We first heard of Allbirds footwear again in 2016 when our buddy from New Zealand was carrying them. She claimed these footwear (which have been constructed from New Zealand merino wool) have been tremendous snug — they definitely seemed snug. Then a couple of months later we began seeing them throughout New York Metropolis so we have been pumped when Allbirds requested if we needed to examine them out for ourselves since they seemed like a fantastic shoe for journey.
I’ve had my Allbirds Wool Runners for about 12 months — we’ve spent a very good quantity of time pounding the pavement with these footwear so we needed to do our personal Allbirds Evaluate.
UPDATE: This put up was initially posted in October 2018 so I’ve had slightly extra time with my Allbirds Wool Runners. I discovered they did a pleasant job conserving my toes heat throughout the NYC winters (however we didn’t put on them within the snow/rain/winter muck).
Naturally, they’re displaying slightly extra indicators of damage and tear however nothing out of the abnormal. I’ve learn reviews from different Allbirds wearers who stated their footwear lasted round 8-10 months of average use and I’m seeing comparable outcomes.
UPDATE 2: Now that the climate is getting slightly nicer, I’ve examined the Allbirds Tree Runners (learn my Allbirds Tree Runners evaluation).
UPDATE 3: Allbirds just lately launched their waterproof Allbirds Mizzle line of Runners, Runner-Ups, and Dashers. I’m carrying them as we converse and I’ll write up a evaluation as soon as I put a couple of extra miles on them.
UPDATE 4: Allbirds simply launched their new Tree Dasher working shoe. Learn my Allbirds Tree Dasher Evaluate to listen to my ideas.
UPDATE 5: I’ve examined the Wool Pipers. Learn my Allbirds Wool Pipers Evaluate to her what I feel.
UPDATE 6: I’ve completed testing the brand new Allbirds Tree Pipers. Learn my Allbirds Tree Pipers evaluation.
UPDATE 7: Allbirds just lately began making attire constructed from wool and different recycled cloth. I’ve tried the Pure Run Tee and Pure 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 evaluation.
UPDATE 9: Allbirds simply launched their Tree Flyer—which is trying to be a legit working shoe. I’m at the moment testing them and I’m actually liking them after about 6 weeks of use.
As you’ll be able to see, Allbirds now has a number of totally different footwear so I created an Allbirds Comparision Information the place I check most of their footwear and a few attire.
Fast 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 constructed from merino wool and different sustainable/recycled supplies.
They went the direct-to-consumer route (though they do have a couple of bodily areas now) and all their footwear promote for $95 through the Allbirds Web site (free transport and returns). Folks 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 a giant concentrate on sustainability — their soles are constructed from sugarcane and their laces are constructed from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester.
My Allbirds Evaluate
I’m all the time raving out wool relating to journey clothes however I’ve by no means thought of wool for footwear. So once I noticed the Wool Runners we have been intrigued — particularly since Allbirds claims their wool is delicate, moisture-wicking, and reduces odor.
And as you’ll be able to see from the chart above, Allbirds makes plenty of claims about their footwear so we needed to check them for ourselves.
In-Retailer Expertise
I really ordered my Allbirds footwear on-line however I nonetheless headed to their NYC location on SoHo to test it out.
First-Put on Ideas
The superfine merino wool was instantly delicate and cozy — the shoe could be very slipper-like. The froth 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 measurement 9 is 17oz. They’re nice for journey as a result of you’ll be able to simply throw these into your baggage with out including hardly any bulk/weight.
Allbirds says you’ll be able to 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 a very good 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 carrying them with out socks on longer walks. Going sockless is okay for working to the shop or bumming round, however I discover the consolation goes down with prolonged put on.
Appears to be like
I’m actually digging the look of the Wool Runners. They’re a pleasant mix of style, athletic, and informal. And so they’re opening a retailer in Europe so I’m certain you’ll begin seeing them throughout Europe very quickly.
I selected the Pure Black with Black Sole. In addition they have an ever-changing number of restricted version colours. If I have been to do it once more, I most likely wouldn’t get the all black as I feel having some distinction between the sole and the higher a part of the shoe can be good — however that’s simply private choice.
I additionally like how there isn’t any actual branding on the footwear so it retains with the minimalist look.
Consolation & Sizing
After a couple of months of carrying my Wool Runners across the streets of NYC, I nonetheless discover my Wool Runners to be completely snug. The soles have plenty of cushion and bounce. The insoles + sole really presents an honest quantity of arch assist — which is pretty uncommon in different minimalist footwear.
That stated, Allbirds Runners aren’t trainers — though they’re referred to as “Runners”. They’re firmly informal strolling footwear.
If you’d like trainers (or only a bit extra assist), get the Allbirds Dashers.
Moreover, the wool is a lot delicate so Allbirds isn’t exaggerating once they say you’ll be able to put on these with out socks.
One factor I discovered slightly annoying is that Allbirds at the moment solely are available in full sizes (i.e. no half-sizes). Their web site says that their footwear naturally stretch to suit your foot after a couple of wearings. Fortunately, they provide you with 30 days to totally check the footwear and their return course of is tremendous easy.
The one small gripe I’ve is with the tongue. It generally folds onto itself so I have a perform a little adjustment after placing the shoe on. It’s not that large a deal however it’s an annoyance.
I’ve worn my pair for a number of walks (normally 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 commonly 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 feel the Wool Runners have a wonderful weight/measurement to consolation ratio — they’re so gentle which you could simply throw them into your baggage with out including any bulk.
So are they the “World’s Most Snug Footwear”? That is likely to be a little bit of an overstatement. However they’re definitely snug and I take pleasure in carrying them — particularly contemplating how loopy gentle they’re.
Notice: I’ve learn reviews that some girls felt the toe field was slightly tight so that they have been instructed to strive the marginally wider males’s model — fortunately the return/change course of is straightforward.
Heat & Cool Climate Put on
Allbirds says their Wool Runners “keep cool within the warmth and heat within the chilly.” Effectively, on sizzling days my toes nonetheless obtained a bit heat and sweaty so don’t anticipate these to be like air-con on your toes. That stated, I didn’t really feel like these have been an excessive amount of totally different than different sneakers I put on they usually did dry pretty shortly.
Nevertheless, the Allbirds Tree Runners are rather more gentle 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 hold my toes cozy 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 shortly for those who get caught within the rain.
Odor and Washing
Allbirds are definitely delicate 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 occasions with out socks and have but to expertise any noticeable foot odor. Good!
I nonetheless advocate carrying socks for those who’re going to put on yours all day lengthy as a result of they may most likely ultimately begin to scent from prolonged barefoot put on.
That stated, you’ll be able to 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 few 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.
Sturdiness
Earlier than I obtained my Allbirds I learn some reviews that the Wool Runners’ toebox had an inclination to stretch out over time. I solely observed very minimal stretching — so I did some analysis and it seems that Allbirds made a couple of enhancements in 2017 to bolster the toe lining and tongue (additionally they improved the insole and made the only extra versatile).
My Wool Runners are nonetheless holding up fairly effectively after a couple of months of sunshine to medium use. I sometimes put on them across the neighborhood, to the espresso store/retailer, and once I take Henry for his walks. I’ve achieved a handful of multi-mile journeys with them they usually’re nonetheless holding up effectively. 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 arduous (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 actually the identical outcomes as I get with my Nike or New Stability 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 every so often. Additionally, some folks additionally reported that their footwear had a little bit of extra clear glue the place the only attaches to the higher.
Remaining Ideas
After spending a strong period of time carrying Allbirds Wool Runners we will see why Allbirds has develop into 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 carrying across the neighborhood, working 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 just about no house.
Are you touring quickly? Try our different favourite journey footwear for extra footwear suggestions.
Extra Allbirds Choices
In late 2019 Allbirds launched their Mizzles — which are available in 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 like their fashion, and to date they’ve achieved effectively in gentle rain.
Learn my Allbirds Mizzles Evaluate right here.
Extra Journey Gear Recommendation
We’re all the time on the hunt for the most effective journey gear. Check out these standard articles that will help you plan your travels.
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