As a lady with approximately 29,483 pairs of leggings, I’m always looking for new ways to style them. Shoes are the quickest, easiest way to transform an outfit from “just walked out of the gym” to “just chillin.” I found a new brand of shoes, Allbirds, that makes merino wool sneakers. You’ve heard the benefits of merino: temperature regulating, lightweight, and soft. I have merino socks, but I’d never seen merino shoes before. I was intrigued.
Before buying these, I had zero sneakers that bridged the style gap between athletic sneakers and flats. These were just what I needed: just slightly sporty, but much more casual and easygoing than gym shoes. Allbirds’ design is very minimalistic; I’ve gotten quite a few compliments from men and women alike thanks to their unisex design.
I bought these shoes about 4 months ago, so I’ve been testing them for a while now. Here’s how they’ve held up.
Fit and feel
Allbirds only makes whole sizes, but I’m a dead-on size 6.5. The Allbirds site suggested I go up to a size 7, which ended up being perfect. They hold onto my heel with no slipping and aren’t even slightly cramped in the forefoot.
Because of the soft, unstructured wool upper, there’s no break-in period. The sole is slightly firm right out of the box, but conformed to my foot after only a couple of wears. I have high arches and these provide pretty good arch support. The sole is slightly springy, but not so cushy you feel like you’re wearing moon boots. It’s a very nice balance between firm and cushioning. Also, Allbirds has a very generous return policy: you can return these shoes anytime within 30 days, even if you’ve worn them. Although I didn’t need to use it, it’s a great safety net.
The comfort factor is what makes these shoes special. The upper is completely flexible and insanely soft. And true to Allbirds’ claims, I’ve worn these sockless many times and I don’t get that gross, clammy feel like I do wearing other shoes barefoot. They don’t rub, either.
Normally, I’m sensitive to wool when it comes sweaters and things. That said, for some reason I’ve found I can wear most merino socks without irritation. Likewise, these shoes don’t irritate my skin either. So, if you’re comfortable in merino socks, you’ll be comfortable in these shoes, too.
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The one area that isn’t quite perfect is the tongue. The tongue has a rounded edge that can curl under and dig slightly into the top of the foot. It’s not terrible or anything, you just have to be sure it lays flat as you’re putting it on. I hope future iterations of the design include a smooth, edgeless tongue that sits flush on the foot. The digging is definitely lessened if you’re wearing socks–it’s only most noticeable when I go sans sock.
Another thing to note is that things can stick to the fuzzy wool fabric. I usually find a few stray dog hairs stuck to them. I admit these are the only shoes I’ve ever lint rolled!
Since the upper is fabric, I was a bit worried I would wear a hole in them. I’ve worn these about once a week on average since I bought them several months back, and as you can see in the photos, they still look great. That bodes well for longevity! Update: I’ve now been wearing these for well over a year and they’re still going strong. There are no signs of thinning or tearing.
Also, this is kind of a funny thing to point out, but these shoes make zero noise. Since there’s almost no rubber, there’s no squeaking or creaking like some sneakers. You could seriously sneak up on somebody in these shoes.
Where to wear Allbirds
As for function, Allbirds labels these as “runners” but that’s more a comment on the look rather than the purpose. I would personally never run in them, as they don’t provide adequate support or stability. Generally speaking, they wouldn’t perform well in rigorous workouts.
That said, there are lots of things they are good for. Since they’re so comfortable, they’re great for a day with a lot of walking. I like to wear them when I need something I can quickly slip on and off, like running out to the grocery store or going to class at the aerial studio. Since you don’t need to wear socks, they’re quick to take on and off for class. I also wear them with skinny jeans and a casual top to work or around town.
At $95, they’re not a bargain buy, but the price was fine with me considering the material, style, and comfort. If you’re looking for a casual shoe with an athleisure look, these are well worth considering. I love mine!
If you’re interested in picking up a pair, you can choose between a whole bunch of different colors of Allbirds here.
Outfit details
Allbirds wool runners – natural black
Alala tranquility tunic – black
Lululemon align crops – alberta lake
Caraa Sport studio bag
I have the grey AllBirds and I love them!
Yes!! I love the look of the grey ones too.
I have the same AllBirds that you have, and they were AMAZING on my recent trip to Spain. Great sight-seeing shoes because they’re just a little bit classier than your standard sneakers but just as comfortable, and adaptable to whatever the weather is! I sometimes wear no show socks with mine, but agree with you that they are great even sock-less. I’m super happy with mine, glad to hear you are too!
Yes, I would definitely take these on vacation too! Another nice thing about traveling with them is that they would pack down smaller than most sneakers since the top is so flexible (read: smushy).
I have pre-ordered the same Caraa Sport Studio bag, but with the gold hardware. It has been on back order since January and should finally ship at the end of this month. I have been anxiously awaiting it. Do you love it? Would love to hear a review on it.
Yes, I’ve been using it daily as my work bag! It took me a little while to figure out what to put in which pockets–I’m used to having one main compartment versus two large ones. It’s quite roomy though, and looks great whether it’s mostly empty or packed to the brim, which is definitely a plus since the amount of crap I have to carry varies so much day to day. I’ll definitely be writing a more detailed review of it in the next few weeks!
Thanks! I look forward to your review – and to receiving the bag. I don’t think I am going to use it for workouts, but rather work and travel. I was originally looking at the Liukin because I liked the look of it when you did a post on it, but I held back because it didn’t seem roomy enough. When I finally decided to go with the Studio it was backordered. Can’t wait for it to arrive.
I got an Allbirds catalogue in the mail several months ago and was very intrigued. Then I promptly forgot about them. Thanks for the reminder! They are very cute!
Shouldn’t they be called Allsheep though???
Haha I know–not sure where the bird part came from…
Recently saw an article about these shoes. The short answer is:
The name comes from a connection with New Zealand. When it was explored by Europeans they said it was “all birds” as in no (or few)other animals. The person who founded Allbirds is from New Zealand and loves birds too.
I figured it was some sort of NZ connection, but wasn’t sure how the dots connected. Thanks for solving the mystery!! :)
They are made in New Zealand. I’m guessing the bird part is in reference to the fact that people from there are known as kiwis (birds, not the fruit).
Ahhh I bet you’re right! Good thinking. :)
I’m so glad you reviewed these! I’ve been curious about them for a while now and you are always so thorough and informative. Thank you!
Thanks, always glad to provide some useful info!! :)
I felt similarly about these ones from Underarmour (not Merino wool but same “look”)… but it was a tossup between which ones I got, since the Allbirds were super intriguing. These are a little more run-specific though, so they were a good balance. https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/womens-ua-speedform-slingride-running-shoes/pid1282000-001
Yeah, I’d definitely say the Allbirds lack any significant technical properties, so the UAs will be able to do more in that regard. :)
My sister really likes Allbird shoes, but I’ve held back on buying since I wasn’t sure how they’d hold up for workouts. I’m glad I didn’t after your review! I have more than enough casual Nikes already :)
I’m also curious what you think of the Caraa bag. I thought about ordering it but the base seems rather large if you use it as a bag and the signature style seemed a bit heavy.
I don’t find the studio bag to be too heavy, but I’m also used to large, heavy bags so I might not be the best person to ask there. :) The Dance 2 bag is definitely noticeably lighter though, since it’s mostly spacer mesh. I like both of them (currently using the studio as my daily work bag), although I might be *slightly* partial to the dance bag.
I got a pair for my husband. I showed these to him, and he liked the darker gray color. I’ve got too many Nike’s so I’m good with footwear, but he’s definitely in need of some new footwear. I hope they fit!
I hope he loves them! I thought about getting a pair for my husband too but he didn’t like the style. Oh well!
I’ve been pining for these since a friend got them during their Kickstarter campaign. But two things have held me back: they have little structure (I need cushioning & support). And they were (originally) built on a Nike last. Which is great for those Nike lovers out there. But Nike is just a little “off” for me so…..
And I’m just looking for some casual wear sneakers ;)
Well, the good part is that if you do try them, their return policy means the experiment wouldn’t cost you anything. :) They’re definitely more supportive than a lot of shoes I own (e.g., ankle boots) but not as cushy and springy as a super-supportive running shoe.
Oh, I will have to try a pair of these. They are those in between shoes that I don’t have!
I hope you love them if you do!!! :)
OT: Hey all, I was asking about Do Lyfe sizing in a past post. Today I decided to purchase (2 sizes, they have free returns) & found they have a 20% code on their website (DLA20). No idea how long it’s available but passing it along :)
Oh cool, thanks for the tip! Nice find. :)
I bought my allbirds loungers last June (2017) and love them! I wear them a maximum of 1-2 times a week to work where I spend about half of my time spending. I recently noticed a hole in the toe, which I am sure is from natural wear and tear, but I would expect a $90 shoe not to wear and tear so easily in less than 10 months of medium use. I contacted the company and they are not going to do anything about it. I was super excited to buy another pair, but can not justify spending a decent penny on a pair of shoes that will not even last a year..
That’s really a bummer, I’m sorry to hear that! I’ve had mine for over a year now and wear them about as often as you, but I haven’t had any issues. I definitely understand not wanting to take the risk again though. :(
Those shoes are so pretty! I need to get my hands on them..
Hi there!
I’m also a true 6.5! I just ordered the 6 and have been wearing them all day. I bought the Tree Runners. When I first put them on I thought they fit great, although now that i’ve worn them for a few hours they are starting to rub on the back of my heel and feel a little tighter. Did you have issues with rubbing? I’m thinking I might want to try a size 7! Did yours fit snug or did you have more room around the toes? Thanks so much and great blog!
Darn, I hate it when something I buy ends up going wrong like that. :\ I haven’t had any issues with rubbing. Since the tree runners are made of a different material, perhaps that could make them fit and feel differently. I found the 7’s fit pretty snug, barely any room although they definitely aren’t tight. I hope that helps!
How much does the sole of your allbirds stick out in the back? From your pictures it does not look like it sticks out but I just got a pair of tree runners And the white part that is the sole extends quite a bit beyond the heel. Besides the fact that someone could step on that piece of the heel, which I don’treqlly care about, they throw off my balance and gait. (I wear them about the inserts ). Can you please say more about your sole heel extension in back?
The sole doesn’t stick out much, I don’t notice it at all. I haven’t tried the tree runners, but looking at the photos of the wool runners versus the tree runners, the shape of the sole is definitely different and it does look like the rear of the sole extends further on the tree runners. Maybe you would find the wool runners more comfortable.
Thanks for the answer. One of the things I wonder about is if they have already changed the design from the original. There was another review from a shoe blogger Who ordered
4 pairs at once not too long ago – runners and skippers in wool and tree. She said that the backs of the wool and the tree were identical. When did you get yours? And In what country?
I tried them on without the insoles which is how i want to wear them. Something felt strange and I realize that my foot was having to work hard into lifting all that weight that was in the back. Without the height of the insole, as well as a small foot, one can notice it.
As you can see I am trying to make some version of all birds work. I wear a size 6 and most footwear but the size 6 in the tree runner is a bit too long. Size 5 that would be too short since they are apparently about a third of an inch shorter I’ll see if I can find out about how the wool ones are made now with respect to the sole issue. Pictures really seem to differ. For instants I just went to the website and it looks like on the wall runners or heel does extend. They did change the shape maybe I can somehow take up an old model or even get one from another country if those are different. I wonder if when they came out with the tree line not too long ago they also change the wool line?
Mine look like clown shoes and make my feet look huge yours look really cute!
One morequestion: what size does it say on your show. Mine says W6.
Thanks
Mine were purchased in November 2016 in the US. The ones on the website now look just like mine, so any changes since then are probably pretty minor. Personal experience is always the best indicator, so if you can buy a pair to try, that would definitely answer your questions definitively. Allbirds returns are free, at least in the US, so trying a pair is pretty low risk.
Those leggings are sooo pretty!!!!