'They feel like slippers': I tried the cult favourite Allbirds sneakers: Here's my honest review
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Now that spring is finally here, it’s time for me to reignite my love affair with Allbirds. After months of ice and snow, I’m glad I finally get to put away my winter boots and break out my favourite everyday sneakers.
I’ve been working from home for nearly three weeks, and while it suits my introverted personality, the highlight of my day is when I can head outside with my dogs for a long walk. With two high-energy pups, our daily w-a-l-k’s are more like excursions and often exceed five kilometres.
While they’re wiped out afterwards, my feet are in serious pain - unless I’m wearing my Allbirds.
What are they?
In a short period of time, Allbirds has gained a massive and dedicated following for their insanely comfortable and sustainable shoes.
I own several pairs of Allbirds but my favourite are the brand’s Wool Runners, made with real merino wool fibres. These itch-free, super soft sneakers keep your feet warm in cool temperatures and cool in warmer weather. Along with the merino wool upper, the sneakers have insoles with merino fabric that are moisture wicking, odour reducing and ultra comfortable - whether you’re wearing shoes or not.
The Pros
The eco-friendly brand is the perfect go-to for those who not only enjoy nature, but protect it. All of Allbirds shoes are made from sustainable materials such as ethically sourced wool, recycled water bottles, castor bean oil, eucalyptus tree fibres and soles derived from sugar cane.
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In 2019, less than four years after it began, Allbirds became a carbon-neutral company. With the Allbirds Carbon Fund, founders Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger self-imposed a carbon tax, and in 2020 are working towards becoming a carbon-negative company by investing in regenerative agriculture to take carbon out of atmosphere and channel it into plants and soil.
With more than 800 reviews online, Allbirds Wool Runners are the perfect transitional shoe for spring that are not only soft and cozy, they minimize odour - even worn without socks- and are safe to go in the washing machine.
The Cons
The price-point on Allbirds is a little higher than I’m used to spending when it comes to shoes. Prices vary from $135 CAD to $195 CAD for both men and women’s styles, which for some people, can seem a little steep.
However, I justify spending the price because they’re machine washable and I’ve had mine for nearly two years and they look brand new. Just put them in a delicates bag, pop them in the washer on gentle and hang them to dry!
What people are saying
“These are the best walking shoes I have ever had..so comfortable,” one customer wrote. They feel like slippers and socks are not required! Warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather. What more could you ask for?”
“I love these shoes. They’re light, but incredibly supportive. I have high arches and get lower back pain if I don’t wear the right shoes, and I have had no trouble with these,” another added. “They’re great shoes.”
The Verdict
I’ve worn a lot of different sustainable sneakers from varying price points, but even comes close to being as comfortable as Allbirds. As someone with a wide foot, I’ve worn my Allbirds for an entire day of travel and sight-seeing and have never felt as though they were too tight or restricting.
It’s almost become a joke within our office how highly I speak of Allbirds. They’re my go-to recommendation for anyone who spends hours on their feet and wants something that doesn’t look like the typical running shoe or cross-trainer. They go with any style of outfit, including athleisure wear, and will last you for seasons to come.
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Just in time for spring, Allbirds’s Super Bloom collection features their best-selling sneakers and skimmers in stylish new shades.
Allbirds Wool Runners
Available in 18 colours.
SHOP IT: $135 CAD
Scroll down for even more styles from Allbirds!
Tree Breezers
The perfect blend of Allbirds comfort with the sleek style of the classic ballerina flat. Available in 14 colours.
SHOP IT: $135 CAD
Wool Loungers
A laid-back take on the slip-on shoe, perfect for casual strolls around the city.
SHOP IT: $135
Tree Runners
The Tree Runner helps your feet stay cool in the summer months, while delivering the same Allbirds comfort.
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