As a non-certified sneaker enthusiast, I have a keen eye for quality footwear, and Cariuma is no exception. This brand has gained a massive following since its inception in 2018, with everyone from celebrities like Helen Mirren and Pete Davidson to Well+Good editors sporting their shoes. If you're searching for Cariuma shoe reviews to understand the hype, look no further. We're here to provide you with the inside scoop and confirm that the buzz is well-deserved. 

Cariuma's eco-friendly shoe line has introduced popular styles like The Slip On and the IBI Knit Sneaker, both of which sold out immediately after launch. Additionally, their canvas sneaker collection has amassed waitlists of thousands of eager shoppers.

What to know about Cariuma

The sneaker company prioritizes sustainability and quality, offering a range of comfortable sneakers at an affordable price. By utilizing ethically-sourced raw materials such as bamboo, organic cotton, sugarcane, and mamona oil, they create their lineup of sneakers. 

Both women and men have a wide selection of styles to choose from, including OCA Low, OCA High, Salvas, Slip-On Skate Pro, Catiba Pro, Catiba Pro High, The Valleley, IBI, IBI Slip-On, IBI High, and collaborations. We have reviewed several of these styles and can assure you that you will not be disappointed in terms of style or comfort.

We tried Cariuma shoes: These are our honest thoughts

OCA Low Off-White Canvas sneakers — $79

Upon examining the shoes, my initial observation was their remarkable lightweight nature, a quality owed to the utilization of soft canvas and cotton materials. As I strolled, I noticed that they propelled me forward instead of impeding my movement, a feature I found particularly pleasing as I traversed block #5 en route to the grocery store. Additionally, their slender silhouette ensures that one need not fret about their feet appearing excessively bulky. 

Furthermore, the low-top design lends itself well to being paired with a skirt, dress, or any street style ensemble one may desire (although they also complement pants splendidly, meaning they harmonize effortlessly with any outfit).

However, the true allure of these shoes lies in their performance during my explorations of my New York City neighborhood. Spoiler alert: they exceeded expectations! I was able to wear them for over eight hours without experiencing any discomfort. This can be attributed, in part, to the vegan insoles crafted from organic mamona oil and cork, which are further enhanced with memory foam to provide exceptional arch support. Despite their snug fit, these shoes still afford ample breathing space for your feet. 

Moreover, the OCA Low model is available in a variety of colors (the Well+Good team collectively adores the Camel Suede shade, a delightful autumn hue that effortlessly complements any attire).

OCA Low Camel Suede — $98

The OCA Low Camel Suede is a versatile and comfortable iteration of the classic OCA sneaker. It offers a neutral footwear option for practicality purposes and delivers on the same comfort that the OCA sneaker is known for. Despite being suede, it does not get scuffed up or damaged easily if protected with a suede shoe protection spray. The caramel color of the suede hides any small marks or scuffs very easily. 

These sneakers are super lightweight and soft on the interior, making them comfortable to wear without socks and without experiencing any irritation on the toes or the back of the heels. They do not require a break-in period, just like other Cariuma styles. The only difference is the suede, which elevates any look. However, if you live somewhere very rainy or muddy, you may want to consider the leather option.

White Premium Leather Catiba Pro — $139

Cariuma offers a diverse range of sneakers as well. The White Premium Leather Catiba Pros were rigorously tested by Well+Good’s Editorial Commerce Director for several weeks. During this period, she wore them on four-mile walks and jogs with her dogs, as well as during weekend outings. These particular shoes stand out with the Cariuma signature logo on the side, setting them apart from your typical white sneaker. 

Her overall impression? These shoes required no break-in time, similar to the OCA Low, and provided ample roominess even when worn with thick socks. Additionally, they offered the perfect level of support for her day-to-day activities. Not to mention, they complemented her outfits perfectly, which consisted of a mix of leggings and floral maxi dresses on weekends, as she resides in Los Angeles.

Salvas White LWG Leather — $98

The Salvas sneaker is a stylish and versatile option that comes in four different logo colorways. This sneaker is designed to provide maximum comfort all day long, without the need for any breaking in. Made from premium leather, recycled mesh lining, and a breathable cork insole, these sneakers have quickly become a favorite among our W+G editors. 

The 100 percent slip-resistant sole ensures that you'll have a firm grip even on frictionless surfaces. These kicks are a classic choice, reminiscent of Stan Smiths, but with added comfort and style.