One of the tenets of the packing light traveller is to limit the number of shoes taken on a trip. Therefore, versatility and comfort are crucial along with being as lightweight as circumstances permit. For closed-toe walking shoes, Allbirds has created a favourite among travellers.Here is my Allbirds Merino Wool Runners review.

Brief Background of Allbirds

Being no stranger to the magical qualities of merino wool, New Zealand-born Tim Brown embarked upon many years of research and experimentation to create comfortable shoes without leaving the kind of large environmental footprint left by mainstream footwear companies. After Tim teamed up with engineer and recycled materials expert Joey Zwillinger, the two entrepreneurs combined their efforts to create a brand with comfort, style, and sustainability as their priorities.

Their mainstay? A revolutionary superfine, ZQ merino wool sourced responsibly from New Zealand. The company soared in popularity among travellers and leisure seekers for producing comfortable shoes that are as gentle on the feet as on the environment.

What are Allbirds Wool Runners

The Allbirds Wool Runners are a sustainable, comfortable walking shoe made from merino wool. They’re perfect for travellers with no space in their luggage for shoes that are more ‘cute’ than practical. Or sporty shoes with prominent logos and rich colours that are great for the gym but don’t mix well with a travel wardrobe.

Are you looking for a lightweight, versatile footwear option that combines well with most outfits and is suitable for all-day wear without pain or discomfort? The Allbirds Wool Runners are worthy of investigation.

Allbirds Merino Wool Runners Review

1. Quick facts

The Allbirds Merino Wool Runners are comfortable, stylish walking shoes. Despite the name, they’re not running shoes. They’re an ideal sneaker for casual everyday wear, making them versatile enough for various travel experiences.

• The superfine merino wool material is much softer than regular wool and doesn’t cause any itchiness.
• The moisture-wicking properties of merino keep feet dry and comfortable during long periods of wear.
• Merino is breathable; Wool Runners can be worn without socks.
• The odour-controlling properties of merino ensure shoes remain relatively odour-free.
• Allbirds shoes are sustainably made from natural materials, aligning with the eco-friendly values embraced by many travellers.
• They’re most suitable for cooler weather conditions, providing warmth and comfort in temperatures between 5–20ºC / 41–68ºF. They could work for three-season travel, depending on your destination. However, temperature thresholds vary from person to person. Besides, extra insulation can be attained by wearing merino wool socks.
• Allbirds shoes are lightweight, making them easy to pack and carry.
• Wool Runners are machine-washable or can be washed by hand. This makes them very easy to maintain and keep clean.
• The excellent reviews of Wool Runners confirm their popularity, judged by many to be the best lightweight walking shoe.

2. First Impressions

For me, purchasing shoes online is never a risk worth taking. I need to see, hold, and wear a shoe before deciding. It was on a visit to San Francisco that dropping into an Allbirds store became possible. (However, given Allbirds’ fantastic return policy, I wouldn’t hesitate to make an online purchase another pair of Wool Runners or try a different Allbirds product such as the Tree Runners or water-repellent Wool Runner-up Mizzles.)

Holding the Allbirds Wool Runners for the first time, I was impressed by how lightweight they are. At the time, I was wearing my closed-toe walking shoes of choice, a pair of Saucony Progrid Integrity. Compared to the Saucony shoes that weigh 23 oz / 650 g, Allbirds Wool Runners weigh 14.8 oz / 416 g.

I was pleased with the width and the sizing. My Saucony shoes were an extra-wide size 8.5. The Wool Runners are medium-width shoes and as suggested by Allbirds staff, I sized them up to a US-size 9. The soft merino wool stretched and adapted to the width of my feet. The more I wore them, the better they moulded to my feet.

After several laps of the store, I realized how cozy and comfortable they were. It felt like I was wearing slippers. The sole was spongy and flexible, with a comfortable amount of cushion. I surmised there would be little or no break-in period. This proved to be the case. They fit well from the get-go, and blisters are a scourge of the past.

For a travel shoe, I like something in a solid, neutral colour or complementary neutral colours that blend with my capsule travel wardrobe. I chose the black Savannah Night with a black sole.

Another consideration is how easy it is to slip in and out of the shoes without untying and retying laces. This has come in handy as in-flight footwear and passing through security screening.

3. Features of Allbirds Wool Runners

The Allbirds Wool Runners have a minimalist design with maximum comfort. They work well with jeans, leggings, or travel trousers but also with a skort, skirt, or dress.

(i) Materials

With the company’s tagline, “Mother Nature made us do it,” the heart and soul of Allbirds Wool Runners lie in their innovative materials.

• The upper is made entirely of superfine ZQ-certified, soft, breathable, and itch-free merino wool. The ZQ certification means that the material meets the highest standards of animal welfare, environmental care, and social sustainability. The moisture-wicking and odour-control properties of merino are legendary, making them a viable option in warmer weather. Another quality is that merino wool is naturally ‘thermoregulating,’ so feet remain cool in warm weather and warm in cool weather.
• The heel lining is made of ZQ merino wool.
• The soles are made from sugarcane, adding a soft yet supportive base.
• A padded, removable insole crafted from castor bean oil offers excellent cushioning, reducing reliance on traditional petroleum-based foam. The insole is topped with merino wool. Replacement insoles can be purchased separately, helping to prolong the shoe’s wearing life. As the insole is removable, it can be replaced with orthotics if necessary.

• A SweetFoam midsole is made with sugarcane-based green EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), a bio-based material, to make rubber-like products in their softness and flexibility.
• Laces are created from recycled plastic bottles.

(ii) Allbirds Return Policy

Allbirds offers a 30-day window to decide if the shoes are right for you. If it’s a size issue or they’re less comfortable than expected, return or exchange them with no questions asked, even if you’ve worn them outdoors. However, returns/exchanges can only be done in the country of purchase.

 Allbirds takes care of the return shipping costs. However, shipping fees associated with the original order aren’t refunded. An appealing feature of the policy is that Allbirds donates the lightly used returned shoes to charity for use by people in need.

(iii) Sizing

Allbirds Wool Runners tend to run true to size and cater to wide feet – an uncommon trait among travel shoes. Superfine merino wool is known for its stretchy comfort, so these shoes conform to the shape of your feet in no time.

(v) Packaging

Allbirds’ packaging matches the company’s eco-friendly ethos. The box is made from 90% recycled cardboard and serves as a shoebox and shipping container. The runners are neatly tucked inside, free of unnecessary plastic wrap or tissue paper.

4. Why Allbirds Merino Wool Runners are a perfect travel shoe

• Their lightweight and travel-friendly design makes them easy to pack. I can compress or bend them to fit around other things packed in my bag.
• Most of my travels are to destinations where I can manage with two pairs of shoes (three with Havaianas Slim flip flops for shower shoes). The Allbirds Wool Runners work best in cooler temperatures or conditions where a closed-toe shoe is preferable. When the temperature rises or for activities around water, my Teva Tirra sandals are a better choice.
• They’re stylish enough for smart casual wear and blend well with a travel wardrobe.
• I appreciate Allbirds’ eco-friendly values.
• I can walk a considerable distance without pain or discomfort. On my first trip with my Wool Runners, I was surprised at how comfortable they were for exploring London.

5. How to care for Allbirds Wool Runners

To keep your Allbirds Wool Runners in top condition, here are some suggested care tips:

• Clean them regularly by gently brushing off dirt or dust with a soft-bristled brush or cloth. I set mine aside for travel, so after each trip, I remove dirt, wipe them down with a damp sponge or cloth, air-dry them outdoors, and pack them in a lightweight shoe bag ready for the next adventure.

• For deeper cleaning, hand wash with cold water and mild detergent. To be on the safe side, pick up a wool-safe detergent. And, of course, don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals.
• Remove the insoles and laces before washing to ensure thorough cleaning and air dry them separately.
• When washing by machine, choose a delicate or woollen cycle on a cold wash. Place the shoes in a wash bag designed for delicates.
• Air-dry. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent any damage to the merino wool material. The Wool Runners can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to dry.
• To maintain their shape, stuff the shoes with paper towels or a shoe tree while drying to help preserve their form. Or use the cardboard shoe inserts that came with your purchase.

6. Pros and Cons of Allbirds Wool Runners

The Allbirds Wool Runners offer incredible comfort and sustainability, making them a perfect walking shoe for eco-conscious travellers. However, they’re not designed for all travel experiences. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons.

Pros

• no flashy logos or meaningless, superfluous details; the logo is barely discernible
• minimalist design
• exceptional comfort and breathability
• best for common urban surfaces and dry, unchallenging trails
• easily blend with other travel wear, can be dressed up or down, and transition well from daywear to smart casual wear when required
• moisture-wicking properties keep feet dry and comfortable
• can be worn without socks
• strong emphasis on sustainability by using natural materials
• eco-friendly packaging
• superfine merino wool is softer than regular wool for itch-free comfort

Cons

• unsuitable for intense physical activities, lacking the necessary support and cushioning
• not suitable in rain and snow
• despite their moisture-wicking properties, they’re not ideal in hot and humid climates
• the minimalist tread is shallow, making it unsuitable for icy, slippery, challenging surfaces and muddy, rocky trails. Depending on your gait, the tread diminishes in various places after several months of constant wear.
• can lose their shape over time, especially the toe box; use the cardboard inserts when not on your feet.

Conclusion

I’m no fashion maven, but it’s reassuring to know that I’ve joined the likes of Barack Obama, Mila Kunis, and Jessica Alba who have been spotted wearing Allbirds Wool Runners. And Leonardo DiCaprio invested in the company due to its sustainable approach. If it’s good enough for these media heavyweights…

No, seriously, I love my Allbirds Merino Wool Runners. I can comfortably wear them day after day; they pack beautifully in my travel bag, and when it makes more sense to wear my favourite travel sandals, they take up little space in my luggage. They’ve earned a trusted place on most of my travel adventures.

 

Might you be interested in a post on Teva Tirra, my favourite walking sandals?

 

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