Are you searching for sustainable and eco-friendly sneakers? Look no further than Allbirds.
This New Zealand-based brand considers Mother Nature to be its muse, using merino wool to create timeless silhouettes that seamlessly transition from one season to the next.
The minimalistic brand is expanding beyond footwear to offer lifestyle and apparel products with some of the hottest collaborations of the season. Allbirds offers low-key designs that will be at home in any capsule closet with their neutral color palettes and subtle pops of color.
Allbirds is a New Zealand-based footwear and lifestyle brand that offers minimalistic, low-key designs
Allbirds places a strong emphasis on using the best natural materials with the goal of creating carbon-zero shoes. We’re deep diving into the world of Allbirds to tell you everything you need to know before picking up a pair of these eco-friendly shoes.
Allbirds: A Sustainable Shoe Brand Inspired by Natural Materials
Allbirds was launched by former New Zealand professional footballer Tim Brown, who spotted a gap in the market for shoes made using merino wool.
Brown teamed up with biotech engineer and renewables expert Joey Zwillinger to create a revolutionary footwear style inspired by natural materials with a focus on sustainability.
Allbirds was founded by former professional footballer Tim Brown (L) and biotech engineer Joey Zwillinger (R) in 2016 with the goal of developing a breakthrough footwear design that is based on natural materials and emphasizes sustainability (Credit: Allbirds)
The brand breaks away from the contemporary trend of logo-focused designs by shying away from flashy logos. These sneakers are described as “the world’s most comfortable shoes, made naturally and designed practically.”
Allbirds is a certified B Corp that considers the environment as a stakeholder. The brand has also partnered with Soles4Souls to give lightly used Allbirds shoes a new life by donating them to communities in need.
As a sustainability-focused company, Allbirds uses 90% post-consumer recycled cardboard for its shoeboxes, shopping bags, and mailers.
As a sustainable brand, Allbirds makes use of 90% post-consumer recycled cardboard for its shoeboxes, shopping bags, and mailers (Credit: Allbirds)
The Allbirds Shoe Brand: Why They’re So Popular
Allbirds are following the lead of other footwear brands like Converse by expanding their market by collaborating with clothing designers.
Its latest collaboration is with the British designer Olivia Rubin, giving the ‘Risers’ sneakers a pastel makeover that is true to the Allbirds’ low-key aesthetic.
Allbirds has collaborated with British designer Olivia Rubin for a pastel makeover of the Risers sneakers
Allbirds recently collaborated with Selfridges to create a unique pop-up centered around the brand’s net-zero carbon pledge.
Other collaborations include New York-based fashion designer Rosie Assoulin, Adidas, World Central Kitchen, JUST, and Shake Shack.
Allbirds is one of the few footwear brands that collaborate with labels outside the fashion industry, with most collections focusing on one specific style.
Allbirds has collaborated with other brands, including Adidas, Rosie Assoulin, and JUST
Are Allbirds Good for Plantar Fasciitis?
While Allbirds shoes are not specifically marketed for those with plantar fasciitis, several online reviews have raved about the comfort-driven designs as helping with pain management and making walking easier.
The Allbirds ‘Tree Dasher’ is one of the best plantar fasciitis shoes for managing pain. Allbirds’ padded insole is made from a castor bean oil blend with a Tencel or wool lining topper, creating more arch support from the cushioned insert than most shoes.
The Runner, Dashers, and Trail Runners are all recommended by Allbirds as being the best styles with a larger arch.
Allbirds Tree Runners, Tree Dasher, and Trail Runners are perfect for those with larger arches
You can easily remove the insert inside your Allbirds shoes to add a customized insole for extra support.
What Material Do Allbirds Use?
Allbirds uses superfine merino wool that is breathable, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating. The company works with leading organizations like ZQ Merino to ensure that it maintains high levels of animal welfare, land management, and farming standards.
Every pair of Allbirds laces is the equivalent of one recycled plastic bottle, with the shoes also containing castor bean oil that increases the comfort of the insoles.
Allbirds makes use of eco-friendly materials, such as: 1. Trino, 2. recycled bottles, 3. castor bean oil, 4. recycled nylon, and 5. recycled cardboard (Credit: Allbirds)
Other materials that Allbirds uses include tree, sugar, Trino, and TrinoXO. Allbirds describes Trino and TrinoXO as “nature’s super-yarns” as they combine the renewable materials of tree and merino.
You’ll also find recycled nylon in some Allbirds shoes to help boost the durability of its knit fabrics and reduce nylon in landfills. On their website, you can read more about Allbirds’ sustainability approach, progress, and eco-friendly materials.
Shipping and Returns with Allbirds
Allbirds offers a 30-day return policy for their shoe, no questions asked. The brand also offers a 30-day return for its apparel; however, the tags must be intact.
You can return lightly used or like new shoes to Allbirds to be used as part of their initiative with Soles4Souls, where your shoes will be distributed to people in need.
Allbirds allows its consumers to return lightly used shoes to be used as part of their initiative with Soles4Souls (Credit: Soles4Souls)
Frequently Asked Questions about Allbirds Shoes
Are you considering buying a pair of Allbirds? We’re answering the most common questions about Allbirds shoes to help you find your perfect fit.
1. Should I Size Up or Down in Allbirds?
Allbirds shoes are typically true to size for most customers. If you have wider feet or are between sizes, Allbirds recommends sizing up on all their styles. The brand also suggests sizing up half a size in its running shoes if you have wide feet or want a roomier fit to suit your toe splay.
2. Do Allbirds Stretch Over Time?
Not every Allbirds shoe style stretches over time. The brand’s ‘Wool’ collection is designed to start a little snug before it naturally stretches with time due to the nature of the fabric. The Tree material can also stretch over time but will begin to retain its shape after multiple wears.
3. How Do You Clean Allbirds Shoes?
Allbirds shoes are designed to last for years with a little TLC. You can clean your Allbirds shoes by removing the insoles and laces to brush off any excess dirt with a soft brush or towel.
You can throw your Allbirds shoes into a washing machine on a wool or delicate cycle with cold water and a gentle bleach-free detergent. The brand recommends putting your shoes into a linen bag and handwashing the insoles. Keep your Allbirds out of the tumble dryer and instead air dry for the best results.
Allbirds recommends replacing your insoles to increase the lifespan of your shoes. They offer premium replacement soles lined with merino fabric and vegetable oil for ultimate comfort.
Allbirds is quickly becoming the go-to brand for fans of sustainable fashion and those wanting to invest in comfortable footwear with minimalistic designs that will take you from one season to the next.