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I’ve change into an Allbirds obsessive lately. I haven’t discovered another sneakers that may compete for consolation, sustainability, and practicality (they’re all machine cleanable).
As I like their informal sneakers, trainers, and ballet flats, I used to be excited to attempt the Allbirds Trail Runner SWT, which is designed for path working and mountain climbing.
I examined them out throughout our month in England’s Peak District in early spring on muddy hills, gravel footpaths, and nation lanes for each working and strolling.
In this Allbirds Trail Runners overview, I share the professionals and cons in addition to a comparability with the Allbirds Tree Dasher trainers.
The Trail Runners can be found in the identical design for women and men, so this overview applies to each, though I attempted the ladies’s model.
Contents
Allbirds Trail Runner SWT Details
Best For: Trail working, mountain climbing, strolling
Heel Drop: 7mm (Forefoot: 18mm, Heel: 25mm)
Weight: 12.36oz (350g) per shoe
Colours: 7+ colors together with basic black and gray plus restricted editions
Price: US $140 with free delivery and 30-day return (costs range by nation)
Buy From: Allbirds web site in lots of international locations together with US, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand
Allbirds Trail Runners Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent traction on muddy trails
- Rugged
- Comfortable immediately
- Sustainable supplies
- Machine washable
- Neutral colors obtainable
- Light for a mountain climbing shoe
- 30-day free trial (return even after carrying them)
- Quick supply
Cons
- Heavy for a working shoe
- Water repellent however not absolutely waterproof
- Minimal ankle help
- Fairly heat
- Not essentially the most engaging Allbirds shoe
I normally put on a US8 in Allbirds sneakers, however I went up a half measurement for the Trail Runners. I’ve had issues with broken toenails when mountain climbing up to now and wished to permit more room.
This was a superb determination as I had loads of room within the toe field, however the sneakers nonetheless felt safe on my toes.
The Allbirds Trail Runner SWT is designed for off-road terrain whether or not you’re hitting the hills on a run or hike.
I’m not an actual path runner, however I do love working on trails (ideally ones that aren’t too hilly!). I normally handle high-quality in my Allbirds Tree Dashers, however I wished to see if the Trail Runners would give me extra safety and confidence off-road.
I’ve additionally struggled to discover a pair of mountain climbing sneakers that don’t damage my toes, so if they’d work for strolling too, even higher.
I didn’t fall in love with the Allbirds Trail Runners as immediately as I normally do with Allbirds sneakers. They have been comfy, as at all times, however I discovered the model much less engaging.
On my first run, which began on the highway leaving my village, they felt cumbersome and heavy in comparison with my Dashers, and I used to be conscious of the big lugs on the only as I hit the pavement.
The second time I took them out, although, I seen the lugs much less and commenced to really feel extra comfy.
Other than that, I had no breaking-in points—no blisters or areas of soreness.
Where I actually grew to understand the Trail Runners over time was within the situations they’re designed for. My toes felt protected on muddy runs and I felt assured working down grassy hills within the rain.
The superb traction on the soles is the characteristic I like most about these sneakers. The 4mm lugs in a number of curves look uncommon however carry out very well on slippery surfaces.
I’m typically nervous coming down steep, moist hills however I felt completely comfy in these. They even stored me upright in mild snow.
The sneakers have a water-repellent end to guard them from the weather, however they aren’t absolutely waterproof as the highest of the sneakers is a mesh produced from eucalyptus tree fibre for breathability.
I used to be pleased with their efficiency, although, and I ran within the rain so much in these sneakers. My toes stayed dry in mild rain and on moist tarmac and gravel trails. In heavier rain and when working by means of a number of puddles, some water did get in however my toes have been by no means soaked.
I additionally discovered them very easy to wash. I simply wiped them however you can too throw them within the washer (simply be sure that to air dry them).
The Allbirds SWT are undoubtedly my most well-liked shoe for a moist, muddy run.
For mountain climbing, I felt much less certain. I actually like a water-resistant mountain climbing shoe so I can stride throughout muddy fields with out worrying about ending up with moist toes for hours. I’m unsure the Trail Runners SWT would supply that safety on a really lengthy hike.
They even have a decrease profile than my mountain climbing sneakers (I lately picked up a pair of Oboz Sypes waterproof mountain climbing sneakers) and I did miss the ankle help.
For brief hikes, the Allbirds path trainers have been high-quality, however I’m unsure they’ll change my mountain climbing sneakers but.
The evaluations on the Allbirds web site present that it’s changing into a well-liked shoe with hikers.
“I wore the Women’s Trail Runners SWT on a multiple-day, mountain biking/hiking/camping trip and not once did my feet hurt even when doing 20+ miles per day. I would definitely recommend these shoes to anyone. Plus, they’re super stylish in my opinion!”
“I had lumbar surgery 3 months ago and my doctor instructed me to walk as much as I can. I purchased the trail runners to ensure I have adequate traction while out on my walk. Not only do the shoes provide traction and stability, I’ve noticed all small aches and pains in my hips are gone! They are so comfortable and offer so much support!”
“So comfortable and very stable while hiking jungles of Costa Rica. Rinsed them in a stream and they dried looking perfectly new. Wore them straight out of the box to the jungle and never a blister or issue.”
Allbirds Trail Runners vs Tree Dashers Running Shoes
If you’re contemplating which Allbirds working shoe to purchase, right here’s my comparability of the Allbirds Tree Dashers V2 and Trail Runners SWT.
They each have the identical tongueless design, a sock-like collar that blocks particles, and a padded wool heel lining for cushioned help. They each could be worn with out socks, however I don’t like to take action for working.
Compared to the Dashers, the Trail Runners are:
- Bulkier
- Heavier
- More rugged
- Have extra traction with bigger, deeper lugs
- More waterproof
- More structured with a strong heel plate
- Have a tag to drag them on and off on the again
- Less breathable in heat climate
- Less engaging (for my part)
For highway working and common put on, I choose the Dashers, however for trails, the Trail Runners present extra grip, help, and safety from the weather.
Who is the Allbirds Trail Runner For?
While I gained’t be travelling full-time with the Trail Runner, I’d undoubtedly contemplate them for brief journeys the place I would like one shoe for mountain climbing and working, and for locations the place all my working will probably be within the hills.
The Allbirds Trail Runner is right in order for you a working shoe for muddy trails.
It’s additionally an amazing multipurpose shoe for journey in order for you one thing you’ll be able to put on for mild hikes in addition to working.
As at all times, Allbirds stands out for its use of sustainable supplies (wool, eucalyptus, and sugarcane) and the flexibility to simply wash the sneakers in a machine.
Allbirds affords a 30-day free trial, so it’s price giving them a go and seeing in the event that they be just right for you.
Check out the Allbirds Trail Runner on the Allbirds web site.