A buyer's guide to Oliver Cabell: What you need to know

If you consider yourself a serious sneakerhead, chances are you've encountered Oliver Cabell. The independent footwear label has garnered a reputation for its minimalist trainers and elegant accessories that boast the same quality of craftsmanship as top luxury labels, without the hefty price tag. Whether you're new to Oliver Cabell and keen to get the full low-down, or simply curious to know more about your favourite sneaker brand, read on for our ultimate buyer's guide to Oliver Cabell...

Oliver Cabell was founded in England in 2016, by a then 27-year old Scott Gabrielson, who quit a career in finance to pursue his passion for design. What he lacked in retail and fashion experience he made up for with immense drive and a desire to create quality products. In just a few short years, the Oliver Cabell team has grown rapidly and relocated to the US.

Oliver Cabell sneakers fit true to size, so take your normal size. However, the brand doesn't offer half sizes, so if you're between sizes, opt for half a size down if the width of your foot is narrow or regular, and choose half a size up if you have a wide foot.

Oliver Cabell mostly produces its sneakers, loafers and accessories in factories in Italy, particularly the famous shoemaking region Le Marche.

To produce its leather sneakers, Oliver Cabell relies upon the finest 3oz full grain leather and suede, ethically sourced from Marche, Italy.

Margom rubber soles are generally regarded to be the highest quality outsoles you can use for a sneaker, which is why Oliver Cabell uses them for all of its trainers. The Italian company has been around for decades and is renowned for the durable and lightweight nature of its rubber.

For its gold jewellery, Oliver Cabell only uses 100% real 18K gold (3-5x the normal amount of gold found in plating), which is powerfully bonded to base metals using a proprietary plating technique.

Through constant ecological impact assessments, Oliver Cabell ensures that every material involved in its shoemaking process – including the smallest of components – is ethically and sustainably sourced. Its shoes are meticulously-made according to traditional European shoemaking methods to ensure durability and longevity, so you won't have to continuously replace them.

Oliver Cabell is also committed to providing safe and healthy work environments for all staff members, be they offices or partner factories. The brand only partners with factories and suppliers that adhere to strict human and animal welfare standards, so you can feel good about your purchase. Check out Oliver Cabell's Ethical Manufacturing page for more information.

Find your perfect pair of kicks at olivercabell.com. Note that since the brand ships from the US, some shipping duties may apply, depending on your country.

Discover our ultimate guide to men's trainers.

Aobh O'Brien-Moody is a London-based writer and editor specialising in menswear, lifestyle and culture. With a passion for sustainability and conscious living, she's an advocate for slow fashion and minimalist style.