I’m recovering from vacation (lol) today, catching up on all the comments, and preparing a packing list “debrief” for tomorrow. But in the meantime…
Before we left, I decided to take/wear my Nike Free sneakers, which are on their last legs (a lot of mileage since I got them) thinking that if they got really muddy I’d just leave them in Costa Rica* and order a new pair of shoes to arrive when we got home. The shoes I intended to order were the allbirds wool runners.
I’ve been looking at the allbirds shoes for quite some time, but the fact that Marilyn called out her allbirds runners as her favorite purchase under $100 on my Money well Spent post yesterday serendipitously sealed the deal (that, and a catalog in the mail when we got home). All the recommendations I’ve seen indicate that they run true to size, and of course, I love that they’re made from lightweight wool, and that the company is concerned with sustainability and innovation:
Our merino wool is ZQ-certified, which means it meets stringent standards of sustainable farming and animal welfare. In other words, no sheep were harmed in the making of these shoes.
I will start with the runners, because that’s where my need lies at the moment, and I am tempted to get the white pair, but will probably stick with black for now. If I like them, I may get a pair of the loungers this fall, for a slip-in version.
Does anyone else have a pair of allbirds runners? What do you think of them?
*it turns out that my shoes got really muddy, but were washed clean in the rain in San Jose, so I didn’t leave them there, but I still need a new pair of running shoes…
My mom and I both have a pair of the runners and we love them. I use them as comfy run around town shoes as well as for at home workouts. Am also thinking of getting a slip-on pair to use as ‘outdoor slippers’ once it gets cooler out.
I have the Allbirds runners in dark grey and the loungers slip-ons in dark blue. I love them both. Very comfy and I can walk all day in them. Sizing is different between the two models, but I found the online sizing tool to be accurate. I’ve had the runners for over 6 months and have worn both with and without socks comfortably. They’ve been resistant to a light rain. I only tossed them in the washer once, but they came out fine. I really recommend them.
I’ve tried them before. They were super comfy but my feet sweated and got pretty hot. Also, the material is thin so your toes really poke through making the front look too sloppy, in my opinion. Awesome shoes otherwise.
My husband has a pair and he says they’re the most comfortable shoe he has ever owned.
I’m wearing my runners right now (at work, boss is out of town)! I originally got them in a size 8, black. I didn’t love them and sent them back. Later I reordered a size 7 in gray and I love them. They are the most comfortable shoe I own! If they had half sizes I would probably get them in 7.5.
I bought the runners last fall to take on a trip on a 2 week trip to Spain. They turned out to be a great choice! They are super comfortable and supportive – and I did a ton of walking! In “normal” life I usually don’t wear “sneaker” type shoes often unless I’m working out. But I find myself gravitating toward them because they are comfy and easy to wear! And I don’t need socks. I haven’t tried washing them yet. I like that I can buy new inserts if I ever need to. I have the grey color and get compliments when I wear them.
By far the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned! So soft, so plush, I feel like my feet feel better with them on than without. I have not experienced the toe issue that Ina mentions above. I think they look quite nice (I have the charcoal grey) overall — certainly a sharper look than actual running shoes when you want to wear “athleisure” but aren’t actually exercising… Highly, highly recommend!
I have been restocking my shoe wardrobe (mostly via gently- used options via Poshmark), but COVET these. Only torn between grey and pale green… (leaning green).
Well, I hope you love them too! So cozy! I have the kotare slate (light grey) runners, and they have been perfect this spring. I will probably buy a darker color in the fall! Love ’em.
I got the catalog in the mail, too, but the look just doesn’t interest me. However, all of the comments about comfort do!!!
Yay Allbirds! You will not be sorry. I have the grey runners and LOVE them… I even ended up getting a pair for my Mom as well and she is hooked too. They are so comfortable and I wear them everywhere (even to/from work and sometimes do not change into my “work shoes”). I can’t wait to hear how you like them. Also I probably get 2-3 compliments/inquiries per week about them when I have them on. I’ve had them for 3 months, I think? Definitely one of my best purchases this year.
I have the exact same pair as you and I just love them! I never travel without them!
Did you end up buying a pair Gretchen? I just received my first pair (white) last week and love them. Haven’t worn them all day yet, which will be the true test as a supportive arch is key for me to be pain free. I ordered the runners. The slip-ons were tempting but appeared flatter than the runners so probably would not be comfy for me.
They look really cute too although there are some dresses I wouldn’t wear them with for fear of looking too senior citizen due to my tendency to shop at grandma store for oversized dresses.
I got a pair a while back. The tongue ripped after the third time wearing them. Allbirds has publicly stated they had a design flaw in March 2017, but has not been very helpful in restoring them for me. I’ve gone too many rounds to count and now think I have to pass on them due to poor customer service. Too bad. They were comfortable the couple of times I wore them.