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Allbirds Tree Flyers Review (2022)

October 28, 2022

Allbirds is again with their newest performance-focused trainers—the Allbirds Tree Flyers. I’m a little bit of an Allbirds junkie and a runner, so I wished to personally take a look at the Tree Flyers to see in the event that they dwell as much as the hype.

I’ve been sporting my Allbirds Tree Flyers for about 4 months and I’ve put in round 200-250 miles (between each operating and strolling) so on this Allbirds Tree Flyer overview, I’m going to share what I like and don’t like concerning the Tree Flyers.

Allbirds Tree Flyers — Quick Overview

Allbirds Tree Flyer: Fresh Out Of The Box (high) vs 200+ Miles Of NYC Streets (backside)

The Allbirds Tree Flyer was designed to be a sustainable, high-performance operating shoe that may compete with the normal high-performance trainers from big-name manufacturers like Nike, New Balance, Asics, and so forth.

I’ve personally examined nearly all of the Allbirds footwear and the Tree Flyers are simply my favourite when it comes to consolation and efficiency—I additionally suppose it’s one of many coolest trying within the Allbirds lineup. And whereas they may not be proper for superior runners, I believe they’re a really strong alternative for a lot of on a regular basis runners.

How I Tested My Tree Flyers

From one of many lengthy walks that I took whereas sporting my Tree Flyers

I’ve worn my Allbirds Tree Flyers trainers on NYC pavement throughout each walks and runs. Most of my runs had been about 3-7 miles and I’ve finished a number of 8-12 mile walks. I’ve solely worn my Tree Flyers in the course of the late spring and summer season so I can’t communicate to cold-weather efficiency.

Many individuals put on their Allbirds sock-free however I all the time wore socks with my Tree Flyers (I don’t advocate sporting these with out socks).

My Running Credentials

I’m not an elite runner however I usually run round 20-30 miles per week with one long term every week that’s round 10-13 miles. I usually run an 8:45-minute mile so I’m a reasonably common runner. I’ve additionally accomplished two marathons.

I usually put on New Balance 1080s or Asics Novablast on my runs.

Quicks Tree Flyers Facts (Via Allbirds)

New bio-based SwiftFoam midsole is gentle, bouncy, and prepared for distance operating.
Lightweight, breathable eucalyptus fiber higher gives next-level consolation.
Heel counter and flared, geometric midsole assist hold your stride regular.
Heel Drop 8.5mm (Forefoot: 22.0mm, Heel: 30.5mm)
Weight 281.64g (9.93oz)
Price: $160 w/ free transport at Allbirds.com

My Past Allbirds Reviews

As I discussed earlier than, I’ve owned a number of types of Allbirds so I really feel assured I can communicate to the Tree Flyers and the way they evaluate to different Allbirds fashions.

Full Allbirds Tree Flyers Review

The Tree Flyers is Allbird’s second try at creating a real, eco-friendly operating shoe. Their first try was the Allbirds Tree Dasher (technically they’ve their Tree Dasher V1 and Tree Dasher V2).

The older Tree Dasher left quite a bit to be desired as a real operating shoe (though it was a really comfy strolling shoe). This new Tree Flyers is designed to enhance the shortcomings of the Tree Dasher—and it’s definitely a giant enchancment.

Let’s dive in to see what the Tree Flyers will get proper and what could possibly be improved.

Overall Thoughts Of The Tree Flyer

There are two methods to guage the Tree Flyer—as a real, high-performance operating shoe and as an on a regular basis strolling shoe.

As a strolling shoe, the Allbirds Tree Flyers is nice. I actually get pleasure from sporting them and I discover myself all the time reaching for my Flyers once I head out for the day (and I’ve a ton of footwear to select from… however that’s one other challenge). They’re comfy, have quite a lot of cushioning, present good breathability due to the knitted higher, and I like the general “futuristic” type.

The Tree Flyers can also be a really succesful “daily trainer” operating shoe that I really feel is finest suited to runs as much as 5-6 miles however you would possibly be capable to push a number of extra miles out of your run. It’s a snug run with a superb quantity of cushion due to its SwiftFoam™ midsole that also gives an honest quantity of spring/return. The stretchy higher can also be comfy and hugs your foot effectively.

The Tree Flyers is definitely not an ideal operating shoe (I’ll go into extra element all through the article) and it doesn’t carry out fairly in addition to different trainers at its personal worth level, but it surely’s nonetheless spectacular contemplating its sustainable supplies.

Is The Allbirds Tree Flyers Comfort?

The Allbirds Tree Flyers is a really comfy shoe—for each on a regular basis walks and as a “daily trainer” operating shoe. I by no means skilled any hotspots throughout my runs/walks (I put on no-show socks) so I’ve needed to take care of blisters or bizarre rubbing on my ankles.

The new SwiftFoam midsole gives a superb quantity of cushioning but it surely’s nonetheless pretty agency. I really discovered that the froth turned slightly extra squishy after a few mile into my runs. I felt supported in each my runs and walks. The huge base of the only real and the exaggerated heel additionally assist add extra stability to the shoe.

The sock-like knit higher may be very stretchy, it hugs my foot effectively, and it’s tremendous simple to slide on.

The SwiftFoam Midsole

The Tree Flyer has a brand new bio-based, futuristic-looking SwiftFoam midsole that’s lighter and extra responsive than their older “SweetFoam” soles. I discovered it agency but nonetheless bouncy and I’d say this sole is designed for straightforward/reasonable tempo runs round 6-8ish miles—which is a pleasant candy spot for many common runners. You may perhaps push it to that 10-12 mile mark however your legs would possibly begin feeling extra fatigued than they might should you had been operating in different high-performance footwear at this worth level.

I discovered that this new SwiftFoam midsole is a bit firmer than earlier Allbirds footwear but it surely appeared to loosen up and develop into extra responsive after a few mile.

As you possibly can see, the heel of the Tree Flyer is exaggerated and stands proud fairly a bit greater than in most footwear. I consider that is to assist soak up the impression for runners who’re “heel strikers.” I believed it is perhaps bizarre at first look however I by no means skilled any points with it. However, some individuals have talked about that they often hit their heels when strolling down flights of stairs in order that’s one thing to bear in mind.

As far as on a regular basis strolling goes, I believe the SwiftFoam midsole is nice. I’ve finished a number of 8-12 miles walks in my Tree Flyers they usually’ve been tremendous comfy.

Breathable eucalyptus fiber higher and laces

The knit higher is comprised of eucalyptus fiber. The materials is light-weight and breathable and it does a superb job of hugging your foot. I used to be truthfully impressed by how effectively this higher carried out and it’s tremendous comfy.

When it involves the laces, I’ve heard a number of individuals point out how they don’t appear to remain tied whereas operating. I by no means had an issue whereas strolling however there have been occasions after they got here untied whereas operating. Personally, I’d exchange the laces should you’re operating quite a bit in your Tree Flyers.

Tree Flyers Outsole and Traction

The well-worn outsole on high and the way it appeared new earlier than hitting NYC’s streets

The outsole is comprised of FSC-certified pure rubber that’s positioned in high-wear areas. There are cutouts in sure spots to assist hold the burden down and so as to add slightly flexibility to the only real. I discovered that the treads gave loads of grip/traction.

Overall I’m pleased with the sturdiness of the rubber exterior after sporting the footwear for a number of miles. The solely half that’s beginning to put on down is the outer entrance fringe of the shoe however your outcomes will fluctuate primarily based in your operating/strolling type.

Heel Counter

The Tree Flyers have a tough plastic heel counter that cups the heel/foot and helps hold your foot locked in. Most footwear have the same hidden heel counter however the Tree Flyer is on the skin of the shoe—which I believe provides to the futuristic design.

Tree Flyers Style and Looks

Style is subjective however I personally like the general type of the Tree Flyers. The most noticeable characteristic of the Tree Flyer is the angular and futuristic-looking sole. It’s quite a bit completely different than I’ve seen in different footwear but it surely weirdly doesn’t look too “out there” once you see it in individual. I additionally recognize the minimalist design and delicate branding.

The Tree Flyer is available in a number of colours—from commonplace black to a number of shiny colours.

Allbirds Tree Flyers Running Performance

Ok, let’s dive into the Tree Flyers’ operating efficiency for all of the operating geeks.

The Tree Flyers have quite a lot of cushioning so the consolation is definitely there. The sustainable SwiftFoam Midsole gives much less power return than different equally positioned trainers from corporations like New Balance and Nike—however I’m nonetheless impressed by its efficiency.

Everyday runners in all probability gained’t discover that a lot of a distinction in efficiency however your legs would possibly really feel extra fatigued for these pushing for peak efficiency—particularly should you’re actually choosing up the tempo.

Personally, I discovered that the knit higher and arduous heel counter did a pleasant job of holding my foot on regular on a regular basis runs. That mentioned, one downside of most knit uppers is that you may’t get a brilliant tight match since you’re restricted in your capacity to cinch down your foot. So for quick runs/sprints, you would possibly expertise slightly slippage.

Overall, the Tree Flyer is a enjoyable on a regular basis operating shoe that provides a stability of efficiency and sustainability.

Allbirds Tree Flyers Walking/Everyday Performance

Mirror selfie whereas on a stroll with my digicam

I’m an enormous fan of my Tree Flyers as an on a regular basis strolling shoe. I severely put on them every day and I discover myself reaching for them greater than another shoe I’ve in my rotation. I really like that I can pull them on and off with out untying the laces.

I can simply stroll 5-10 miles in them and don’t really feel any discomfort or painful rubbing. The mesh does a superb job of air flow so the shoe doesn’t get overheated.

I additionally just like the look of the Tree Flyers and I’ve gotten feedback about them from random individuals on the road. My Tree Flyers are the Cream Hush (Blizzard Sole) colorway however they’ve a number of different choices—I would choose up the Lux Beige colorway if I purchase one other pair.

Is The Allbird Tree Flyers A Good Travel Shoe?

Thanks to their cushioning soles, breathability, and packability, the Allbirds Tree Flyers make nice journey footwear. I’ve personally worn my Tree Flyers whereas exploring NYC so I can see them working very effectively as a journey shoe.

They’re additionally nice for airports and flights as a result of they’re simple to slide on and off. The mesh higher additionally expands in case your toes swell on lengthy flights in order that helps with general consolation whereas flying.

I additionally suppose the Tree Flyer’s general minimal aesthetics are low profile sufficient to probably not stand out so you possibly can put on them with a wide range of outfits.

Allbirds Tree Flyers Vs Allbirds Tree Dasher 2

Treey Flyers (high) vs Tree Dasher 2 (backside)

I’ve examined each the Tree Flyer and Tree Dasher 2 and I’d simply select the Tree Flyer over the Tree Dasher 2 in relation to a operating shoe. As a strolling shoe, I’d additionally select the Tree Flyer over the Tree Dasher 2 but it surely’s extra of a toss-up so both can be a superb choice.

Personally, I additionally suppose the Tree Flyer is a better-looking shoe than the Tree Dasher 2 in order that’s another excuse I’m a much bigger fan of the Tree Flyer.

Overall Final Thoughts On The Allbirds Tree Flyers

Major kudos to Allbirds for making a efficiency operating shoe utilizing sustainable supplies. They haven’t fairly reached the efficiency ranges of different high-end trainers that use artificial/non-sustainable supplies however they’re getting tremendous shut.

I’d classify the Tree Flyer as a every day operating shoe for runs as much as about 6-7 miles at a straightforward/reasonable tempo. It’s additionally wonderful as an on a regular basis athletic strolling shoe you possibly can put on out and about in your every day life.

I’d skip the Tree Flyer should you want a operating shoe for lengthy runs (10+ miles) or should you’re attempting to actually choose up the tempo as these aren’t nice pace footwear.

And lastly… the worth. At $160, the Tree Flyer isn’t low-cost and it’s as costly (or costlier) as many different high-performance footwear from the large guys. Then once more, you’re additionally paying for a sustainable shoe that produces 27% much less carbon emissions (even earlier than extra carbon offsets) so I’ll minimize them some slack.