conscious fashionThursday, 16 December 2021

CARIUMA Shoes Review: A Guide to Sustainable Trainers

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WORDS BY JADE BROCK

Get to know the name. A trailblazer in the modern-day world of sustainable trainers, CARIUMA is paving the way for footwear that’s not only planet-friendly, but kind to its supply chain too. Its dedication to constantly evolve, to be better for people as well as the planet, is what sets it apart from the rest. Team that with some of the most comfortable kicks on the market and you’re on to a real winner.

 

As the world shifts towards more conscious shopping habits, it’s natural that brands championing an environmentally responsible mindset have soared to the top of our radars. As sustainable practices become the norm, CARIUMA explores how easy it is to be green, from its use of recycled materials and packaging to its fair wages and working conditions across its production line. Read on to discover the history of the brand, as well as its eco-friendly commitments and popular shoe silhouettes including the IBI, the CATIBA Pro and the OCA Lows.

 

CARIUMA History

 

Co-founders and friends David Python and Fernando Porto left their previous roles within the luxury footwear industry to pursue a shared dream of creating a shoe brand that puts sustainability first, and so CARIUMA was born. The duo launched CARIUMA in 2018 in the founders’ native Brazil, releasing a capsule collection of trainers instilled with old school aesthetics and the nonchalance of retro skate culture.

 

Dedicating itself to crafting future classics, the label quickly gained traction amongst conscious fashion enthusiasts and influencers alike, with many taking to TikTok and Instagram to share their love for its sustainable kicks. Championing timeless silhouettes and comfortable fits, CARIUMA cements itself as a go-to for minimalist footwear with a conscience.

 

Sustainable Ethos

 

Reinventing the world of trainers with its eco-conscious spirit, CARIUMA forgoes fast fashion in favour of conscious design and responsible ethics. Nurturing the planet is at its core, with the brand only using carefully sourced materials known for their environmentally friendly qualities. Think bamboo for its naturally high CO2 absorption, natural rubber gathered through ethical ‘tapping’ that doesn’t harm the Hevea brasiliensis trees, and GOTS-certified organic cotton grown with regenerative methods, without harmful pesticides or fertilisers.

 

Longevity and mindful consumption is the name of the game. Each pair of CARIUMA shoes is built to last. Constantly sourcing and crafting greener innovations, alongside developing new materials, the label’s trainers are lightweight, durable and come with an already broken-in feel for the ultimate comfortable fit. CARIUMA footwear is presented in packaging made from recycled materials, and the brand thoughtfully selects partners that share its continuous improvement mindset. The company has 100% traceability into its footwear manufacturer, and is committed to ensuring fair wages and working conditions for its artisans.

 

On top of this, CARIUMA plants two trees in the Brazilian rainforest for every pair of shoes sold. Setting up its own Reforestation Program, the initiative aids in the restoration and preservation of natural habitats, which are home to an increasing number of endangered plants and animals.

 

CATIBA

 

CATIBA trainers are a family of two, the CATIBA Pro and the CATIBA Pro High. Whether low-top or hi-top, both skate shoes are engineered for durability, movement and the best possible grip. Available in an array of classic hues, the style comes complete with the CARIUMA logo on the upper.

 

The real awe factor is in the shoe’s construction. Organic cotton canvas meets with 100% slip-resistant, natural rubber outsoles with a classic herringbone traction so the shoe moves with you. The insole mimics the anatomy of the foot with its signature memory foam, as well as providing arch support.

 

OCA

 

The OCA is one of CARIUMA’s much-loved signature styles. Taking inspiration from Rio de Janeiro’s street and beach culture, the versatile silhouette is a refined take on a wardrobe staple. There are two sub-categories for this trainer family, OCA Lows and OCA Highs. The range is available in a myriad of colourways, with a minimalist design reminiscent of classic ‘70s skate shoes.

 

OCA low-tops and hi-tops are made from high-end raw materials, including robust, eco-friendly canvas uppers, natural rubber outsoles and vegan cork-based insoles, as well as lining, laces, threads and labels made from recycled plastic bottles.

 

Cariuma OCA suede high-top sneakers

Cariuma

OCA suede high-top sneakers

$221

IBI

 

The IBI is one of the newest members of the CARIUMA family. Split into three sub-categories, the IBI, the IBI High and the IBI Slip-On, each style is knit with bamboo and recycled plastics from heel to toe. High performance but low impact, the IBI is light on your feet and your environmental footprint. 

 

The featherweight design is 100% vegan, from its signature memory foam insole made with cork and organic mamona oil, to its durable outsoles made with Green EVA from sugarcane that has a negative carbon emissions balance.

 

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