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What’s in A Pair of Vegan Sneakers?

With greater knowledge around the impact of consumer products – fast fashion in particular – and widespread concern for the future of our planet, many have turned to low-impact, vegan alternatives.

In creating our vegan sneakers at Cariuma, we take an all-natural, planet-positive approach. We worked extensively with experts and our manufacturing partners to identify materials that are not only sustainable, but durable and good-looking. Behind our 100% vegan canvas OCA and bamboo IBI sneakers is a green conscience that drives our production from start to finish. Plus, our stylish designs make it so that you can wear your favorite sustainable sneakers time and again. Read on to learn more about the materials we use to create our vegan styles.

What’s in A Pair of Vegan Sneakers?

With greater knowledge around the impact of consumer products – fast fashion in particular – and widespread concern for the future of our planet, many have turned to low-impact, vegan alternatives.

In creating our vegan sneakers at Cariuma, we take an all-natural, planet-positive approach. We worked extensively with experts and our manufacturing partners to identify materials that are not only sustainable, but durable and good-looking. Behind our 100% vegan canvas OCA and bamboo IBI sneakers is a green conscience that drives our production from start to finish. Plus, our stylish designs make it so that you can wear your favorite sustainable sneakers time and again. Read on to learn more about the materials we use to create our vegan styles.

Bamboo

When cut from the stalk (versus uprooted), bamboo has the incredible ability to regenerate. This also means that the integrity of the soil is preserved, as well as the plant itself. Once cut from the stalk, bamboo regrows continually from its original roots; thus, it doesn’t need to be replanted on an ongoing basis.

Bamboo grows incredibly quickly, and with minimal hands-on cultivation required. With little need for pesticides, fertilizers, bamboo is a minimal intervention plant. It’s also considered a highly ‘versatile’ plant, as it can thrive in a variety of climates. It makes the perfect breathable, antimicrobial fiber for knitting our sock-like bamboo shoe IBI.

Bamboo

When cut from the stalk (versus uprooted), bamboo has the incredible ability to regenerate. This also means that the integrity of the soil is preserved, as well as the plant itself. Once cut from the stalk, bamboo regrows continually from its original roots; thus, it doesn’t need to be replanted on an ongoing basis.

Bamboo grows incredibly quickly, and with minimal hands-on cultivation required. With little need for pesticides, fertilizers, bamboo is a minimal intervention plant. It’s also considered a highly ‘versatile’ plant, as it can thrive in a variety of climates. It makes the perfect breathable, antimicrobial fiber for knitting our sock-like bamboo shoe IBI.

Canvas

The soft cotton canvas used in our vegan OCA Low sneakers is certified organic. Organic cotton sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people by using natural, minimally invasive processes free of harmful pesticides and toxic chemicals.

Canvas

The soft organic cotton canvas used in our vegan OCA Low sneakers is certified organic. Organic cotton sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people by using natural, minimally invasive processes free of harmful pesticides and toxic chemicals.

Sugarcane

Our vegan IBI sneakers feature an outsole made from sugarcane EVA, as opposed to petroleum-based materials. This is a fully-renewable, bio-based resource that grows quickly and uses less water to grow—instead of traditional irrigation, our sugarcane thrives on natural rainwater. Our EVA is created sustainably with conscious practices, and certified by I’M GREEN.

Sugarcane

Our vegan IBI sneakers feature an outsole made from sugarcane EVA, as opposed to petroleum-based materials. This is a fully-renewable, bio-based resource that grows quickly and uses less water to grow—instead of traditional irrigation, our sugarcane thrives on natural rainwater. Our EVA is created sustainably with conscious practices, and certified by I’M GREEN.

Organic Mamona Oil

Most sneaker brands use a synthetic foam in the insole of a shoe that takes years to decompose in a landfill. We knew there had to be a better way of supporting your feet with sustainable shoe materials, and organic mamona oil is part of our eco-friendly solution. Mamona is a plant-based and organic alternative to petroleum. We chose this natural oil in order to significantly decrease our use of virgin plastics and increase the natural content of our products, thus delivering a much greener foam.

It’s a plant-based alternative to petroleum that can be made into a cleaner, greener insole for your shoes, along with materials like cork. Find it in every pair of our vegan sneakers, from OCA Low to IBI High.

Organic Mamona Oil

Most sneaker brands use a synthetic foam in the insole of a shoe that takes years to decompose in a landfill. We knew there had to be a better way of supporting your feet with sustainable shoe materials, and organic mamona oil is part of our eco-friendly solution. Mamona is a plant-based and organic alternative to petroleum. We chose this natural oil in order to significantly decrease our use of virgin plastics and increase the natural content of our products, thus delivering a much greener foam.

It’s a plant-based alternative to petroleum that can be made into a cleaner, greener insole for your shoes, along with materials like cork. Find it in every pair of our vegan sneakers, from OCA Low to IBI High.

Recycled Plastic Bottles

One million plastic bottles are sold every minute, not to mention the plastic-based materials used in fast fashion. While we can’t get rid of the plastic that has already been created, we can find ways to use it innovatively to keep it from clogging up our oceans and landfills.

We use plastic from recycled bottles to make the upper, laces, threads, and labels for every pair of our sneakers. Certified by the Global Recycled Standard, our recycled PET turns your sneaker choice into a responsible one.

Ultimately, choosing high-quality items created with low-impact, natural materials is the best way to curb the environmental impact of your fashion choices. Vegan shoes are just one way to up the sustainability quota of your wardrobe—if you’re considering a new pair, our best-selling vegan styles are the OCA Low Canvas, and the summer-ready IBI family, especially our new Slip-On silhouette.

Recycled Plastic Bottles

One million plastic bottles are sold every minute, not to mention the plastic-based materials used in fast fashion. While we can’t get rid of the plastic that has already been created, we can find ways to use it innovatively to keep it from clogging up our oceans and landfills.

We use plastic from recycled bottles to make the upper, laces, threads, and labels for every pair of our sneakers. Certified by the Global Recycled Standard, our recycled PET turns your sneaker choice into a responsible one.

Ultimately, choosing high-quality items created with low-impact, natural materials is the best way to curb the environmental impact of your fashion choices. Vegan shoes are just one way to up the sustainability quota of your wardrobe—if you’re considering a new pair, our best-selling vegan styles are the OCA Low Canvas, and the summer-ready IBI family, especially our new Slip-On silhouette.

Shop CARIUMA Shoes

OCA Low

Slip-On

Salvas

IBI

Naioca

Vallely

Shop CARIUMA Shoes

OCA Low

SALVAS

Naioca

Slip-On

IBI

Vallely

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