Allbirds Review: If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s the importance of comfortable shoes. It’s especially crucial for me because I do a lot of walking and standing in my work as a teacher, plus I must have comfy shoes when I travel. But often the most comfortable shoes are not the best to look at, and they’re made of synthetic materials that don’t break down when they inevitably end up in a landfill…
Last winter while planning for our trip to Europe, I knew I needed to find the most comfortable shoes possible to handle all that walking. Fortunately, I finally found Allbirds, which are both sustainable and super comfortable. Here’s why my Allbirds are the most comfortable shoes I own:
I have two pairs: the Allbirds Wool Runners in natural gray and Allbirds Tree Dashers in diablo (orange). I love both but would recommend the Tree Dashers if I had to choose just one.
They have lots of color options including limited editions with colorful laces. And Allbirds also has sustainably-made clothing! Their eucalyptus & wool socks are soft and beautiful.
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Allbirds Tree Dashers Review
These athletic shoes are a great choice for walking, running, or traveling. They’re extremely comfortable, sturdy, and really cute, too. Not clunky at all. And like all Allbirds shoes, they’re machine washable.
I love how the sole has a slightly geometric look to it, making them look more contemporary– even my very picky teenage son thought they looked cool! The orange color pops in the best way, and they even look good with jeans or trousers (they’re not just for exercising!).
Just after receiving these shoes, I took them on a trip and unfortunately left them at a family member’s house (that’s why I don’t have photos of me wearing them). I can’t wait to get them back!
Read more: Sustainable Clothing Reviews
The material:
Like all Allbirds, the Tree Dashers feel great on my feet because the upper is soft and breathable and the sole feels light as air. They’re made of natural, sustainable materials including breathable and soft TENCEL (made from eucalyptus) and recycled plastic water bottles for the laces.
I prefer this style over the Wool Runners because these feel more substantial, meaning that they won’t stretch out. The material seems like it is flexible for comfort but will hold its shape and support over time.
The fit:
These shoes fit true to size. I have a bunion and therefore need shoes that aren’t too narrow and don’t pinch. These feel like a dream.
Another plus is that they’re seamless — that means that the upper is one piece, so there’s no tongue and no seams, which makes them even more comfortable.
Allbirds Wool Runners Review
The material:
Wearing these shoes feels like wearing a cozy sweater on your feet! Instead of going straight for cheaper synthetic materials, the founders decided to look to Mother Nature for sources. The result is a high-quality shoe made of natural materials.
Allbirds Wool Runners are made of superfine merino wool, which is breathable and soft (not thick and itchy like some wool can be), so I can even wear them without socks. The wool provides a little extra warmth in winter, which I love because I tend to run cold, but also helps your feet stay cool in the summer. And it’s machine washable! Find out more about the material here.
The soles are super lightweight and have some kind of fancy weight distribution technology. All I know is that I feel like I’m walking on clouds all the time.
The fit:
The top and sides of the shoe are soft and therefore flexible, so there’s no need to worry about pinching. They run in whole sizes, so if you’re a half size like me, just order the next size up. I normally wear a 7.5 and the 8 fits perfectly. There’s plenty of room for socks — I use no-show socks but a thicker pair would be okay, too.
Because the shoes are so soft and flexible, and the soles are supportive, I can walk in them all day long and not feel a thing. While in Italy and Portugal last winter, I walked miles and miles every day and my feet felt great!
My only complaint is that the material is so soft that it stretched out a bit over time. I’m hoping that a wash and dry will help.
Read more: How to pack carry-on only for Europe with kids
Allbirds & Sustainability
The Tree Dashers and Wool Runners are carbon neutral! The natural fibers mentioned above are sustainable not only because they naturally break down but also because it uses 60% less energy to produce than synthetic materials. The laces are made of recycled plastic bottles, the shoes are sent in boxes made of 90% recycled cardboard (never in plastic mailers), and the company is a certified B Corp, meaning that they consider their impact on the environment at every step.
I love supporting a brand that makes a difference and takes sustainability seriously! Learn about their sustainability practices here.
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Allbirds Return Policy & more
Allbirds gives you a 30-day trial period with a no-questions-asked return policy. In fact, they encourage you to wear them outdoors while trying them out! I bought them with that policy in mind, but it took me just one wear to know that these would be the shoes I’d wear while traveling. If you do decide to return the shoes, they distribute them to people in need through Soles4Souls.
Allbirds also has sustainably-made clothing! Their eucalyptus & wool socks are soft and beautiful.
Have you tried Allbirds? What are the most comfortable shoe you own?
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