Cariuma vs. Allbirds: We Tested 5 Styles To Find Out Which Eco-Friendly Shoe Is Best

Cariuma’s NAIOCA style is 100% vegan and made with organic cotton, recycled plastics, and natural rubber. The insoles use the brand’s plant-based memory foam and cork for a super bouncy, supportive feel. Style wise, this sleek pick looks like a classic skateboard shoe. The NAIOCA aren’t available in as many colorways as the brand’s popularOCA Low style (our executive editor's go-to), but if you’re on the market for a solid neutral sneaker, this one is a great pick.

What our tester says: "The NAIOCA style is easily my favorite everyday shoe of the bunch. With their classic style, comfy insoles, and cool cotton upper, I can wear them for long walks and never feel hot—in fact, they’re coming with me on my honeymoon to Portugal! My only negative is that the heel is rather high, so I need to pair them with socks that have a little more coverage." — Jamie Powell, mindbodygreen contributing writer

Much like the NAIOCA style above, Cariuma’s SALVAS are another skateboard style shoe with a sustainable twist. They’re made with ethically-sourced leather from Leather Working Group (LWG) Gold Rated tanneries (as opposed to cattle farms on deforested land).

The leather design gives these a touch more durability than Cariuma’s canvas sneakers—and the shoe still uses recycled plastics, cork, plant-based foam, and organic cotton.

What our tester says: "With the same memory foam and cork insole, these are just as comfortable as the NAIOCA, with a little more weight to them. I especially love the worn-in leather-and-suede look and elevated debossed logo. They’re a little warm for these hot summer months, but I will definitely rock them in the fall and winter." — Jamie Powell, mindbodygreen contributing writer

*The SALVAS are the go-to of our deputy editor who wrote a full review of this style and loves the wide design.

This is Cariuma’s most lightweight style, thanks to a bamboo knit upper and sugarcane EVA sole that’s lighter than rubber. The shoe is super breathable and padded, especially around the heel, and comes in a slew of fun colorways.

Unlike the other two Cariuma picks above, the IBI design is machine-washable! Just be sure to follow the care instructions.

What our tester says: "The IBI Lows were instantly comfortable when I put them on, but a little roomy due to the knit material. Once I sized down to a 7, though, they rocked. I especially love the dusty rose color and the comfy cushioned heel. Note that while the upper is flexible, there is a rigid front to keep your toes safe—I got used to it quickly, but it might be a little tight on some people." — Jamie Powell, mindbodygreen contributing writer

*The IBI Low is a favorite of mindbodygreen's commerce editor, who wrote a full review of her experience walking +12,000 steps per day in them.

The Allbirds’ Tree Runners have the brand’s original style but with a breathable, TENCEL™ Lyocell upper. The insole is made from castor oil and sugarcane foam and the laces use recycled water bottles. This shoe is super flexible and soft and feels comfortable and lightweight during long days on your feet or traveling.

While they do still have decent arch support as is, if you need more stability in your shoes you can swap out the removable insole for custom orthotics.

What our tester says: "I’ve known about these shoes for so long and can’t believe I’ve been sleeping on them. They’re truly so comfortable and great for walking the dog, running errands, or just bopping around town. I’m typically a 7 or 7.5 and, because there aren’t half sizes, I did have to size up to an 8 to get a comfortable fit. Believe the brand when they tell you to size up!" — Jamey Powell, mindbodygreen contributing writer

Allbirds’ Tree Dasher 2 is designed for light runs and more activity than their softer counterpart (the Tree Runners, above). With a grippy sole and a knit upper, they’re great for days when you need to be active on your feet.

Plus, the balance of padding and support through the midsole and ankle makes them feel cushioned without any sinking.

What our tester says: "I really like the Tree Dasher 2’s. They’re comfortable but supportive and I’ve mostly been wearing them to walk the dog or go to physical therapy. The one piece knit upper makes them really easy to slip on and go and they’re definitely breathable thanks to the knit top. I didn’t love running in them because they’re a little heavier than my current Brooks and I like a little more security on top versus the knit material. But running shoes are super personal and I haven’t strayed from my chosen style in a few years, so take that with a pinch of salt!" — Jamey Powell, mindbodygreen contributing writer

This laceless, loafer-style shoe is almost more of a slipper. With a soft and breathable QZ Merino wool upper, a sugarcane EVA midsole, and an insole made of castor bean oil, they’re as sustainable as they are comfortable. Because they’re made with wool, the loungers are more suited for cold weather than hot. But if you end up loving the style, Allbirds also makes Tree Loungers, which uses the brand's eucalyptus-derived TENCEL™ material.

What our tester says: "Ok, these are awesome. I almost don’t want to wear them outside of the house to keep them as clean and comfortable as long as possible! This was another Allbirds style where I ended up sizing up to an 8 (I started with a 7, which was too snug) and they fit perfectly. Two considerations: they are warm, so they’re a better winter shoe. Also, I can spot my big toe a bit at the front and, because the wool is so soft, I wonder if that will impact their durability over time." — Jamey Powell, mindbodygreen contributing writer