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Helen Mirren’s go-to sneakers are comfortable straight out of the box
If you like staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest sustainable fashion finds, you've probably heard of the shoe brand Cariuma. The company's sneakers are not only eco-friendly but also incredibly comfortable and versatile. So it makes sense that the brand's most popular style, the Oca Low Sneaker, has sold out numerous times, racked up waiting lists of thousands of people and has even graced the feet of A-list actress Helen Mirren. (Psst: Even I'm a fan — check out my full Cariuma sneaker review!)
Cariuma
These cute sneakers are sustainable, comfortable and celebrity-approved!
The Oscar winner has been spotted in the popular low-top sneakers a few times, most notably at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, where she stepped out in a vibrant green pair. While Helen styled her Cariuma kicks with a pretty printed wrap dress, the simple yet classic design of these canvas sneakers would look good with just about everything, from comfortable leggings to tailored trousers. Similar to other sneaker brands like Converse and Vans, Cariuma’s shoes are unisex (Robert Downey Jr. and Jon Hamm are also fans). The Oca Lows range in size from 5 to 13 in both men’s and women’s sizes, and there are 17 colors and prints to choose from.
The comfy sneakers boast a durable upper made from organic cotton canvas that's breathable and soft against your skin. The rest of the shoe is environmentally friendly too. The vegan insole is made from a mix of cork, bio memory foam and organic mamona oil, while the lining, laces, threads and labels of the shoe are created from recycled plastic bottles. Even better, the sneakers are produced in ethical factories, are shipped using carbon-neutral containers and are delivered in recycled packaging. Plus, for every pair you buy, the company will plant two trees, so you can really feel good about your purchase.
And Mirren isn’t the only fan of the low-top sneakers. More than 16,000 shoppers have given them a five-star rating, with many raving about their ready-to-wear-ness. One called them “the best shoes ever” before adding, “I am so happy with these shoes! There’s virtually no break-in period. They’re comfortable right out of the box.”
Another raved, “I own over 20 pairs of shoes, and the quality of this pair gives Nike a serious run for its money. Not only is this shoe ethically made, but the craftsmanship became apparent straight out of the box. A lot of shoe brands take shortcuts, making shoes that wear out in one season, but I can tell this pair will hold up for a lifetime.”
“I love this shoe. I love the look, the color and the amazing footbed that makes it possible to walk in them for hours,” said a third customer.
Though you might think sustainable shoes that are comfortable, stylish and celebrity-approved will set you back a few hundred dollars, not so: These popular sneakers can be yours for just $85. We're willing to bet these will be your go-to kicks.
Cariuma
The eco-friendly sneakers come in 17 different colors, but we can't help but love the bright green pair Dame Helen owns.
Want to keep your new favorite kicks looking like new? Try these No. 1 bestselling SneakErasers:
Scuff marks are no match for these popular shoe sponges. To use, all you do is wet one and gently scrub — plus, they're reusable until the white part wears away!
“I love using the SneakErasers," wrote a footloose fan. "A simple, quick, easy way to make my sneakers look like I just bought them. I hate getting scuffs/dirt from normal city wear and tear, and although my shoes are well-loved, they don't look like it! I used them on my Vans and Converse — so satisfying to erase all the grind! I find these are more effective than spray cleaners or Magic Erasers; you can tell they are made specifically for shoes and shoe materials."
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.