Cariuma sneakers review: 3 editors put the cool-girl kicks to the test

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/NYP Writer and Reporter Angela Tricarico to try out some of the brand’s other models to see how they held up on the mean streets of NYC.

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

If you can’t be bothered with laces, ease your feet 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.

New York Post Review: “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.

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

Cariuma Premium Leather Valley Sneakers

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:

New York Post Review: “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.”

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

Cariuma NAIOCA PRO

New York Post Review: “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.

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.”

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

Cariuma Salvas

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.

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New York Post Review: “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,” said Cannon.

“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.

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.”

Size options: 5-12 | Materials: Leather, Suede

How We Tested

We selected multiple pairs of Cariuma sneakers to test for this review. Our lab? The streets of New York. Each of us wore our perspective sneakers in Midtown for several weeks while we did typical activities. We went to the office, hustled to run errands during our break, and wore the shoes to happy hours, plays and grocery shopping. Some things we kept in mind were the following:

• Fit & Feel: Sneakers are meant to be comfortable, so we were honest with ourselves regarding whether these shoes felt comfy or like a torture chamber for feet. Cannon and Tricarico were impressed with the fit and overall feel of their sneakers, while I learned (too late), I should have sized up.
• Durability: We judged how well the shoes held up over time, examining the tread for typical wear and tear. We also bent, pressed and tried to contort the shoes manually to see how well they held up. We were impressed with our general findings and declared them fairly sturdy for the typical user.
• Price: Finally, we looked at the asking price of each sneaker. Traditional, high-quality sneakers start around $85, so Cariuma’s pricing was not surprising. In fact, after we considered its materials and sourcing practices, we found them to be on the budget-friendly side, as similar brands would mark up the price for these features.

FAQ

What are Cariuma shoes?

Cariuma was founded in 2018 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 are not known 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Are Cariuma shoes made in China?

Based on the Cariuma website, it’s unclear where Cariuma’s sneakers are manufactured. However, after examining the interior of one of its shoes, we learned the sneakers are “ethically made in China.”

While some consumers prioritized American-made items, producing goods overseas is not necessarily problematic, especially if done ethically.

Cariuma has built its brand around sustainability and responsible sourcing and production. According to its site, “the average wage paid by our supply partners is 79% above the legal minimum wage, and the lowest wage is 47% above the minimum wage,” based on the International Labor Organization (ILO) minimum wage policy guide.

It also has a strict code of conduct and brands itself as a company where its material sourcing can be traced, which has sufficed for consumers who care that the makers of their favorite products are being paid fairly and treated well.

Should I size up or down in Cariuma?

For those who find themselves between sizes, it’s advised to size up in Cariuma sneakers. This will provide adequate room between your foot and the toe box.

How long do Cariuma shoes last?

On average, Cariuma fans report having their shoes for a minimum of two years, but this will depend on how often they are worn.

To add longevity to any shoe, here are some tips:

• Add a protective spray: Using a protectant will help guard your sneakers against wet elements, such as snow or rain.
• Untie your shoe laces before placing your foot inside: Don’t try to squeeze your foot into a shoe, which can impact its overall structure. Instead, untie your sneakers first to help them maintain their integrity.
• Use a shoehorn: Similar to the above tip, using a shoehorn will prevent damaging the structural integrity of the shoe by pushing your foot inside.
• Rotate sneakers: Even if you love them, don’t wear the same sneakers every day. Rotating them gives them time to breathe and go back to their initial shape.
• Store properly: Sneakers should be kept in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid placing them in the sun, as this can break down the material.

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