I Wore These Celeb-Beloved Boot Sneakers Through Snow and Icy Winds, and I’m Impressed

As temperatures began to dip into icy territory, I’ve been eagerly trying to stock up on boots that are cold-weather-proof. By that I mean, shoes that stay dry in wet climates, and keep my feet nice and toasty on outdoor adventures. The problem is, not all cold-weather looks are always easy to style or provide enough support for my feet. Thankfully, this isn’t the case with Cariuma’s new OCA Therma boot.

The buzzy sneaker brand known for its commitment to sustainability and use of eco-friendly materials has once again surpassed my expectations. I was already a fan of the canvas sneakers (read my review here) and keep them in regular rotation, but the newly launched Therma All Black Suede boot has been a complete game-changer for me this winter.

OCA Therma All Black Suede — $149.00

For starters, the shoes look more like a sneaker than a traditional winter boot. They have a high-top design and are extremely lightweight when you put them on (more to come on that in a bit). The uppers are made entirely out of smooth vegan suede, and have a water-repellent exterior. The natural rubber soles also help provide protection against slippery surfaces while the bio-foam insole helps ensure a comfy fit. But if you ask me, the best part is the faux shearling lining, which is designed to help keep your feet warm in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

I tested the OCA Therma boot: Here are my honest thoughts

For the last two weeks, I’ve been testing the OCA Therma boots in New York City’s freezing weather, wearing them on my trips to the subway and on my daily neighborhood walks. And after taking them out for a spin in the rain and icy winds, I can confirm these are a home run for comfort and functionality. For one, they’re not bulky at all. In fact, they have the same lightness of a sneaker so your foot doesn’t feel weighed down as you walk.

Plus, I didn’t even have to wear socks with them to keep my feet warm. The shearling fabric feels so soft against your skin, and naturally packs in heat. Additionally, the shoes have a sleek and casual design—they pair nicely with the majority of my winter wardrobe,  which includes leggings, high-waisted jeans, and warm tops galore. You can easily dress them with up with some black jeans and an oversized chunky sweater on one day. The next, pair them with some joggers and a comfy turtleneck. They’re incredibly versatile and easy to style.

But that’s not all! While some winter boots have a long break-in period, these shoes fit comfortably from the beginning—which is something I pointed out in my original review for the brand’s everyday sneaker. In fact, after walking 1.5 miles, I already felt confident wearing them for longer distances (no back-up Bandaids in my purse). Though the  shoes aren’t made for performance (I wouldn’t take these running), they have the same cloud-like feeling that makes some performance sneakers easy to walk in without creating strain. Not to mention, the shoes come in two colors, with the all-black suede being the easiest to style IMO.

However, if you like your kicks with more design, the Caturi Camel Suede winter boots may be up your alley. The shoes have the exact same features of the OCA Therma high tops except for more detailing along the sides, D-ring hooks, and different lace colors.

CATURI Camel Suede CATURI — $169.00

And while you’re at it, you might want to browse through other Cariuma styles—there’s a reason why we (and celebs!) love these sneaks.

Want to be the first to hear about the latest (and greatest) SHOP product drops, custom collections, discounts, and more? Sign up to have the intel delivered straight to your inbox.