About Oliver Cabell
Oliver Cabell is a relatively new player in the world of premium sneakers, having been founded in 2016 by Scott Gabrielson. The brand‘s mission is to offer high-quality, ethically-made sneakers and boots at fair prices by cutting out the traditional retail markup.
According to Oliver Cabell, their shoes are handcrafted in the same factories as other top luxury footwear brands, using premium materials sourced from Italy, Spain, and Germany. However, by selling direct-to-consumer online, they‘re able to offer their sneakers at a much lower price point than if they were sold at traditional retail.
Oliver Cabell has also made waves for their transparency about costs and markups. For each product on their site, they break down exactly how much the materials, labor, duties, and transport cost, and how much their markup is. In most cases, their markup is around 2-3x, compared to 5-6x for traditional luxury brands.
Overview of Oliver Cabell Sneakers
Oliver Cabell offers a range of low-top and high-top sneakers for both men and women. Most of their designs are classic, minimal, and versatile, with premium leather uppers and durable rubber outsoles. Prices range from $178-$248, putting them well below most luxury sneakers but a step up from typical mall brands.
Their men‘s sneaker line includes several core styles:
-
Low 1: A classic low-top sneaker with a sleek silhouette, made with Italian calfskin leather and Margom outsoles. Available in white, black, and other seasonal colors.
-
GAT: A minimal take on the German Army Trainer, with Italian suede and a rubber gum sole. Available in white, black, navy, and grey.
-
Rennes: A retro-inspired low-top with a chunkier silhouette, made with Italian leather. Available in white/gum and several suede colors.
-
Erving: A modern court shoe with vintage details, a stitched cup sole, and Italian leather. Available in white, off-white, green, and navy.
-
Aegis: A classic high-top sneaker with a pared-back design and an Italian calfskin upper.
For women, Oliver Cabell‘s sneaker line includes:
-
Low 1 and Rennes, with identical construction to the men‘s versions but in women‘s sizing.
-
Merton: A slip-on sneaker mule made with Italian suede, in beige and light blue.
-
481: A vintage-inspired high top sneaker with a suede and nylon upper, in several pastel colorways.
In-Depth Oliver Cabell Sneaker Reviews
Low 1 Sneaker Review
The Low 1 is Oliver Cabell‘s take on a classic everyday low-top sneaker. It has a very clean and minimal design with a slim profile. I tested a pair of the Low 1s in the white colorway.
Materials: The Low 1 is made with buttery soft Italian calfskin leather. The leather feels supple and smooth and has a nice sheen to it. The interior is lined in leather as well for a premium feel. The outsole is made of Italian Margom rubber, known for its traction and durability. Even the cotton laces are sourced from Italy according to Oliver Cabell.
Fit and Sizing: In my experience, the Low 1 fits true to size. I‘m typically a size 8.5 in sneakers and the 8.5 in these fit perfectly. The leather conformed nicely to my foot after a few wears. There‘s enough padding in the footbed to be comfortable for all-day wear. Those with wider feet may want to size up a half size.
Styling: The beauty of an all-white low-top sneaker is its versatility, and the Low 1 is no exception. These look great with jeans, chinos, and shorts for a classic casual look. The sleek shape also works well with casual suits. I appreciate that the branding is very minimal and understated.
Comfort and Durability: After wearing these frequently for a few months, I‘ve found the Low 1s to be quite comfortable, if not the most cushioned. The insole is removable, so you could swap in an insert for more support. I‘m impressed with how well they‘ve held up with almost daily wear – just a few minor creases and no sole separation. They‘re easy to clean with a magic eraser or shoe cleaner.
Overall Thoughts: The Oliver Cabell Low 1 is an excellent value for a premium leather sneaker. I love the classic styling and quality construction. While $188 may seem steep, it‘s a great price for Italian calfskin leather and a step up from brands like Greats or Koio. My main callout is that the soles can be slippery at first before they‘re scuffed up.
GAT Sneaker Review
Oliver Cabell‘s GAT sneaker is directly inspired by the classic German Army Trainers, with a simple, retro silhouette in luxe Italian leather. I tested the grey suede version.
Materials: The GAT is made with soft, supple Italian suede, with smooth leather accents and a rubber sole. The suede has a visibly soft nap and a rich, even color. The interior is lined in a vegetable-tanned leather. Waxed cotton laces are a nice premium touch.
Fit and Sizing: The sizing of the GAT is less forgiving than the Low 1 in my opinion. I sized up a half size from my usual and they fit well, if a tiny bit long. The suede has some give to it, but those with high insteps or wide feet will definitely want to size up. The collar and tongue are rather thin and flexible, so ankle support is minimal.
Styling: The GAT has a chunkier, more casual silhouette compared to the Low 1. They‘re a great pairing with jeans, casual chinos, or even joggers for a laid-back, vintage-inspired look. I got the grey colorway which is super versatile, but they have some really nice earthy tones as well, like Dark Clay.
Comfort and Durability: While the insole of the GAT is fairly flat and minimal, I find them surprisingly comfortable. The suede isn‘t too stiff and flexes nicely with your foot. The grippy gum sole is great for traction. Suede is a bit tougher to keep clean than a smooth leather, so I use a suede protector spray and brush.
Overall Thoughts: Oliver Cabell‘s GAT is a worthy homage to a classic sneaker style, elevated with premium suede. At $208 they‘re not cheap, but still a value compared to Common Projects which run over $400. Construction, materials and comfort are all on point. Sizing is a bit tricky, so I‘d definitely recommend referring to their size chart.
Pricing and Value
There‘s no question that Oliver Cabell‘s sneakers are pricey, with most styles coming in around $200. However, when you compare the materials and construction to other sneakers in that price range, Oliver Cabell is arguably a step up in quality.
Most sneakers under $200 use lower quality leathers or synthetics, whereas Oliver Cabell uses premium Italian leather and suede. The stitching, rubber soles, and other components are also top-notch and built to last. When you factor in the direct-to-consumer pricing, Oliver Cabell sneakers are a great value for the materials and construction.
Of course, value is subjective and for many people $200 is still too much for a pair of casual sneakers. Oliver Cabell is more of an enthusiast brand for those who appreciate the craftsmanship and want to invest in a quality pair of leather sneakers. But if you have the budget, you‘re getting a lot of bang for your buck.
Pros and Cons
To summarize, here are the key pros and cons of Oliver Cabell sneakers:
Pros:
- Premium materials, including Italian leather, suede, and rubber soles
- Handcrafted quality construction
- Versatile, timeless styling
- Fairly priced compared to other luxury sneakers
- Easy to dress up or down
- Durable and easy to maintain
- Free shipping and returns
Cons:
- Pricey compared to typical casual sneakers
- Sizing can be tricky, not ideal for wide feet
- Limited cushioning and arch support
- Leather can crease and scuff with wear
- Some inconsistency in quality control based on customer reviews
- Duties and taxes on international orders
Shoe Care and Maintenance
To keep your Oliver Cabell sneakers looking their best, it‘s important to clean and protect them regularly, especially the lighter colorways. Oliver Cabell sells a range of shoe care products on their website specifically formulated for their leathers.
They offer a few different bundles based on your needs:
The Sneaker Kit ($38) includes a cleaner, brush, whitener, and new laces. It‘s great for keeping white and light-colored leather sneakers fresh.
The Boot Kit ($33) has a cleaner, brush, and conditioner for nourishing and polishing leather boots and high-tops.
The Essential Kit ($24) comes with just the cleaner and a brush for all-purpose cleaning on any material.
In addition to cleaning, Oliver Cabell recommends using cedar shoe trees to maintain the shape of your sneakers and absorb moisture between wears. They sell their own for $19.
With proper care and rotation, a pair of Oliver Cabell sneakers should last for many years of regular wear. The quality of the materials makes them rather easy to revive even once they start to show wear.
Customer Reviews
Oliver Cabell is still a growing brand, so customer reviews aren‘t as abundant as more mainstream sneaker brands. On their website, most of their bestselling sneakers have 50-100 reviews with an average rating of 4.5+ stars.
Positive reviews frequently mention the impressive quality of the materials, the comfortable fit (after breaking in), and the versatile style. Several reviewers commented that Oliver Cabells were the best quality sneakers they‘ve owned. Many also complimented the customer service and fast, free shipping.
Negative reviews were mainly focused on inconsistencies in sizing and some quality control issues like glue stains, loose stitching, and creasing. A few people felt the sneakers weren‘t comfortable enough for the price.
On Trustpilot, Oliver Cabell has a 3.2 out of 5 star average rating. The most common complaint seems to be around customer service, particularly with international orders and returns. Some customers were unhappy about the restocking fees or return shipping costs.
Overall the customer reviews are quite positive on the products themselves, but Oliver Cabell seems to have some room for improvement when it comes to international shipping and returns. Potential buyers should be sure to check the size chart carefully and be prepared for possible duties and return shipping fees.
FAQ
Are Oliver Cabell sneakers true to size? Most Oliver Cabell sneakers fit true to size, but they recommend sizing up a half size if you‘re in between sizes or have wide feet. Check the size chart on their website for measurements.
How long does Oliver Cabell shipping take? Within the US, standard shipping takes 3-5 business days and express shipping takes 1-2 days. International shipments can take up to 2 weeks depending on your location.
Can you return Oliver Cabell sneakers? Yes, Oliver Cabell accepts returns within 14 days of delivery for new, unworn items. There‘s a $9 restocking fee for refunded orders. Return shipping is free within the US.
Do Oliver Cabell sneakers go on sale? Oliver Cabell does not do typical sales or discounts, as their direct pricing model has the sale price built in. Occasionally they‘ll offer a gift card promotion or have a few last-chance styles marked down in their "Last Call" section.
Where are Oliver Cabell sneakers made? Oliver Cabell sneakers are handcrafted in the Marche region of Italy, while their boots are made in Albacete, Spain.
How do you clean Oliver Cabell sneakers? For general cleaning, use a soft brush or cloth to wipe away dirt and debris. Use a sneaker cleaner and white polish on light colored leather. Suede can be brushed and treated with a protectant spray. Avoid submerging them in water.
Conclusion: So, Are Oliver Cabells Worth It?
After thoroughly testing a few of Oliver Cabell‘s most popular sneakers, I‘ve come away impressed with the overall quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. The Italian leathers are buttery soft yet durable, the stitching is clean, and the styling is timeless and versatile. While the price point around $200 is an investment, you‘re getting materials and construction on par with sneakers twice the price.
Oliver Cabell sneakers are a great option for guys who want a classic, minimal leather sneaker without designer prices. They‘re the perfect mix of casual and polished, appropriate for both jeans and a suit. And with proper care and rotation, they should last much longer than your typical throwaway fashion sneaker.
The main things to consider are the sizing, which can be a bit inconsistent, and the potential hassle and cost of international returns. And of course, the value is subjective based on your budget and needs. But if you‘re after an attainable pair of luxury sneakers, Oliver Cabell is one of the best options out there, especially if you catch one of their rare promotions.
