I first heard of Allbirds sneakers again in 2016 from my New Zealand good friend who was carrying them. She claimed these sneakers (which have been made out of New Zealand merino wool) have been tremendous snug—they definitely seemed snug. Then a couple of months later I began seeing them throughout New York Metropolis so I wished to attempt a pair out for myself since they seemed like nice sneakers for journey.
As of this writing, I’ve worn my Allbirds Wool Runners for about 12 months and I’ve spent a very good quantity of time pounding the pavement in these snug so I wished to do my very own Allbirds Assessment to share my ideas.
FTC Disclosure: This put up incorporates affiliate hyperlinks which suggests I could obtain a fee for purchases made via hyperlinks on this article. I used to be not paid to put in writing this put up and all opinions are my very own.
UPDATE: This text was initially posted in October 2018 so I’ve had slightly extra time with my Allbirds Wool Runners. I discovered they did a pleasant job holding my ft heat throughout the NYC winters (however I didn’t put on them within the snow/rain/winter muck).
Naturally, they’re displaying slightly extra indicators of wear and tear and tear however nothing out of the strange. I’ve learn stories from different Allbirds wearers who mentioned their sneakers lasted round 8-10 months of average use and I’m seeing comparable outcomes.
UPDATE 2: Now that the climate is getting slightly nicer, I’ve examined the Allbirds Tree Runners (learn my Allbirds Tree Runners overview).
UPDATE 3: Allbirds just lately launched their water resistant Allbirds Mizzle line of Runners, Runner-Ups, and Dashers. I’m carrying them as we converse and I’ll write up a overview as soon as I put a couple of extra miles on them.
UPDATE 4: Allbirds simply launched their new Tree Dasher working shoe. Learn my Allbirds Tree Dasher Assessment to listen to my ideas.
UPDATE 5: I’ve examined the Wool Pipers. Learn my Allbirds Wool Pipers Assessment to her what I believe.
UPDATE 6: I’ve completed testing the brand new Allbirds Tree Pipers. Learn my Allbirds Tree Pipers overview.
UPDATE 7: Allbirds just lately began making attire made out of wool and different recycled material. I’ve tried the Pure Run Tee and Pure Run Shorts however they’ve socks, underwear, sweats, hoodies, and a bunch of different objects.
UPDATE 8: Allbirds simply up to date their Tree Dasher trainers—now referred to as the Tree Dasher 2. I’ve simply completed my Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 overview.
UPDATE 9: Allbirds simply launched their Tree Flyers—which is seeking to be a legit working shoe. I’ve simply completed my four-month check and you may learn my Allbirds Tree Flyers overview right here.
As you’ll be able to see, Allbirds now has a number of completely different sneakers so I created an Allbirds Comparability Information the place I check most of their sneakers and a few attire.
Fast Background of Allbirds
For a little bit of background, Allbirds is a brand new shoe firm from New Zealand (a rustic well-known for its wool) that made its debut with their Wool Runners — a pair of sneakers made out of merino wool and different sustainable/recycled supplies.
They went the direct-to-consumer route (though they do have a couple of bodily places now) and all their sneakers promote for $95 by way of the Allbirds Web site (free delivery and returns). Individuals appear to essentially dig them and their reputation is skyrocketing.
Allbirds additionally has a mannequin referred to as “Tree Runners” (that are made out of eucalyptus pulp as an alternative of wool).
We additionally like how Allbirds put a giant deal with sustainability — their soles are made out of sugarcane and their laces are made out of 100% post-consumer recycled polyester.
My Allbirds Assessment
I’m at all times raving out wool in the case of journey clothes however I’ve by no means thought of wool for sneakers. So once I noticed the Wool Runners I used to be intrigued — particularly since Allbirds claims their wool is delicate, moisture-wicking, and reduces odor.
And as you’ll be able to see from the chart above, Allbirds makes a variety of claims about their sneakers so I wished to check them for myself.
In-Retailer Expertise
I truly ordered my Allbirds sneakers on-line however I nonetheless headed to their NYC location in SoHo to test them out.
First-Put on Ideas
The superfine merino wool was instantly delicate and cozy — the shoe could be very slipper-like. The froth of the only real is spongy and supplies a pleasant quantity of cushion.
I additionally instantly observed how loopy light-weight the Wool Runners are — a pair of measurement 9 is 17oz. They’re nice for journey as a result of you’ll be able to simply throw these into your baggage with out including hardly any bulk/weight.
Allbirds says you’ll be able to comfortably put on their sneakers each with and with out socks. With that in thoughts, I went sockless throughout my maiden voyage to the park with Henry. Even after a very good quantity of strolling, I discovered them very snug straight out of the field and I’ve by no means gotten any blisters.
That mentioned, I’m not an enormous fan of carrying them with out socks on longer walks. Going sockless is okay for working to the shop or bumming round, however I discover the consolation goes down with prolonged put on.
Seems to be
I’m actually digging the look of the Wool Runners. They’re a pleasant mix of vogue, athletic, and informal. They usually’re opening a retailer in Europe so I’m certain you’ll begin seeing them throughout Europe very quickly.
I selected the Pure Black with Black Sole. In addition they have an ever-changing collection of limited-edition colours. If I have been to do it yet again, I most likely wouldn’t get the all-black as I believe having some distinction between the sole and the higher a part of the shoe can be good — however that’s simply private desire.
I additionally like how there isn’t any actual branding on the sneakers so it retains with the minimalist look.
Consolation & Sizing
After a couple of months of carrying my Wool Runners across the streets of NYC, I nonetheless discover my Wool Runners to be completely snug. The soles have a variety of cushion and bounce. The insoles + soles truly provide an honest quantity of arch assist—which is pretty uncommon in different minimalist sneakers.Â
That mentioned, Allbirds Runners aren’t trainers—despite the fact that they’re referred to as “Runners”. They’re firmly informal strolling sneakers.
If you’d like trainers (or simply extra general assist), get the Tree Dasher 2 or Tree Flyers
Moreover, the wool is loads delicate so Allbirds isn’t exaggerating after they say you’ll be able to put on these with out socks.
One factor I discovered slightly annoying is that Allbirds presently solely are available in full sizes (i.e. no half-sizes). Their web site says that their sneakers naturally stretch to suit your foot after a couple of wearings. Fortunately, they offer you 30 days to totally check the sneakers and their return course of is tremendous easy.
The one small gripe I’ve is with the tongue. It generally folds onto itself so I have a perform a little adjustment after placing the shoe on. It’s not that massive a deal however it’s an annoyance.
I’ve worn my pair for a number of walks (often one to 3 miles at a time) with none points however a majority of the time I’ve worn them across the neighborhood/metropolis and on walks with Henry. That mentioned, I frequently stroll for 10+ miles/day once I journey so I’m unsure how my ft would really feel if I put in that type of mileage with these sneakers.
So, to sum it up, I believe the Wool Runners have a superb weight/size-to-comfort ratio — they’re so gentle that you would be able to simply throw them into your baggage with out including any bulk.
So are they the “World’s Most Comfy Sneakers”? That is likely to be a little bit of an overstatement. However they’re definitely snug and I take pleasure in carrying them — particularly contemplating how loopy gentle they’re.
Notice: I’ve learn stories that some girls felt the toe field was slightly tight in order that they have been advised to attempt the marginally wider males’s model — fortunately the return/change course of is straightforward.
Heat & Cool Climate Put on
Allbirds say their Wool Runners “keep cool within the warmth and heat within the chilly.” Effectively, on sizzling days my ft nonetheless obtained a bit heat and sweaty so don’t anticipate these to be like air-con to your ft. That mentioned, I didn’t really feel like these have been an excessive amount of completely different than different sneakers I put on and so they did dry pretty rapidly.
Nonetheless, the Allbirds Tree Runners are far more gentle and breezy than the Wool Runners in order that they’re higher fitted to the summer time.
And now that Autumn’s cooler climate has arrived in NYC, I discover that my Wool Runners preserve my ft cozy once I take Henry out on his nightly walks across the block.
Allbirds aren’t made for wet climate so your ft will get moist pretty rapidly in case you get caught within the rain.
Odor and Washing
Allbirds are definitely delicate sufficient to put on with out socks. Wool is of course odor-resistant so this was one factor that intrigued us about wool sneakers. I’ve worn our Wool Runners a number of instances with out socks and have but to expertise any noticeable foot odor. Good!
I nonetheless advocate carrying socks in case you’re going to put on yours all day lengthy as a result of they are going to most likely ultimately begin to scent from prolonged barefoot put on.
That mentioned, you’ll be able to merely toss your Allbirds straight into the washer (chilly water) in the event that they do get smelly or soiled. They do must air dry — I haven’t personally washed our Allbirds but however folks on-line say they take a few day or two to air dry.
I do like how Allbirds sells alternative insoles for $15 since insoles are what maintain essentially the most quantity of stink. So, ought to yours begin to scent, simply throw in a brand new pair of insoles.
Sturdiness
Earlier than I obtained my Allbirds I learn some stories that the Wool Runners’ toebox had an inclination to stretch out over time. I solely observed very minimal stretching — so I did some analysis and it seems that Allbirds made a couple of enhancements in 2017 to strengthen the toe lining and tongue (in addition they improved the insole and made the only real extra versatile).
My Wool Runners are nonetheless holding up fairly effectively after a couple of months of sunshine to medium use. I usually put on them across the neighborhood, to the espresso store/retailer, and once I take Henry for his walks. I’ve completed a handful of multi-mile journeys with them and so they’re nonetheless holding up effectively. They’re beginning to present a little bit of age however that’s to be anticipated.
I’ve learn a handful of stories on Reddit from different individuals who have worn their Allbirds fairly exhausting (i.e. every single day for 6-8 months) and the max lifespan appears to hover round 8 to 10 months of heavy use — which is actually the identical outcomes as I get with my Nike or New Steadiness sneakers.
I’ve learn that the wool tends to draw hair and canine/cat fur so that you may must de-fur your sneakers on occasion. Additionally, some folks additionally reported that their sneakers had a little bit of extra clear glue the place the only real attaches to the higher.
Last Ideas
After spending a strong period of time carrying Allbirds Wool Runners we will see why Allbirds has turn out to be so standard (they’re now valued as a billion-dollar model). They’re cool-looking, snug, have pretty strong sturdiness, and so they’re made utilizing sustainable manufacturing processes. I additionally like their easy return course of and their 30-day assure.
They’re nice sneakers for carrying across the neighborhood, working errands, and concrete exploration. I wouldn’t hesitate to throw these into my suitcase earlier than our subsequent journey as a result of they’re light-weight and take up nearly no house.
Are you touring quickly? Try our different favourite journey sneakers for extra footwear suggestions.
My Different Favourite Sneakers From Allbirds
Since introducing their Wool Runners, Allbirds has launched greater than 20 completely different sneakers—together with superior trainers, all-terrain climbing sneakers, weather-resistant sneakers, and a number of different choices.
I’ve personally owned about eight completely different types of Allbirds and you may try my ideas and evaluations in my Allbirds Purchaser’s Information.
However listed here are a couple of of my favourite Allbirds sneakers you may wish to try.
WOOL RUNNER MIZZLES
The Wool Runner Mizzles are mainly the identical shoe because the Wool Runners however they’ve an added weather-resistant layer and the wool is handled with a water-repellent coating. I additionally consider the Mizzles have a barely larger sole that helps put slightly extra distance between the sneakers and puddles.
It’s vital to understand that the Mizzles are weather-resistant however not waterproof — from my expertise they do effectively in gentle rain or brief stints in heavier rain.
WOOL RUNNER-UP MIZZLES
The Wool Runner-up Mizzles is a boot model of the Wool Runner Mizzles in order that they too have a weather-resistant layer and the wool is handled with a water-repellent coating.
The Wool Runner-up Mizzles are slightly hotter than the Wool Runner Mizzles due to their boot design and so they provide slightly extra safety from the weather.
Allbirds TREE FLYERS
The brand new Allbirds Tree Flyers is the model’s first true working shoe (and so they have a really cool futuristic model). They’re light-weight, ethereal, springy, and tremendous snug. They’re designed for on a regular basis runs as much as 6-9 miles or all-day strolling. I examined these for 4 months and I’m an enormous fan.
Allbirds TREE DASHER 2
The Tree Dashers are true legit trainers. The Tree Dashers are made out of eucalyptus tree fiber versus merino wool discovered within the Wool Dashers. I discover that the Tree Dashers are extra breathable than their Wool Dasher counterparts.
The Dashers have essentially the most quantity of cushion of all of the Allbirds however they’re additionally essentially the most athletically styled of the sneakers. That’s why some folks may assume they lose a few of that “on a regular basis” model discovered within the Runners.
UPDATE: The Tree Dashers have been up to date to the Tree Dasher 2 so many points of the Tree Dasher has been improved (I’m presently testing them).
WOOL DASHER MIZZLES
The Wool Dasher Mizzles are true water resistant trainers with Allbirds’ bio-based weather-resistant protect and so they’re handled with a water-repellent coating. This can be a good possibility in case you’re on the lookout for a extra rain-friendly working shoe however I’d look into the Tree Dasher in case you want one thing for the summer time.
TREE RUNNERS
The Tree Runners are the identical because the Wool Runners however they’re made out of eucalyptus tree fiber as an alternative of wool. Once more, the Runners are an informal on a regular basis shoe so that you’ll need the Dashers in case you want a real working shoe.
When in comparison with the Wool Runners, I’d say that the Tree Runners breathe higher in order that they is likely to be a greater possibility in case you’re carrying them in sizzling climate. Nonetheless, I personally just like the look of the wool material higher than the eucalyptus tree fiber material — however that’s only a private desire.
Extra Journey Gear Recommendation
I’m at all times on the hunt for the most effective journey gear. Check out these standard articles that can assist you plan your travels.
James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the writer of the e book “The Savvy Backpacker’s Information To Europe On A Price range”. He is been running a blog about finances journey in Europe since 2010.
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