Allbirds’ Wool Runners are the shoes that put the company on the map. Allbirds/FacebookWhen you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.
Allbirds is one of the direct-to-consumer market’s most visible success stories. Founded by New Zealand-native Tim Brown and San Francisco-based engineer and renewables expert Joey Zwillinger, the startup prides itself on being an eco-conscious brand. Its original Wool Runners put the company on the map, but it now has over a dozen styles — from water resistant sneakers to ballet flats.
Since 2016, Insider Reviews has been reviewing nearly everything it makes, from their athleisure collections to their performance-oriented sneakers. Overall, its offerings are breathable, lightweight, low-maintenance, and unapologetically comfortable, but there are some noteworthy nuances to each item. Below, you can view the full range of Allbirds footwear and apparel, plus firsthand insight on what to expect from each style.
Allbirds PacersAllbirdsInspired by classic tennis and court sneakers, the Pacers are Allbirds’ latest lifestyle sneakers. The design includes traditional cut and sewn panels with curved design lines and thick, well-cushioned midsoles. If you’re looking for a new pair of comfortable Allbirds, but want a design that veers away from the look of the original Wool Runners, this is an excellent choice.
The Pacers are available in two materials — Canvas ($89) and a limited-edition 100% recycled vegan Plant Leather ($135). Read our full review of the Allbirds Pacers here. Allbirds RisersAllbirdsThe Risers ($135) arrived as a welcome addition to Allbirds’ vintage-inspired lifestyle collection.
The Allbirds Risers are designed with a retro platform heel, which sets it apart from the contemporary sneakers the brand is known for. These multi material shoes are cut and sewn with Allbirds five key elements: organic cotton canvas, Tencel, Merino wool, Sweetfoam, and natural rubber. Its “Honey Rust” colorway really emphasizes Allbirds’ reference to seventies fashion, yet they fit right into the average modern wardrobe.
And since a big must for Allbirds customers is comfort, the Risers have super cushiony soles, making them the obvious choice for traveling on foot. Read our full review of the Allbirds Risers here. Allbirds SuperLightAllbirdsThe SuperLights (starting at $115) are part of Allbirds growing archive of performance sneakers.
The capsule collection includes the Trainers and a retrofitted Tree Runner, both featuring the lightest midsoles Allbirds has to offer. These shoes give you the feel of floating around the gym floor as if barefoot, thanks to their nitrogen infused foam soles and airy mesh uppers. The SuperLights are the most aerodynamic model of Allbirds sneakers, with their paper thin material that contours with your foot for full flexibility.
Each pair’s low carbon footprint lets you tread lightly— literally and figuratively— due to Allbirds’ innovative blend of plant based materials with recycled polyester and plastic. Read our full review of the Allbirds SuperLight collection here. Allbirds Canvas Pacer MidsAllbirds/InstagramAllbirds expanded on their popular Pacers model with its new hi-top counterpart, the limited edition Canvas Pacer Mids ($120).
The only real distinction from the original is the cushioned ankles. Both are equally lightweight and serve as practical daily lifestyle sneakers. These hi-top sneakers have a silhouette similar to a basketball shoe and come in 3 colorways that style effortlessly with wardrobe staples.
Their canvas construction is solid and durable, aesthetically practical and super comfortable. Read our full review of the Allbirds Canvas Pacer Mids here. Allbirds Tree FlyersAllbirdsAs Allbirds’ first performance running sneaker created for long-distance running, the Tree Flyers ($109) are also Allbirds’ most technical design.
They feature a lightweight and airy upper made from eucalyptus tree fibers and a redesigned midsole using the brand’s new SwiftFoam material. Made from a planet-friendly blend of natural and recycled materials, SwiftFoam is lightweight and bouncy, helping to return energy to the runner and eliminating the repeated harsh impact long-distance runners typically experience. Despite having substantially more cushioning, the Tree Flyers are nearly 1 ounce lighter than the Tree Dasher 2.
Read our full review of the Allbirds Tree Flyers here. Allbirds Trail Runners SWTAllbirdsAs the name suggests, the Trail Runners SWT (starting at $124) are Allbirds’ performance sneakers designed for trail running, hiking, and off-road activities. The design features a durable water-repellent upper, a sock-like fit to keep dirt and debris out, and durable outsoles with 4mm multi-directional treads for traction in all conditions.
Although the Trail Runners SWT are rugged and trail-ready, they’re still impressively lightweight, which makes it comfortable whether you’re using it for its intended purpose or for casual wearing. In comparison to the Tree Dasher 2, the Trail Runners are only 2 ounces heavier. Overall, it’s still much lighter than most dedicated hiking or trail shoes.
Read our full review of the Allbirds Trail Runners SWT here. Adizero x Allbirds Allbirds 2. 94 kg CO2eAllbirdsAdidas and Allbirds first announced a collaborative partnership back in May 2020.
Together, they were able to create a performance running shoe with the lowest carbon footprint of any Adidas or Allbirds sneaker ever made. After two sold-out launches of the original Futurecraft Footprint, Allbirds launched a new limited edition “Semi Turbo” colorway. These are currently out of stock as well.
Now simply being called the Adizero x Allbirds 2. 94 kg CO2e ($120), the sneaker features multi-color Primegreen stitching accents and gum outsoles. Learn more about Adidas and Allbirds’ collaboration here.
Allbirds Wool RunnersAllbirds/FacebookAllbirds’ most famous silhouette is its Wool Runners ($110). They’re comfortable, lightweight, breathable, and decently supportive. You can wear them with or without socks based on your preference (like all Allbirds shoes), but we’ve found that you may want to wash the insole frequently if you decide to repeatedly go sockless in the summer.
It’s great that they’re machine-washable, too, but we’d recommend investing your $110 in a color that will hide some scuffs and dirt (in other words: not white). Many Insider Reviews members have bought multiple Wool Runners, and we frequently gift them to friends and family. But, some team members would claim the company’s Tree Runners are even better.
Read our full review of the Allbirds Wool Runners here. Allbirds Wool PipersAllbirdsOne popular critique amongst unconverted shoppers is that the original Runners aren’t their style. But, it’s hard to take issue with the Wool Pipers — an Allbird-ized version of a classic cup sole sneaker.
The Wool Pipers (starting at $64) are just as comfortable and low-maintenance as other pairs and use Allbirds’ typical sustainable materials (merino wool and SweetFoam soles), but the low tops are far more versatile. For this reason, the Wool Pipers may be our favorite pair yet. In person, they’re comfortable out of the box — though one of us experienced some irritation after a full weekend spent in a brand-new pair.
Over time, we expect them to loosen into a custom-fit like the Runners. Read our full review of the Allbirds Wool Pipers here. Allbirds Wool LoungersAllbirdsThe Wool Loungers (starting at $64) are soft, breathable, and supportive — like a sturdier version of a house slipper.
The body feels like one long, comfortable sock that moves seamlessly when you move, and the sole is sturdy but really lightweight. All in all, we love them for wearing indoors or as regular outdoor shoes. After two years of wear, some of us ended up replacing worn-down insoles with new ones ($15) and noticed the upper has lost some of its shape as it has molded to our feet, but nothing too noticeable.
Read our full review of the Allbirds Wool Loungers here. Allbirds Tree Dasher 2AllbirdsAllbirds first-ever performance shoe, the Tree Dasher (starting at $79), is a welcome surprise for us. It’s a great everyday running shoe, though you may wind up committing to a different men’s or women’s sneaker if you have specific needs or if you prefer a narrower base over stability.
The Dasher leverages all of Allbirds’ sustainable materials into one shoe: merino wool, SweetFoam soles, and a knit upper made from eucalyptus pulp. Its base provides better stability than many neutral pairs we’ve tried, while the knit upper allows the foot to move freely. However, while the knit also facilitates airflow, the Dasher is a smidge hotter than our personal favorite neutral sneakers.
The Dasher’s cushioning is perhaps its best feature. It’s more noticeable than a minimalist running shoe, but it’s not overly bulky or as heavily cushioned as Hoka One One. That combined with a wide platform that gives you solid stability on various terrains, and you’ve got a comfortable and secure ride almost anywhere.
Read our full review of the Allbirds Tree Dasher here. Allbirds Tree BreezersAllbirdsThe Tree Breezers (starting at $89) are, according to our review, “pretty much a dream come true” for lightweight, flexible, breathable flats that you’ll turn to day after day. They’re not as supportive as Allbirds’ sneakers, but they’re more padded than you may expect.
They’ve also aged gracefully thanks to the structure of the Tree fabric, which holds its shape better than the wool styles or other flats we’ve tried. It’s why it’s among our favorite flats. Most of us wear them in summer as well as the fall, but one reporter found them to be too warm for the hotter months.
Out of the box, our testers ranged from feeling a slight rubbing on our ankles on day one (and none after) to zero pain or blisters out of the box on a 20-block walk. We all own more stylish pairs of flats, but we agree that we find ourselves favoring these due to their outsized comfort. Read our full review of the Allbirds Tree Breezers here.
Allbirds Tree RunnersAllbirdsAllbirds’ Tree collection is made from a sustainable, mesh-like textile that’s engineered with eucalyptus pulp, and the shoes are more cooling and breathable than the company’s other offerings as a result. The Tree Runners (starting at $64) are basically a breezier version of the Wool Runners, with a sturdier build that keeps its shape. They’re still incredibly comfortable and low-maintenance.
We rely on them for the weekdays, weekends, and traveling, and many of us prefer the tree material to the wool since it seems to hold up for longer. Read our full review of the Allbirds Tree Runners here. Allbirds Tree SkippersAllbirdsWe loved wearing these shoes.
They Allbirds Tree Skippers (starting at $79) are breathable, cooling, and have enough support for a full day of walking, standing, and dancing at music festivals or trekking around a new city as a tourist on vacation. They’re less restrictive and heat-trapping than sneakers for the summer, and we appreciated that we could tie the laces to keep them on as we run around or kick them off without untying them. Read our full review of the Allbirds Tree Skippers here.
Allbirds Tree ToppersAllbirdsWe also really like Allbirds’ Tree Toppers (originally starting at $74). According to our full review, they have the same “light airiness of the Tree Runners, but [they’re] insulated enough to wear around on a drizzly November day in New York City. ” They’re snug and supportive without being constrictive or bulky, and we didn’t notice any chafing when we wore them without socks.
They’re technically called high-tops, but they’re more accurately described as mid-tops. These were a limited release, but pairs are still available via Allbirds Rerun, the brand’s resale program. Read our full review of the Allbirds Tree Toppers here.
Allbirds Tree LoungersAllbirdsThe Allbirds Tree Loungers (starting at $69) are a breezy version of the Wool Loungers — sturdier and more breathable than your average house slipper. If you’re looking for more warmth, we suggest going with the Wool Runners. If you want more of a cooling material, we suggest the Tree Loungers.
Read our full review of the Allbirds Tree Loungers here. Allbirds Wool Runner MizzlesAllbirdsThe main con of Allbirds is that you’d be out of luck if you stepped in a puddle in a pair of wool shoes. But not with its all-weather Wool Runner Mizzles (starting at $74).
The Mizzles are covered in a water-resistant treatment that deflects raindrops, and the shoes have a reinforced sole that gives your feet a better grip on slippery surfaces. Multiple testers noted that the Mizzles have become their go-to shoes for walking around on days with rainy weather thanks to the cozy merino wool and how lightweight they are in comparison to rain boots. A few testers found the fit to be slightly tight which wasn’t a deal breaker but should be considered for anyone in between sizes or who loves super thick socks.
Read our full review of the Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles here. Allbirds Wool Runner-up MizzlesAllbirdsOur team had mixed responses to this shoe, but we all agree that they’re effective at repelling water. Some testers describe the Wool Runner-up Mizzles (starting at $84) as their go-to footwear for walking around on rainy days, and others found them to be uncomfortable due to the bulky opening rubbing against their ankles.
Some reviewers also found the shoes to be a bit tight in the vamp, throat, and toe cap, though adjusting the laces and breaking them in did create a bit more room. Overall, we think they’re a good shoe that works well, but comfort will be case-by-case for each wearer. Read our full review of the Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles here.
Allbirds Wool Dasher MizzlesAllbirdsThe Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzles (starting at $99) are the same style as the Dasher performance shoe, but made from the brand’s merino wool and finished with a water-repellent finish. In other words, it’s designed to be a breathable, lightweight wool running shoe for all conditions. The brand says the Wool Dasher Mizzles should deliver the same technical functionality that we experienced with its original Dasher, but with the added convenience of being able to splash through puddles without concern.
For added safety in wet conditions, the company also added a reflective logo to the heel for visibility and yarn into the laces for an extra strong hold. Read our full review of the Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzles here. Allbirds Sugar SlidersAllbirds/InstagramAllbirds took notice of how Amazon’s Pillow Slides were creating a name for themselves across social media, and so the brand gathered their resources to produce their own eco-friendly Sugar Sliders (starting at $29).
They’re decidedly more comfortable thanks to their cushiony Allbirds SweetFoam made from sugarcane. The Sugar Sliders are perfect for wearing around the house and will pack neatly in your gym bag. The adjustable strap disrupts its silhouette, but proves useful for those with wide feet in search of a reliable pair of slides.
Read our full review of the Allbirds Sugar Sliders here. Allbirds Sea TeeAllbirdsThe Sea Tee, previously known as the TrinoXO T-shirt, is another blameless classic. It’s just a basic T-shirt, but a very good basic T-shirt.
The material, made partly from discarded snow crab shells, feels breezier, silkier, and stronger than cotton. If you’re only going to buy a few tees and you love something airy with a boxy fit — or you’re able to spend $29 comfortably — then we think you’ll enjoy this T-shirt. Read our full review of the Allbirds Sea Tee here.
Allbirds Long Sleeve Sea TeeAllbirdsThe Long Sleeve Sea Tee, previously known as the TrinoXO Tee is made from Allbirds’ TrinoXO material — a blend of Tencel, merino wool, and chitosan that feels super soft against the skin. After trying it, we found that it’s opaque enough to wear on its own but light enough to layer under jackets. The fit is slim but doesn’t feel restrictive.
Available for $39, it’s since become one of our favorite long-sleeve tees. Read our full review of the Allbirds Long Sleeve Sea Tee here. Read the original article on Insider.
From: insider
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