Can a running shoe be eco-friendly, focused on great manufacturing working conditions and feel good to run in, walk in, stand around in? This Allbirds running shoe review is going to try to answer just that!
This brand came on the market at the right time.
A time when many of us want to see changes. We understand that taking care of the environment is key for us to keep enjoying our runs in beautiful nature for many more years. AND we know that many companies need to make some internal policy changes.
As you know I’m always honest in my running shoe reviews with what I like, dislike and what might work for you that wasn’t a fit for me! Which is why when someone asks about Allbirds shoes, I wanted to be able to give a true review from having put in some miles.
After months of testing, my thoughts are this: Allbirds are great casual shoes for all day wear, long walks or standing around. But they just didn’t measure up to what I want in a running shoe.
There is no one perfect running shoe for all runners, so I’m going to share my findings. You’ll notice that for me they have quickly become a great walking shoe and travel shoe that can be used for running, but that’s often my secondary usage.
Allbirds Overview
Allbirds initially came on the scene with a push to the running market, but I feel like they’ve dialed back that approach and it’s for the best. This is also reflected in their original pricing at $160 now being $98, which is a great price for an everyday walking shoe or casual work shoe.
While they are good shoes with support and nice cushion, I never felt like they were a go to running shoe for me. Yes, even as someone testing a ton of shoes, I still have go to’s for easy days and these just never quite hit that mark.
They started with just a couple of key styles which is what I’ll detail here because they remain in the line up as their key shoes.
You’ll notice that all shoes are focused on sustainable materials like Trino®. A combination of tree and merino wool that creates the flexible outer, which is very similar to the Nike Flyknit.
In fact, every pair of laces includes one recycled water bottle! But you’d never know it from the feet and fit.
Allbirds discount code RUNTOTHEFINISH15 is good for 15% off.
As noted the key thing about this brand is their commitment to creating shoes with an eye towards a zero carbon footprint by 2030. Believing that we can be part of reversing climate change!
Even with that focus, they haven’t lost a step when it comes to style. Which is why they have a much larger line up of street and everyday shoes.
Allbirds Tree Flyers Review
A few years ago I fell in love with the Nike Epic React Flyknit. Partially because of how good it felt to run, but also because I loved that wrap around feel and that they easily transitioned to shoes I could wear and look pulled together.
The Tree Flyers are checking a lot of those boxes with the mesh breathable upper. It’s very comfortable and the overall look of the shoe is one that’s now made it my travel shoe. A sneaky way to bring an extra pair of running shoes!
None of their shoes are super light, but the Tree Flyer is their lightest shoe and with moderate to low cushion, it’s great for medium runs and speed work.
Specifications
- 8.5 mm heel drop
- 9.4 oz women’s and men’s
- Neutral
- Low cushion
- Available in ten neutral colors for women and men
- Available for $98
- See current colors and pricing >>
In terms of cushion, these remind me more of something like a Nike Pegasus. It’s a minimal feel, rather than a plush cushion.
Features
Key features of this running shoe:
- Flared heel is designed to provide additional stability, while cutouts remove any unnecessary weight
- Upper is made from eucalyptus
- Light grip along the bottom make these good for roads and some light crushed gravel paths
Fit
In general, Allbirds fit very similar to other traditional running shoes like ASICS or Mizuno running shoes. While Nike runs narrow and Hoka often a bit wider, these are pretty average.
The tongue is super thin, breathable and comfortable as it’s just part of the entire upper. I have seen this trend in a number of shoes lately to cut weight, but not everyone has nailed. Take the Altra Torrin where the thin tongue is shoe rigid it cuts in to my ankle.
You could absolutely use these for some easy 3 mile runs and you’d have plenty of support…I just think you’ll get more out of others as running shoes and keeping these for walking.
On 90% of my running shoes, I use a heel lock lacing and these do not have that back lacing hole to make that possible. However, the design of the shoe does wrap around the heel and I haven’t noticed much of an issue with my foot pulling out.
Bonus: I really appreciate the style of these shoes. They have a more neutral look about them, which means they make that athleisure look easier to pull off anytime.
Allbirds Tree Dasher Review
This was the second Allbirds shoe I tested, so I felt like I knew more of what to expect going in. Once again, I found this to be a shoe that I could walk around in all day long (which I did for about 25,000 steps on vacation).
It remained comfortable and honestly I just felt like I looked more put together than wearing a traditional sneaker all day long. They’re more fashionable! Minus perhaps the very large back heel.
The back heel is unnecessary in a walking shoe, but didn’t in anyway bother me.
In the mean time, some basics so you can compare the Tree Flyers vs the Tree Dasher:
Specifications
- 7 mm heel drop
- 10.3 oz women’s and men’s
- Light support
- Moderate cushion
- Available in 13 neutral colors for women and men
- Available for $135
- See current colors and pricing >>
Features
Key features of this running shoe:
- Flared heel is designed to provide additional stability, while cutouts remove any unnecessary weight
- Upper is made from eucalyptus
- Sweatfoam mid-sole for more cushioning.
Similar Shoes to Allbirds
If you’re looking for a comfortable walking shoe or even a light trainer here are some options:
- On Cloudrunner 2 – Very casual looking shoe that’s a good running or walking shoe
- Eliot Tracksmith – LOVE the look of these shoes and again they have great cushion, great support for running or all day wear
- Mount 2 Coast – While billed as an ultra running shoe, what that really says to me is you can wear it all day long and I have many times.
Drawbacks to Allbirds Running Shoes
As noted, every runner has a preference, so there are just a couple of things from my experience.
- They are not ideal for those with high arches, a high mid-foot or needing inserts as the upper won’t provide enough room.
- Not the lightest running shoe available, if you’re looking for a true speed shoe.
- Firmer feel may not appeal to those looking for a more plush cushion.
One very big thing that is not a drawback, their materials and commitment to the environment.
I truly hope it inspires more companies to make some changes because this is absolutely what the running industry needs more of.
Where to Buy Allbirds Running Shoes?
Right now they are only available directly through Allbirds. This is actually a great thing for you though.
- They have a 30 day return policy, which means you can test and if it’s really not right send it back.
- They have a rerun section, which means you could find some shoes marked down that have been returned!
- BONUS – if you use my link they’re giving any Run To The Finish reader 15% off.
All right I hope this Allbirds Running Shoe review gave you some info to help you make a shoe decision! If there’s more you want to see in a review let me know!
Looking for other running shoes??
- On Cloud vs Brooks Running
- On Cloud vs Hoka
- Adidas Vs Nike Running Shoes
- Altra vs HOKA Running Shoes
- How to Tell if Running Shoes Fit Properly
- How to Clean Running Shoes – hint not the washing machine!
Other ways to connect with Amanda
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Pelvic Floor and Running: What You Need to Know From a Specialist
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