wearing. But, if the monochromatic style isn’t your go-to color, you’ll be delighted to know that the Cariuma Oca Low Canvas Sneakers are available in 17 other hues, like Los Angeles’ favorite off-white and London’s favorite mystic gray.
The level of support that these shoes provide also make them ideal travel sneakers. They’re designed for comfortable, easy wearing no matter where you go, and their easy-to-style profiles are great for minimalist travelers that like to pack light (because they might just be the only pair that you’ll need in your suitcase).
If there’s anyone to take travel shoe advice from, it’s a New Yorker. And the Cariuma Oca Low Black Canvas Sneakers have not only earned the seals of approval from the people of the Big Apple, but as well as virtually everyone else who has tried a pair for themselves. While you’re adding this fashionable sneaker to your cart, keep scrolling to see some other shopper-loved Cariuma shoes.
Ibi Slip-On Knit Sneakers
Cariuma
Oca High Suede Sneakers
Cariuma
Vallely Premium Leather Sneakers
Cariuma
Vallely Pro Suede Sneakers
Cariuma
At the time of publishing, the price started at $89.
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