The startup behind these sneakers is skyrocketing in popularity — and it's easy to understand why after trying them
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Allbirds is one of the hottest footwear brands out right now — and it's not because their shoes are made of wool.
The sneaker startup came about when Tim Brown, a New Zealand native, teamed up with San Francisco-based engineer and renewables expert Joey Zwillinger.
The result was the Allbirds Wool Runners — a sneaker that was innovative, comfortable, and sustainable. The brand quickly became popular because of its use of merino wool.
Most people think wool would be hot and itchy, but Allbirds uses a proprietary dual-faced wool that's super soft and itch-free on the interior and dirt-resistant on the exterior.
With Allbirds' special construction, the wool actually has many natural properties that make for amazing sneakers. They're lightweight and breathable, cool in the heat, warm in the cold, and for those that like to go sockless, they're odor-resistant. And the best part is, you can throw these sneakers in the washing machine, instead of meticulously scrubbing away stains like you would with traditional sneakers.
If you're looking for a pair of sneakers that are comfort, durable, stylish, and affordable, AllBirds is the solution.
Shop all Wool shoes at Allbirds now.
A few members of the Insider Picks team recently tried Allbirds Wool Loungers and had some high praise for them. The brand also sent over a few pairs of the Wool Runners. Here's what the rest of the team had to say:
Amir Ismael, Insider Picks reporter
Before I even got to the actual shoes, my first impression on receiving my Allbirds Wool Runners was the box. As a sneaker collector, the box is sometimes just as important as the shoes themselves — it's definitely something I wouldn't throw away. Building on its efforts to improve sustainability, Allbirds ships its shoes in the same box that they're stored in. The box unfolds and two separate compartments hold each sneaker.
Once I did get to the shoes, I was immediately impressed. When I think of lightweight sneakers, mesh or engineered knit comes to mind first — not wool. Upon learning about Allbirds, I actually thought wool sneakers were a bad idea, but the Wool Runners definitely proved me wrong.
The Allbirds sneakers are super comfortable, lightweight, and stylish. I'm able to wear them all day long because of the plush insoles and flexible outsole. I went with the Natural Grey pair for a minimal and subdued look, and I absolutely love them.
Buy the Allbirds Men's Wool Runners in Natural Grey, $95
Connie Chen, Insider Picks intern
Silicon Valley is obsessed with these wool shoes, and now I understand why. I love wearing sneakers with dresses or skirts to add a sporty-casual feel, and my white Allbirds Runners were a seamless addition into my weekend daytime look.
One day, I wore these shoes after spending the entire previous day in heeled boots, and my sore feet seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. I’d normally be a little paranoid trying to care for bright white shoes, but I don’t worry at all about any scuffs or dirt that attack these shoes since I can just throw them in the washing machine at any time.
Buy the Allbirds Women's Wool Runners in Natural White, $95
Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks guides editor
I don't wear sneakers very often, but when I do, they have to be comfortable and stylish. The Allbirds Runners meet both requirements in spades. These merino wool shoes are ridiculously soft — I couldn't stop touching them when they first arrived!
I've never worn sneakers without socks before, but the wool was so silky and smooth that I gave it a try, and it worked. The Runners are super comfortable to walk in, and they're also very light and breathable with or without socks.
Buy the Allbirds Women's Wool Runners in Kotare Lavender, $95
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