The days of wearing unsustainable shoes are long gone. That’s right, it’s time to stop blindly purchasing shoes from the same brands which have little to no information on their sustainability. Now, say hello to Allbirds shoe range. Specifically the Wool Runners for a future of sock-free, sustainable and ultra comfortable shoes.
I’m about to explain why it’s important to focus on this company, Allbirds, which bases its identity on sustainability. Not only am I happy with the comfort and ease while wearing them, when it comes to travel, I’ll explain exactly why these Wool Runners are the best.
Now, save up to 40% off women’s and men’s shoes at Allbirds.com
First, a little context: A few months back I lost my favourite pair of runners. I put them on top of my van to dry, forgot about them, then drove away. After this sad episode, I took some time to think about how I could buy new shoes that were still on budget, but also sustainable.
It took a while, but I eventually encountered these incredible shoes from Allbirds. I purchased the Wool Runners in colour Pitaya (the colours are always rotating!). I want to share my experience of researching, purchasing and wearing to (hopefully) show that it’s easy to implement sustainable wears everyday.
What’s especially important about these shoes to me is how functional and sustainable they are for my lifestyle. As in, they work in almost every weather condition and my feet feel comfortable and dreamy.
Allbirds Wool Runners: Best Shoes for Travel and Everyday Life
I’m writing about Allbirds Wool Runners after wearing them for months through different weather conditions, climates, terrains and for different purposes. I can honestly say, these are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. Not just because of the base and insoles, but the wool fabric is one of the biggest differentiating factors of these shoes that make them so special.
When looking for a good shoe, my priority is also focused around travel along with everyday use. Now you might be thinking, what makes a good travel shoe? It’s not just about being light-weight and sustainable.
A good shoe for travelling has to be good in different weather conditions, making it useful for travelling through different climates. It also has to be incredibly comfortable for long days of exploring. And finally, a good fit and being light weight makes it more comfortable.
My Allbirds Wool Runners fit all of these categories. My biggest surprise with the shoe was actually how comfortable they are, especially when wearing sockless (which they’re made for). Before these shoes I’ve never enjoyed going sockless as an adult. Although I’ll be honest, I did get blisters on my ankles the first few times when wearing the Wool Runners without socks—which is common with most new shoes anyways.
I’ve worn these shoes in all different climates including, cooler dry weather, hot and humid and light rain. I’ve even worn them through damp grass and on dusty tracks. And, they’re just as comfortable in all of them.
Most importantly, the shoes don’t get uncomfortable when my feet are sweaty on hot summer days (thank you sun). Many other shoes I’ve worn without socks will get damp and give me blisters. Instead, the Allbirds Wool Runners stand true to their name of being the most comfortable shoe.
Better yet, the shoes are durable and provide enough support to wear all day walking and exploring. All while serving as a comfortable platform for you to walk through life.
Just a note on weather: these shoes are not waterproof and although I’ve worn them in light rain, they’re not made for walking through water.
To get your own pair of Allbirds Wool Runners, head over to the site, which is always a safer option during these tough times. Just remember, there’s always rotating colours, so if you see one you like, get it before the colour is discontinued!
Allbirds Shoes: Why are they Sustainable?
What sets Allbirds Wool Runner and all their other products (including clothing) aside from other shoes is its materials and where those come from. The company uses sustainable, natural and renewable resources as materials. A few of these include wool, castor bean oil and sugar cane.
Allbirds also helps divert waste by using recycled materials such as plastic bottles. The company is also improving its practises and is currently working towards measuring the complete carbon footprint of all of its products. This means the complete lifespan of the shoes, not just how they’re made.
Realistically, it’s hard for any company to create a superb and profitable product while leaving the environment cleaner than before. This company is doing a pretty darn good job at getting to that point, though. And, it says a lot that they’re transparent about not yet being perfect.
There’s always room for improvement though, the company has created amazing products, but there’s no information on how its products are made and if it’s ethical. In the future, it would also be good to see programs for how to properly recycle a pair of shoes.
For all the tall girls out there, women’s sizes only go up to 11, which could hopefully range up in the future! However a way to get around this is leaning into the mens sizes, which go up to US size 14. The mens have a larger toe box, but otherwise are a similar shoe to the female ones.
Still though, I’m celebrating Allbirds wins and their fantastic shoes, it’s shoes I’m happy and proud to wear. Which is why I’m sharing more about this company.
Purchasing Online
Allbirds has stores all over the world, but being in Australia and all, I didn’t have that option. I’m not a big fan of just ordering things online, but Allbirds makes it pretty easy.
They have free returns for 30 days, for all of their shoes—even if you try them on (which is kind of, the point). And by free returns, I mean the return packaging slip comes in the box. So, there’s no hassle or contact necessary to request a return. That means if you do decide to return a pair, just stick that return slip included in your package on the back of the box and plop it in your nearest mailbox!
This way you could even order a few different pairs of shoes, try them all on then, send back which ever ones don’t fit. It’s the best situation possible for buying online.
Allbirds shipping is also easy and hassle free. And, the boxes are made with recycled materials, and there isn’t any extra plastic packaging included. It’s just simple. There’s also these cute form fitting cardboard cutouts for storing your shoes. Hold onto them and use them for both storing or travelling with your Allbirds!
To learn more about sustainability and travelling, check out my van life article on tips for living a sustainable and eco-friendly van life. Or, my go-to items on sustainable travel gear.
