Hey there, fellow eco-fashionista! As someone who‘s always on the hunt for sustainable style that doesn‘t sacrifice comfort or aesthetics, I know firsthand how hard it can be to find the perfect pair of kicks. Sneakers are a wardrobe essential for me – I need shoes that can keep up with my busy lifestyle and travel schedule while still looking fresh and feeling amazing. The problem is, so many of the trendiest sneakers out there are made with harmful materials and unethical practices that are seriously damaging the planet (not to mention the health and wellbeing of the people making them). That‘s why I was beyond thrilled to finally discover Cariuma – the eco-friendly sneaker brand that‘s out to change the footwear game for good.
What Is Cariuma?
Founded in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Cariuma is a sustainable sneaker brand with a mission to make shoes that are good for people and the planet. Their sneakers are crafted with premium, responsibly-sourced materials like organic cotton, natural rubber, and bamboo, and they partner with ethical factories to ensure fair labor practices every step of the way. But Cariuma isn‘t just about sustainability – they‘re also dedicated to creating seriously cool kicks that look and feel incredible. From their bestselling OCA Low and High tops to their sleek IBI Knit sneakers, Cariuma has a style for everyone (and trust me, you‘re gonna want them all).
Hands-On Review: 6 Months of Wearing Cariumas
I first got my hands on a pair of Cariuma OCA Low sneakers in classic white canvas about 6 months ago, and it was love at first step. The moment I slipped them on, I could feel the difference in quality compared to other canvas sneakers I‘ve worn. The organic cotton is super soft yet sturdy, and the natural rubber sole is cushiony and supportive underfoot. But what really blew me away was the lack of any break-in period – my Cariumas felt amazing right out of the box, with no rubbing, pinching, or blisters in sight.
Since then, I‘ve worn my Cariumas pretty much every day for everything from running errands to traveling to hitting the occasional hiking trail. No matter how much I wear them or what I put them through, they just keep getting more comfortable with time. The memory foam insole has molded perfectly to my foot, and the signature lightweight construction makes them a dream to walk or even sprint in. After 6+ months of heavy wear, they still look almost new – the only slight signs of wear are on the rubber sole, but the canvas upper is holding up beautifully without any rips, holes, or loose stitches.
And I‘m not the only one obsessed with these shoes – pretty much everyone I know who‘s tried Cariumas is a total convert. My sister, who‘s on her feet all day as a nurse, swears by her OCA Highs for all-day comfort and support. My boyfriend, a diehard sneakerhead, has amassed a collection of Cariumas in every color imaginable. Even my 70-year-old mom is rocking the IBI Knits on the daily and getting compliments everywhere she goes. There‘s just something about the effortless, wear-with-anything style and dreamy comfort that makes Cariumas utterly addictive.
Quality, Craftsmanship & Materials
Part of what makes Cariuma stand out from other sneaker brands is their commitment to using only the highest quality, eco-friendly materials. The OCA canvas is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, which is grown without harmful pesticides or chemicals. The outsoles are made from natural rubber sourced from the Hevea brasiliensis tree, which is both durable and biodegradable. Even the laces and labels are made from recycled plastic bottles, and the insoles are crafted from a blend of cork, bio memory foam, and mamona oil.
But it‘s not just the materials that are top-notch – the attention to detail in the construction of Cariumas is seriously impressive. Every pair is handcrafted by skilled artisans in ethical factories in Brazil, who are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions. The stitching is always perfect, the soles are firmly glued in place, and there are thoughtful details like the extra heel padding and rubber toe caps that make these shoes a cut above the rest.
I‘ve gotten the chance to compare my Cariumas side-by-side with other popular sneaker brands, and the difference in quality is night and day. Cheaper canvas sneakers feel flimsy and disposable next to the sturdy, substantial construction of Cariumas. Designer sneakers might have flashier branding, but they often skimp on things like arch support and breathability (not to mention the questionable manufacturing practices). Cariuma really hits the sweet spot of luxury-level craftsmanship and materials in an accessibly-priced, responsibly-made package.
Styling & Versatility
One of my favorite things about Cariuma sneakers is how versatile they are – they literally go with everything in my closet, from sundresses to jeans to athleisure. The classic, low-key designs work for so many different aesthetics and occasions, whether I‘m dressing them up with a blazer for a casual work event or pairing them with leggings for weekend errands.
I especially love styling my white OCA Lows – they‘re the perfect basic sneaker that can be worn a million different ways. I‘ll often pair them with cropped denim and a boxy tee for a cool, model-off-duty vibe, or style them with a breezy midi dress for a flirty yet comfortable date night look. In the fall, they look so cute with cozy socks peeking out of the top and worn with cuffed pants and a chunky sweater.
The high-top versions are great for a slightly edgier, streetwear-inspired aesthetic – I like wearing my OCA Highs with oversized hoodies, cargo pants, and a crossbody bag for a casual yet put-together errand running ‘fit. The IBI Knits are my go-to for athleisure looks – they pair perfectly with leggings or bike shorts and a crop top for pilates class or just lounging around the house.
Cariuma has also released some super fun limited edition colors and prints over the years, from pastel suede to leopard-print canvas. I‘m obsessed with the Rose Canvas OCA Lows for spring and summer – the soft pink hue looks amazing with denim cut-offs and breezy white dresses. The navy and white striped IBIs are another favorite – they give me total French-girl-on-vacation vibes.
The Cariuma Effect: Spreading the Sustainability Message
Cariuma doesn‘t just make great shoes – they‘re also on a mission to make a real difference for the planet and the people on it. For every pair of sneakers sold, Cariuma plants a pair of trees in the Brazilian rainforest to help combat deforestation and climate change. In just a few short years, they‘ve already planted over 1 million trees, and they‘re well on their way to their goal of planting 2 million trees by the end of 2021.
But their commitment to sustainability goes beyond just reforestation. Cariuma is a certified B Corp, which means they meet rigorous standards for social and environmental impact. They have transparent relationships with their suppliers to ensure ethical sourcing, and they partner with factories that prioritize worker well-being and safety. They also use recycled and recyclable packaging and offset their carbon emissions from shipping.
By choosing Cariuma, you‘re not just investing in a great pair of shoes – you‘re joining a movement of conscious consumers who are voting with their dollars for a more sustainable future. And the best part is, Cariumas make it easy to spread the word about eco-fashion. I can‘t even tell you how many compliments I get on my Cariumas when I‘m out and about, which gives me the perfect opportunity to gush about how much I love what the brand stands for. I‘ve even convinced a few friends to make the switch to Cariumas after letting them try on my pairs!
How Much Do Cariumas Cost?
At this point you‘re probably wondering – how much do I need to shell out for these miracle sneakers? The good news is, Cariumas are actually surprisingly affordable for the quality and craftsmanship you‘re getting. The OCA Low canvas sneakers start at just $79, which is around what you‘d pay for a pair of Vans or Converse (except Cariumas are way more comfortable and durable, IMHO). The OCA High tops are $98, and the IBI Knits are $98 as well.
If you want to splurge on leather or suede, the prices go up a bit – leather OCA Lows are $129 and suede OCA Highs are $149. But considering most leather sneakers from designer brands cost upwards of $300, Cariumas are still a total steal. And remember, you‘re paying for responsibly-sourced, eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices – not to mention a pair of super comfortable, long-lasting sneakers you‘ll want to wear every day.
As a hardcore Cariuma fan, I‘ve found that I actually save money in the long run by investing in a few high-quality pairs rather than constantly replacing cheaper, poorly-made sneakers. Cariumas hold up incredibly well to daily wear and tear, and the timeless designs never go out of style. Plus, I feel good knowing my money is supporting a brand that aligns with my values and is actively working to make the world a better place.
Real Cariuma Customer Reviews
You don‘t have to just take my word for it – there are thousands of glowing reviews from satisfied Cariuma customers around the world. On Cariuma‘s website, the OCA Low canvas sneakers have a near-perfect rating of 4.89 out of 5 stars from over 6,000 reviews. Customers rave about the instant comfort, quality construction, and classic good looks, with many saying they‘ve ditched their other sneakers entirely in favor of Cariumas.
Here are a few highlights:
"I have never had a more comfortable pair of shoes. I have wide feet and a high instep, and these are the only shoes I can wear all day without any pain. I have 3 pairs now and plan to buy more!" – Jenna S.
"I love the look and quality of these sneakers. They go with everything from dresses to jeans, and I always get compliments when I wear them. Plus, I feel good knowing I‘m supporting a sustainable brand." – Mike T.
"I‘ve been wearing Cariumas for over a year now and they‘ve held up amazingly well. The canvas still looks great and the soles have barely worn down. I‘ll never go back to cheap sneakers again!" – Lauren P.
Of course, no shoe is perfect for everyone. A few reviewers note that Cariumas run a bit narrow, so they may not work for those with very wide feet. Others wish there were more arch support options for those who need extra foot support. But overall, the vast majority of customers are thrilled with their Cariumas and say they‘re well worth the price.
Conclusion
If you‘re looking for a sneaker that‘s as good for your feet as it is for the planet, Cariuma is the way to go. With their commitment to sustainable, ethical manufacturing and their incredibly comfortable, well-made shoes, Cariuma is leading the charge in the eco-friendly footwear space. Whether you‘re a die-hard sneakerhead or just want a versatile, everyday shoe you can feel good about wearing, Cariuma has a style for you.
I personally can‘t recommend Cariumas enough – they‘ve become my go-to shoe for pretty much every occasion, and I know I‘ll be a loyal customer for years to come. And with their affordable prices and free shipping/returns, there‘s really no reason not to give them a try. Trust me, your feet (and the planet) will thank you.
So what are you waiting for? Head to cariuma.com to check out their full collection and pick out your perfect pair. Enter code BLISSFUL at checkout for $15 off your first order, and Cariuma will even plant an extra tree in your honor. Happy sustainable sneaker shopping!
