Cariuma
ZZ Mall (reported acquisition, late 2025) · Brazil
Cariuma is a Brazilian sneaker brand founded in 2018 by David Python and Fernando Porto, selling sustainably positioned sneakers and skate shoes. Wikipedia reports that ZZ Mall acquired the company's shares in late 2025, and its own website currently states that it is closed to orders. It matters as a prominent digital native footwear brand from Brazil.
| Founded | 2018 |
|---|---|
| Founders | David Python and Fernando Porto |
| Headquarters | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Owner | ZZ Mall (per Wikipedia, late 2025) |
| Product | Sneakers and skate shoes |
| Segment | Digital-native and DTC brands |
| Website | cariuma.com |
What is Cariuma?
Cariuma is a Brazilian footwear brand that sells sneakers and skating shoes. Its website describes its sneakers as sustainable and made from organic canvas, leather and suede.
History
According to Wikipedia, Cariuma was founded in 2018 by David Python and Fernando Porto, who started the company while studying for MBAs at Harvard University. The company is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a presence in Singapore.
Materials and sustainability
Wikipedia says the brand uses organic materials such as bamboo and cotton along with other organic and vegan materials. It also reports that the company takes part in reforestation, including planting trees in the Amazon rainforest, although the article marks that claim as needing a citation, so it should be treated cautiously.
Ownership and current status
Wikipedia states that ZZ Mall, a Brazilian e-commerce group operating through ZZAB Comércio de Calçados Ltda, acquired all 15.73 million shares in late 2025. The official website currently carries a notice that Cariuma.com is closed and no longer accepting orders, and it directs customers with lost orders or gift cards to reply to their original confirmation email. The notice does not explain the reason or say whether sales will resume, so the brand's trading status should be checked before relying on this profile.
Business model and distribution
The brand was built as a direct to consumer business selling mainly online. The sources reviewed do not describe wholesale or store distribution in detail.
Why it matters
Cariuma is a well known example of a Brazilian digital native brand that built an international audience around sustainable sneakers. Its change of ownership and the closure notice illustrate the pressure on direct to consumer footwear brands.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Cariuma?
Wikipedia reports that ZZ Mall, a Brazilian e-commerce group, acquired all of Cariuma's shares in late 2025. This has not been confirmed from a second source.
Is Cariuma still selling?
Its official website currently states that Cariuma.com is closed and no longer accepting orders. The reason and any plans to reopen are not stated.