Allbirds Makes Shoes Out Of Wool, Eucalyptus, And Sugarcane
Allbirds is a sustainable shoe brand that is talked about so much everywhere. What amazes me the most is that it is one of the first shoe brands that has gotten so popular because of its focus on sustainable materials in its shoe and being fully transparent about it. Traditionally, shoes are made of synthetic materials and lots and lots of plastic. It’s really damaging to the planet. Whether you’re buying Allbirds shoes for their sustainability factor, their amazing style, or just to look cool – just know that you’re supporting a brand that is doing good things for the environment.
This review article is a guide that will walk you through every single Allbirds shoe and by the end of this guide, you should absolutely know which Allbirds to get. But if you’re still a little unsure, I’ve made a quiz for you to take at the very end that will decide for you!
Common Questions
1. How comfortable are Allbirds shoes?
Very comfortable. Some of the most comfortable shoes out there. If you take a look at the reviews on the site, more than half of the comments are raving about how comfortable these shoes are. One reviewer even said, “Wish my bedroom slippers were this comfortable!” It’s signature SweetFoam shoe sole invention is so durable yet comfortable for your feet.
2. Do I need to wear socks?
You can certainly wear socks with Allbirds if that’s what you prefer more. But Allbirds shoes are made in a way that doesn’t necessarily need you to. The shoes won’t cause any irritation and also won’t smell without socks. Their wool shoes don’t absorb odor like most shoes made with synthetic fibers. Its entire line of shoes made from trees has a breathable mesh that doesn’t trap odor.
If you’re more of a socks person, Allbirds sells socks that go perfectly with their shoes so you can ensure that your socks don’t smell as well.
3. How do I wash my Allbirds?
Washing your Allbirds is really simple. All you need to do is remove the insoles, laces, and brush off any excess dirt. Allbirds recommends placing the shoes in a linen bag and machine washing it in cold water. However, don’t put your Allbirds shoes into the dryer but rather let them air dry. That’s because heat can cause more wear and tear as well as shrinkage.
4. On what occasions can I wear my Allbirds?
They’re great for walking – running errands, going on morning walks outside, traveling, and for everyday use. The best ones made just for walking are the wool runner mizzles or tree runners. However, these styles aren’t the best for high-impact activities. For a performance shoe, go for the Tree Dashers. The flats and slip-ons are not as great for walking long distances but are still super comfortable to wear all day long.
5. How eco-friendly are Allbirds?
Very, very eco-friendly. Although no product is entirely sustainable because there will be waste involved, the materials and the process of making Allbirds shoes are far more gentle on the environment than shoes made with synthetic fibers.
Allbirds shoes use the highest-quality merino wool from New Zealand. The wool is biodegradable and can be recycled. The process of turning wool into yarn uses 60% less energy than materials used in typical synthetic shoes. Allbirds also uses tree fibers called lyocell from South Africa. These South African farms rely on rainfall and not irrigation to grow their trees. This cuts down a lot less water usage. Additionally, the shoe soles are made with sugarcane from Brazil which also uses rainwater. Another material that Allbirds uses is a fabric they call Trino, which is a combination of eucalyptus tree fibers and merino wool. Other sustainable materials Allbirds uses are recycled nylon and recycled water bottles.
6. Are Allbirds worth it?
I’ll be blunt and tell you that Allbirds shoes aren’t the cheapest shoe that’s out there. But if you really value comfort, durability, style, and sustainability, then it will be well worth the price. It’s a shoe that can actually last for years and will surely get you compliments on the street.
7. What Allbirds shoe should I get?
Good question! I’ll answer that below.
The Original: Wool Runners
Highlights:
- Made with ZQ Merino Wool
- Machine Washable
- Wool minimizes odor
- Super soft and cozy
Best for: Great for casual walking, keeping your feet warm, or just for repping the original Allbirds shoe.
Not great for: Running or any other high-impact activities because of the lack of support of a running shoe like the Tree Dashers.
Price: $95
Waterproof Original: Wool Runner Mizzles
Highlights:
- Similar To Wool Runners, but is sturdier
- Water-repellent
- Thicker wool to keep you warm
- No-slip rubber grip
- Machine Washable
- Wool minimizes odor
Best for: Exercise walking, light running, and keeping warm. Compared to the original wool runners, this one has a thicker wool fabric, a better grip, and is water-repellent. Since this shoe is waterproof, it’s perfect for wearing outside in the rain.
Not great for: High-impact activities because of the lack of support of a running shoe like the Tree Dashers.
Price: $115
Flat Sole: Wool Pipers
Highlights:
- Made with ZQ Merino Wool
- Feels soft and cozy
- Minimizes odor
- Machine Washable
Best for: If you’re looking for a sustainable and cozier alternative to Adidas Stan Smith shoes, you’ll love this shoe. It’s a great casual shoe for everyday wear.
Not great for: High-intensity activities like running.
Price: $95
High-Top Shoe: Wool Runner-up Mizzles
Highlights:
- Water-repellent
- Thicker wool to keep you warm
- No-slip rubber grip
- Machine Washable
- Wool minimizes odor
Best for: If you like chunky shoes, you’ll love this. It goes up to about ankle length. Since this shoe is waterproof, it’s perfect for wearing outside in the rain.
Not great for: Running, because it doesn’t have as much support as the Allbirds Tree Dashers.
Price: $135
Light Running: Tree Runners
Highlights:
- Made with eucalyptus tree
- Very lightweight and breathable
- Machine washable
- Mesh minimizes odor
Best for: Great for walking or light running. If you don’t prefer the wool texture, this one is your pick. This one is like the alternative to the wool runners.
Not great for: Intense running, leave that for the Tree Dashers.
Price: $95
Perfect For Running: Tree Dashers
Highlights:
- Made with durable tree material
- Has a dual-density sugarcane midsole
- Designed for maximum energy return (aka great for running and high-impact exercises)
- Machine washable
- Minimal odor
Best for: Running and other high-impact exercises like biking, dancing, tennis, and other cardio.
Not great for: Not as lightweight as the Tree Runners.
Price: $125
Casual Everyday (wool): Wool Loungers
Highlights:
- Easy to slip on
- Feels very warm and cozy
- Made with ZQ Merino Wool
- Machine washable
- Wool minimizes odor
Best for: If you’re into the Vans slip-on style but want a sustainable and cozier alternative, this one is for you. Great shoe for casual everyday wear in the cold or in warm weather because of the versatility of the wool.
Not great for: High-impact exercises because of the lack of support and it will slip off easily.
Price: $95
Casual Everyday (tree fiber): Tree Loungers
Highlights:
- Easy to slip on
- Made with Eucalyptus tree
- Machine washable
- Mesh minimizes odor
Best for: Like the wool loungers, this is a great sustainable alternative to the Vans slip-ons. This one is ideal for warmer days because your feet may feel a bit chilly if you wear it in the cold (especially without socks).
Not great for: Wearing in the cold (unless you like the breeze), running, and doing high-intensity exercises because it will slip off easily.
Price: $95
For Formal Wear: Tree Breezers
Highlights:
- Made with Eucalyptus tree
- Ribbed collar to fit better
- Silky-smooth material
- Machine washable
- Mesh minimizes odor
Best for: These flats are great for wearing in a business casual or even business professional outfit. You can also style these with a casual outfit if that’s more your style.
Not great for: Running or high-intensity exercises. It will definitely come off your feet.
Price: $95
Casual Everyday (with laces): Tree Skippers
Highlights:
- Made with Eucalyptus tree
- Machine washable
- Mesh minimizes odor
Best for: If you like the Keds shoes, you’ll love this style. The only difference is that these do not have laces so it’s perfect to slip-on. This shoe is ideal for warmer weather because your feet may feel chilly when worn during the cold (especially with no socks on).
Not great for: Wearing in the cold (unless you like the breeze), running, and doing high-intensity exercises.
Price: $95
– Quiz –
For more sustainable running shoe guides, check out these posts!
