I’m an enormous sneaker fan. I’ve at all times been heel-averse (blame my semi-flat ft), so I search for actually any excuse to pair sneakers with an outfit. Positive, I put on them with leggings and denims like anybody, however I additionally frequently fashion them with clothes and skirts (tremendous cute with ankle socks or tights). I even wore sneakers throughout my wedding ceremony! I’ve a couple of go-to sneaker manufacturers, however I used to be nonetheless looking for an excellent versatile, informal sneaker that additionally helps the atmosphere (trend sustainability is large for me). Then I got here throughout Cariuma.
The Brazilian sneaker model initially designed kicks for skate boarders however has since been adopted by quite a few celebrities (Aubrey Plaza, Helen Mirren, Brooke Shields, the record goes on). In addition to creating tremendous cute sneaks, the model is doing nice issues for the atmosphere. For each pair of sneakers bought, Cariuma vegetation two bushes within the Brazilian rainforest (which has been suffering from deforestation); they’ve planted over 2.5 million bushes already.
I had excessive hopes after I rallied 4 different Byrdie editors to check Cariuma’s hottest fall-apropos types. After sporting them round for weeks, we cherished lots about them, however we additionally had some ache factors (actually).
The Oca Low in Premium Leather-based
Cariuma
Colorways Obtainable: 12 | Sizes Obtainable: 5-13 | Materials: Pebbled leather-based, cotton canvas lining, and rubber soles
The traditional Oca Low sneakers in gray leather-based (which I assumed would stroll properly into the winter months) match fairly comfortably proper out of the field. They’ve an extremely supportive insole (my semi-flat ft respect that). They weren’t too tight or too broad, and my large toe was about an inch from the tip of the shoe. They’re not as cosy as I sometimes like sneakers to suit; they really feel greatest with thicker socks (assume exercise socks). I walked in them for hours throughout this huge artisan market in upstate New York, and so they held up properly. They slipped a teeny bit as I walked, however I by no means received heel blisters, so it wasn’t a dealbreaker for me.
The fabric is that this unbelievable, smooth, pebbled leather-based that’s good for fall as a result of it is extra substantial than canvas however nonetheless breathable. I feel you could possibly get away sporting them in all seasons, particularly within the flattering gray coloration that goes with all the things (gray is the brand new black, proper?). I skilled some rubbing within the toe space, however I feel that was because of my ft swelling (it was a hotter day, and my ft typically do this as a result of they’re flatter). The heel can be a bit extra sunken than I desire, however Cariuma sells additional insoles that would simply treatment that. My favourite a part of this fashion is the low profile, which makes them so versatile—they complemented each outfit I styled them with.
The Vallely in Premium Leather-based
Cariuma
Colorways Obtainable: 11 | Sizes Obtainable: 5-13 | Materials: Premium leather-based, recycled mesh, and rubber soles
White leather-based sneakers are, as affiliate Byrdie editor Alyssa Kaplan put it, “a staple for all seasons,” and these are a alternative instance of them. They match true to measurement, besides she recommends sporting ankle socks because the tops can rub barely when breaking them in. She discovered them fairly snug for strolling round New York Metropolis, and so they held up properly in opposition to all of the potential scuffs a metropolis stroll would possibly afford.
“I like that the soles of the footwear are smooth but additionally supportive and hug the foot properly, and I like that the fabric feels actually sturdy,” says Alyssa. She wasn’t an enormous fan of the inexperienced emblem on the again, however thinks the fashion is a good chunky, basketball white shoe that is additionally very supportive for lengthy walks.
The Salvas
Cariuma
Colorways Obtainable: 13 | Sizes Obtainable: 5-13 | Materials: Premium leather-based, recycled mesh, and rubber soles
Dominque Hobdy-Olibrice, our senior trend editor, additionally has flat ft and cherished what Salvas’ “tremendous cozy” insoles did for them. She would’ve appreciated a bit extra room within the toe space (as such, she’d advocate sizing up one measurement), however the width was good for her narrower ft. They held up extremely properly when strolling round; she by no means seen any nicks or scuffs.
“I carried out a ‘stain check’ utilizing barbeque sauce (which, as a mother, is not a far-fetched accident), and the stain wiped proper off with no residue.” Other than the match problem, she’d advocate them for informal runs across the metropolis, aka your quintessential errand sneaks, good with athleisure put on.
Oca Low Leopard Suede
Cariuma
Colorways Obtainable: 14 | Sizes Obtainable: 5-13 | Materials: suede, cotton canvas lining, and rubber soles
Because the Oca Low fashion is so well-liked, our Information and Offers editor, Jordan Julian, tried it in a unique higher end that’s equally nice for fall: leopard suede. Jordan was already a Cariuma fan—she even wrote her personal evaluate of her first pair—so she knew this pair would match nice from day considered one of put on. “They’re cosy, so I don’t have to fret about slipping out of them, with out feeling too tight,” she stated.
That stated, she discovered she may solely put on common socks with them. “I might advocate going a half measurement up if in case you have wider ft or wish to put on thick socks.” Jordan had no hassle strolling a ton across the metropolis in these sneaks, with solely occasional, minor rubbing on the again (she by no means received blisters or calluses). However her favourite half was the end. “The suede end has whole fall vibes and a coziness that will likely be cute for winter, too. Although I put on leopard print year-round, it’s considered one of this fall’s largest traits, and the colour palette can be autumnal.”
Oca Low Metallic Silver
Cariuma
Colorways Obtainable: 12 | Sizes Obtainable: 5-13 | Materials: Pebbled leather-based, cotton canvas lining, and rubber soles
Affiliate editor Caitlyn Martyn additionally tried the Oca Lows, however in a surprising silver metallic leather-based higher that appears tailored for New 12 months’s. Whereas she was all in regards to the look, she didn’t love the match. “The shoe’s base across the ankle did not really feel safe…maybe as a result of it was a bit decrease than I am used to. Each time I took a step, I felt like I used to be one motion away from the shoe flying off, lol,” she defined. She thinks her foot could also be too slim for the fashion, however she may nonetheless stroll round in them properly sufficient, due to the tremendous cozy insoles.
The metallic end is a little more susceptible to scuffing, so bear in mind you’ll must be a bit of extra cautious when sporting these. Caitlyn would put on them for informal walks however recommends narrow-footed girlies with discover slippage strive some thicker socks.
