Cariuma

Cariuma – a Brazilian brand merging sustainability with skateboarding culture

Cariuma is a Brazilian footwear brand founded in 2018 in Rio de Janeiro by David Python and Fernando Porto, both Harvard MBA graduates united by their passion for board sports. Since its inception, Cariuma has been redefining the sneaker market by offering an alternative to fast fashion through a harmonious blend of sustainability, comfort, and style. Rooted in Brazilian lifestyle and skateboarding culture, the brand quickly gained international recognition for its unique approach to shoe design, creating footwear that is not only fashionable and comfortable but also planet-friendly. In just a few years, Cariuma has captured the hearts of sneaker enthusiasts and skaters worldwide, proving that fashion can go hand in hand with environmental responsibility.

Cariuma's philosophy – sustainable style and authenticity

At the core of Cariuma lies a simple yet revolutionary idea – creating shoes that combine great design with an eco-friendly production approach. Noticing the massive waste generated by the footwear industry, the brand's founders decided to create an alternative that allows consumers to enjoy stylish shoes without guilt. Cariuma's philosophy is based on the belief that the best products are made in harmony with nature while maintaining the highest standards of comfort and durability. The brand aims to create "future classics" – shoes that merge retro aesthetics with modern comfort, remaining timeless and long-lasting wardrobe staples instead of seasonal trends.

Commitment to environmental protection

Caring for the planet is not just a marketing element for Cariuma but a fundamental aspect of the brand's operations. For every pair of shoes sold, Cariuma plants two trees in the Amazon rainforest, actively contributing to the fight against deforestation in one of Earth's most vital ecosystems. The brand has achieved 59% traceability in its raw material supply chain and 100% traceability of first-tier footwear manufacturers, striving for full transparency in production processes. By 2026, Cariuma plans to use only recycled material packaging, marking another step towards minimizing environmental impact. These initiatives demonstrate that Cariuma treats its environmental responsibility as a process of continuous improvement and the pursuit of new solutions.

Authentic connections with skateboarding culture

Cariuma is a brand deeply rooted in skateboarding culture. This is evident not only in the design of its shoes but also in its authentic connections with the skateboarding community. Collaborating with professional skateboarders such as Kelvin Hoefler (Olympic silver medalist), Jagger Eaton (Olympic bronze medalist), and Gustavo Ribeiro (SLS champion), Cariuma creates shoes that meet the demands of the most discerning users. Partnerships with Street League Skateboarding (SLS) and sponsorship of the Championship Tour in 2021 further emphasize the brand's commitment to the development of this discipline. Cariuma shoes are created in close collaboration with skaters who test them in real conditions, ensuring the perfect blend of style, comfort, and durability needed for skateboarding.

Cariuma collections – eco-friendly design and unmatched functionality

Cariuma collections stand out with their distinctive blend of minimalist aesthetics, functionality, and commitment to sustainability. Each model is carefully designed to provide the perfect balance between style, comfort, and durability while minimizing environmental impact. Cariuma shoes are characterized by clean lines, muted colors with colorful accents, and low-profile silhouettes that fit seamlessly into contemporary streetwear aesthetics while remaining timeless.

Legendary models: Oca Low and Catiba Pro

The flagship models of the Cariuma brand are Oca Low and Catiba Pro, which best reflect the brand's philosophy and values. Oca Low, introduced in 2020, is a minimalist, versatile model inspired by classic sneakers. Made from organic cotton, with a memory foam insole and a natural rubber sole, it perfectly combines vintage aesthetics with modern solutions, providing top-level comfort. Catiba Pro, presented in 2021, is a professional skateboarding shoe that has gained recognition from both amateurs and professionals. This model, equipped with a vulcanized sole for grip and durability, is designed for demanding skaters who do not want to compromise on environmental care. Both models share the use of sustainable materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, recycled plastic, and vegan leather alternatives, reflecting the brand's commitment to environmental protection.

What sets Cariuma shoes apart?

Cariuma stands out among other footwear brands with several key features that build its unique identity and attract an ever-growing number of enthusiasts. This combination of an eco-friendly production approach, commitment to skateboarding culture, and uncompromising pursuit of quality and comfort creates a brand that offers not just shoes but a conscious lifestyle choice.

Perfect balance between style and sustainability

In a world where fashion often involves excessive consumption and harmful environmental impact, Cariuma offers a different path. The brand proves that fashionable shoes can also be planet-friendly. Every element – from material selection to production processes, packaging, and shipping – is thoughtfully considered to minimize the carbon footprint. At the same time, Cariuma shoes do not compromise on fashion – their clean, timeless design inspired by classic sneakers and skateboarding culture attracts fashion lovers worldwide. This balance between aesthetics and production ethics makes Cariuma a choice for conscious consumers who do not want to sacrifice style for their beliefs.

Exceptional comfort and durability

Cariuma shoes are designed for long-term use and high comfort during wear. Patented memory foam insoles adapt to the foot, providing cushioning and support during walking or skateboarding. Carefully selected materials such as organic cotton and bamboo ensure breathability and softness, allowing feet to breathe even during intense use. Vulcanized soles, especially in skateboarding models, provide excellent grip and durability, as confirmed by tests conducted by professional skaters. Thanks to high-quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design, Cariuma shoes serve users for a long time, benefiting both their wallets and the environment by reducing the need for frequent footwear replacement.

Cariuma – a brand with olympic-level recognition

Although Cariuma is a relatively young brand, its impact on skateboarding culture and sustainable fashion is already clearly visible. Since its founding in 2018, the Brazilian brand has quickly gained international recognition, and its shoes can be seen in the styles of professional skaters, politicians, and celebrities. The Olympic successes of Cariuma team athletes – Kelvin Hoefler's silver medal and Jagger Eaton's bronze at the Tokyo 2021 games – have brought the brand global recognition and confirmed the quality of their products at the highest level of sports competition.

Future plans

The brand plans to introduce further innovations in shoe comfort and performance in the future, remaining true to its philosophy of combining style, functionality, and care for the planet. For Cariuma, the future is not just about designing better shoes but actively participating in building a more sustainable fashion industry.