I first heard of Allbirds footwear again in 2016 when my pal from New Zealand was sporting them. She claimed these footwear (which had been created from New Zealand merino wool) had been tremendous snug—they actually regarded snug. Then a number of months later I began seeing them throughout New York City so I used to be pumped when Allbirds requested if I needed to strive a pair out for myself since they regarded like an important shoe for journey.
I’ve had my Allbirds Wool Runners for about 12 months — we’ve spent quantity of time pounding the pavement with these footwear so we needed to do our personal Allbirds Review.
FTC Disclosure: This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks which implies I’ll obtain a fee for purchases made via hyperlinks on this article. I used to be not paid to put in writing this publish and all opinions are my very own.
UPDATE: This publish was initially posted in October 2018 so I’ve had a little bit extra time with my Allbirds Wool Runners. I discovered they did a pleasant job retaining my toes heat through the NYC winters (however we didn’t put on them within the snow/rain/winter muck).
Naturally, they’re displaying a little bit extra indicators of damage and tear however nothing out of the odd. I’ve learn reviews from different Allbirds wearers who stated their footwear lasted round 8-10 months of reasonable use and I’m seeing related outcomes.
UPDATE 2: Now that the climate is getting a little bit nicer, I’ve examined the Allbirds Tree Runners (learn my Allbirds Tree Runners overview).
UPDATE 3: Allbirds just lately launched their waterproof Allbirds Mizzle line of Runners, Runner-Ups, and Dashers. I’m sporting them as we converse and I’ll write up a overview as soon as I put a number of extra miles on them.
UPDATE 4: Allbirds simply launched their new Tree Dasher operating shoe. Read my Allbirds Tree Dasher Review to listen to my ideas.
UPDATE 5: I’ve examined the Wool Pipers. Read my Allbirds Wool Pipers Review to her what I believe.
UPDATE 6: I’ve completed testing the brand new Allbirds Tree Pipers. Read my Allbirds Tree Pipers overview.
UPDATE 7: Allbirds just lately began making attire created from wool and different recycled cloth. I’ve tried the Natural Run Tee and Natural 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 trying to be a legit operating shoe. I’ve simply completed my four-month check and you may learn my Allbirds Tree Flyers overview right here.
As you may see, Allbirds now has a number of completely different footwear so I created an Allbirds Comparison Guide the place I check most of their footwear and a few attire.
Quick 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 footwear created from merino wool and different sustainable/recycled supplies.
They went the direct-to-consumer route (though they do have a number of bodily places now) and all their footwear promote for $95 through the Allbirds Website (free transport and returns). People appear to actually 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 a substitute of wool).
We additionally like how Allbirds put an enormous give attention to sustainability — their soles are created from sugarcane and their laces are created from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester.
My Allbirds Review
I’m at all times raving out wool in relation to journey clothes however I’ve by no means thought of wool for footwear. So once I noticed the Wool Runners we had been intrigued — particularly since Allbirds claims their wool is smooth, moisture-wicking, and reduces odor.
And as you may see from the chart above, Allbirds makes loads of claims about their footwear so we needed to check them for ourselves.
In-Store Experience
I really ordered my Allbirds footwear on-line however I nonetheless headed to their NYC location on SoHo to test it out.
First-Wear Thoughts
The superfine merino wool was instantly smooth and cozy — the shoe may be very slipper-like. The foam of the only is spongy and offers a pleasant quantity of cushion.
I additionally instantly observed how loopy light-weight the Wool Runners are — a pair of dimension 9 is 17oz. They’re nice for journey as a result of you may simply throw these into your baggage with out including hardly any bulk/weight.
Allbirds says you may comfortably put on their footwear each with and with out socks. With that in thoughts, I went sockless throughout my maiden voyage to the park with Henry. Even after quantity of strolling, I discovered them very snug straight out of the field and I’ve by no means gotten any blisters.
That stated, I’m not an enormous fan of sporting them with out socks on longer walks. Going sockless is okay for operating to the shop or bumming round, however I discover the consolation goes down with prolonged put on.
Looks
I’m actually digging the look of the Wool Runners. They’re a pleasant mix of style, athletic, and informal. And they’re opening a retailer in Europe so I’m certain you’ll begin seeing them throughout Europe very quickly.
I selected the Natural Black with Black Sole. They even have an ever-changing number of restricted version colours. If I had been to do it another time, 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 footwear so it retains with the minimalist look.
Comfort & Sizing
After a number of months of sporting my Wool Runners across the streets of NYC, I nonetheless discover my Wool Runners to be completely snug. The soles have loads of cushion and bounce. The insoles + sole really presents a good quantity of arch assist — which is pretty uncommon in different minimalist footwear.
That stated, Allbirds Runners aren’t trainers — although they’re referred to as “Runners”. They’re firmly informal strolling footwear.
If you need trainers (or only a bit extra assist), get the Allbirds Dashers.
Additionally, the wool is a lot smooth so Allbirds isn’t exaggerating after they say you may put on these with out socks.
One factor I discovered a little bit annoying is that Allbirds at present solely are available full sizes (i.e. no half-sizes). Their web site says that their footwear naturally stretch to suit your foot after a number of wearings. Luckily, they offer you 30 days to completely check the footwear and their return course of is tremendous easy.
The solely small gripe I’ve is with the tongue. It typically 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 stated, I recurrently stroll for 10+ miles/day once I journey so I’m unsure how my toes would really feel if I put in that form of millage with these footwear.
So, to sum it up, I believe the Wool Runners have a wonderful weight/dimension to consolation ratio — they’re so mild that you could simply throw them into your baggage with out including any bulk.
So are they the “World’s Most Comfortable Shoes”? That is likely to be a little bit of an overstatement. But they’re actually snug and I get pleasure from sporting them — particularly contemplating how loopy mild they’re.
Note: I’ve learn reviews that some girls felt the toe field was a little bit tight so that they had been informed to strive the marginally wider males’s model — fortunately the return/change course of is straightforward.
Warm & Cool Weather Wear
Allbirds says their Wool Runners “stay cool in the heat and warm in the cold.” Well, on scorching days my toes nonetheless received a bit heat and sweaty so don’t anticipate these to be like air con to your toes. That stated, I didn’t really feel like these had been an excessive amount of completely different than different sneakers I put on they usually did dry pretty rapidly.
However, the Allbirds Tree Runners are rather more mild and breezy than the Wool Runners so that they’re higher suited to the summer season.
And now that Autumn’s cooler climate has arrived in NYC, I discover that my Wool Runners maintain my toes comfortable once I take Henry out on his nightly walks across the block.
Allbirds aren’t made for wet climate so your toes will get moist pretty rapidly in the event you get caught within the rain.
Odor and Washing
Allbirds are actually smooth sufficient to put on with out socks. Wool is of course odor-resistant so this was one factor that intrigued us about wool footwear. I’ve worn our Wool Runners a number of instances with out socks and have but to expertise any noticeable foot odor. Nice!
I nonetheless advocate sporting socks in the event you’re going to put on yours all day lengthy as a result of they may most likely finally begin to scent from prolonged barefoot put on.
That stated, you may merely toss your Allbirds straight into the washer (chilly water) in the event that they do get smelly or soiled. They do have to air dry — I haven’t personally washed our Allbirds but however folks on-line say they take a couple of 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.
Durability
Before I received my Allbirds I learn some reviews that the Wool Runners’ toebox had a bent to stretch out over time. I solely observed very minimal stretching — so I did some analysis and it seems that Allbirds made a number of enhancements in 2017 to strengthen the toe lining and tongue (additionally they improved the insole and made the only extra versatile).
My Wool Runners are nonetheless holding up fairly properly after a number 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 they usually’re nonetheless holding up properly. They’re beginning to present a little bit of age however that’s to be anticipated.
I’ve learn a handful of reviews on Reddit from different individuals who have worn their Allbirds fairly onerous (i.e. day by day for 6-8 months) and the max lifespan appears to hover round 8 to 10 months of heavy use — which is basically the identical outcomes as I get with my Nike or New Balance footwear.
I’ve learn that the wool tends to draw hair and canine/cat fur so that you may have to de-fur your footwear now and again. Also, some folks additionally reported that their footwear had a little bit of extra clear glue the place the only attaches to the higher.
Final Thoughts
After spending a strong period of time sporting 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 fairly good sturdiness, they usually’re made utilizing sustainable manufacturing processes. We additionally like their easy return course of and their 30-day assure.
They’re nice footwear for sporting across the neighborhood, operating 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 nearly no area.
Are you touring quickly? Check out our different favourite journey footwear for extra footwear suggestions.
More Allbirds Offerings
In late 2019 Allbirds launched their Mizzles — which are available Runners and Runner-Ups. These are waterproof Allbirds with a barely thicker sole and waterproof lining that make them higher suited to these cool drizzly days.
I picked up a pair of the Mizzle Runner-Ups from their SoHo location and to date I’m actually digging them. They’re tremendous cozy, I really like their type, and to date they’ve completed properly in mild rain.
Read my Allbirds Mizzles Review right here.
More Travel Gear Advice
We’re at all times on the hunt for one of the best journey gear. Take a take a look at these standard articles that will help you plan your travels.
James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the writer of the guide “The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide To Europe On A Budget”. He’s been running a blog about funds journey in Europe since 2010.
No Funny Business
The Savvy Backpacker is reader-supported. That means if you purchase product/providers via hyperlinks on the positioning, I’ll earn an affiliate fee — it doesn’t value you something further and it helps assist the positioning.
Thanks For Reading! — James
Questions? Learn extra about our Strict Advertising Policy and How To Support Us.