I Hoard White Sneakers — But These Are My No. 1 Pick For Everyday

I shouldn't love white sneakers as much as I do. It's ridiculous really. The pristine kicks are prone to turning a grayish brown over time, especially in the dirty New York City streets. Yet I own at least six different pairs that I rotate through regularly, each with a differentiating superlative that earns them a special place in my heart (and wardrobe).

My current lineup includes popular styles like Air Force 1s, Jordans, and Cortezes—but there's one pair that's quickly surpassing the others to become an absolute favorite: the Cariuma Oca Low Sneakers.

I've been wearing the off-white canvas shoe for almost a year now, and I've been astounded. The comfy style packs plenty of arch support yet still looks so undeniably chic that my husband calls them my "fancy sneakers."

Not only have the Cariuma Oca Low Sneakers maintained their crisp color amid city living (essentially a miracle), but they've made me feel effortlessly cool. I actually received one of my top five favorite compliments in them—I'll set the scene.

It was a super-hot Friday in July, and I was meeting my dear friend and her 2-year-old at a park in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. You see, her daughter goes to a preschool where they speak French to the bébés, and my friend said my sneakers made me look like one of the French moms she sees at the preschool.

And of course, I wouldn't be recommending these puppies if they weren't super comfortable. That's saying something because I walk everywhere. (Hey, a hot girl walk supports a healthy heart.)

The cork insole provides just the right amount of arch support and cushioning—but it doesn't make the vegan sneakers too heavy or clunky. In fact, these are actually by far the lightest sneakers in my collection, which means they are the easiest to throw on and the most enjoyable to wear all day. 

Out of the six pairs of white sneakers I own, the Ocas were my first canvas pair. The fabric made me hesitant at first, as I assumed it'd get dirtier faster. They stayed bright white for awhile—until I wore them to a muddy wedding dance floor.

Unfortunately, the sneakers are no longer the same pristine white that they once were after more than a year of wear, but I don't care enough to spot clean them. In my dream world, the Ocas would be machine washable to last even longer.

Plus, I don't feel bad about replacing these sneakers with a new pair of Cariumas when they meet their end. The sleek shoe is made with primarily natural materials, including responsibly sourced rubber, recycled plastics, and organic cotton.