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I Wore Cariuma Shoes For 6 Months – Here’s My Review
I received my complimentary Cariuma OCA Lows in April and have been wearing them pretty much every day since. Why? Well, I chose the OCA design because it’s super versatile, so they cover all my needs for cute and comfortable city living shoes.
They go just as well with a casual dress as they do with leggings, jeans, and shorts, and if I’m being honest, they truly are the most comfortable pair of shoes I own.
Over the past 6+ months, I’ve put my OCAs to the test. From wandering around the city and casual day hikes to traveling abroad, they’ve seen me through long bouts of time on my feet and have held up well on uneven terrain, constant wear, and even a little mud.
I’ve recommended these shoes to just about everyone I speak to, and to help you understand why I love them so dearly, I’ll walk you through my experience over the past 6 months from heel to toe.
First Impressions
I got the OCAs in off-white since I thought it was a more versatile color. I had already done a little research on the shoes so I already knew I’d love what they’re made from, but when I pulled them out of the box, I was really impressed with their construction.
Unlike some other canvas shoes, these ones are made of thicker material, and I loved the rubber toe detail since I’ve broken through the front of canvas shoes before after too much wear. The OCAs prevent that from happening.
Slipping them on over just thin, ankle socks, they fit like a glove. The cork bottom really does make a difference, and on my first day of wear, I took them for a long walk through a park that ended up getting muddy.
And on that first day of wear, I realized Cariuma wasn’t lying. Truly, there is no break-in period with these shoes—no blisters, no discomfort. They felt supportive, and whether it was the cork footbeds or my excitement, I walked with a spring in my step.
Long Term Comfort
6 months in and my OCAs feel the same as they did the first day I put them on. The canvas is still intact, there’s no serious tearing or holes in them yet, and the rubber soles, though worn down a bit on the heel (I sometimes drag my feet), are in perfect condition.
My personal favorite part about these shoes is the padding around the ankle. The material is thicker there which means they don’t pinch my skin when wearing low-cut socks. I’ve owned lower-quality canvas shoes before that don’t have this feature, and they’re usually the ones that give me blisters.
My second favorite feature is the pull-on tab at the back. Getting these shoes on and off is easy. I know a lot of companies say that about their shoes, but few actually have pull tabs and wide enough openings that make it a breeze to get out the door.
How I took Care of My Cariuma Shoes
After that first day of hikes and many others, needless to say, my white shoes became less white. These are my everyday sneakers and I’m not one to spend hours with a toothbrush buffing out stains.
Instead, I threw them in the washer. They came out fine, but I will say this: if you like hiking or walks in the park, or simply don’t want shoes that show dirt, don’t choose a white canvas shoe. I’m less picky about how my shoes look, so I don’t mind the battle stains in between washes.
Cariuma has a ton of other awesome colors (I’m currently eyeing them up in green canvas and camel suede) to check out if white isn’t your thing.
About Cariuma Shoes
Your fresh kicks have a dirty secret: they’re made with materials that harm the earth by hands that aren’t treated fairly. It’s a hard fact I learned long ago but one I’ve taken to heart in recent years.
As somewhat of a sneaker fanatic, it pains me to know that they’re pretty much devoid of morals, and I can no longer stroll down the sidewalk with a conscience as clean as my new white shoes. But just when I thought I had to relinquish my favorite accessory, along came CARIUMA.
CARIUMA is one of the best sustainable sneaker companies offering environmentally conscious products for women and men[1]. Inspired by skate style, their casual, well-made collection is big on comfort and brimming with morals I can truly get behind.
And apparently, so can others considering this brand had a wait list of over 34k people before launching their OCA design. Features in publications like Vogue and Forbes hint at their popularity too, as does a following of 200k+ on Instagram alone.
Want to know more? In this CARIUMA shoes review, I’ll show you exactly what the brand has to offer.
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Overview of Cariuma Shoes
Aesthetically speaking, CARIUMA shoes lie somewhere in the cross-section of minimalist, practical, and tasteful. I think they’ve got a pretty stellar variety of both low- and high-cut sneakers, depending on your desired look.
As I got to know CARIUMA, I learned that at its core, the brand believes in making things in a way that’s better for people & the planet. That’s why their sneakers are designed to be good looking, ultra-comfy, and consciously made.
As their tagline “Born in Rio. Raised worldwide” suggests, the company is based out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Portuguese word “cariuma,” of which the brand’s name is derived, simply means pine needle. This all goes in tandem with the company’s knack for wearing its heart on its sleeve; not just its cultural heart but its values, too.
CARIUMA has certainly got its fair share of unrelenting values, which is something I appreciate about the brand. It was clear to me that the company does nearly everything in its power to ensure that its products are produced and delivered ethically—from the sourcing of materials and minimization of their carbon footprint, to the fair wages they pay their workers.
Plus, for every pair of sneakers sold, two trees are planted in the Brazilian rainforest, where I read that over 20% of the forest floor is gone[2].
While I considered their selection, I think that any of these CARIUMA sneakers would work for my, and your, day-to-day life. They have a crisp skate shoe look to them, similar to some of the most popular canvas shoe brands out there, but with a unique edge that’s all their own.
The brand includes style signatures such as the green expressions seen throughout different aspects of the shoes (tongue, sole, etc), while a cork footbed and rubber toe lend subtle charm.
And though I’m one for looks, I also appreciate the cost of these beauties. You’d be hard-pressed to find a pair on the website that would run you more than $139, while most of the low-cut CARIUMA sneakers go for well under $100. Compared with other skate shoe brands that don’t come with a conscience, I think that’s pretty great.
Moving swiftly along, next up in this CARIUMA shoes review, I’ll lay out the highlights of the brand:
Highlights
- Great range of stylish sneakers for women and men
- No break-in period (seriously)
- Ethically-made
- Sustainable materials
- Transparent about practices
- Certified B Corporation
- Low-cost and practical for most day-to-day activities
- Elegant and minimal design
- Two trees planted for every pair bought
I’m about to kick things up a notch in this CARIUMA shoes review, but I thought it’d be valuable to start with the basics: how CARIUMA sneakers are made. I’ll walk you through each material the brand uses below:
- The canvas is produced using GOTS-certified organic cotton
- Raw natural rubber is harvested from the hevea brasiliensis tree using ethical tapping methods
- Their proprietary bamboo knit is made with sustainably harvested bamboo, which is cut from the stalk (rather than the base of the plant) to protect the health of the bamboo & the soil around it.
- Sugarcane EVA outsoles are a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polymers.
- The leather used in the sneakers comes from Brazil, Argentina, and Thailand
- The brand ensures that no leather comes from areas that have been deforested for cattle farming
- CARIUMA’s tannery is Gold Rated by the Leather Working Group
If you’re ready to rock with CARIUMA already, just wait. I’ll dive into its best-selling styles ahead.
Cariuma Sneakers Review
OCA Lows
The OCA Lows are very versatile shoes. I know because I wear them daily. They’re not just comfortable and practical, but there are tons of styles to choose from. Picking just one was tough.
With a range of bright and classic colors, you can also choose between suede, canvas, leather, prints, and more as new styles are constantly released.
Made with lightweight cushion technology, they’re super easy to wear. I’ll even go so far as to say they’re the most comfortable shoes I own. As a self-proclaimed adventurer, I’ve taken them for more than one 4-hour walk.
In terms of quality, I can tell a lot of great design and craftsmanship went into making these shoes. Turns out that high-end, naturally-sourced materials really do make a difference… even in other people’s minds!
“I have several pairs and someone always compliments me and asks where I purchased my shoes,” another CARIUMA customer said. “They are comfortable and stylish! Great color selection, too.“
With a price tag as low as $79, I know that OCA Low sneakers were a solid choice for me and I think they’ll be for you too. Even the leather variations are reasonably priced at around $139.
OCA Highs
Quite similar to its low cut sibling, the OCA Highs boast all of the benefits of the OCA Lows with the added ankle support of a high top shoe. Bringing more of that skate style, these shoes look as great with jeans as they do with shorts.
“Love the fit and the comfort and the look,” another CARIUMA customer said. “The perfect shoe for wearing with dresses or shorts or linen pants. Highly recommended!“
The style and material selection of the highs is just as varied as the lows too, with more than several models to choose from. I think it would be challenge not to find one that suits your liking.
Starting at $98, the OCA Highs are a great and affordable addition to anyone’s shoe closet.
IBI
I love everything about the IBIs. A bold statement of the wide-ranging possibilities of naturally-sources materials, these knit sneakers are made from regenerative bamboo and recycled plastics. Even the shoelaces are made from recycled plastic bottles.
As if I wasn’t impressed enough, the shoes look totally rad and are available in a variety of colors. I can really feel the design and materials of the sneakers in how lightweight and comfortable they are — I couldn’t recommend a more pleasant shoe for everyday use.
Apparently, this CARIUMA shopper feels the same way: “I can’t overstate the comfort! Why can’t all my shoes feel this wonderful? I just need it in more colors!”
All this at a consistent price point of $98.
CATIBA Pro
As someone with a particular fondness for the look and feel of a good skate shoe, I really got a kick out of how authentically these sneakers pay homage to this specific subset.
The CATIBA Pro draws inspiration from yesterday’s classic aesthetics – contrast stitching, gum soles, bold colorways abound – to create the ultimate contemporary sneaker.
Even if you’re not skating in them, it’s obvious that a lot of love and care went into producing these. If you are a skater, however, you’ll appreciate details like the grippy vulcanized outsole, triple-stitched flick point, and a lightweight, ultra-comfortable insole.
From the wide laces to the details in the design, it’s obvious that a lot of love and care went into producing these. On top of that, you also get a little Rio flair in the form of the brand logo brandished on the side of the sneaker.
CARIUMA notes that these skate shoes were created for durability and a longer life span than your average sneaker.
I really appreciated the firm and well-structured design of the sneakers and was relatively pleased with the assortment of colours available. So was this CATIBA customer:
“Comfortable well designed shoes built to last with no compromise. I like the unique style. Good value for the price.“
The sneaker is also reasonably priced at around $89 for most models. If as you’re reading this Cariuma shoes review you’re thinking of splurging a bit, this is sneaker is a great addition.
CATIBA Pro High
Again, much like the with OCAs, I have to say that the high top variant of the CATIBA is fairly consistent with its low top relative.
The major difference being the extra ankle support and, of course, the cost. That said, CARIUMA customers love them just as much.
“In surfskate I do lots of slide which involves back foot kicking, and the movements requires good grips of the sole,” another reviewer said. “This pair is one of the best I own.“
The CATIBA Pro Highs will run you $119 for a pair of these.
Pantone
Pantone, the US-based company known for its proprietary color space Pantone Matching System. CARIUMA and Pantone have collaborated in past years to release limited-edition sneakers in selected Pantone hues.
As far as the typical sneaker collaboration goes, I found this one to be particularly outside the box and interesting. It’s definitely a pretty cool novelty if you’re into that sort of thing.
The Pantone sneakers go for anywhere between $89 and $98, which is considerably cheap relative to how much most shoe brands charge for their sneaker collabs.
Plus, CARIUMA customers are heart-eyed over them! One shopper said, “Stylish and comfortable shoes for walking short and long distances.“
Cariuma IBI Slip On Review
I truly believe that the CARIUMA IBI Slip-On could become your new favorite comfy casual shoe. Fans of the IBI Sneaker will especially love this design.
Like the IBI, these sneakers feature a sustainable bamboo knit, vegan cork insole, and sugarcane outsole. Made without laces, this lightweight sneaker conveniently slips on and off.
Whether you’re hanging out with friends, shopping at the mall, or are going to be on your feet all day, the IBI Slip-On guarantees to keep you comfortable and looking incredibly stylish!
“I usually don’t wear sneakers but these are very comfortable and they are washable,” one reviewer said. “My husband wants some too!“
Eight colors are available, including white, grey, and rose, plus vibrant yellow, green, and blue. Personally, I can’t get enough of the green. The CARIUMA IBI Slip-On cost $98, making them one of the more affordable CARIUMA designs.
Cariuma Catiba Pro Review
The CARIUMA Catiba Pro is the ultimate skate sneaker! This low-top sneaker is made with comfort and durability in mind. Like all CARIUMA shoes, I love that this style uses vegan and eco-friendly materials, including vegan leather or suede and laces made from recycled plastics.
The CARIUMA Catiba Pro is an awesome shoe for skaters. But it also makes an amazing everyday shoe that looks great for strolling the city or grabbing a bite.
This design comes in a range of minimalist colors, including off-white, black, grey, and rose. A white version and a black version with tan outsole are also available.
Interestingly, real-life skaters are loving these shoes! “These are easily one of the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. Got the Vallely bc he’s hands down my favorite skater of all time and he’s a great guy,” one shopper said. “Love the design and feel of the shoe and will definitely get another pair in the future.“
Not only is the Catiba Pro insanely stylish, but it’s also super affordable at just $89 for most suede styles. The vegan leather version will cost you $139.
The Berrics Catiba Pro design is $120 for suede and $139 for vegan leather. A high-top version of the Catiba Pro is available too in black, off-white, or black and white for $119.
Cariuma Shoes Review: What Do Customers Think?
To give you the full picture in this CARIUMA shoes review, I hunted for customer feedback both on and off the brand site. Let’s start by looking at some of the brand’s overall ratings on trusted review sites:
- Pack Hacker: 7.9/10 stars
- Sitejabber: 3/5 stars
- Trustpilot: 1.9/5 stars
Now let’s pivot to some more customer review. I found that the OCA Low sneaker has a particularly high rating on the site: 4.89/5 from 6,000 CARIUMA shoes reviews. US Magazine featured CARIUMA and suggests that they may be more comfortable than Allbirds and Rothys.
Similarly, Mens Journal praised the eco-friendly design in its CARIUMA sneakers review and described them as “our new favorite shoes.”
Many customers said in their CARIUMA review that they loved the fit of the shoes and how comfortable they are. One wrote:
“Although it took quite some time for the Customer Service Team to respond to my initial emails, they were very helpful. The return was organised… A query as to why I was charged twice for taxes resulted in the amount being refunded. The shoes themselves are well made and qood quality. Overall… there was good follow up and the shoes are worth it.”
From everything I read, I learned that CARIUMA is an incredibly popular brand. From sponsoring pro skaters to releasing new products, people love this company—and for good reason.
Though it’s not all easy breezy, it sounds like when given the chance, CARIUMA makes an effort to resolve customer issues.
Cariuma Sizing
Getting the right size shoe matters, so I set out to find if CARIUMA runs true to size. In one CARIUMA shoes review I landed on, I read that the products do fit true to size, so they shouldn’t differ drastically from what you’re used to. However, if your shoe size tends to vary, they do recommend that you size up.
Where to Buy Cariuma Shoes
Retail
When they were first launched, CARIUMA shoes were only available online only. More recently, I was pleased to read that you can now find them at Selfridges, Farfetch, Berrics, Lane Crawford, and Level Shoes.
Online
What good is a sustainable shoe if only one country can access it? I was happy to find that every CARIUMA shoe is available on their website for shipment to 49 countries worldwide.
Are Cariuma Sneakers Available on Amazon?
No, unfortunately their shoes are not available on Amazon. However, I think this might be for the better considering that doing so would definitely negate their carbon neutral shipping methods.
Cariuma Promotions & Discounts
I’ve found that the main way this brand rewards customers is through planting trees. That’s a perk I’m happy with. Sign up for their newsletter and CARIUMA will plant one tree in the Brazilian rainforest (in your name). Buy a pair of shoes and they’ll plant two.
At the time of writing, there aren’t many CARIUMA promotions, but if you enter code COMFYAF at checkout, you’ll get a free pair of socks. Score.
FAQ
Shipping Policy
Depending on the country and your preferred speed of delivery, you can expect to pay anywhere from $0 to $5 per shoe with DHL Express. Most shipments are expected to be delivered within 2-10 business days, depending on your location.
CARIUMA also partners with FedEx as a carrier; in this case, I’ve learned to expect delivery within 3-5 business days, depending on your location.
Exchange Policy
CARIUMA offers exchanges worldwide for products of the same value. This comes in handy if you need a different size or find out you’d prefer a vibrant color over a classic.
Return Policy
Both returns and exchanges are accepted within 60 days of purchase—but you’ll need to make sure the sneakers are visibly unworn, unwashed, and in their original packaging. Return methods vary based on your location.
As I’ve found to be true with most brands, CARIUMA will refund you the original value of the product but not any shipping fees or taxes incurred.
Contact Cariuma
Still have questions? You can contact the company using their email, [email protected], or through the live chat function available on their website.
It’s always better to have more options. Check out our reviews for other top footwear brands:
Article Sources
- Polese, Francesco & Ciasullo, Maria & Troisi, Orlando & Maione, Gennaro. Sustainability in footwear industry: a big data analysis ResearchGate Sinergie Italian Journal of Management. 149-170.
- Silva Junior, C.H.L., Pessôa, A.C.M., Carvalho, N.S. et al. The Brazilian Amazon deforestation rate in 2020 is the greatest of the decade Nature Ecology & Evolution Nat Ecol Evol 5, 144–145
I bought two pairs. Was not disappointed. They fit well, are super comfortable and look great. Will definitely be my go to for shoes.