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Every wardrobe needs a trusty pair of white sneakers. Whether you’re pairing them with jeans for a casual look or dressing them up with a sleek trouser, white sneakers are a staple. So, when my sister wanted to gift me a new pair, it felt like the perfect opportunity to upgrade my dusty 2018 Vans to something more stylish. But finding the pair wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped.
As a 33-year-old Chicago native who loves walking everywhere and needs a versatile shoe for everything from casual work meetings to my hot girl walks in the city's unpredictable weather, I had expectations of my new shoes. I ended up sampling four different styles – Cariuma OCA Lows, Veja Esplars, Adidas Sambas, and Adidas Stan Smiths – before landing on a pair I’m obsessed with. Here, see how these four popular picks stack up, and my ultimate winner across style, fit, comfort, price, and sustainability.
Style
Cariuma OCA Low: Sleek, minimalist, and incredibly versatile, this all-white leather design is timeless and pairs effortlessly with everything from jeans to dresses. The low-profile look gives it a modern edge, and the buttery soft leather adds a premium touch.
Veja Esplars: Known for their eco-conscious materials, Vejas sneakers have a slightly bulkier, structured silhouette. They give off a more formal vibe but lack the streamlined versatility I wanted. Plus, I wasn’t a fan of their stiffness, which made them feel less suitable for casual outfits.
Adidas Sambas: These are undeniably trendy (a TikTok favorite for sure) but the two-tone design and sportier look didn’t quite match my everyday aesthetic. Plus, I’m not entirely sure if they’re a timeless pick or will be a trendy throwaway in a year.
Adidas Stan Smiths: A classic, no doubt, but a bit generic? While they’re a safe choice for anyone looking for a reliable white sneaker, they don’t stand out or feel exciting.
Winner: Cariuma
Sizing and Fit
Cariuma OCA Low: These fit like a dream from the get-go. The memory foam insole provides instant comfort, and the fit is true to size. They didn’t require a frustrating break-in period like other brands, making them perfect for long walks or travel.
Veja Esplars: Sizing was a headache. Unfortunately the brand doesn’t offer half sizes, and I couldn’t find a size that fit comfortably. They felt stiff and awkward, and based on reviews, they take forever to break in (I didn’t get that far).
Adidas Sambas: I felt like I was chasing a trend rather than finding a shoe that fit me well. On top of that, the rounded toe and sportier shape didn’t quite suit my petite frame (I’m 5 feet tall with size 7.5 feet), and they felt a bit clunky.
Adidas Stan Smiths: The fit is comfortable and slightly wider than the Cariumas, which can be a pro or con depending on your feet.
Tie: Cariuma OCA Low and Adidas Stan Smiths
Comfort and Quality
Cariuma OCA Low: The premium, LWG-certified leather is incredibly soft, making these a joy to wear all day (I mean it!). They were comfortable right out of the box, with no need to break them in. I especially love the thoughtful details like the front tab protection and sturdy laces that don’t require constant tying.
Veja Esplars: While Vejas tout their eco-friendly materials, they sacrifice comfort. I’ve read that the stiff leather makes them hard to wear for long periods.
Adidas Sambas: Built for sports, these shoes are comfortable for most activities.The quality is there, but for extended walks or casual outings, I wouldn’t mind a little more support.
Adidas Stan Smiths: Stan Smiths are reliable, but the materials can feel a bit rigid compared to the luxurious feel of Cariuma’s leather. While they hold up well over time, the initial comfort isn’t quite as immediate.
Tie: Cariuma OCA Low and Adidas Sambas
Price
Cariuma OCA Low: At $129, these are a mid-range option, but the quality and comfort more than justify the price. Plus, Cariuma plants two trees for every pair purchased, adding an extra feel-good factor to the purchase.
Veja Esplars: These sneakers are a bit pricier at $150, and the comfort and sizing issues made me feel like I wasn’t getting my money’s worth.
Adidas Sambas: Slightly more affordable, typically around $100, but they’re not the best value for a premium-feeling sneaker. Great for someone prioritizing the trend over comfort.
Adidas Stan Smiths: Priced similarly to the Sambas, around $100, Stan Smiths are a dependable, budget-friendly option.
Tie: Cariuma OCA Low and Adidas Stan Smiths
Sustainability
Cariuma OCA Low: Cariuma’s commitment to sustainability is impressive. From using LWG-certified leather to their tree-planting initiative, they’re actually doing their part for the environment.
Veja Esplars: Known for their use of recycled and sustainable materials, Vejas excel in this category. However, sustainability doesn’t always mean comfort, and that’s where they fall short.
Adidas Sambas & Stan Smiths: Both models incorporate some recycled materials, but neither brand has the same eco-conscious ethos as Cariuma or Vejas.
Winner: Cariuma OCA Low and Veja Esplars
The Verdict: Cariuma OCA Low Is The Best Option
After trying and testing these four popular white sneaker brands, Cariuma’s OCA Low stands out as the ultimate choice. Not only do they offer a sleek, versatile design, but their superior comfort, true-to-size fit, and sustainability efforts make them hard to beat. Whether you’re strolling through the streets of Chicago or heading to a casual event, Cariumas effortlessly combine style and substance, all while staying eco-friendly.
If you’re on the hunt for a premium white sneaker that’s as comfortable as it is stylish, go with Cariuma!
