An Introduction to Allbirds and Their Unique Wool Shoes
Allbirds exploded onto the shoe scene in 2016 with their innovative wool sneakers. Founded by New Zealander Tim Brown, Allbirds tapped into the demand for comfortable, eco-friendly footwear. Their use of merino wool, eucalyptus tree fiber, and other natural materials made waves in the fashion world.
But what exactly are Allbirds, and why have they become so popular? Here we delve into the origins, materials, products, and ethos behind this unconventional shoe brand.
The Allbirds Origin Story
Tim Brown was a professional soccer player in New Zealand when he became fascinated with merino wool as a shoe material. Merino wool is breathable, thermoregulating, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial – ideal properties for footwear. Brown teamed up with San Francisco renewables expert Joey Zwillinger to found Allbirds in 2015.
The name “Allbirds” was inspired by New Zealand’s extinct flightless birds. By 2016 they had launched their flagship wool sneaker to much acclaim. Allbirds opened its first brick-and-mortar store in 2017 and has since expanded internationally.
Why Choose Allbirds Shoes?
Allbirds shoes stand out for their natural, sustainable materials. The wool comes from merino sheep in New Zealand, while their SweetFoamTM midsoles are made from sugarcane. Even the laces are crafted from recycled plastic bottles.
In addition to being eco-friendly, customers love Allbirds for their breathability, odor resistance, and machine washability. The wool molds gently to your feet for a cozy feel, while still providing support.
The Allbirds Product Lineup
While Allbirds started with wool sneakers, they now offer shoes made with eucalyptus tree fiber, cotton, and castor bean oil. Their product line includes:
- Wool Runners – their original sneaker
- Tree Runners – made with breathable eucalyptus fiber
- Tree Breezers – slip-on flats made with eucalyptus
- Tree Dashers – an athletic running shoe style
- Wool Loungers – washable woolen slippers
- Tree Skippers – boat style shoes for kids
New styles are frequently introduced, often in collaboration with external designers. Limited edition drops, like their Star Wars collection, generate buzz and sell out quickly.
Where To Buy Allbirds
Allbirds opened its first retail location in 2017 in San Francisco’s Marin County. They now have over 35 stores globally, including locations in Orlando, Miami, Las Vegas, Seattle, Chicago, New York, London, Beijing, and Tokyo.
For wider availability, Allbirds sells online for shipping worldwide. Select styles are also stocked by retail partners such as Nordstrom, Zappos, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Whole Foods.
How Much Do Allbirds Shoes Cost?
Allbirds shoes generally retail from $95 to $135. While not the cheapest athletic shoes, fans feel the comfort and sustainability justify the price. New and limited styles sometimes run higher.
Considering they require less manufacturing than synthetic shoes, have a smaller carbon footprint, and are designed for longevity, Allbirds provide good value for money.
Finding Your Perfect Size and Style
Allbirds offers a handy print-at-home fitting guide to find your ideal size. Their shoes generally run true-to-size. With multiple widths now available, finding the perfect Allbirds is easier than ever.
Browse their full selection online to choose colors and patterns that match your personal style. Many customers own multiple pairs to complement different outfits.
With their machine washable nature, Allbirds make great everyday shoes for work, travel, fitness, and play. Reviewers say they hold up well over time with proper care.
So if you’re seeking a comfortable, sustainable shoe, Allbirds wool and tree fiber sneakers deliver on all fronts. They’ve quickly become a cult favorite footwear brand with good reason. Just don’t be surprised if strangers stop to ask about those stylish, environmentally friendly kicks!
The History Behind Allbirds – How Did This Company Get Started?
As we’ve seen, Allbirds exploded from a little-known startup to a viral sensation seemingly overnight. But what catalyzed this company’s meteoric rise? Here we explore the origins of Allbirds and how a soccer player’s quest for the perfect shoe led to a global footwear phenomenon.
In 2009, New Zealander Tim Brown was winding down his professional soccer career. Long an athlete, he was frustrated by the lack of truly comfortable athletic shoes on the market. During a trip to his homeland, Brown learned of merino wool’s potential as a shoe material.
Merino wool boasts many attributes that make it ideal for footwear. It’s breathable, helps regulate temperature, wicks moisture, resists odor, and molds gently to the feet. Intrigued, Brown began developing wool shoe prototypes and wearing them while playing soccer.
When Brown shared his wool sneakers with friends, the response was overwhelmingly positive. People loved the feel and wanted to know where they could buy them. Sensing he was onto something big, Brown refined the design and made preparations to bring the shoes to market.
In 2015, Brown teamed up with San Francisco renewable materials expert Joey Zwillinger. Together they worked to perfect the wool sneaker concept and laid the groundwork to launch Allbirds as a company. Blending their respective backgrounds in sports and sustainability, they were poised to disrupt the footwear scene.
In March 2016 Allbirds opened its online store, offering their now signature Wool Runner shoe in limited colors and sizes. Despite minimal marketing, the shoes sold out almost instantly. Positive reviews and word of mouth spread like wildfire. Allbirds was soon fielding calls from investors and retailers wanting to carry their shoes.
Within its first year, Allbirds shoes were being worn by the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Mila Kunis. By 2017 they had secured $17 million in venture capital and opened their first brick-and-mortar store. International expansion and new product lines soon followed.
While the meteoric success of Allbirds took many by surprise, it was years in the making. Tim Brown’s athlete-driven design process and passion for natural materials laid the foundation. With investors and fans clamoring for more, Allbirds shows no signs of slowing down.
It just goes to show how an innovative idea, sustainably executed, can disrupt an entire industry. From wool prototypes to a globally recognized brand, the Allbirds origin story is one for the books.
Why Choose Allbirds? The Benefits of Their Natural Materials
When it comes to shoes, most people want comfort, style, and functionality. But Allbirds takes it a step further. Their use of natural materials sets them apart from conventional athletic brands in some eye-opening ways.
Rather than synthetic fibers and plastics, Allbirds shoes utilize wool, tree fibers, cotton, and sugarcane. This not only benefits the planet, but gives Allbirds unique performance advantages. Let’s explore why their materials make Allbirds one of a kind.
Merino wool from New Zealand sheep is their claim to fame. Wool creates a luxuriously soft feel and gently molds to your feet. Unlike synthetic shoes, wool shoes don’t need time to break in. The wool is also thermoregulating to keep feet cozy in winter and cool in summer.
Have sweaty feet? No problem – wool is moisture wicking to keep you dry. It’s naturally antimicrobial too, meaning it resists odors despite heavy use. Reviewers love that they can wear Allbirds for work, workouts, and travel without stinky feet.
Besides wool, Allbirds uses breathable eucalyptus fiber in shoes like the Tree Runner. Eucalyptus feels silky smooth and offers temperature regulation similar to wool. It requires less water and chemicals to process than cotton or synthetics.
Allbirds midsoles utilize SweetFoamTM, a proprietary material made from renewable Brazilian sugarcane. It provides cushioning that’s equal or superior to petroleum-based foams. The natural fibers are also fully biodegradable at end of life, creating less environmental impact.
By focusing on natural materials from sustainable sources, Allbirds is on a mission to fight climate change. Their practices reduce dependence on synthetic fibers which pollute the planet during production. It’s a win-win for your feet and the earth.
While some “green” companies sacrifice performance for sustainability, Allbirds proves eco-friendly can also mean comfortable. The breathability, temperature regulation, odor resistance and moldable feel of their natural materials is hard to beat.
So next time you shop for sneakers or slip-ons, consider making the switch to Allbirds. Your feet will thank you, and so will the planet.
Allbirds’ Product Line: Sneakers, Loafers, Flats and More
Allbirds debuted with a single style – the Wool Runner sneaker. But they’ve since expanded into an array of footwear made from natural materials. From flats to boots, let’s explore the Allbirds product lineup.
Their core collection focuses on low-top sneakers for casual wear and athletic activities. The Wool Runner remains a top seller for its breathable merino wool upper and SweetFoamTM sole. It now comes in myriad colors and patterns to suit any style.
For vigorous runners and workouts, the Tree Dasher marries a eucalyptus fiber upper with a bouncy foam sole. It flexes naturally with the foot while providing arch support and energy return.
In the loafers department, Allbirds offers both wool and tree fiber styles. The Wool Lounger is a comfortable house slipper. Meanwhile the Tree Breezer provides a sleek streetwear look. The breezy flats are perfect for commuting, travel, or all-day wear.
For colder climes, the Wool Runner Mizzle adds weatherproofing. The water-repellent upper and traction sole make them ideal for rainy and snowy days. Allbirds also offers limited styles like the Tree Flyer high-tops and the sleeping mask-inspired Wool Nightfall for overnight flights.
Kids and toddlers can get in on the Allbirds fun too. The Tree Skippers and Tree Loungers let children experience natural comfort. New parents may also appreciate the machine washable design.
In addition to shoes, Allbirds has expanded into apparel like socks, underwear, and t-shirts. They’ve even introduced natural material eyewear made from bio-plastic and grass.
With sizes for men, women, and children, you can outfit the whole family in Allbirds. Frequent new releases keep their catalog fresh and exciting for returning customers.
While best known for the sneakers that started it all, Allbirds continues to innovate. Natural materials and ethical production remain core to their product line evolution. If comfort and sustainability are your goals, Allbirds has a stylish shoe option for you.
Standout Allbirds Shoe Styles You Need to Know About
With such a diverse product lineup, where should new Allbirds customers start? Here we spotlight some of their most popular shoe styles that have attained cult status.
The Wool Runner is the OG Allbird that launched the brand. This versatile sneaker features a merino wool upper that molds to your feet. It comes in classics like Natural Grey but also bold prints and colorblock designs.
For intense runners, the Tree Dasher provides lightweight breathability and bounce. The eucalyptus tree upper fits like a sock while the foam sole energizes your stride. It’s built for speed and endurance.
Meet your new weekend shoes – the Tree Breezer. This breezy flat combines the comfort of slippers with a sleek, stylish silhouette. The eucalyptus upper and latex sole scream leisure without compromising on eco-friendly materials.
Rainbow shoes, activate! The Wool Runner Fluff with its tweedy multicolor upper infuses fun and personality into a classic runner. It exemplifies the creative spirit of Allbirds’ design ethos.
Braving winter weather? The Wool Runner Mizzle applied a water-repellent finish without altering the merino wool’s breathability. Grippy soles provide stability on slippery surfaces in this fan favorite.
For toddlers learning to walk, the Tree Loungers offer natural support. The flexible sole encourages healthy foot development while the wool upper stays secure. These cute kicks will have baby stepping in style.
Across categories like sneakers, flats, and slip-ons, Allbirds isn’t afraid to push boundaries. Natural materials meet bold silhouettes and colors for shoes that make an impact. Step outside your comfort zone – your feet will thank you!
Where to Buy Allbirds: Online, In Select Stores, and Flagship Locations
As Allbirds has grown from a startup to global brand, so have the options for where to purchase their shoes. Here’s an overview of the top places to buy Allbirds footwear.
The Allbirds website remains the best direct source for the full product range. Shop by men’s, women’s, or kids, and filter for attributes like seasonality, activity, and material to pinpoint the perfect pair.
Allbirds offers free shipping and returns in the contiguous US. International shipping to Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia is also available. Ordering directly from their site guarantees you receive authentic Allbirds.
In 2017 Allbirds opened their first brick-and-mortar store in San Francisco. They now operate over 35 locations across the US, UK, China, Japan and Australia. Major cities with Allbirds stores include New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Beijing, and Melbourne.
Allbirds Flagship stores offer the complete product range plus perks like Monocle coffee bars and personal fitting services. It’s a great opportunity to experience the brand’s unique retail vibe.
For added convenience, Allbirds has partnered with other retailers like Nordstrom, Zappos, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Whole Foods to carry select styles. This makes it easy to buy Allbirds alongside your other errands.
Independent boutiques and department stores may also stock Allbirds in trendy urban areas. But product selection can be limited, so the Allbirds website remains your best bet for full choice.
Allbirds popularity continues to soar. Luckily their diverse omnichannel retail presence makes buying your next pair of eco sneakers a breeze. Find Allbirds at a location convenient for you.
Allbirds Come to Miami, Las Vegas, Orlando – New Store Openings
Since their founding in 2015, Allbirds has transformed from an e-commerce startup to a global retail presence. In recent years, they’ve opened stores across the US to bring their revolutionary shoes to new markets.
Major cities like New York and Los Angeles were initial targets. But Allbirds is now expanding into southern and western hubs. Hotspots like Miami, Las Vegas, and Orlando are the newest locations for Allbirds brick-and-mortar stores.
The Miami Allbirds store opened in late 2022 in the hip Design District. Nestled amongst art galleries, boutiques, and high fashion houses, the airy store reflects the laid back yet stylish Miami vibe.
Shoppers in the Magic City can browse the full product line while sipping fresh juice or cold brew coffee. The knowledgeable staff offers personalized fit guidance suited to Miami’s tropical climate.
Out west, Las Vegas got its first Allbirds outpost in 2021. Tucked inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, it provides a cool oasis from the glitzy Strip. The minimalist design lets the shoes take center stage.
In 2022, Allbirds opened its first Orlando door at the swanky Mall at Millenia. The Orlando Allbirds offers kids styles perfect for a day at the theme parks. Custom printed insoles commemorate your trip to the City Beautiful.
All three locations feature Allbirds’ signature retail elements like reclaimed wood fixtures and indoor plants. Sustainability remains central to their product offerings and store designs.
By expanding across the Sun Belt, Allbirds is bringing walkable, breathable wool shoes to new audiences. Stay tuned as they continue their rapid retail rollout in cities nationwide.
How Much Do Allbirds Shoes Cost? Pricing Information
With their innovative materials and eco-friendly ethos, Allbirds shoes command a premium over conventional sneakers. But are they worth the higher price tag?
Allbirds retail prices typically range from $95 to $135 per pair. Some limited editions go higher, while flats and kids shoes are less. Compared to basic sneakers that start around $50, Allbirds cost nearly twice as much.
Yet fans contend Allbirds earn their price through superior comfort, quality construction, and ethical production. The merino wool, eucalyptus fiber, and sugar cane foam are more expensive than synthetic materials.
Allbirds manufactures in environmentally certified factories that pay fair wages. These practices offset costs that cheap brands externalize through pollution and unethical labor.
Reviewers say their Allbirds remain in “like new” condition after years of steady wear. With proper care like avoiding high heat drying, Allbirds are built to last longer than bargain sneakers.
Considering the average American buys over 7 pairs of shoes per year, choosing one high-quality pair over several disposable ones is better for your wallet and the planet.
Allbirds appeals to eco-conscious consumers willing to pay more for sustainability. But budget buyers can watch for periodic sales and promos to get Allbirds at a discount.
Students, military, medical professionals, and teachers qualify for 15% off. Signing up for the Allbirds newsletter also provides access to special offers.
While not the cheapest shoe, Allbirds devotees believe investing in a pair is worth it for the unparalleled comfort and low environmental impact. As the saying goes: you get what you pay for.
Allbirds Sizing – Finding the Perfect Fit
Finding shoes that fit just right can be a challenge. With Allbirds’ revolutionary wool and tree fiber materials, how do you pick your ideal size?
The good news is Allbirds shoes generally run true-to-size. If you normally wear a size 8, ordering an 8 should align with the dimensions of your foot.
Allbirds offers a printable fitting guide you can use to measure both length and width of your feet. This helps identify not only your standard size, but also whether you need a Wide or Narrow width.
Keep in mind that wool and tree fiber materials mold to your feet differently than stiff leather or synthetics. Many wearers recommend ordering your true size, or sizing down by half if you’re between sizes.
The toe box in Allbirds has a roomy profile to allow natural toe splay. For narrow feet, sizing down may prevent excess room that looks sloppy.
If unsure, order two sizes and return the one that doesn’t fit. Allbirds offers free shipping and returns to ensure you find your custom fit.
Once received, try on your Allbirds and walk around the house. The merino wool will conform to your feet within 10-15 wears, while the tree fiber styles mold immediately.
Properly fitted Allbirds should be snug but not tight. Your toes shouldn’t hit the end when standing, but have a thumb’s width of space for toe spread when walking.
With the natural stretch of their materials, Allbirds promise to deliver the perfect personalized fit for all-day comfort. Follow their tips and you’ll be walking on woolen clouds.
Customizing Your Allbirds – Colors, Patterns and Personalization
One of the joys of Allbirds is customizing your kicks. With diverse colors, collaborator prints, and personalization options, you can make your Allbirds uniquely you.
Core Allbirds styles come in natural hues like grey, white, black and cream. Seasonal collections add rich tones like ruby red, navy blue and evergreen green.
Limited edition collaborator drops elevate patterns and textures. Allbirds has partnered with brands like LEGO for colorful abstract prints and Chinatown Market for playful smiley faces.
Finding your signature color combo is part of the fun. The Washable Wool collection multiplies options with panels of different hues. Go tonal or make bold contrasts.
For special occasions like birthdays, Allbirds gifting lets you customize a pair with a meaningful date or personal message. Names, initials and custom text can be printed on the heel tab or insole.
Talk about standing out from the pack. Add pop art, unique phrases or your own photography to the Wool Runner through Allbirds’ print shop.
Allbirds also offers gift cards for any amount. Let your lucky recipient build their perfect customized pair.
Kids can draw their own artwork to be printed on their Tree Skippers or Wool Loungers. Budding artists love sporting their own designs.
With so many ways to make them your own, your Allbirds tell your style story. The comfort is built-in; the rest is up to you!
How to Care for Your Allbirds Shoes – Washing and Maintenance Tips
Allbirds’ machine-washable shoes make cleaning a breeze. But proper care is key to keeping your Allbirds looking fresh while maximizing longevity.
The merino wool and eucalyptus tree materials are designed to be washed. Simply remove the insole and laces, pop in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, and air dry. Use cold water and a small amount of gentle detergent.
Washing restores the texture and removes odors. But resist the temptation to machine dry, as the high heat can damage or shrink the natural fibers. Let your Allbirds air dry fully before wearing again.
Between wears, use an all-natural cleaning spray made for wool to spot clean stains. Blot gently and let air dry. This refreshes your shoes between washes.
Caring for the soles is also essential. Wipe dirt from the bottoms before it gets ground in. An occasional gentle scrub with soap and water keeps rubber soles bouncy.
Storing your Allbirds properly is another maintenance must. Keep them stuffed with the shoe bags they came with to hold the shape. Avoid direct sunlight which can fade colors.
With their eco-conscious materials, Allbirds are built for longevity. Taking a few minutes to care for your shoes after each wear ensures they provide years of comfortable use.
By washing periodically, spot cleaning after wear, and storing properly, your investment in Allbirds will keep looking great while treading lightly on the planet.
Reviews of The Top Allbirds Shoes – Are They Worth It?
Allbirds have made waves in the footwear industry, but do real customer reviews live up to the hype? Let’s examine feedback on some of their most popular shoes.
The Wool Runner put Allbirds on the map. Reviewers rave about the soft merino wool that “feels like walking on a cloud.” The breathable material keeps feet cool while the SweetFoamTM sole provides pillowy comfort.
Many wearers say the Wool Runner holds up well over time. The wool molds perfectly to your feet for a customized feel. Users love wearing them barefoot and sockless thanks to the antimicrobial properties.
For athletic activities, the Tree Dasher earns acclaim. The springy, responsive midsole provides energy return that “makes running feel effortless.” Reviewers report the knit upper fits like a glove.
Fans say the Tree Breezer flats look sleek yet feel like slippers. The latex and eucalyptus sole is flexible but supportive enough for all day wear. Breathability keeps feet dry and comfortable.
Kids models like the Tree Loungers get raves for promoting healthy foot development thanks to the roomy toe box and grippy sole. Parents love the easy-on fit and machine washability.
Critical reviews mention sizing inconsistencies and occasional quality issues. But overall, Allbirds owners report the comfort, quality and low environmental impact make the prices worthwhile.
Real customer reviews prove Allbirds shoes deliver on their promises of comfort, design and sustainability. Trying a pair makes converts out of many skeptics.
Comparing Allbirds to Other Eco-Friendly Shoe Brands
Allbirds made waves as an eco-friendly shoe startup, but today it has plenty of competition. How do Allbirds stack up to other sustainable footwear brands?
Like Allbirds, brands like Rothy’s and Veja emphasize sustainability through recycled and natural materials. Rothy’s makes shoes from recycled plastic while Veja uses cotton, rubber and other organic sources.
Allbirds set itself apart with innovative use of Merino wool and eucalyptus tree fiber. The thermoregulating, breathable nature of these materials makes them stand out.
While some brands offset carbon from production, Allbirds takes a holistic approach by measuring emissions across its supply chain. Their goal is to achieve completely carbon neutral status by 2030.
When it comes to style, Allbirds focus on timeless, versatile designs rather than chasing trends. Their classic Wool Runners kickstarted a craze copied by many eco brands.
Allbirds also prides itself on transparency about its sustainable practices. It shares details on materials, manufacturing, carbon footprint and more unlike other vague “green” marketing.
When it comes to pricing, Allbirds fall in the middle between budget buys and luxury sustainable brands. The $100-$140 range hits a sweet spot for many eco-conscious shoppers.
While the sustainable shoe space has gotten more crowded, Allbirds retains advantages in brand awareness, material innovation and carbon neutral efforts. But competition keeps them striving for further improvements.
Among eco-friendly footwear companies, Allbirds remains a standout for quality, comfort and commitment to true sustainability.
The Allbirds Commitment to Sustainability and Ethical Practices
What sets Allbirds apart from other footwear brands is their deep commitment to sustainability. From materials to manufacturing to operations, Allbirds walks the walk when it comes to ethics.
They measure their carbon footprint across every step of their process, from the farms where they source wool to the factories where shoes are produced. Allbirds is working to be completely carbon neutral by 2030.
Their materials are all responsibly sourced and natural. Wool comes from sustainably managed sheep farms that practice regenerative agriculture. The eucalyptus requires little water and no pesticides to grow.
Manufacturing happens in factories with high labor and environmental standards. Allbirds ensures fair wages and safe conditions for workers making their shoes.
Even their retail spaces and packaging utilize eco-friendly design. Stores feature recycled materials along with energy and water conservation. Shoe boxes are 100% recycled cardboard and paper.
Allbirds is also transparent about its practices through sustainability reports. They reveal details most brands obscure to highlight there is always room for improvement.
While some shoe companies engage in “greenwashing” with vague claims, Allbirds practices what it preaches. This commitment to making stylish, comfortable shoes ethically has struck a chord with eco-minded buyers.
In the competitive footwear space, Allbirds shows sustainability and business success can coexist. Their authentic actions speak louder than words.
What’s Next for Allbirds? Exciting Developments To Come
In just a few short years, Allbirds has disrupted the footwear industry. But they show no signs of slowing down. What exciting developments can we expect next from this eco innovator?
More brick-and-mortar stores are definitely on the horizon. Allbirds is focused on growing its physical retail presence in key markets like Europe and Asia. More locations in cities across North America are also in progress.
Expanded product lines are likely. Their success with apparel and natural material eyewear hints at more lifestyle and accessory offerings. We may see innovations like backpacks, socks, and activewear under the Allbirds brand.
Advancing manufacturing technologies is another priority. Allbirds is testing new systems like 3D knitting that could radically reduce material waste from the production process. More efficient methods mean an even smaller footprint.
Allbirds is also expanding its sustainable materials arsenal. They’ve already released limited shoes using experimental fabrics like crab shells and plant leathers. Exciting new natural textiles may be on deck.
Partnerships, like recent collaborations with LEGO and Chinatown Market, allow Allbirds to reach new demographics. These creative relationships demonstrate the brand’s cultural relevance.
While rooted in eco-friendly ethics, Allbirds keeps proving sustainability can be stylish and highly marketable. As the brand continues to push boundaries, comfort, design and the planet all win.
From a niche startup to a global force, the Allbirds story continues to inspire. Their next chapter promises innovations that walk softly while making an outsized impact.