I’ve been carrying my Allbirds Runners on and off since 2018 (learn my Allbirds evaluate) — and since that point this start-up shoe model has exploded in recognition. I assume it’s not stunning since they’ve been dubbed “the world’s most comfy footwear.”
However there may be one space the place Allbirds have historically come up brief — within the rain/snow.
Properly, in late 2019, Allbirds launched their Mizzle line of water resistant Runners (low-top) and Runner-Ups (high-top) footwear to offer of us an choice for moist/winter days.
I don’t assume Allbirds anticipated these to be such a giant hit as a result of they appear to promote out as quickly as they’re restocked. So that you may need to verify again when you don’t see your dimension.
UPDATE: Allbirds now has their Wool Dasher Mizzles that are a combination of their Dasher trainers with the climate resistance advantages discovered within the Mizzles — I hope to attempt them out quickly.
I began by dropping by Allbrid’s SoHo location in downtown Manhattan to choose up a pair to check them for myself.
I ended up shopping for the Runner-Ups as I just like the look of the high-tops higher than the low-top runners.
WEAR UPDATE 11/2/2022: I first received my Mizzles in late 2019 and it’s lastly time to interrupt them out once more now that the climate is getting cooler and wetter. I wore my Mizzles once more final week and I’m nonetheless actually digging them. Tremendous cozy and comfortable.
My Allbirds Mizzle Assessment
Allbirds Winter Footwear
“Sweatpants to your toes.”
That’s how I describe what it’s like carrying my Mizzle Runner-Ups. They’re critically cozy. I discover myself continuously reaching for them after I head out to get espresso or run errands round NYC in the course of the chilly months.
And since they’re water resistant I don’t have to fret about carrying these dangerous boys within the rain. Okay, they’re not utterly 100% waterproof (i.e. you shouldn’t step in large puddles) however they do a pleasant job for day-to-day city put on/journey.
I additionally recognize how Allbirds makes use of sustainable supplies they usually’ve gone 100% carbon impartial in 2019 in order that’s a pleasant bonus.
Allbirds additionally provides you a 30-day return coverage so you’ll be able to check them out for a month and ship them again in the event that they don’t work out.
Model & Mizzle Runners vs Runner-Ups
Alright. Let’s begin with a fast be aware in regards to the fashion of the Mizzle and the distinction between the Runners and the Runner-Ups.
I used to be drawn to the Runner-Up since I just like the “boot” look. If I have been planning on carrying these with shorts I may need picked the runners however the Runner-Ups have been rather more sensible for my wants.
I’m truthfully digging the general fashion of those. Some folks have complained that the only is a bit of massive however I don’t assume it’s noticeable. It’s additionally a practical design factor because it helps you stroll by means of shallow puddles with out getting the material moist.
So far as accessible colours… I used to be truthfully a bit upset and it will have been good if there have been just a few extra choices. However, I’ve observed that Allbirds is at all times releasing limited-edition colorways so I think about we’ll see different choices sooner or later.
I picked the Pure Gray w/ Cream Sole as a result of I actually just like the look of this shade combo however they’ve a number of shade choices.
Preliminary Consolation
To check the preliminary consolation of my Mizzles I placed on a pair of tall socks and walked casually round Brooklyn for a bit. I discovered my Mizzles to be extra comfy than my earlier pair of Wool Runners. I didn’t expertise any uncomfortable rubbing or blisters.
I learn some critiques from different individuals who mentioned the Mizzle’s water resistant lining felt much less delicate than conventional Wool Runners and that made the shoe really feel a bit of stiffer and a bit much less comfy. I can type of see their level however since I put on socks I didn’t really feel a lot distinction. Actually, I like the additional stiffness of the Mizzle so this may simply come down to private desire.
I do know some folks have reported needing a break-in interval so your outcomes could fluctuate.
The Mizzles are additionally lined with delicate merino wool so you’ll be able to put on them with out socks — which is among the promoting factors. Personally, I favor carrying these with socks however they’re completely comfy with out them.
Prolonged Put on/Consolation
I do know a whole lot of my readers are fascinated with carrying their Allbirds for journey in order that’s why I needed to deal with consolation for prolonged put on.
Personally, I’ve had no points carrying these all day as I do my day-to-day life in NYC however I’ve but put these by means of a heavy 10-15 mile day of pounding the pavement. [But I promise to update this once I have a free weekend to put these through their paces].
Allbirds solely are available full sizes so that could be a little annoying. Allbirds advocate sizing up when you’re between sizes. That mentioned, Allbirds are recognized to stretch out a bit.
I did need to level out that the soles of those Mizzles are made out of Brazilian sugarcane (which they name SweetFoam™) which has a whole lot of bounce. It actually provides to the general consolation.
Notice: Though these are known as Runner-Ups/Runners, these are usually not trainers.
Supplies
For these of you not acquainted with Allbirds, these footwear have turn into well-known for being made out of merino wool. I do know that wool footwear sound a bit of odd however it works out surprisingly nicely.
Merino wool is of course delicate, moisture-wicking, and helps forestall odor — that are all issues that work nicely in a shoe.
These are additionally lined with wool so you’ll be able to put on them with out socks they usually’ll nonetheless be comfy. I put on mine with socks so I’ve solely gone sockless for very brief quantities of time so I can’t touch upon how they fare with prolonged put on.
The soles are made out of Brazilian sugarcane which is surprisingly bouncy.
Moist and Chilly Climate Efficiency
The Mizzles are water resistant however not waterproof—i.e. these aren’t heavy-duty winter boots that may face up to large puddles of slush. That mentioned, I’ve discovered them to repel rain nicely normally fall/winter situations.
To start with, the surface is handled with a water-repellent coating that helps water roll off. I’m curious how lengthy this coating will final in order that’s one thing I’ll should revisit after I’ve worn them for an extended time period.
Subsequent, there may be an “ultra-thin Bio TPU membrane layered between the wool higher and the inside of the shoe to stop water seepage.” That is the place many of the water resistance comes from.
And third, there’s a thicker sole in order that places a bit of extra space between your footwear and the moist floor. Moreover, they added additional grips on the soles to assist with extra traction and provides to the sturdiness.
I received caught in a heavy rainstorm and after about 15-20 minutes of strolling, I began feeling that my toes have been getting a bit of moist. I additionally didn’t have an umbrella so I used to be very uncovered to the weather.
Anyhow, solely small elements of my socks have been moist however it’s protected to say these aren’t “waterproof.” As I discussed earlier than, these are greatest for mild rain so in most situations the Allbirds Mizzle ought to stand as much as the weather.
Breathability & Heat
I discovered the Mizzles to be hotter than my earlier Wool Runners. I’m positive it’s as a result of the waterproof lining provides some heartiness and won’t breathe as nicely. I additionally assume the high-top fashion traps within the warmth a bit of greater than the low-tops.
This, in fact, is usually a destructive or a constructive relying on the temperature — i.e. your toes may get sweaty if the climate is heat however the heat might be welcomed within the chilly climate.
My major concern is working up a sweat throughout prolonged put on after which having sweaty toes — which isn’t nice when it’s chilly. That mentioned, a pleasant pair of socks ought to assist. Or, when you’re not liable to sweaty toes, then it won’t matter to you.
Sturdiness
As I discussed earlier than, I’ve solely had my Allbird Mizzles for a few month so I can’t touch upon sturdiness but. [I’ll report back when I’ve put more miles on them]
However the harder and grippier treads ought to assist add to the soles’ sturdiness.
Odor and Washability
The unique Allbirds Wool Runners might be washed within the washer however there isn’t any point out of this on the Allbird’s web site for the Mizzles — so I’m going to imagine these aren’t mechanically cleanable… however I’m truthfully undecided if that is true or not.
So far as odor, I haven’t worn these lengthy sufficient to actually find out about their anti-odor efficiency.
In-Retailer Expertise
Allbirds is principally a direct-to-consumer firm so most individuals get them organized on-line. However they’re beginning to open a handful of shops so I like to recommend stopping into one when you stay close to one.
The principle bonus of shopping for them in-store, aside from attending to attempt them on, is that they provide you a free pair of laces. Within the NYC retailer, the laces are “NYC themed” in order that was a enjoyable additional. I picked “taxi yellow.”
The worker additionally supplied to recycle the shoebox for me so I didn’t should take care of that — which I appreciated.
Total Ideas About The Allbirds Mizzles
I can truthfully say that I’m a giant fan of the Allbirds Mizzles.
They give the impression of being cool, they’re tremendous comfy, they’re heat, they usually can deal with a wet day.
In my thoughts, my Mizzles are my go-to weekend footwear. I like throwing them on and heading out to discover the town. Moreover, I work in an off-the-cuff setting, so I’ve additionally worn these to work and gotten compliments from coworkers.
And the way do I believe they’d do for journey? Personally, I’m undecided I’d select these if I solely packed a single pair of footwear, however I wouldn’t hesitate to deliver these as a second pair since they’re comfy, practical, and really light-weight.
The Runner Mizzles are $115 and the Runner-Up Mizzles are $135 so these actually aren’t low-cost. I do assume they’re a top quality product however I might perceive if some folks discovered these a bit of too costly for his or her tastes.
James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the creator of the ebook “The Savvy Backpacker’s Information To Europe On A Funds”. He is been running a blog about finances journey in Europe since 2010.
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