Are Allbirds Worth The Money
Before I bought them, I was constantly trying to decide whether they were worth the expense. Yes, they are expensive but they also last a very long time. When you consider how often youll wear these shoes, and the number of pairs they might replace, they are good value. Plus, you cant put a price on comfort!
Allbirds Tree Dashers Vs Brooks Ghost
The Brooks Ghost is a super-popular shoe for nurses and doctors. The highlight, arguably, of the Brooks Ghost 13 is its Segmented Crash Pad that stabilizes your stride as you make each step and impact with the ground perfect if youve had joint issues in the past that can be aggravated by a long shift on the hospital floor.
How Allbirds Tree Dashers stack up against Brooks Ghosts:
- Tree Dashers are less expensive than Brooks Ghost 13
- Both are well-reviewed as mid-level running shoes
- Allbirds Tree Dashers are slightly heavier compared to Brooks Ghost 13 a small difference, though, that likely wont mean a lot to you as a nurse or doctor at work.
Learn more about the Brooks Ghosts and their entire roster of shoes for healthcare workers in our 11 best Brooks shoes for nurses.
Top Allbirds Alternatives: My Picks
Allbirds is interesting because its main competitors are a mix of athletic and comfortable/ casual shoe brands. Allbirds main competitors include Adidas and Reebok, but also Clarks and Root Collective. For my picks, I searched for highly-rated brands that satisfy something that is missing from Allbirds line.
Ive also included the closest alternative to Allbirds I could find. All but one of these brands are tied to sustainable sourcing. The one alternative that is not is out of respect for tighter budgets. Like Allbirds, these brands deliver fairly consistent quality, broad selection, and thoughtful construction.
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How To Wash Allbird Shoes
The big question: Can you just toss these in the wash? Surprisingly, yes. Washing your Allbirds is a great way to prevent odor or stains, especially if you wear them a lot and in environments where your feet are exposed to puddles, dirt or other undesirable elements. Allbirds recommends removing the laces and insoles from your shoes, then washing them in cold water with a gentle detergent. However, there is a caveat when it comes to the Wool Runners. The more you wash your shoes, the faster the material starts looking worn out. This is especially true for the lighter shades. Over a couple of months and washes, the Wool Runners in Natural White started to stretch and the color gradually became more dull and less white.
And one more thing: Never put your Allbirds in the dryer! One of our editors accidentally threw his Tree Runners in the dryer, and they came out looking just fine, but there are horror stories of Wool Runners post-dryer being completely ruined.
What Materials Are Used In Allbirds Shoes
Taking inspiration from nature, Allbirds realized that merino wool would be an ideal material for a shoe because it is temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, and no irritation that many associate with wool.
The wool might be the main material used but they also take recycled plastic bottles and use 1 bottle to make the laces for each pair of shoes.
The soles of the shoes are made from sugarcane which adds to that soft yet supportive base that makes it feel like you are walking on a cloud!
Other materials used are castor bean oil, tree fibers including eucalyptus, recycled nylon, and recycled cardboard .
Tip: Later in 2021, they plan to come out with a plant-based leather shoe!
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Allbirds Review: Allbirds Tree Runners Vs Allbirds Wool Runners
My detailed Allbirds review after trying out the Allbirds Wool Runners and Tree Runners. As well as a quick look at every Allbirds shoe style to compare and contrast the right one for you.
Full disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips. I also received one complementary pair of Allbirds shoes and bought a second pair for myself, but all opinions are my own.
When I first saw an Allbirds review on a New York lifestyle blog back in 2015, I was immediately drawn to the look and style of Allbirds sneakers.
Add in the fact that they were touted as the most comfortable shoes in the world and I knew they were at least a shoe brand I wanted to try out in the near future.
Fast forward five years .
I found myself scrolling through the Allbirds website, mouth agape, as I looked at the many styles of shoes the brand now offered.
I had been following the company on and off for the past few years, but I was impressed by how many new styles and colors of Allbirds there were to choose from now.
After perusing the site for a while, I finally got two pairs to try out for myself the Allbirds Wool Runners and the Allbirds Tree Runners.
Due to their stellar return and exchange policy, I was originally planning on trying out both and sending back the one I liked the least.
But I have to be real guys Ive sipped the Allbirds kool-aid and theres no going back.
The Amazing Allbirds Return Policy
I was on the fence about buying Allbirds. I wasnt sure theyd be warm enough for the chilly Melbourne winters or comfortable enough for long days exploring.
But what convinced me to give them a try was the incredible Allbirds return policy. You can return them for free within 30 dayseven if youve worn them outside! I know of no other shoe company that offers what is essentially a free trial.
It was so reassuring to know that if they didnt work out for me, for any reason, I could return them no questions asked.
Spoiler: I did not return my Allbirds.
If you do want to return your Allbirds or exchange them for a different size, its easy to do by attaching the included return label to the box they were sent in.
Allbirds donates the lightly used returned shoes to charity for use by people in need.
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Are Allbirds Wool Pipers Worth It
The price tag may turn away some consumers looking for a cheap shoe, but the fact is that with Allbirds, youre paying for a product that sports a carbon-neutral product.
Allbirds is a certified B Corporation, which is a certification of social and environmental performance, so Allbirds boasts this as being like a nutrition label for your closet.
For many of us, we have no idea which types of effects our product purchases have on the planet, so with Allbirds, theyre pretty transparent about how much carbon offset their production has and they have a list of sustainable practices that is attractive for our generation.
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Is Allbirds The Perfect Travel Shoe
I was a little skeptical about how comfortable they could be and would that comfortable feeling last all day. But the short answer is yes, they are an ideal travel shoe!
Unless you will be laying by the pool or on a beach, you will likely be on your feet and doing a ton of walking when traveling. As with visiting any new city, there tends to be hours and hours of wandering around seeing the sights.
This translates to a lot of steps which is a bonus but at what cost to your feet, calves, or back? It is no fun to get back to your hotel at the end of a very long yet exhilarating day and feel the need to collapse on the bed. Or at the bar
When traveling, having comfortable shoes is the number one priority so that I am able to go longer on my feet. It is a complete win when you find top-notch travel gear that is also sustainable.
Tip: When traveling, weight in a bag or suitcase can be a real burden. Both pairs of the Allbirds shoes that I have are the lightest shoes I have ever worn which is a bonus when traveling!
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Allbirds Trino Socks Review
When we ordered the Allbirds Tree Runners, we decided to try out the Allbirds line of Trino socks which are all made from Trino. Trino is a fabric they created which is a knitted fabric made from merino wool, Tencel lyocell, recycled nylon, and Spandex. They offer the socks in a variety of lengths and fits, from tube socks to no-show socks.
Between us, weve ordered three pairs of Trino socks, all in the Trino Sprinters Low Rise style. I have two pairs and Laurence has one pair that match our Allbirds shoes.
The socks are good quality, look good with the Allbirds shoes, and are made with eco-conscious materials. Like the shoes, you can find out details about what they are made of and their carbon footprint. It is also great that you can find socks that match most of the shoe colors offered by Allbirds which can be hard to find elsewhere.
So neither of us have anything bad to say about the socks so wed recommend considering them if you are interested. However, given the price , we are not sure wed purchase more of them or not as there are a lot of less expensive alternatives. There is currently a deal online where if you buy 5 pairs of socks, you get a 15% discount.
How Many Allbirds Stores Are There
Allbirds is slowly expanding its physical store presence. As of the beginning of 2022, there were just over three dozen stores in total. That total includes stores in North America, Asia, and Europe. In 2021, the two new locations included Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Oakbrook, Illinois. Other US store locations include San Francisco, New York City, New Jersey, Los Angelos, San Diego, Philadelphia, D.C., Minneapolis, Denver, Atlanta, and a few others. .
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Are Allbirds Really Worth It
Yes!!!
I own two pairs of Allbirds, the Wool Runners and the Tree Dashers, and can attest that both are awesome. Neither of them took time to break in and are completely blissful comfort from the get-go.
Of the two pairs, the Wool Runners are a little more comfortable and can seriously be worn all day. They are so cozy that they dont even feel like a pair of shoes!
Although the Tree Dashers are heaven to the feet I will use this pair for going on walks, runs, and any other workouts. The mesh is breathable and better when you plan to sweat a bunch.
Although I cant give personal feedback on the other styles, Im going to assume that all their shoes are just as wonderful. I have a feeling I might be adding to my collection of Allbirds shoes with a pair of the Tree Skippers
I usually wouldnt rave about how wonderful a product is unless it really is. But luckily in this case the product truly is outstanding!
Note: I will update this post as I continue to wear my Allbirds shoes longer and when I buy a new shoe style!
Allbirds Tree Dashers Vs Adidas Cloudfoam
Adidas is best known for its classic indoor soccer shoes, but it also makes a mean running/nursing shoe in the form of the Adidas Cloudfoam.
How Allbirds Tree Dashers stack up against Adidas Cloudfoam:
- Adidas Cloudfoam is significantly more affordable
- More design and color options for Cloudfoam
- Cloudfoam shoes are made with non-recyclable materials
- The Tree Dashers have laces whereas the Cloudfoam are slip-on
Adidas Cloudfoam, while not as highly regarded for its performance as an athletic shoe, is a substantially cheaper and respectable substitute for the Tree Dashers if youre not willing to spring for the extra $60 bucks or so.
Adidas Cloudfoam made our list of the 9 best tennis shoes for nurses.
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Allbirds Review: Wool Runners
The Allbirds Wool Runnersare the OG Allbirds.
This was the first line of Allbirds shoes to take the sustainable sneaker industry by storm.
Materials
ZQ Merino wool, Brazilian sugarcane, castor bean oil, and post-consumer recycled polyester.
Whats Different About the Allbirds Wool Runners?
This is Allbirds signature shoe and what initially set the company apart from other sneakers in the industry when they first came on the scene.
The Wool Runners are known for their flexibility, warmth, and coziness, as well as being a sustainable sneaker made from renewable materials .
The Allbirds Wool Runners are known for being on the warmer size.
Theyre also slightly cozier than the tree styles because the Wool Runners are mostly made from merino wool.
Who Are the Allbirds Wool Runners For?
The Allbirds Wool Runners are a good choice for anyone looking for a solid all-around comfortable daily sneaker thats versatile for a variety of leisure activities or easy walks.
These are good shoes if you need to be on your feet all day, which is why theyre a popular pick for doctors and healthcare workers.
If you live in a temperate to chillier climate or need a warm sneaker for colder days , these are a good pick.
The Allbirds Wool Runners arent the best choice if youre looking for sneakers that are good for hiking or working out since they tend to get warm quickly.
Other Allbirds Wool Runners Reviews
Their Sustainable Construction Doesnt Detract From Their Comfort
Rothys fit true to size, but if you have wide feet or fear toe crowding in the pointed flat style, you should go up half a size. They mold to your foot and are breathable, with slight give so you can still wiggle your toes around in them. Theyre great for summertime wear since they stay slick and dry. Ive been wearing and washing mine for nearly a year and they dont stretch out.
Allbirds recommends going up half a size for its flats, which tend toward a more snug feel. The cushioned insoles are supportive, and the overall feel of the flat is softer and thicker than Rothys. If you plan on being very active, you might like Allbirds flats more because of the aforementioned collar that grasps onto your foot.
Both companies flats are light, really comfortable, and made for all-day wear we wouldnt be writing about them if they werent. Thanks to their unique designs, however, they do feel comfortable in different ways. You can get both Rothys and Allbirds in half sizes .
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Can You Run In Allbirds
You can run in Allbirds Mizzles, but its not really what theyre designed for. Instead, you should probably try the new Allbirds Dashers which are specifically made for running. The tree fibres in the Dashers material is durable and breathable, and the sole is super supportive for great running performance.
Final Buying Recommendation: Vivia Collection
Vivia Collection rounds out my top Allbirds alternatives. This new company was founded just in 2021, but its already making an impression. The brand is focused on sustainable, eco-friendly footwear with fashionable designs. The zero-waste process includes stunning 3D knitted designs.
The reason why this collection is not mentioned with my other four is that its not an athletic brand. This brand includes loafers, boots, flats, sandals, and heels. They do have a sneakers collection that is suited to light walking and daily, lower-impact activities. Their shoes are vegan.
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Let Air Dry For About 12 Hours
Luckily, due to their light weight and airy materials, as with many running shoes, they dry fairly quickly. I live in a relatively dry area without a lot of humidity, so take my experience with a grain of salt, but mine tend to completely dry within a 12-hour time frame a small enough window for a quick wash-and-dry cycle in between shifts.
Allbirds Tree Dashers Review Style & Design
When it comes to Allbirds signature style, minimalism is the name of the game. And, as fate would have it, minimalism is also a standard feature of doctor/nursing fashion perhaps one reason, in addition to their durability and comfort, theyve gained traction among healthcare professionals.
The bottom line on the style and design angle is no gimmicks, no wild designs just sleek shoes suitable for wear in a professional environment.
You can see how Allbirds Tree Dashers stack up against other top shoes for doctors.
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Allbirds Outlet Store: Overview
Location: Currently, there is just one Allbirds Outlet store. This store is located at the San Francisco Premium Outlets in Livermore, California.
Discount: Most of the items in the store are priced at 20-30% off.
What they carry: The outlet stores selection includes collections from current and past seasons. The store carries overstock products as well as older, discontinued styles at a discounted price. They also carry their timeless/classic colors and models at full-price.
Allbirds Outlet Address: SF Premium Outlets, 3228 Livermore Outlets Drive, Suite 675, Livermore, CA 94551
Store Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-7pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-7pm
Phone: 800-3331
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Do Allbirds Get Smelly
They can do. For average usage, it shouldnt be a problem, but when I wore mine without socks every day for months, they did start to smell.
The best way to get rid of the smell is to soak the insoles in soapy water for a while and then rinse and air dry. You can also buy replacement insoles.
In two years with the Wool Runners as my main pair of shoes, I replaced my insoles three times, washed the insoles twice, and washed the entire pair of shoes in the washing machine three times .
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