We reviewed Cariuma sneakers — again: here are our honest thoughts

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Whether you’re a sneakerhead or simply someone who likes versatile footwear, you’ve heard about these shoes.

When we did our first Cariuma review, the sneaker brand had gone viral. It seemed as if people everywhere (including celebrities) loved them for their comfort, eco-friendly construction and style.

Sophie Cannon, who first wrote about them for The Post, wore the brand’s Salvas to the Amazon Rainforest and loved every mile they took her. In fact, she continued to wear them when she returned to Brooklyn.

Naturally, I couldn’t think of anyone better to help me test out some other Cariuma sneakers. Together, we enlisted Decider Commerce Writer Angela Tricarico to try out the Valley Sneaker, the Slip-On Sneaker and the Naioca Sneaker.

Keep reading to learn our thoughts on each or jump below to learn more about the brand and why it’s so popular.

Our Cariuma Sneakers Review:

Cariuma Slip-On Off White Canvas

Cariuma

Pros:

Timeless style that goes with everything

Comfortable insoles

Great variety of color options

Cons:

These run a bit smaller than Cariuma sneakers with laces

If you can’t be bothered with laces, ease your tootsies into this slip-on style sneaker. Designed to mimic a classic skater shoe, they have a natural rubber outsole and an organic cotton upper for breathability. They’re comfortable, cute, and come in a variety of other styles and materials.

Tricarico tried them out for review. Here is what she had to say:

“I’ve never been a slip-on sneaker person (despite a deep teenage love for Vans), but I am a Cariuma person, so I gave the brand’s slip-ons a shot — and I’m happy to say they’ve convinced me on the style!” said Tricarico. “Perfect to dress up or down, the white canvas slip-ons from Cariuma have the perfect clean silhouette, and I’m always happy to slide them on whether I’m commuting to work or running an errand in the neighborhood.”

“Cariuma’s shoes have long been a favorite of mine, partially because of their sculpted memory foam insole, which keeps its shape nicely, even after weeks of wear. The slip-ons are no exception to that since the brand uses the same insoles,” Tricarico added.

New York Post

Size options: 5-13 | Materials: Canvas, Leather, Recycled, Mixed/Pro

Cariuma Premium Leather Valley Sneakers

Cariuma

Pros:

Made with consciously sourced leather from LWG-certified tanneries

Slip-resistant rubber bottoms

Fully stitched outsole

Cons:

The return policy (60-days, and shoes must be unwashed and unworn) isn’t our favorite

If you’re shopping for a classic skater shoe or are simply nostalgic for the ’90s, these should make you smile. They’re comfortable and supportive, thanks to their bio-based foam and cork insoles, and their LWG-certified leather top is sturdy enough to take you through many walks or alley-oops — sorry, I couldn’t resist throwing in some skater lingo.

Cannon gave the sneakers a whirl around NYC. Here is what she had to say:

“Hello Zumies? Cariuma called and they have an elevated throwback style you need to see. When I got the new Premium Leather Valley Sneakers, I instantly thought of the early aughts with their black and white color-blocking style,” Cannon said. “When I slipped them on and went for a stroll, I enjoyed their comfortable insole, breathable construction and nod to the planet with their eco-conscious materials and give-back practices.”

“Cariuma shoes have always been my go-to right out of the box, as they take little to no time breaking in and are immediately ready to wear out and about. In fact, right after purchase, I wore these for a full day in the office and around New York City. No blisters, no sore soles,” Cannon said. “The basketball silhouette is also quite comfortable with higher sides and backs than my beloved Salvas. They make me feel even more secure when walking or jogging about in these sneakers.”

New York Post

Size options: 5-13 | Materials: Leather, Mixed/Pro

Cariuma NAIOCA PRO

Cariuma

Pros:

Low profile

Thick bottoms

Lightweight but durable

Truth be told, I generally only reach for sneakers when I’m going for a run. However, I really like how a pair of white ones that look good with a dress, so I’ve opened up my shoe wardrobe to include them.

Back in the late ’90s and early 2000s, I wore skater shoes, but mainly Adidas or Vans. I was more interested in style in the days. Okay, I’m still very interested in style. I’m just also interested in comfort too, because there’s nothing casual about the way I walk down the block and I need something cute and cushy to support my bony feet.

I found the NAICO PRO sneakers on the heavy side but I did like how the fit really supported the back of my heels and ankles. The insole has the same bio-based foam and cork that the premium leather Valley sneakers have. However, I was hoping for something a smidge softer. I wasn’t expecting them to be as pliable as a running shoe, but I still hoped they would have more shock absorption. For the average person, I think they’d work. However, I personally need something more cushy but they’re supportive enough for casual wear.

I typically wear a size 7 but found that these didn’t give me enough room in the toe box. Because of this, I’d strongly suggest sizing up at least half a size. I do love the slip-resistant rubber bottom — ideal for pounding over slick pavement and subway stairs.

New York Post

Size options: 5-13 | Materials: Canvas, Suede, Mixed/Pro

RELATED: Best running shoes for women

While the NAICO PROs are not my favorite in the Cariuma collection, they’re not bad shoes, and Tricarico and Cannon loved the pairs they tested out.

And of course, there’s more than where that came from, because as Cannon already mentioned, she’s a fan of the brand, as her original review of the Salvas illustrates.

Cariuma Salvas

The shoe that took me so many miles, through NYC, Rio and then the Amazon. Sophie Cannon

These shoes made the perfect pairing for a sundress to go see Sugar Loaf Mountain, keeping my feet comfy for the trek up, too. Sophie Cannon

I also did an impromptu hike in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and these shoes got me up the twists and turns to see this incredible view.Sophie Cannon

I am a huge fan of white sneakers and am an on-the-go girl, so keeping my shoes looking spiffy and white is difficult. This is why I usually opt for leather over canvas — although I also love my Pantone OCA Low sneakers.

For this trip, I packed my Salvas, the brand’s more substantial leather sneaker option. Since I would be walking (and running) through many airports, walking through the streets of Rio de Janeiro and ultimately hiking through the Brazilian Amazon, I wanted the best for a long, varied journey.

Regarding comfort, I rate the Salvas 10/10. I happen to have wide feet with almost no arch, and these sneakers supported my every step. They are made of soft leather that molds to your foot, allowing for the swelling that travel and heat often bring.

As far as style, a white shoe matches everything. When packing for any trip, I only try to bring the necessities and pack a capsule wardrobe where everything can mix and match, so the white and black version was my perfect pair. Note: They recently released two new colors for summer, including a stunning rose pink and a brand new blue.

A before and after shot when hiking through the Amazon, which included some seriously muddy trekking.Sophie Cannon

My favorite part of wearing the shoes is how durable and easy to clean they are. While I stayed clean and dry most of my trip, my excursion into the Amazon was far from it. Once I got off the canoe to start hiking the rainforest, the guide even commented that white shoes were a silly choice.

Fast-forward two hours and an impromptu rainstorm (it is the rainforest, after all), I was pretty dirty from head to toe. That is until I got back in the boat and gave them a wipe down. Almost all of the dirt came off instantly, and I easily scrubbed off the rest on the journey home.

Best Overall: Cariuma Salvas

Cariuma

Pros:

Cushioned heel

Remain comfortable, even after hours of walking around

The Salvas are the perfect shoe for everyday adventures, dressing up a casual outfit or dressing down a summer dress or slacks. They now come in rose and blue, in addition to all white, black and white, green and red, all made of premium leather sourced from LWG-certified Gold Rated tanneries.

RELATED: Best walking shoes for men, per a podiatrist

Best Budget: Cariuma OCA Low

Cariuma

Pros:

Works with a variety of looks and come in a variety of styles

Vegan, foam-based insole

Cons:

Mixed reviews on whether they run true to size or not

Here is the lowdown on these low-top sneakers. They are some of the most versatile shoes, with a classic silhouette to be worn anywhere. They come in canvas, leather or suede and have fun collaborations with Pantone, Atari, Gerry Lopez and more.

Best High Top: Cariuma OCA High

Cariuma

Pros:

Available in lots of fun prints

Cork insole has a soft, cushy texture

Cons:

May not have enough arch support for some

Skater boys and girls, listen up. High top sneakers are a super cute fashion choice and a comfortable shoe to wear while skating or just hanging out. The shoes come in canvas, suede and leather options, with many color choices and collaborations with Razer and GRLSWIRL to shop.

What are Cariuma shoes?

Cariuma

Cariuma is a Brazil-based brand that started in 2018. It’s founded on two principles: sustainability and design.

The sneakers are made from premium raw materials that leave a smaller carbon footprint, such as cork, bamboo and organic cotton. Each style is classic in nature, so they never go out of style, which means they can be enjoyed longer.

The excess materials from one pair are used to create another pair, cutting back on waste. Bottoms are slip-resistant, while fully stitched outer soles add to the shoe’s longevity.

Who wears Cariuma shoes?

Lots of people, that’s who. Especially the rich and famous. According to Page Six, the brand is not only loved by Robert Downey Jr., Ashton Kutcher and Pete Davidson (shop men’s Cariuma shoes), but women, like us, dig them as well.

White Lotus Star Alexandra Daddario, for example, posted a pic on her Instagram of herself wearing them. Even Helen Mirren enjoys them!

Do Cariuma shoes have good arch support?

Cariuma offers a variety of shoes for men and women that work well for everyday. Although they are not designed for running and therefore not know for their flexibility, certain styles offer moderate arch support for those who need it.

RELATED: Best running shoes for men and the best running shoes for women

Slip-On Shoe: This sneaker, which Tricarico tried, has an insole with sculpted memory foam. This helps cradle the foot, providing a nice buffer between you and the pavement.

OCA High: This shoe style is a popular pick. It has lightweight memory foam for extra cushioning and the higher back also provides some padding for the ankle.

CATIBA PRO Low: We haven’t tested this model but according to our research, this is another Cariuma shoe with decent arch support. Its memory foam insole is designed to mimic the foot’s natural shape, absorbing impact as you walk.

Again, while Cariuma wouldn’t be our pick to find out next running shoe, the brand has our approval for quality everyday sneakers. In fact, there’s a good chance that if you see us around the city, one of us will be wearing a pair. Thanks to their timeless silhouette, they go with practically anything, and they’re affordable, starting at $85.

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