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There’s no denying Allbirds has become extremely popular. The company, which touts its sneakers and slip-ons as “the world’s most comfortable shoes,” has a reported valuation of $1.4 billion dollars after starting business in 2016. It’s made fans of everyone from A-list celebrities to Silicone Valley tech workers.
The label now offers a total of nine styles for men and women: Runners, Runner-ups, Dashers (all three of which are available in water-resistant styles called Mizzles), Loungers, Skippers, Toppers, Breezers and most recently, the Piper, the brand’s take on a classic cup sole shoe. Silhouettes range from lifestyle sneakers and running shoes to ballet flats and slippers. The original Wool Runners also come in children’s sizes.
Every style is designed to mold to the shape of the foot and includes eco-friendly components, like recycled plastic water bottles and the brand’s proprietary sugarcane-based foam. The insoles are made of castor bean oil and blended with New Zealand superfine merino wool that’s biodegradable. What’s more, the wool is soft, temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking, meaning you can wear the pairs without socks and not have to worry about a swampy, smelly mess as a result.
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Alongside the merino wool finish, the styles can be purchased with a breezier eucalyptus tree fiber upper. According to the brand, this tree fiber material has been sourced from FSC Certified forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits to communities. The company also states that the material uses 95% less water than traditional footwear materials like cotton and cuts Allbirds’ carbon footprint in half.
And the brand hasn’t stopped there in its efforts to pave the way for a greener future. Allbirds announced last May that it will be partnering with Adidas to create the lowest possible carbon emissions recorded for a sport performance shoe. It’s also expanded beyond footwear into a range of sustainably made apparel and accessory styles, including face masks, socks and underwear for men and women.
On top of all that, the brand’s footwear offerings are machine washable and wallet-friendly. Adult styles retail between $95 and $115, a fairly low price given the brand is direct to consumer.
Truly understanding the greatness of Allbirds shoes, however, requires testing a pair for yourself. To help make your shopping a little easier, we’ve compiled some of the most highly rated styles for men and women on the brand’s website. Discover them all below and choose your favorite.
Wool Runners
With a 4.8-star average rating and over 489 reviews, the brand’s first-ever silhouette is by far its most popular. The sneaker silhouette features merino wool from the inside out for 24-hour comfort. Underfoot, it boasts the label’s bouncy SweetFoam midsoles made of sugarcane. It comes in six classic colors, as well as 15 limited edition colorways for men and 13 limited edition colorways for women to suit many tastes.
What reviewers say: “I have been wanting wool runners for almost and year and finally landed a pair. The white is perfect, as it easily pairs with almost everything, and because they are machine washable I don’t have to worry about dirt!! They aren’t itchy or too hot, as I feared. I would 100% recommend these shoes if you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable, durable and versatile sneaker.
Men’s Wool Runners, $95; Allbirds.com.
Women’s Wool Runners, $95; Allbirds.com.
Tree Runners
Also one of the early styles to debut in the brand’s lineup, the Tree Runner is essentially the Wool Runner’s summer-ready twin. It comes with an airy eucalyptus tree upper to help keep feet cool and features the brand’s SweetFoam midsoles for superior comfort.
What reviewers say: “I’ve been dealing with a plantar fasciitis-type issue for several months, finding shoes and/or insoles I can wear all day while on my feet has been difficult. After day two, these shoes made my feet feel supported, no additional insoles required! They’re light and very breathable — everything I’ve been looking for in a shoe.”
Men’s Tree Runners, $95; Allbirds.com.
Women’s Tree Runners, $95; Allbirds.com.
Wool Runner-up Mizzles
For those who can’t bear to abandon sneakers in wet weather, Allbirds’ Wool Runner-up Mizzles prove you can sport a classic look without enduring damp toes. The water-resistant take on the Wool Runner features a high-top silhouette for extra coverage, thick, reinforced merino wool in the upper for ample heat retention and a non-slip rubber outsole to keep you upright on slippery surfaces. Its water-repellent treatment is also breathable and free of fluorine, a chemical often used in water-repellant formulas that’s known to be harmful to the environment.
Underfoot, you’ll find the brand’s signature castor bean oil insoles and SweetFoam outsoles. The style is topped off with laces made of polyester spun from recycled water bottles.
What reviewers say: “I’ve had my Wool Runners Mizzles now for over a month and got to experience them in colder, wet weather. I wore them through two different rainstorms (where the temperatures were 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit), and my feet stayed warm and dry during both. The shoes resisted water and dried quickly, and my feet never felt cold thanks to the wool. I walked over 10 miles in one day wearing them, and my feet didn’t feel beat up or sore afterward.”
Men’s Wool Runner-up Mizzles, $135; Allbirds.com.
Women’s Wool Runner-up Mizzles, $135; Allbirds.com.
Women’s Tree Breezers
Unlike many flats on the market, this one is designed to be worn all day thanks to plenty of underfoot support. Allbirds’ super lightweight style offers a smooth Tree knit upper and ribbed collar for a secure fit that reduces the chances of blisters. It’s also versatile enough for a range of occasions (you easily pair it with with jeans and a tee or a pencil skirt and blouse) and is one of the brand’s few offerings that comes in half sizes.
What reviewers say: “Every day for the last year or so, I’ve been wearing my Tree Runners for my commute, walking a mile or more in NYC! When I got a new job that required more formal attire, I was so sad to swap out my commute shoes. And then these came out. I now wear them every single day (and don’t even change out of them when I get to the office!).”
Women’s Tree Breezers, $95; Allbirds.com.
Wool Loungers
Wrapped in merino wool, these slip-ons have been described by users as “heavenly” to wear. Combined with the fact they offer a low-profile silhouette, they work well as everyday pairs or house slippers. One reviewer even shared that the model is so wearable, she sported it often throughout her pregnancy.
While its color selection is more limited compared to most of the brand’s other offerings, you can still buy the pair in two classic colors and three limited edition shades that transition well from season to season.
What reviewers say: “I’m pregnant and having trouble getting my shoes tied. These shoes are super comfy and very easy for me to put on. I’m pretty much sporting them all the time. It’s been cold lately where I live, and it’s amazing how warm they are – but my feet don’t get too hot either. I’m really glad I splurged and purchased these.”
Men’s Wool Loungers, $95; Allbirds.com.
Women’s Wool Loungers, $95; Allbirds.com.
Tree Toppers
If you’re in the market for a basic high-top sneaker, you may want to consider this option. Allbirds’ Tree Topper includes the label’s signature breezy tree upper and plush sugarcane midsoles. The style comes in four classic colors and up to 11 limited edition shades, with coordinating laces made of recycled plastic bottles.
What reviewers say: “I’ve been particularly picky about my shoes, but these check all of the boxes for me. The monochromatic pair I bought doesn’t have a white sole, so it doesn’t look dirty after a week. The design is simple with minimalist materials that are recycled, which is a huge bonus. They look great with shorts or pants.”
Men’s Tree Toppers, $115; Allbirds.com.
Women’s Tree Toppers, $115; Allbirds.com.
Tree Skippers
Although considered a boat shoe on the company’s website, this minimalist style isn’t nearly as preppy as the leather moc toe versions you’re probably used to seeing. The silhouette includes a lightweight, flexible upper made of signature eucalyptus tree fibers, well as a low vamp and two-eyelet design for a barely-there look. And it’s super comfortable, too, made with the label’s proprietary foam and S-curve tread for a natural, flexible stride. It’s important to note that due to the shoe’s low-cut fit, some customers suggest ordering a size down to ensure your heel doesn’t slip out of the back of the shoe while you walk.
What reviewers say: “Totally comfortable out of the box, even with my arthritic feet and bunions. They’re good for my southern climates in winter and are warmer than expected but not too hot. Best shoes I’ve had in years.”
Men’s Tree Skippers, $95; Allbirds.com.
Women’s Tree Skippers, $95 Allbirds.com.
Tree Dashers
The brand’s first (and currently only) foray into running shoes, the Tree Dashers current average rating of 4.5 stars on Allbirds.com. To ensure top performance, the pair was tested by over 50 amateur and professional athletes over the course of a year. It’s built for ultimate speed and performance, complete with a unique one-piece tree upper and eyelets embroidered directly into the structure to create a snug, streamlined fit. The silhouette also includes SweetFoam midsoles and a new outsole geometry that combines SweetFoam technology with natural rubber traction pads for pronation control and enhanced stability. Finally, merino wool padding at the heel boosts comfort. They currently come in 17 limited edition colorways for men and 15 limited edition colorways for women.
What reviewers say: “I already put some miles on them and am surprised at the support and responsiveness. Not quite as comfy for walking as the runners, but for running, they compete with even some of the bigger brands. They’re pretty neutral and favor a mid-foot/heel strike. We’ll see how they hold up longer term. (P.S. I’m also really happy about the half size offerings).”
Men’s Tree Dasher, $125; Allbirds.com.
Women’s Tree Dasher, $125; Allbirds.com.
