Oliver Cabell burst onto the men‘s shoe scene in 2016 with a mission to deliver high-quality, ethical footwear at fair prices. Utilizing a direct-to-consumer model and cutting out the middleman, the brand has found success with its classic silhouettes and luxe materials.
But how do Oliver Cabell‘s shoes actually stack up? In this comprehensive review, we‘ll take an in-depth look at the brand and put multiple models to the test. Read on to find out if these coveted kicks live up to the hype.
Overview of Oliver Cabell
Oliver Cabell was founded in 2016 by Scott Gabrielson, an unlikely candidate for starting a fashion brand. With no experience in retail or apparel, Gabrielson’s background was actually in non-profits.
However, his outsider perspective proved beneficial. Coming from outside the industry, he noticed inefficiencies in the traditional fashion production model. This inspired Gabrielson to launch Oliver Cabell on a direct-to-consumer basis, allowing savings to be passed onto the customer through lower prices.
The brand is dedicated to creating quality, timeless men’s and women’s footwear at an accessible cost. They utilize ethical factories around the world and source premium materials from Italy, Spain, Germany and elsewhere in Europe.
Oliver Cabell combines traditional shoemaking techniques with modern innovations to craft shoes that are equal parts elegant and durable.
The pros of Oliver Cabell include:
- Quality materials and construction
- Classic, versatile styles
- Lower prices than designer brands
- Ethical manufacturing
- Bold colors and patterns available
- Tools/kits available for shoe care
Potential drawbacks:
- Extended ship times for some regions
- Import duties can add costs for int’l customers
- Break-in period required on some styles
- Limited boutique availability
Next, let’s take a hands-on look at some of Oliver Cabell’s most popular shoe models.
Oliver Cabell Men‘s Shoes Review
Low 1 Sneaker
The Low 1 sneaker is Oliver Cabell‘s signature model, an Italian-made luxury take on the classic white leather court shoe.
[image]Upper: Buttery soft Italian calfskin leather on these gives them a quality feel. The perforations add breathability while retaining a clean, minimalist look.
Outsole: Margom rubber outsoles provide lightweight cushioning and shock absorption. Good traction in most conditions.
Comfort/Fit: The removable insole and padded heel collar enhance comfort, while the slim profile gives a secure fit. Runs true-to-size.
Quality/Durability: With hand-stitched construction and fine materials, the Low 1s should last for years if properly maintained. The all-white leather does require frequent cleaning.
Value: At $188, the asking price is reasonable for the quality Italian craftsmanship. Less costly than comparable designer brands.
Overall, the Low 1 Sneaker justifies its popularity. Oliver Cabell nails the details with this versatile white sneaker packed with luxury touches. The ideal pair to elevate casual and business casual outfits.
GAT Sneaker
Inspired by the German army trainers of the 1960s, the GAT sneaker puts a fashionable spin on the retro sports silhouette.
[image]Upper: Premium suede and calfskin leather sourced from Italy and Spain. The contrasting panels create visual interest.
Outsole: Durable rubber outsole imported from Italy provides reliable traction and grip.
Comfort/Fit: The vegetable-tanned leather lining increases comfort for all-day wear. Removable padded insole allows room for orthotics. Runs half a size large.
Quality/Durability: Blake stitch construction and quality hides result in a durable, resilient runner built to handle daily wear.
Value: $193 puts the GAT right in line with comparably styled sneakers from other direct-to-consumer brands.
The GAT successfully modernizes a retro design through premium details and materials. It offers the versatility to complete both casual tailored looks as well as dressed-down streetwear outfits.
Low Top Sneaker – Navy
Oliver Cabell puts its own spin on the classic blue sneaker with this smart navy leather pair.
[image]Upper: Soft Veneto calfskin leather in a rich navy hue. Tonal lacing and collar lining provide subtle contrast.
Outsole: The Italian Margom outsole incorporates a technical tread pattern for traction. Lightweight and flexible.
Comfort/Fit: Generous padding around the collar and removable insole pad the foot, although the leather lacks stretch and can feel stiff at first. Runs large.
Quality/Durability: Blake stitch construction and fine Italian leather guarantee years of wear. Some creasing is inevitable.
Value: $188 is reasonable given the made-in-Italy craftsmanship. Less expensive than Common Projects Achilles in the same color.
This versatile model can slot right into both casual everyday outfits and smart-casual work attire. A wardrobe staple for the guy looking to incorporate more navy.
Other Noteworthy Men’s Styles
In addition to the models above, Oliver Cabell offers a range of men‘s shoes, boots and accessories. Here are a few other top options that caught our eye:
SB1 Boot – Black Roughout
[image]A sleek Chelsea silhouette made from weatherproof English suede. Unique zipper hardware and red brick sole add moto flair ($228).
Monk Strap Shoe – Alabaster
[image]Handsome double monk straps dressed up in soft nubuck leather with contrast sole. Sophisticated style for the office or events ($248).
Bit Loafer – Bourbon
[image]Preppy loafer updated with textured leather, bold contrast stitching and grippy rubber sole ($198).
This covers some of the brand‘s best men‘s styles, but there are plenty more to explore on their site across boots, oxfords, loafers and accessories.
Next up in our review: the women’s collection.
Oliver Cabell Women‘s Shoes Review
Ladies aren’t left outeither. Oliver Cabell crafts a selection of chic sneakers and loafers for the modern woman’s wardrobe.
Low 1 Sneaker – Blush
A feminine take on their signature Low 1 sneaker, this blush pink colorway dresses up denim and athleisure looks.
[image]Upper: Soft nubuck with perforations punched across the toe box offer breathable comfort. Tonal laces and stitching provide understated contrast.
Outsole: The Margom rubber outsole supplies lightweight traction and absorbs impact.
Comfort/Fit: The snug, tapered fit offers support when moving; narrow feet may find them tight in the toe box. Removable insole increases cushioning. Runs large.
Quality/Durability: Blake stitch construction and Italian materials ensure these will hold up well over time. Some creasing is inevitable on the nubuck upper.
Value: $198 nets you premium detailing and made-in-Italy construction for less than designer labels.
The blush Low 1s serve feminine flair to casual outfits. A stylish sneaker alternative to heels for the pub, traveling or festivals.
Mule Loafer – Bone
Equal parts chic and practical, this slip-on mule updates the classic loafer silhouette in soft nubuck and a trendy square toe.
[image]Upper: The slightly distressed nubuck leather offers a relaxed vibe, while the bone color pairs effortlessly with outfits.
Outsole: A minimalist Margom rubber outsole provides grip without detracting from the elegant silhouette.
Comfort/Fit: The padded collar prevents rubbing while the roomy square-toed box allows toes to spread out. Runs large.
Quality/Durability: Hand-stitched construction gives them durability; some creasing is inevitable on the leather uppers over time.
Value: $218 is reasonable given the made in Italy craftsmanship and on-trend style. Cheaper than designer alternatives.
The Mule Loafer‘s relaxed vibes work beautifully with wide-leg pants, midi skirts and dresses – an easy way to elevate your look.
Other Notable Women’s Styles
Beyond the two models highlighted above, Oliver Cabell also crafts several other chic women‘s styles like loafers, boots and accessories.
Lita Slip-On – White
[image]An unfussy take on the slip-on in premium pebbled leather with contrast stitching ($198).
Chelsea Boot – Black
[image]A weatherproof Chelsea rendition in textured leather to toughen up feminine looks ($248).
Kitten Heel Pump – Almond
[image]A mid-heel pump made girly in soft suede with a dainty bow ($248).
This provides a glimpse into some of the lovely women’s options from Oliver Cabell. Now let’s examine sizing, quality and value across their collection.
How Do Oliver Cabell Shoes Fit & Feel?
When it comes to fit and sizing, there are a few key things to keep in mind with Oliver Cabell‘s shoes:
Break-In Period
The leather and suede models typically have a break-in period of 5-10 wears before they start molding to your feet. Some creasing and pressure points are normal at first.
Snug Fit
Many styles run narrow through the instep and toe box. Wide footer may need to size up or stretch them out.
Size Large
Women’s shoes and certain men’s sneakers run large. Size down for the proper fit.
Removable Insoles
Being able to take out the insoles allows you to replace them with your own custom or orthotic inserts.
When it comes to materials and construction, Oliver Cabell lives up to its reputation for quality and ethical production.
Premium Hides
The Italian calfskin, Spanish suede and other leather hides feel supple and durable in hand. They develop a unique patina over time.
Blake Stitch Construction
This traditional shoemaking technique provides flexibility and allows for resoling.
Detailed Finishing
Subtle touches like leather lining, custom hardware and waxed laces elevate the look and feel.
Are Oliver Cabell shoes worth the money? When you consider the premium materials and craftsmanship, their shoes offer good value, especially compared to luxury fashion brands charging over $400 for similar styles.
What Do Customers Say About Oliver Cabell?
Oliver Cabell reviews from verified buyers largely skewed positive. Multiple reviewers on Trustpilot and Google praised both the quality and value of the shoes.
Positive notes centered around:
- Premium look and feel
- Versatile, on-trend styles
- Comfort for all-day wear
- Supportive customer service
Common downsides mentioned:
- Lengthy delivery times
- Expensive return shipping
- Inconsistent sizing/fit
- Creasing on leather models
On product review site Trustpilot, Oliver Cabell holds an “Excellent” rating averaging 4 out 5 stars across nearly 700 reviews.
Here’s a sampling of what buyers are saying:
[Trustpilot review 1] [Trustpilot review 2]Clearly most customers come away impressed with both the style and substance of Oliver Cabell shoes. But minor issues around sizing and quality control still crop up.
Oliver Cabell Shipping, Returns & Discount Codes
Oliver Cabell offers free shipping within the domestic U.S. for orders over $50. International shipping starts around $20 USD.
From order placement, U.S. customers can expect to receive their shoes within 5-7 business days. International deliveries average 1-2 weeks but may take longer.
Oliver Cabell accepts returns and exchanges within 14 days of original purchase. Return shipping labels cost $13-$20 depending on the destination. Exchanges are free within the U.S.
The company occasionally offers limited time discounts like 10-15% off for newsletter signups. Check their site routinely for special Oliver Cabell promo codes.
For the smoothest experience, we recommend ordering true-to-size and taking advantage of the generous return window if needed.
How To Care For Your Oliver Cabell Shoes
To keep your shoes looking their best:
- Use cedar shoe trees after each wear to maintain the shape and absorb moisture
- Clean leather and suede models whenever dirtied using gentle brushing and cleaning solution
- Apply leather conditioner 2-4 times per year
- Use waterproofing spray on suede and nubuck shoes before wearing in rain or snow
- Avoid over-wearing the same pair multiple days in a row
Oliver Cabell also offers shoe care kits starting at $25 with supplies tailored for your exact shoes.
Oliver Cabell Compared To Other Brands
How do Oliver Cabell shoes stack up against the competition? We compare them to other popular minimalist sneaker and dress shoe brands.
Common Projects
The gold standard in luxury sneakers, Common Projects offers a tightly curated collection of Italian-made kicks. Expect to pay $100+ more for most Common Projects models compared to similar Oliver Cabell styles. However, the fits tend to be more consistent.
Koio
Another direct-to-consumer favorite, Koio sneakers offer comparable quality leather and construction to Oliver Cabell at similar price points. Koio tends to take more stylistic risks with its designs while Oliver Cabell delivers timeless, versatile styles.
GREATS
For basic leather sneakers, GREATS Royale style comes in around $50 cheaper than Oliver Cabell’s comparable Low 1. However, Oliver Cabell upgrades several details like the leather lining and stitching. GREATS offers a wider selection of colors and patterns.
Thursday Boot Co.
Thursday Boot Company competes directly with Oliver Cabell’s boots and shoes. Thursday wins on price while Oliver Cabell takes the edge in materials and construction. Thursday specializes in boots while Oliver Cabell has a wider assortment.
For most customers, Oliver Cabell hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability, carving out a space between fast fashion and prohibitively expensive designer shoes.
Where To Buy Oliver Cabell Shoes
Oliver Cabell sells directly through their website with free shipping and returns in the U.S.
Limited styles are also stocked by third-party ecommerce sites like Amazon and Zappos.
Currently Oliver Cabell does not sell their shoes at any brick-and-mortar boutiques or department stores. Checking directly on their site provides the best selection and pricing.
Oliver Cabell Shoes Review Conclusion
Our in-depth Oliver Cabell review found shoes that largely live up to the hype around stylish silhouettes and premium construction. By cutting out the middleman and controlling production, Oliver Cabell makes high-end details accessible at mid-tier pricing.
While sizing and quality control issues still arise on occasion, their responsive customer service helps make it right. Ultimately, Oliver Cabell succeeds in crafting shoes versatile enough for daily wear yet refined enough for the discerning modern gentleman or lady.
To browse the full Oliver Cabell collection and see reviews of additional styles, visit their site at OliverCabell.com.
