Hands-On Oliver Cabell Low 1 Sneaker Review: Affordable Luxury?

This post is all about the Oliver Cabell Low 1. Is this popular sneaker worth the hype? Read on to find out!

I love the minimal leather sneaker. It’s one of the many types of sneakers in my closet I wear more often than any other. Trust me when I say I own quite a few pairs.

Most members of the sneaker community consider the benchmark to be the Common Projects Achilles. However, I’ve been checking out more affordable alternatives for a while. I’ve tried Beckett Simonon, Greats, Koio, Ace Marks, and several other brands. 

But I wanted to offer a complete, well-rounded review on just one pair: the Oliver Cabell Low 1

Oliver Cabell is a hand-made leather sneaker at an affordable price. I’ll tell you what I like, what I’d change, and my overall opinion. In the end, you’ll have a better idea of whether this could be the shoe for you.

For the record, while these shoes were a gift, Oliver Cabell is not sponsoring this post. It’s a complete, fair, independent review.

About Oliver Cabell

Before we dive into the Low 1 Oliver Cabell review, I wanted to take a moment to discuss the brand. 

Oliver Cabell started in 2016 after the company founder, Scott Gabrielson, quit his job at a non-profit. He had no formal retail, start-up, or fashion experience. Scott just had a passion for balanced design and quality products.

Today, Oliver Cabell relies on relationships with manufacturers in Marche, Italy. The Marche region is where top fashion brands produce their goods. It’s an area known for its craftsmanship, and craftspeople hand-make each pair of Oliver Cabells with top-quality materials. 

The brand could certainly produce shoes cheaper in other countries. However, it focuses on making top-quality products and selling directly to the consumer.

Oliver Cabell Low 1 White: The Design

Like the best white sneakers, the Oliver Cabell Low 1 white has a streamlined, straightforward design. It has a slightly straight, roomier profile than some other sneakers, but that doesn’t detract from its classic look.

The Low 1 features incredibly high-end materials. Oliver Cabell uses 3oz full-grain calfskin leather for the upper, sourced from the region surrounding Marche. This leather has a fine, smooth grain and is entirely free of blemishes. 

Like some much more expensive options, the Low 1 features Margom soles. Margom soles are some of the best you can use for a sneaker. Oliver Cabell further increases the quality by gluing and stitching them to the upper.

The Low 1 features a slightly padded tongue without a lace loop. It has a standard eight-eyelet open lacing system, and it comes with a set of soft cotton laces. The eyelets are a little further apart than some other sneakers, though it doesn’t detract from the styling.

There are also more features. The Low 1 has a leather heel counter to prevent slipping. It also has some noticeable padding around the collar that adds a little to the design.

Regarding branding, the Low 1 tips its hat a bit to the more expensive Common Projects. It has gold lettering on the tongue and the heel. It’s not in your face, but it’s not as monochromatic as some other minimal leather sneakers.

The Low 1 is available in 14 colors, including triple white, all black, off-white, and one suede option.

Low 1 Comfort and Fit

A minimal leather sneaker is all about casual cool. However, there’s nothing casual or cool about a sneaker that hurts or isn’t comfortable. Like most things you wear, fit and comfort are key.

Breaking in any leather footwear usually takes a while. Typically, there can be some awkward hurdles to jump over on the way — blisters and squeaking are common. Let’s look at how the Low 1 did.

While the Low 1 has a straighter silhouette than some competitors, the fit is a bit narrower. The toe box feels a little tall as well. These aren’t issues and don’t affect the shoe’s look; they’re just a few points to note.

The Low 1’s leather uppers are a little stiff out of the box. While that’s normal, I’ve put plenty of miles into them, and they still feel like they have to break in.

You can look at this two ways: they’re tough to break in, or the leather is extra durable. That said, I did notice a little bit of friction in the shoe. There’s a stitched seam inside the collar that I believe to be the culprit. 

Achieving a great fit isn’t an issue. The brand offers the Low 1 in whole sizes 5 to 14, so you’ll definitely be able to find a pair to fit your feet.

They tend to run a bit large, and they don’t offer half sizes, so you might have to size down. I did, and though they were a little snug. I had a local cobbler stretch them, and now they fit much better. Again, this is not a flaw but a point worth noting.

How Much Does the Low 1 Cost?

Now, let’s talk about the brass tacks. The Low 1 is vitally affordable as an alternative to the Common Projects Achilles. 

At the time of writing, the all-white Low 1 is available directly from Oliver Cabell for $189.

Now, I recognize that $189 is still a bit more than some guys would like to spend on a sneaker. But, if you consider the top-quality materials and craftsmanship, it’s impressive that Oliver Cabell prices them this low. It’s less than half the price of the top-tier Common Projects.

The budget-friendly price point and craftsmanship make the Low 1 a sure bet in the battle of the leather sneakers.

Oliver Cabell Low 1 Review: Pros and Cons

As part of this Oliver Cabell Low 1 review, let’s talk about what I like and what I’d change about the sneaker.

Pros:

I already touched on it, but I think the price is definitely a pro for the craftsmanship and materials involved.

I also like the design. While it’s a bit straighter than the Common Projects or Koio Capris, it still has a classic, good-looking style. And, honestly, I prefer the rear of the Low 1 over some of its competitors.

Cons:

There are only two things that I would change, and they’re really a matter of personal preference. One, I would like to see the Low 1 in half sizes. Two, I’d prefer the small stitch inside the collar not to be there. Otherwise, I think it’s a great sneaker.

Another Perspective: The Low 1 Reviewed By Issac

Brock: I’ll admit, I’m not your average menswear consumer. I try more brands and spend more money on clothing and shoes than most guys. Naturally, this is reflected in my reviews.

To make this review as helpful as possible, I asked a sneaker “noob” to test drive a pair of Low 1s. Issac tried them for a few months to formulate a more realistic review.

Here’s a Low 1 review from an average guy’s perspective (i.e., someone who wouldn’t normally spend $100+ on a pair of sneakers).

Isaac’s First Pair of Minimal Leather Sneakers

Issac: Oliver Cabell Low 1s are are my first Oliver Cabell shoe and the first all-leather everyday sneaker in my wardrobe. Until recently, I have not given much thought to the shoes I wear.

Generally speaking, I buy a cheap pair, wear them constantly until they’re dirty and worn, then buy a new pair. My perspective has changed after wearing the Low 1s for around three months and seeing their quality. I am ready to see shoes as a long-term investment rather than just something to put on my feet.

When I first opened the box, I was immediately struck by the clean and simple design. Their website promotes old-school handmade techniques and high-quality materials. You can definitely see and feel the craftsmanship throughout the shoe.

I like that the Oliver Cabell logo is inconspicuous but still visible on the tongue and back of the shoe. The Slate color stood out to me when scrolling through their selection on Low 1s, which is pretty extensive.

If you’re wondering how to wear these types of sneakers, I usually wear them with the laces tucked beneath the tongue. I avoid tying them on top for a more streamlined look. Luckily, I haven’t had any issues with the shoes feeling too loose while untied. I ordered my actual shoe size and think the OC Low 1s fit pretty close to size.

What I Like

Isaac: I have received more compliments while wearing these shoes than any other pair I have owned. So that just about sums up what I like about them.

I have been wearing these sneakers for about three months and have had no creasing issues. Maintenance has been simple. They have been comfortable since day one, with no real break-in period.

The Low 1’s simple and clean design is really appealing to me. The Slate color works well with my existing wardrobe as an everyday shoe. It’s much more practical than some of the flashier styles like the Red or Tartufo.

The Low 1’s all-day comfort and compatibility with my wardrobe make these shoes so versatile. I can wear them with joggers, jeans or chinos to almost any function.

What I Don’t Like

Issac: This may be related to my foot shape, but the Low 1s are tight across the top of the foot. This has not prevented me from wearing the shoes throughout the day. I haven’t tried re-lacing the shoes to adjust the tightness on top, though I might if the problem persists.

At $189, these shoes are pricier than what I would normally spend on a pair of every day sneakers. Typically, I spend around $80.00-$100.00. That said, the quality and design of the shoe are worth the cost. I think it could finally give me a reason to start taking better care of a pair of shoes.

At about half the price of the Common Project leather low-top sneakers, the price is not crazy. Especially if you consider some similar styles available on the market.

Oliver Cabell Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you know what we think of the OC Low 1, let’s tackle some of your most common queries. If there’s anything else we can answer for you, just let us know.

I’m Not Sure Where to Buy Oliver Cabell Shoes. Can You Help Me Out?

Sure. You can buy Oliver Cabell directly through the website or online at Nordstrom. You can also buy a few styles on Amazon.

Are Oliver Cabell Shoes Good?

Yes. Oliver Cabell makes a good shoe. They provide a luxury pair of shoes without the exorbitant cost. In fact, almost every writer on The Modest Man has reviewed Oliver Cabell Chelsea boots, shoes, and even jewelry. They have all had positive things to say about the brand.

Is Oliver Cabell a Luxury Brand?

Oliver Cabell aligns itself as a luxury brand that makes shoes, clothes and jewelry. (Be sure to also check out our Oliver Cabell jewelry review.) As mentioned in this review, the brand makes its shoes in the same factories as other luxury brand footwear. Oliver Cabell uses premium material and handcrafts their shoes like other luxury brands. However, they are much more budget-friendly than, say, Golden Goose or Gucci.

Final Thoughts On The Oliver Cabell Low 1 Sneaker

I think the Low 1 is the best option for a minimal leather sneaker under $200. It has a stylish look, and it’s made with high-quality materials by true craftspeople. It might take a bit longer to break the Low 1 in than some other sneakers. However, I think that’s a sign of durability rather than a downside.

Overall, the Oliver Cabell Low 1 is an excellent minimal leather sneaker. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to the Achilles, they will help you stay stylish.

If you’re interested, you can see our review of the Oliver Cabell Distressed Low 1 here

Have you tried the Oliver Cabell Low 1s? Let us know what you think in the comments below.