The sustainable sneakers first came onto my radar after Helen Mirren wore a pair in France. Not long after, my other friends started sporting different styles from the brand, including the popular OCA Low. I finally decided to cave and call in a sample after my friend wore the Cariuma Salvas following their February 2022 launch. After wearing the kicks for a few months, I can’t imagine better summer footwear. While I found a few impressive brands over the years—including Thousand Fell’s no-stain sneakers—the Cariuma Salvas stood out for accommodating a wide foot with a flattering fit. Rather than my foot hanging slightly off the sides of the rubber outsole, it’s gently hugged by the ethically sourced leather. The hand-cut uppers also taper slightly, which elongates the look of my foot. It also allows me to play with the laces, ensuring the shoe is tight where I want it but with wiggle room where I don’t. Although I have the all-white style, I think the splash of color on the black-and-white pair further emphasizes this elongating effect. (The woes of wide feet!) More importantly, the sneakers are undeniably comfortable. The memory foam sole makes every step comparable to walking on clouds—and the same cushioning is used for the heel collar. This adds additional ankle support and prevents painful blisters. Truth be told, I’ve actually never gotten a blister from these kicks, even wearing them right out of the box. What’s more, the packing is recyclable, and the carbon emissions are offset for shipping. Cariuma also plants two trees for every pair sold, so there’s plenty to brag about to your friends beyond the comfort.
