Want sneakers that go the distance?
How about New York to the Brazilian Amazon rainforest and back for some mileage?
Last spring and now in summer, I wore almost exclusively Cariuma sneakerswhich quickly became my shoe of choice.
This includes my daily jaunts to Brooklyn and New York and subway stations, but also to airports, then to Brazil, where I traveled Rio and the The Amazon forest where the brand was founded.
So why am I now recommending these kicks to all my friends and readers? Let’s go.
What is Cariuma?
The shoe brand may come from Brazil, but all shoes truly have universal appeal. They look like skate shoes with high and low styles, but also have a modern style, perfect for that basic white leather shoe look that every cosmopolitan city slicker is obsessed with, just like the classic. Nike Air Force 1 sneakers and the adidas stan smith shoes.
The coolest part of Cariuma is that it’s assignment. For every pair of sneakers or shoes purchased, the brand plants two trees in the Brazilian rainforest, helping to fight deforestation in the world’s largest intact forest, the Amazon.
The durability doesn’t stop there, as the shoes themselves are made with sustainable materials like bamboo, organic cotton and rubber, sugar cane and more. All the plastics used are recycled and 65% of the products are 100% vegan.
All that said, Cariuma offers consumers a luxury sneaker, but at a reasonable price. The shoes start at $79 and can go as high as $160 for premium leather and suede offerings.
Our opinion: From New York to Brazil and back
The shoe that took me so many miles, through NYC, Rio and then the Amazon.
These shoes paired perfectly with a sundress for going to see Sugar Loaf Mountain, keeping my feet comfortable for the hike too.
I also did an impromptu hike through the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and these shoes made me climb the twists and turns to see this incredible view.
I also did an impromptu hike through the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and these shoes made me climb the twists and turns to see this incredible view.
I’m a big fan of white sneakers and I’m an active girl, so it’s hard to keep my shoes stylish and white. That’s why I usually opt for leather over canvas — although I also like my Pantone OCA Low Sneakers.
For this trip, I have prepared my salvas, the brand’s most substantial leather sneaker option. As I would be walking (and running) through many airports, the streets of Rio de Janeiro and ultimately the Brazilian Amazon, I wanted the best for a long and varied trip.
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’re made of soft leather that molds to your foot, allowing for the swelling that travel and heat often bring.
In terms of style, a white shoe goes with everything. When packing for a trip, I only try to pack the essentials and pack a capsule wardrobe where everything can mix and match, so the white and black version was my perfect pair. Note: They recently launched two new colors for summer, one of which is gorgeous pink rose and one brand new blue.
My favorite thing about wearing shoes is how durable and easy to clean they are. Although I stayed clean and dry for most of my trip, my excursion into the Amazon was far from it. Once I got off the canoe to start the rainforest hike, the guide even commented that white shoes were a silly choice.
Fast forward two hours and an impromptu thunderstorm (this is the rainforest, after all), I was pretty dirty from head to toe. That’s until I get back in the boat and wipe them off. Almost all of the dirt came off instantly and I easily cleaned the rest off on the trip home.
Shop our favorite styles:
1. Cariuma Salvas$98
The Salvas are the perfect shoe for everyday adventures, dressing up a casual outfit or dressing up a sundress or pants. They are now available in pink and blue, in addition to all white, black and white, green and red, all made from premium leather sourced from LWG Gold Rated tanneries.
2. Cariuma OCA Lowfrom $79
Here’s the lowdown on these low-top sneakers. These are some of the most versatile shoes, with a classic silhouette to wear anywhere. They come in canvas, leather or suede and have fun collaborations with Pantone, Atari, Gerry Lopez and more.
3. High carium OCAfrom $98
Skateboard boys and girls, listen up. High top sneakers are a super cute fashion choice and a comfortable shoe to wear while skating or hanging out. The shoes are available in canvas, suede and leather, with many color choices and collaborations with Razer and GRLSWIRL Shopping.
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