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 shocking since they’ve been dubbed “the world’s most comfortable shoes.”
But there may be one space the place Allbirds have historically come up brief — within the rain/snow.
Well, in late 2019, Allbirds launched their Mizzle line of waterproof Runners (low-top) and Runner-Ups (high-top) footwear to offer people 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 you might need to examine again for those who don’t see your measurement.
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 select 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. Super cozy and cozy.
My Allbirds Mizzle Review
Allbirds Winter Shoes
“Sweatpants for your feet.”
That’s how I describe what it’s like carrying my Mizzle Runner-Ups. They’re severely cozy. I discover myself continuously reaching for them after I head out to get espresso or run errands round NYC through the chilly months.
And since they’re waterproof I don’t have to fret about carrying these unhealthy boys within the rain. Ok, they’re not utterly 100% waterproof (i.e. you shouldn’t step in enormous 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 and so they’ve gone 100% carbon impartial in 2019 in order that’s a pleasant bonus.
Allbirds additionally offers you a 30-day return coverage so you may check them out for a month and ship them again in the event that they don’t work out.
Style & Mizzle Runners vs Runner-Ups
Alright. Let’s begin with a fast notice in regards to the type 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 had been planning on carrying these with shorts I might need picked the runners however the Runner-Ups had been far more sensible for my wants.
I’m actually digging the general type of those. Some folks have complained that the only real is a little bit massive however I don’t assume it’s noticeable. It’s additionally a useful design component because it helps you stroll via shallow puddles with out getting the material moist.
As far as out there colours… I used to be actually a bit upset and it will have been good if there have been a number of extra choices. But, I’ve observed that Allbirds is all the time releasing limited-edition colorways so I think about we’ll see different choices sooner or later.
I picked the Natural Grey w/ Cream Sole as a result of I actually just like the look of this colour combo however they’ve a number of colour choices.
Initial Comfort
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 snug 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 waterproof lining felt much less gentle than conventional Wool Runners and that made the shoe really feel a little bit stiffer and a bit much less snug. I can sort of see their level however since I put on socks I didn’t really feel a lot distinction. In reality, 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 differ.
The Mizzles are additionally lined with gentle merino wool so you may put on them with out socks — which is among the promoting factors. Personally, I choose carrying these with socks however they’re completely snug with out them.
Extended Wear/Comfort
I do know a variety of my readers are concerned about carrying their Allbirds for journey in order that’s why I needed to handle 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 via 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 may be a little annoying. Allbirds advocate sizing up for those who’re between sizes. That mentioned, Allbirds are recognized to stretch out a bit.
I did wish to level out that the soles of those Mizzles are constituted of Brazilian sugarcane (which they name SweetFoam™) which has a variety of bounce. It actually provides to the general consolation.
Note: Although these are referred to as Runner-Ups/Runners, these are usually not trainers.
Materials
For these of you not acquainted with Allbirds, these footwear have grow to be well-known for being made out of merino wool. I do know that wool footwear sound a little bit odd but it surely works out surprisingly properly.
Merino wool is of course gentle, moisture-wicking, and helps forestall odor — that are all issues that work properly in a shoe.
These are additionally lined with wool so you may put on them with out socks and so they’ll nonetheless be snug. 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 constituted of Brazilian sugarcane which is surprisingly bouncy.
Wet and Cold Weather Performance
The Mizzles are waterproof however not waterproof—i.e. these aren’t heavy-duty winter boots that may stand up to enormous puddles of slush. That mentioned, I’ve discovered them to repel rain properly typically fall/winter situations.
First of all, 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 need to revisit after I’ve worn them for an extended time frame.
Next, there may be an “ultra-thin Bio TPU membrane layered between the wool upper and the interior of the shoe to prevent water seepage.” This is the place a lot of the water resistance comes from.
And third, there’s a thicker sole in order that places a little bit extra space between your footwear and the moist floor. Additionally, 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 had been getting a little bit moist. I additionally didn’t have an umbrella so I used to be very uncovered to the weather.
Anyways, solely small elements of my socks had been moist but it surely’s secure 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 & Warmth
I discovered the Mizzles to be hotter than my earlier Wool Runners. I’m certain it’s as a result of the waterproof lining provides some heartiness and may not breathe as properly. I additionally assume the high-top type traps within the warmth a little bit greater than the low-tops.
This, after all, is usually a unfavourable or a optimistic 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 predominant 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, for those who’re not susceptible to sweaty toes, then it may not matter to you.
Durability
As I discussed earlier than, I’ve solely had my Allbird Mizzles for a couple of month so I can’t touch upon sturdiness but. [I’ll report back when I’ve put more miles on them]
But the more durable and grippier treads ought to assist add to the soles’ sturdiness.
Odor and Washability
The authentic 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 machine cleanable… however I’m actually undecided if that is true or not.
As far as odor, I haven’t worn these lengthy sufficient to actually learn about their anti-odor efficiency.
In-Store Experience
Allbirds is principally a direct-to-consumer firm so most individuals organize them on-line. But they’re beginning to open a handful of shops so I like to recommend stopping into one for those who stay close to one.
The predominant bonus of shopping for them in-store, aside from attending to attempt them on, is that they offer you a free pair of laces. In the NYC retailer, the laces are “NYC themed” in order that was a enjoyable additional. I picked “taxi yellow.”
The worker additionally provided to recycle the shoebox for me so I didn’t need to cope with that — which I appreciated.
Overall Thoughts About The Allbirds Mizzles
I can actually say that I’m a giant fan of the Allbirds Mizzles.
They look cool, they’re tremendous snug, they’re heat, and so they can deal with a wet day.
In my thoughts, my Mizzles are my go-to weekend footwear. I really like throwing them on and heading out to discover the town. Furthermore, I work in an informal surroundings, so I’ve additionally worn these to work and gotten compliments from coworkers.
And how 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 snug, useful, and really light-weight.
The Runner Mizzles are $115 and the Runner-Up Mizzles are $135 so these definitely aren’t low cost. I do assume they’re a top quality product however I might perceive if some folks discovered these a little bit too costly for his or her tastes.
James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the creator of the guide “The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide To Europe On A Budget”. He’s been running a blog about price range journey in Europe since 2010.
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