By now, you’ve probably heard of Allbirds. The tech-adjacent sneaker company launched in 2016 following a successful Kickstarter campaign, and after an early viral invasion of Silicon Valley, they spread nationwide, and now have stores in global cities like New York, London, and Chicago. You may remember the internet uproar in February when Barack Obama wore the wooly tennis shoes to a college basketball game, or read about the brand’s receipt of an undisclosed investment from Leo. (You know: Leo.) But all of the hype seems to be well-founded — not only do the shoes feel like “walking on clouds,” according to one reviewer, they’re also made from a host of eco-friendly materials rarely found in footwear, like moisture-wicking merino wool, Tencel, and sugarcane. Allbirds is also a certified B corp, which means they’ve received a third-party designation acknowledging a high level of commitment to social good. (Did we mention that they shoes are machine-washable?)
Knowing all of this, and after reading many customer accounts of their near-otherworldly comfort and breathability, we’re ready to hop on the bandwagon. Plus, we’re about to enter walking and sweating season, so summer seems like a better time than ever to pull the trigger on a pair or two. But since almost every style on their website has near-flawless ratings and effusive customer praise, the purchasing decision is turning out to be a tough one. Do we want a lightweight slipper for wearing around the house for running errands, or the brand’s classic breathable wool running shoe for low-impact exercise? To answer this question, we decided to go deep. We boned up on all of the product information and combed all the reviews to determine the pros and cons of every Allbirds style, so that we can all make an informed decision about which of the tech-y kicks to add to our summer rotations.
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Wool Runners
Our Analysis:
Allbirds launched with the Runner in 2016. The most athletically styled of all the … birds, they have a larger arch and heel-to-toe drop, and are best for low-impact exercise, like short jogs or easy hiking. The wool version — while it seems breathable enough to wear year-round — is better suited for cooler times of year.
What The Reviewers Are Saying:
“I purchased Allbirds wool runners in time for an upcoming trip with no break in time. I tromped all over London and the Cotswolds, 14 miles a day with not a single blister or foot pain. These shoes walked me through mud, rainy wet grass , and all kinds of tube/underground dirt. When we got home I threw them in the washer and they came out perfectly clean and bright. These shoes really live up to the price and hype!” — Holly L.
Allbirds Women’s Wool Runners, $, available at Allbirds
Wool Loungers
Our Analysis:
New Zealand famously has more sheep than people, and the country specializes in the export of merino wool, a super-fine material that’s “breathable, temperature-regulating, and moisture-wicking,” according to the brand’s wesbite, “all without that irritating scratchiness.” Customers attest to this on Allbirds’ website, professing their devotion to the material and tallying many pairs they’ve accumulated (for themselves and others). The Lounge style can go from outdoors to indoors, and even into bed, according to one customer.
What The Reviewers Are Saying:
“This is my 4th pair of Allbirds in about a year. I was skeptical at first bc I have wide feet, but they stretch like a glove and fit beautifully. I love both styles of the wool shoes. (I’ve even slept in them when my feet were chilly.) I also bought the wool runners for my husband, and my daughter-in-law and they love them too. My Allbirds have now traveled the country with me and Western Europe as well. LOVE these shoes.” — Vicki H.
Allbirds Women’s Wool Loungers, $, available at Allbirds
Tree Runners
Our Analysis:
A summer-weight revision of the brand’s classic Runner, these sneaks are a lighter-weight alternative to the more insulating wool. (The “tree” fabric also uses 95% less water than cotton, and Allbirds sources their eucalyptus-fiber Tencel from a South African provider that relies on rainfall, not irrigation.) We recommend these for height-of-summer outdoor activity to keep your tootsies as cool as possible.
What The Reviewers Are Saying:
“Brought on vacation at Disney with friends and walked several miles the couple of days we were there and they were excellent. No break in period and just perfection. Great for daily use as well. I have gotten so many compliments! Great brand mission too!” — Taylor H.
Allbirds Women’s Tree Runners, $, available at Allbirds
Tree Toppers
Our Analysis:
Allbirds’ nod to the classic high-top style, the Tree Toppers are for those who like the look of a retro basketball shoe. These are also available in lightweight Tencel, making them a hip and comfortable option for summer.
What The Reviewers Are Saying:
“I bought these because I needed new shoes that looked cool but could also handle my walking commute. I ended up taking them with me to Coachella this year (50,000 steps in one weekend), and they were perfect. They protected my feet and were comfortable all weekend. I went home, washed them, and they’re good as new. I’m very happy with my purchase.” — Katy C.
Allbirds Women’s Tree Toppers, $, available at Allbirds
Tree Loungers
Our Analysis:
This slip-on style is the lowest-commitment of all the super-comfy Allbirds offerings, requiring very little from the wearer other than the ability to slide a foot in and out of them. While the shoe itself is made from eucalyptus fiber, it’s still lined with the brand’s signature merino wool, for maximum softness and odor reduction. We recommend this option for the lowest-impact, inside-to-outside wear.
What The Reviewers Are Saying:
“I am preparing for a double hip replacement and I bought these (slip on) shoes to wear post operatively. I LOVE them. There is no ‘breaking in’ period. They feel as though they were made for my feet. I look forward to purchasing more, in other styles.” — Heather B.
Allbirds Women’s Tree Loungers, $, available at Allbirds
Tree Skippers
Our Analysis:
A feminine, minimal low-top for fans of the vintage “ladies” sneaker. Rendered from the same lightweight, breathable eucalyptus tree fiber as the other styles in the “tree” family, the main distinction here is stylistic — if you’re looking for a summery little sneaker that going to look amazing with slightly cropped pants or rolled jeans, the Skippers are a good choice.
What The Reviewers Are Saying:
“Believe it. I’ll be wearing these all summer. I have hot, sweaty feet and the tree skippers keep them cool and aired out. I love the stretch and that they do not pinch or rub anywhere. The merino wool lining is soft, yet supportive enough. Best of all, I do not need socks! This will be the only shoes you need to pack this summer. Too bad the red is now sold out because I want another pair.” — Jocelyn V.
Allbirds Women’s Tree Skippers, $, available at Allbirds
Tree Breezers
Our Analysis:
Welp, the brand’s Tree Breezers were so popular that they completely sold out, so you gotta sign up for that waiting list if you’re looking to cop a pair. Clearly, Allbirds’ attempt to apply their signature eco-friendly, hyper-comfy construction to a more work-friendly shoe was a little too successful, as the eucalyptus-fiber style sold out in about five days.
What The Reviewers Are Saying:
“I LOVE these shoes. Every day for the last year or so I’ve been wearing my tree runner allbirds to commute – walking a mile+ in NYC! When I got a new job that required more formal attire, I was so sad to change 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!). I love them and tell everyone I love them. Thank you, thank you.” — Sarah W.
Allbirds Tree Breezers, $, available at Allbirds
Tree Dashers
Our Analysis:
Allbirds’ take on the running shoe is exceptionally lightweight, yet offers excellent support, stability, and comfort thanks to the sugarcane-based foam sole. During quarantine, we tested it during socially-distanced walks and by doing a variety of at-home cardio workouts like jacks, high kicks, and more.
What The Reviewers Are Saying:
“Initially, I wasn’t sure about ordering shoes online—as a former dancer, I need to try shoes on to be sure they are wide enough in the toe box. I tried on a pair belonging to a friend, and used that as a guide for fit. These shoes are not only for running, they are lightweight and comfortable as well. I can wear them all day, which is no small feat!” — Elizabeth C.
Allbirds Women’s Tree Dashers in Geyser, $, available at Allbirds
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