Koio vs Oliver Cabell: Which minimalist sneaker is worth it?
If you're shopping for premium sneakers, Koio and Oliver Cabell are two names that often come up. At first glance, both brands seem to promise quality craftsmanship and elevated design—but when you look closer, there are key differences in manufacturing, materials, customer experience, and pricing transparency that set them apart. Below, we break down how the two compare, using real customer reviews from Trustpilot and a deep dive into their product standards.
1. Craftsmanship: Made in Italy vs. Moved to Vietnam
One of the most striking differences between Koio and Oliver Cabell is where their sneakers are made.
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Koio proudly handcrafts all of its shoes in Italy, working with artisanal manufacturers who uphold the traditions of Italian shoemaking. Each pair goes through 42+ steps to ensure precision, durability, and comfort.
As highlighted by a customer on Trustpilot:
“Highly recommend Koio shoes, very well built compared to other competitors.”
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Oliver Cabell, on the other hand, shifted production from Italy to Vietnam, a change that some longtime fans have noticed and questioned. While the brand has maintained its premium pricing, this move has sparked discussions about perceived value.
A Trustpilot reviewer wrote: “They look cheaper… they ARE cheaper, but at the same price! … the shoes are now made in Vietnam… basically a 50€ pair of shoes overpriced to 200€!”
2. Material Quality: Full-Grain vs. Plastic Coating
When it comes to materials, Koio takes a clear lead.
Koio uses full-grain leather from Italy’s top tanneries, prized for its natural texture, breathability, and durability. Their sneakers also feature durable rubber outsoles and buttery-soft calf leather linings for all-day wearability.
One shopper commented:
“Craftsmanship (especially the small, tight stitching and quality leathers), styling, and comfort are excellent.”
In contrast, Oliver Cabell sneakers are often described by reviewers as having a plastic-coated finish, giving them a stiffer and shinier look. Underfoot, many models use EVA foam soles, which are lighter but wear down faster than rubber. Some pairs also come with mesh fabric linings, which can feel cheaper and less structured.
As one Trustpilot reviewer noted:
“The shoe is now made in Vietnam and is half the weight of the old shoe. Leather has been replaced by awful material and doesn’t even feel like leather anymore.”
3. Customer Service: Fast & Friendly vs. Slow or Silent
Customer experience can make or break a luxury brand—and here, Koio excels.
Koio’s customer service is described as “prompt, friendly, and solution-oriented.” Most inquiries get a response within 24 hours, and agents are known for going the extra mile on sizing, returns, and product questions.One reviewer shared: “My experience with Koio has honestly been pretty interesting … what really stood out to me was the way Jade handled it.”
Another praised: “Great service and selection. Highly recommend Koio shoes, very well built compared to other competitors.”
Oliver Cabell receives mixed feedback, with some customers happy with their support while others mention slow or unclear communication.
One Trustpilot reviewer writes:
“For a company charging premium prices, this lack of accountability and customer service is unacceptable.”
Another states: “Ordered two separate pairs … Received NO order confirmation … Tried to contact repeatedly with no response at all.”
4. Pricing and Fees: Transparent vs. Mysterious Charges
Another common pain point is hidden fees—an area where Oliver Cabell falls short.
Koio maintains a clear, upfront pricing policy. What you see is what you get. If there’s a promotion or shipping charge, it’s disclosed immediately.
A customer review:
“…I contacted Koio's support team and they quickly responded and assured me that they would apply the promo code for my purchase … So far, my experience with Koio is 10/10 …”
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With Oliver Cabell, some Trustpilot users have mentioned being surprised by restocking fees, return shipping costs, or additional charges that weren’t clearly highlighted at checkout.
One reviewer warns:
“I was charged almost $50 to return them, between a restocking fee and another charge for insurance I accidentally failed to decline.”
Another adds: “After not receiving any shipping information a week later, I contacted them. They advised they would not be fulfilling the order but refused to refund the money.”
5. Sales Practices: Real Discounts vs. Inflated Prices
Promotions are part of modern e-commerce—but they should be honest.
Koio runs straightforward sales: when there’s a discount, it’s genuine. No games. No inflated MSRP.
One reviewer shared:
Oliver Cabell has been repeatedly called out for raising the price of items shortly before a sale, only to “discount” them back to their normal price—making the promotion feel disingenuous.
As one savvy customer observed: “The low sneakers are $199 originally. When you go today for the "sale", they're listed at $299 with 50% off. So while it looks like 50% off, it is not.”
Final Verdict: Koio Delivers the True Luxury Sneaker Experience
| Feature | Koio | Oliver Cabell |
| Manufacturing | Hancrafted in Italy; rooted in artisan tradition | Formerly Italy, now Vietnam |
| Materials | Full-grain leather, calf lining, rubber sole |
Coated leather, mesh lining, EVA sole |
| Customer Service |
Responsive, within 24h | Often unresponsive, missing communications, unresolved issues |
| Fees & Pricing | Transparent, no hidden charges | Surprise fees, unclear return terms |
| Sales Practices | Straightforward discounts | Frequently inflated pricing before sales |
If you're investing in luxury footwear, Koio offers authenticity, premium materials, and peace of mind. While Oliver Cabell may have started strong, customer trust and consistency have taken a hit in recent years.
For a truly refined experience, both inside and out, Koio stands out as the better choice.
