Review: Are Allbirds Really the World's Most Comfortable Sneaker?
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- čas přidán 23. 07. 2024
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Is Allbirds really the world’s most comfortable sneaker? I wore their flagship Wool Runner for a few weeks to find out.
00:32 The Allbirds brand and aesthetic
01:18 Allbirds wool and
02:14 Allbirds sole
03:15 Allbirds fit & sizing
05:17 Allbirds price
05:58 Allbirds Pros
07:18 Allbirds Cons
If you spend any time on Allbirds’ website you’ll learn that their commitment to sustainability is serious: sustainably sourced wool for the uppers and castor oil for the sole, recycled-plastic-bottle laces, and the company is a certified B Corp (look it up, it’s legit).
This isn’t a shoe for sneakerheads: it’s super minimalistic, simple design. In fact, it’s really just one piece of wool sewn together at the back. But for people who want comfy, squishy shoes (looking at you, sweatpants dads and NYC startup guys…) they’re a perennial favorite.
Plus, they come with a money back guarantee.
Was it weird to wear a sneaker made entirely from wool? Let’s check it out.
MATERIALS
* Merino wool upper
* Sourced from sustainable and ethical farmers
* Lightweight
* Easy to wash
Allbirds proudly advertises that their wool is not itchy and while I’m usually too dainty to wear wool, I had no discomfort wearing these sneakers - even without socks. The whole upper is made from New Zealand Merino wool, which is thinner and softer than regular wool. Plus, because the sheep spend a lot of time outside, the fibers are both temperature regulating and moisture-wicking.
It’s not the strongest wool you can get (which tends to be pretty scratchy) but it is the softest, and Allbirds runs it through a proprietary system which strengthens the material enough to withstand everyday wear without driving you mad with itchy feet.
One note: the minimalist construction means it has next to no volume, and the longer you wear it, the more the shoebox flattens out.
SOLE
* Low density foam outsole
* Made with sustainable castor oil instead of petroleum
* Padded insole to reduce odor and increase moisture wicking
The outsole is a very lightweight rubber and foam polymer. Made with sustainable castor oil, it’s extremely squishy, and lined with a merino wool insole for moisture wicking and odor reduction.
FIT & COMFORT
* Very comfortable
* No half sizes
* Not intended for exercise
* Sole is squishy, not stable
* Noticeable heel-to-toe drop
Fit
The one big bummer is that Allbirds doesn’t have half sizes. Also, these shoes run really small. I’m an 11.5 on a Brannock device and so I ordered a 12, but they’re still a little small. Since the wool stretches and it’s generally soft and comfy this wasn’t a dealbreaker, but my toes hung over the sole a bit and I probably would have been more comfortable in a 13 tied real tight (or, even better, a 12.5). Go large when you order.
Comfort
Is it soft? For sure. Is it squishy? Hell yes. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: these shoes feel more like slippers than sneakers.
The upside is that it feels like you’re getting away with something, like wearing your pjs out of the house. The fact that they’re comfortable enough to wear without socks only adds to the feeling like you should be lounging at home, not walking down the street, in these. All this makes them completely unique in my shoe collection.
The downside of the fact that they’re so thick and squishy is a serious lack of stability. That’s unfortunately how physics works, so don’t be fooled by the name - they’re not for running in, “runner” is just New Zealander for “sneakers.” I nearly rolled my ankle a couple times in these just walking around Brooklyn.
Also worth mentioning - the noticeable heel-to-toe drop, which is most apparent when walking downhill, or after a long wear. It’s not the biggest issue, but notable that you don’t get the same level of mid-foot strapped down support that you might be used to with other sneakers.
PRICE
$95. Both affordable and pretty reasonable, considering the tremendous amount of work behind the scenes to make these sustainably.
CHECK OUT THE COLORS AND PRICE HERE: bit.ly/3aqQdM3
PROS & CONS
Pros
* Super lightweight
* Pillowy, soft sole
* Machine washable
* Wearable without socks
* Not itchy
* Come with a money back guarantee
* Ethically and sustainably sourced
Cons
* No half sizes
* Upper deflates over time.
* Not great water resistance
* Too squishy for working out in
#allbirds #allbirdsreview #sneakerreview - Jak na to + styl
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I think you do a very nice job of pointing out the pros and cons of these sneakers. Your video certainly helps anyone whose considering purchasing a pair of these shoes. As we approach the change in seasons its great info as many viewers may be in the market for a good pair of comfortable lightweight shoes. I like the idea of being able to wear the Allbirds without socks. Can’t find any better grade of wool than from New Zealand sheep. Another interesting and well produced video Nick. Great job!...Ed
Like the addition of the timestamps. Thanks for a great review
Thanks Michael! I gotta come back and fill out that description a bit haha
Awesome to see more reviews then just boots! Great work!
Glad you like it! After this I'm going to try to stick to minimalist white sneakers haha
Great, honest review.
Great review as always. I was thinking while I was walking around a zoo with my kids, I like these shoes because they're minimalist style. I think most buy them because of that and less about the wool or sustainability. These are all great, but I cannot find an alternative minimalist sneakers that are comfy and costs less than $100. I have plenty of minimalist sneakers but they aren't great for long distance walking and most are leather and heavy. Yeah the big sneaker brands have something similar but not quite simple looking as Allbirds. Know any good alternatives?
I have been wearing Olukai for awhile which are supportive and comfortable. However, I will consider a pair of Allbirds for comparison. Great review. Thanks.
Glad you liked it Frank!
Great review thank you.!
Glad someone enjoyed it! haha
Wow first video that is spot on , Oldman sneakers that feel like slip ons , standing and walking with flat feet they r the best !! Buy one size up and no 1/2 sizes suck , great video 👍
Pendleton wool sneakers are very similar in aesthetic and come with a vibram sole. They are about the same price, about 10 dollars more
So glad I came upon this review because I was looking at these for the gym.
oh i'm so glad you found this too! they're too squishy for exercise!
Best shoes I have worn. So far I have got 4 pairs, 2 wool runner, 1 tree runner, and 1 pair of mizzels. My favorite shoes :)
Yeah people really get into these shoes! My brother-in-law has at least ten pairs
lol the music is brilliant at the start
I bought these because of the material maybe a year ago. Theres nothing like natural stuff; leather, wool, fur, cotton etc. it seems like maybe you're in tune with that idea as well. very comprehensive review!
Cool, glad you like em Aaron! They've really divided this comments section haha
Can you review Suav? Been hearing a lot about them recently
Nice shoe indeed. Do these come in wide sizes? I do have a wide foot 🦶
I’ve got arthritis man and essentially the lower on my body I go the worse it is - my toes are something out of a Halloween film 😂😂 finding it EXTREMELY difficult to find comfy shoes - have a pair of free runners on the way. Pretty pumped not gonna lie. I’m assuming for me just for walking around these should be perfect but we’ll see
My buddy actually manages their brick and mortar in the city. I've been meaning to get a pair.
Steven Deonarain I see you Blackbeard
I'm sure you can get a deal on them haha (but use my link instead damn it)
Thanks Nick, great review! I was thinking of getting a pair but now I know not too. These shoes look too flimsy for me and I could see how easy it would be to roll your ankle (which I would do!). Many thanks.
You know I thought this was a positive review, they're comfy you just can't hike in them. But a lot of people are turned of haha well that's what happens when you're honest.
@@Stridewise Hey Nick., your review was fine. I was thinking about buying these but your review helped me make up my mind. They remind me of Nike Free shoes when they first came out. I bought them especially for traveling because they are so light but for all the walking you do on tours they just didn’t hack it. Your review was definitely positive, but like all your reviews you listed potential pros and cons.
Yes they are and for only $100 it’s a steal
I’d love to see a review on actual minimalist, zero drop shoes (Lems even makes a zero drop boot (Boulder Boot))
I did Common Projects and Chuck Taylor, they're pretty minimalist! Going forward my plan is that, when I review sneakers for them to be minimalist. Like I've got koio and the white sneakers from Oliver Cabell and Taft on the schedule
Stridewise excited to see that! But don’t forget the Beckett Simonon Reids! Just picked up two for $90 (normally $150) each on sale and I couldn’t be happier. The most minimal silhouette out there, incredibly comfortable, and really nice quality all around.
@@pmrp12 Ouf thanks for reminding me man, I need to add that to the list. It'll be a year before I'll have done them all with all the other stuff I've got planned haha. I'm trying to focus on bags and chelseas this year with sneakers just here and there
Stridewise makes sense. I’ve got the Thursday Kavalier Chelsea’s and have been enjoying them. Just got them resoled with Dainite in fact.
Have you seen the brand Da Vinci? It is a brand that makes minimalist boots (zero drop, wide toe box, thin sole) in a classic way. They have a 360 degree welt construction, leather sole, etc. I haven't tried a pair, but they seem interesting.
so if I wear a 10.5 in nike, should I get an 11 or a 10 in the allbirds? great video!
Thanks! I think you should go for an 11.
how's odor Management?
I have 8 pairs of allbirds, they are definitely the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn that feel like slippers.
I wear them with diesel denim jogg jeans Wich basically feel like sweats.
I'm basically wearing pajamas without anyone noticing. 😂 It's great!
Hahaha! I know exactly what you mean.
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@Jasper Marshall instablaster :)
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So if you only have $100, what's a better eco-friendly sneaker: All Birds or Nothing New?
I've found that their tree runners are better. The wool shoe didn't have enough support and they tend to deform easily. Love my tree runners! I store them with a shoe tree.
Yeah I'm hearing a lot of stuff about these tree runners. Maybe I'll try them!
Women like them too. I wear socks with mine. I prefer the Tree and Mizzlers Runners as you call them. You can remove the soles and put arch supports in.
I bought 2 pair last June, I washed the one pair twice and 6 months later the pair that was washed have holes in the toes. Yes they were comfortable, but 95 dollars is a lot for a 6 month shoe.
Oh, sorry to hear it!
Everyone is using merino to cater to those who dont like wool. However merino is way way weaker than most other wools (micro diameter plus shorter length fibers) I would strongly prefer something like a mackinaw wool. a woven regular wool, boiled until it stops shrinking, then used as a fabric. However one person might whine that it almost itches.. and instead of saying to wear socks, the mfgrs will just switch to merino and sell it on comfort. Wool is typically stronger than many fibers, but merino is the exception
Ayy. Shout out to New Zealand 🇳🇿
ay bru
I would not have these issues. I wear flat cushionless shoes everywhere. Running in the woods, rock trails, gravel roads, walking on pavement in town. I do it all in mocasin style (just leather sole) or tiretread sandals with a shearling insole. If someone does not like the way allbirds look, theyve never seen my shoes!
I think our feet where not made for extreme cushioning and having the arch supported. It took me years to figure out what my body was saying, but after going to flatter shoes with less arch and heel rise, all my problems went away. However I do not pound my heels when I run, I go more to the front. I no longer have hip knee or back pains. It was the shoes "made for running" that where doing it. Ibstill cant find any studies on footband shoe technology even though all manufacturers claim to be basing this designing stuff on research and not dopamine appeal.
Allbirds could be a good runner for me and my family would be glad to see me wearing something that looks like a regular shoe.
i agree
Their shoes are unbelievable comfortable. That said, the lack of half sizes is honestly annoying. The 10 is too snug, while the 11 is too loose.
SO ANNOYING
i read about these but they seem hipsterish. i mean which sneakers *aren't* comfortable? converse are simple and good, adidas ultraboost are comfy casual. not sure i need more sneakers. good review though!
Thanks! I know sneakers are comfy by nature but these are *squishy* comfy. And they snuggle your feet like a sweater. Can't say that for Chuck Taylors! (Of which I own 5 pairs)
@@Stridewise Ha, yes. No sneaker less comfortable than the Chuck Taylor.... czcams.com/video/31JxuSKBuDw/video.html
What colour are those?
"Natural grey"
It might be good for under 1 hour driving periods 😆
If be interested in how their tree based ones feel on your foot. No doubt this shoe is ethical, but damn if it isn’t ugly
What watch are you wearing here?
This one! amzn.to/373fMmq
@@Stridewise thanks! And good review. I've had my allbirds for a month and enjoying them. Versatile!
Soooo they're basically lace up socks with a crummy rubber sole. Fair description?
That's basically what I was thinking.
Haha the sole's not crummy, it's squishy! I like it. I just wouldn't walk in them all day.
they are like city sock shoes, but shittier
1:54 The laces are made from recycled buttholes? I'm guessing sheep buttholes? The same ones they get the wool from?
yes, sheep buttholes. they're made by recycling sheep buttholes.
@@Stridewise Nice. That's badass. Quite the unique way to utilize all parts of the animal so nothing goes to waste. I've never heard of butthole laces until now. They'd be a good choice for those who tend to be anal about shoelaces. Thanks for the info!
@@closinginonclosure you are welcome
The newer versions all have half sizes, for EU at least
yeah the new workout shoes have half sizes (it'd be unforgivable if they didn't) but the original sneakers don't
Thank you for posting that. My best friend tried some 10s last year, after I got his wife a pair for Christmas. His feet hurt because of the half size too big, and he had to return his. I just want to their website and bought him the size he needs for Christmas this year, and he's going to be thrilled, so again -Thank you.
You know what's more sustainable? A good resole-able loafer or slipper shoe.
I wonder if that's true.
@@Stridewise why wouldn't it be? Less materials needed to produce a whole new shoe and less going to waste.
Thanks! So useful! Everyone leave a like if this helped you....
I like the clean look and you barely see the branding. Beware of imitations. All of a sudden wool shoes popped up in the market.
Ultraboost says hi
Adidas is in the process of releasing shoes fully made of recycled plastics, which can then be recycled and turned into new shoes.
Nice! Nothing New is another super ethical company I want to check out
@@Stridewise I believe that's the same company as Thursday Boots, too
@@BradleyHansonPhotography yeah but i hear they're also doing thursday branded sneakers
You can only recycle plastic a few times before it loses its properties. Its part of the propaganda companies push, like recycling water bottles to make more water bottles.
These were almost the most uncomfortable sneakers for me. Nothing special about my feet either. The sizes are not great. I hardly wear them because they're so painful after an hour.
Really?? I can't imagine that being the case for like, healthy feet. Weird. Well, everyone's different!
Stridewise I have bought 4 pairs over the past 2 years. They are fantastic. Only reason I got 4 is because they dropped the waterproof models this winter and I had to get em.
They look good when new but after you have worn them for a couple of months the upper loses structure and becomes somewhat shapeless , flimsy even. Not good for people who like shoes with shape and structure.
Yes the slipper sneaker becomes more slipper after time, good point
The day someone decide to
Make the same shoe for half the price. Game over.
Dude, put the boots back on to hide those ankles.:) Maybe the l0ng pants also.
What's wrong with my ankles!
Pale. Nothing else I guess. I don't judge men's ankles:)
Lol, don’t give him a complex. You have very normal ankles 😅
Honestly I had a bad experience with these shoes.
My legs would hurt so bad it felt like my feet were not flat on the grown and they were too gummy and squishy, definitely not for the gym either. As soon as I swtched to different shoes it was night and day difference Worst shoes I’ve ever had,
It's for birds
nice
But, are they a real granola company?
YEAH
Obama is involved somehow.
What are thooooseeee ! 😂
it's too hot and it's too expensive
Maybe comfortable, but they don’t look anything special.
No they're not super pretty, they're just cheap, comfy, and eco friendly. It's not a bad trifecta but not everyone has those priorities!
This video is just an excuse for you to wear sneakers for once...
Honestly these aren't sustainable at all, they are made so poorly and without structure that these become trash fairly quickly. While I love wool for shirts, sweaters and workout gear it's not durable for footwear unless it's blended with other fibers. So, while it may be sustainably sourced the product is not sustainable because it is not built to last. More throwaway bs
Alex umm what are you talking about. These shoes last 6 months + with everyday heavy use. These are very sustainable. The only other shoe I have had that lasts long than them are vans, and vans last for years.
@@alexarrowood3070 6 months is awful longevity for a shoe