Footwear Focus: A Podiatrist Reviews Cariuma Sneakers

As a podiatrist, it’s no secret that I love shoes.

After all, it’s my job and my passion to support the health and well-being of your feet and ankles, and choosing the proper footwear is a major part of that equation.

That’s why I’m thrilled (as both a podiatrist and an active person) that there are so many options today that blend the support your feet and ankles need to feel their best with versatile styles that look good in many settings.

Whereas, in the past, we had to choose form over function or vice versa, modern footwear has found a way to do it all. And I’m here for it.

With the advent of social media and its powerful, targeted marketing, many of my patients help me discover new and exciting footwear brands.

I’m always open to learning about new shoes, and I try to offer my patients the best insight and guidance to help them select the right options for their unique needs and bodies.

I started this Footwear Focus blog to share with you my honest reviews of the buzziest footwear brands blowing up your social channels.

This month, I opted to explore the offerings of a brand that’s been everywhere lately with their word-of-mouth marketing and strategic advertising—Cariuma.

You may have seen their ads on Instagram or even heard a plug for them on your favorite podcast.

But are Cariuma shoes worth the hype? Who are they best suited for and what do they offer? Most of all—would your trusted podiatrist recommend them to you or not?

I’ll answer all these burning questions and more in my honest, expert review of Cariuma sneakers for this month’s Footwear Focus blog!

Cariuma sneakers—What do they offer?

Today’s savvy footwear consumers want variety and versatility. Many of my patients come to me seeking shoe options that offer the support of a running shoe without the aesthetics of one.

Not that I’ve got anything against running shoes! But, let’s face it—sometimes you want the feel and comfort of a running shoe in a style you can wear with a variety of outfits and in a variety of settings.

With Cariuma, that’s not too much to ask.

This brand is generating a lot of buzz for a reason. Unlike a TikTok challenge gone wrong, they deliver positive results that keep the podiatrist in me happy, while offering a range of stylish options that can be worn just about anywhere.

Not only does this brand deliver on its goal to create nice looking, ultra comfortable footwear for its customers—they’re also a certified B-Corp. This means their mission includes more than just making quality shoes.

Cariuma takes an eco-conscious approach to their manufacturing, which avoids the tenets of fast fashion in favor of practices that consider and seek to minimize the environmental impact of their process.

They also spearhead really cool initiatives to further offset their carbon footprint, which includes their reforestation efforts.

This adds to the reasons Cariuma has built such a rabid fan base in such a short time. Folks not only love their shoes, but they feel good about wearing them, knowing that every purchase goes toward funding these types of initiatives.

In addition to their collection of signature styles, Cariuma also features fun collaborations with other brands and personalities, including a pro surfer and a motorcycle manufacturer.

Now that you know what Cariuma offers, I’ll share my unvarnished review of their footwear for you.

Is Cariuma footwear worth the buzz? A podiatrist weighs in.

In truth, Cariuma makes some of the most comfortable sneakers I personally have worn.

They feature inserts that offer both thickness and shock absorption. Their soles are also supportive, making them your go-to, wear-all-day pair.

Pro tip: Folks with major overpronation might need to add an extra supportive insert to access the comfort and stability they need.

But most people will be able to walk plenty of miles in these shoes in comfort.

Cariuma offers footwear options in several different materials, colors, and styles.

What’s in my closet? Yup, I own more than one pair of Cariuma shoes.

I have a pair of the OCA Low canvas sneakers in white as well as the OCA High canvas sneakers for a different vibe. In fact, I rocked these recently around Paris. Check out my recent blog to learn more about my travelling and vacation footwear recommendations.
Another one of my favorite Cariuma finds is their OCA High Therma Hooks. This high top sneaker is just as comfortable as the other OCA styles but with a water-repellent outer (I got suede rather than canvas for these) and a shearling lining.
- Pro tip—These are amazing for slushy Chicago days.

Speaking of slushy Midwestern winter days—Cariuma also offers winter footwear options. Their offerings for this season include a range of slip-on and more hearty boot options. They have a pretty impressive amount of offerings for winter sneakers and boots for men and women.

Does Dr. Young recommend Cariuma sneakers?

If you haven’t already guessed—the answer is a resounding yes.

Not only do I own them myself, but everyone I’ve recommended them to has immediately fallen in love. I find myself recommending them all the time to my patients and friends.

My current shoe collection includes three pairs of Cariuma shoes. And I'm already eyeing my next pair. They really fit my busy, active lifestyle, which not only includes running my podiatry practice but also being an athlete and runner.

If a podiatrist owning three pairs of a shoe brand isn’t a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is!

By the way, my shoe recommendations are always based on my personal experience and professional expertise. Cariuma didn’t pay me to write this glowing review—I just really love their brand! It’s not often I so unreservedly endorse a footwear brand, but Cariuma delivers on all fronts.

If you’ve got a footwear brand you’d like me to review, reach out and tell me. I’m always interested in listening to my valued patients so I can better meet your needs. And I love trying out new shoe brands to help you discover what’s right for you.

In need of personalized, comprehensive podiatry support and care? I’m here for you! Visit me in my convenient downtown Chicago office for my expert assistance and cutting-edge offerings. You can book your visit easily online. And be sure to keep an eye on our blog for great insight and info into all things podiatry!