Allbirds have gained popularity as comfortable, lightweight, and stylish footwear, but Are Allbirds Good For Travel? Absolutely! Allbirds shoes are a fantastic choice for travel, combining comfort, sustainability, and versatility. SIXT.VN understands the importance of comfortable travel, and Allbirds shoes perfectly align with our commitment to providing seamless travel solutions in Vietnam. Opting for Allbirds ensures your feet stay happy while exploring vibrant cities and breathtaking landscapes. Discover how Allbirds can enhance your travel experience in Vietnam, making every step enjoyable and eco-friendly.
This article dives deep into the world of Allbirds, exploring their features, benefits, and how they can be your ideal travel companion. We’ll cover everything from their sustainable materials to their suitability for various travel conditions, ensuring you make an informed decision for your next adventure. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Hanoi or enjoying a serene beach in Phu Quoc, Allbirds can be your go-to footwear for a comfortable and eco-conscious trip.
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Table of Contents:
- What are Allbirds?
- Where Can I Purchase Allbirds Shoes & Apparel?
- What are Allbirds Shoes Made From?
- Are Allbirds Shoes Vegan?
- Which Allbirds Shoes Style are Best for Travel?
- Our Allbirds Shoes Review for Travelers
- Tips for Choosing Which Allbirds Sneakers to Buy for Travel
- Can Allbirds Shoes be Worn with Custom Insoles?
- Tips for Washing Allbirds Shoes?
- Tips for Packing and Traveling with Allbirds Shoes
- FAQ About Allbirds and Travel
1. What are Allbirds?
Allbirds is a footwear and apparel company founded by Tim Brown, a former professional soccer player from New Zealand, and biotech engineer Joey Zwillinger in 2016. Their mission is to create comfortable, sustainable, and versatile shoes using natural materials. Brown began developing a wool sneaker from New Zealand wool in 2014, backed by a research grant and a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Allbirds Products
The original Wool Runner sneakers gained rapid recognition for their simplicity, style-neutral design, and exceptional comfort, earning the title of “world’s most comfortable shoe” by Time magazine. These sneakers remain one of Allbirds’ most popular products.
Beyond the Wool Runners, Allbirds now offers a diverse range of footwear, including flats, sandals, and trail running shoes. They also produce socks, apparel, and accessories.
Most Allbirds shoes are available in both men’s and women’s sizes. In 2017, Allbirds introduced children’s shoes under the brand Smallbirds, which was relaunched in 2022, focusing on everyday sneakers and slip-on shoes.
Allbirds & Sustainability
Allbirds is renowned for its dedication to sustainability and eco-friendliness, holding a certified B Corporation (B Corp) status. According to B Corporation, in 2023, B Corps are businesses that meet high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials. The company’s sustainability initiatives include:
- Low Carbon Footprint: Producing shoes with a minimal carbon footprint.
- Natural Materials: Utilizing natural, renewable raw materials.
- Recycled Materials: Incorporating recycled materials whenever possible.
- Minimal Packaging: Employing minimal and recycled packing and shipping materials.
- Carbon Offsetting: Investing in projects that offset carbon emissions.
Each pair of shoes displays its carbon footprint (e.g., 9.9 kg CO2e) before offsetting and indicates its manufacturing location, with most shoes produced in Busan, South Korea, alongside facilities in China and Vietnam. Detailed reports on carbon footprint calculation, manufacturing processes, offsetting projects, and future goals are available on the Allbirds website.
Allbirds is committed to extending the life cycle of its products. They operate a trade-in program (currently only in the USA) and a resale platform called Rerun, where customers can purchase gently used items (also currently only in the USA). Additionally, returned shoes are donated to non-profits like Soles4Souls. According to Soles4Souls, in 2020, Allbirds donated over $500,000 worth of shoes through Soles4Souls to healthcare workers at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company is also exploring more recycling solutions.
2. Where Can I Purchase Allbirds Shoes & Apparel?
Allbirds offers their products through several channels:
- Official Website: The most comprehensive selection is available on their official website.
- Amazon: Select styles are also available via Amazon, providing convenience for Amazon Prime members.
- Retail Stores: With over 50 retail locations, you can try on shoes in person.
Buying online is often the most convenient option, especially for those outside major metropolitan areas in the United States.
Allbirds operates separate websites for nine regions, so product availability can vary. They currently ship to New Zealand, Australia, Canada, China, South Korea, Japan, the UK, most of Europe, and the United States, with plans to expand to more countries. Free standard shipping is offered on orders above a certain threshold (e.g., $75 in the USA, £45 in the UK).
A 30-day return/exchange policy allows you to return or exchange shoes if you’re not satisfied. Review the return policy specific to your country before purchasing.
Retail locations are primarily in major US cities like San Francisco, New York City, and Chicago. International stores are located in countries such as New Zealand, the UK, China, South Korea, the Netherlands, Germany, and Japan. A complete list of store locations is available on their website.
Allbirds also partners with select third-party retailers, including Zalando in Europe and Nordstrom, REI, and Dick’s Sporting Goods in the United States.
3. What are Allbirds Shoes Made From?
Allbirds prides itself on using sustainable materials. The primary materials in their shoes are merino wool and Tencel lyocell.
For most shoe styles, Allbirds offers two fabric options: Wool and Tree (e.g., Wool Runner and Tree Runner). The upper part of the shoe determines these styles.
Here are the main materials used in Allbirds shoe uppers:
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Merino Wool: This natural fiber from sheep is warm, durable, and moisture-wicking. According to Allbirds, their merino wool is sourced from sheep in New Zealand. Allbirds Wool style shoes feature merino wool uppers.
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Tencel Lyocell: Tencel is a type of rayon made from regenerated cellulose fiber, typically eucalyptus tree wood pulp. It’s breathable and soft. Allbirds sources most of its wood pulp from South Africa. This material is used in the uppers of Allbirds Tree style shoes, also referred to as their “tree material” or “eucalyptus tree fiber.”
Other materials used by Allbirds include:
- Trino: A knitted fabric made from merino wool, Tencel, recycled nylon, and recycled plastic. Used in shoes, socks, and apparel.
- Plant Leather: A vegan alternative made of MIRUM, a material derived from natural rubber, plant oils, and agricultural byproducts.
- Canvas: Some Allbirds shoes feature canvas uppers made of 100% organic cotton or a blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester.
Allbirds also uses sugarcane-based ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) for midsoles, castor bean oil for insoles topped with merino wool, and recycled plastic bottles for shoelaces.
Allbirds Shoe Review
4. Are Allbirds Shoes Vegan?
Yes, Allbirds offers vegan-friendly shoe styles.
The Pacers shoe range, released in September 2022, was 100% vegan, featuring either a canvas upper (Canvas Pacers) or a plant leather upper (Plant Pacers). The plant-based leather alternative, MIRUM, is free of plastic and petroleum.
These vegan shoes have a castor oil insole, similar to most Allbirds shoes, but it is covered with Tencel lyocell instead of merino wool. All the shoe’s lining is also Tencel.
More recently, Allbirds released the SuperLight Tree Runner and SuperLight Trainer, which are also vegan-friendly.
Most shoes from Allbirds are not vegan because they contain merino wool. However, Allbirds states that their merino wool “is sustainably and ethically sourced to ensure that absolutely no harm is done to the sheep.”
5. Which Allbirds Shoes Style are Best for Travel?
The Allbirds Runners line, including the Allbirds Wool Runners, Tree Runners, and Wool Runner Mizzles, are generally the best travel shoes. The ideal style depends on your personal preferences and travel destination.
This recommendation comes from personal experience and the popularity of casual everyday sneakers for travel. However, these may not suit every traveler’s needs. Here’s a brief overview of the major Allbirds shoe ranges to help you decide.
Allbirds Wool Runners
These are Allbirds’ classic and most popular sneakers. The Wool Runner is a simple, everyday merino wool sneaker. They also offer a high-top style (Wool Runner-up) and a water-repellent style (Wool Runner Mizzle).
Despite being named “Runners,” these shoes are designed for everyday wear, not for running.
The Allbirds Runner shoes offer the most arch support compared to other Allbirds lines, with a 9.6mm heel-to-toe drop. They are often considered the most versatile and comfortable Allbirds shoes, making them ideal for travel.
The specific Runner style depends on your travel plans. Wool Runners are best for temperate to cold climates due to their warmth.
Check out: Women’s Wool Runners / Men’s Wool Runners / Women’s Wool Runner Go / Men’s Wool Runner Go
Allbirds Tree Runners
The Tree Runners are similar to the Wool Runners but feature a Tencel lyocell upper. All other main features, including support and insoles, are the same.
Tree Runners are ideal for warmer weather and dry climates. They are not great in bad or cold weather but perform well in most other conditions.
Allbirds Mizzles & Mizzle Plus
Mizzle shoes have a fluorine-free water-repellent coating, thicker midsoles, a Bio TPU membrane to prevent water seepage, and rubber outsoles for added traction. The uppers are also slightly thicker.
Allbirds offers Wool Runners, Wool Dashers, and Wool Runner-Ups in their water-repellent collection. These shoes are best for light rain, snow, and puddles and are ideal for cooler weather destinations.
For more water protection, consider the Wool Runner-Up Mizzle Plus, which features an extra mud guard overlay for increased water resistance.
Check out: Women’s Mizzles / Men’s Mizzles
Allbirds Pipers
The Allbirds Pipers blend an everyday sneaker with a retro athletic shoe design, similar to vintage tennis shoes. They are available in regular wool (Wool Pipers), woven wool (Wool Pipers Woven), and Tencel lyocell (Tree Pipers). The mid-cut shoes resemble classic Converse shoes.
Allbirds Pipers could be good travel shoes for those who prefer a classic or retro design, but they offer less arch support than the Runners.
Check out: Women’s Wool Pipers / Men’s Wool Pipers / Women’s Tree Pipers / Men’s Tree Pipers
Allbirds Tree Skippers
These casual “boat shoes” are made of Tencel lyocell fabric. They are lighter, slimmer, and have shorter laces than the Tree Piper sneakers. The Runners or Pipers are generally recommended for more coverage and support.
Check out: Women’s Tree Skippers / Men’s Tree Skippers
Allbirds Tree Breezers
These casual ballet-style flats for women are made of Tencel lyocell. They are suitable for light walking and running errands. The Tree Breezer Point version has a more pointed almond toe.
These shoes offer less support than other styles, making them less ideal for travel. However, they can be a lightweight option for casual or short-term wear, such as after business meetings or formal events.
Check out: Women’s Tree Breezers
Allbirds Pacers (Vegan)
Allbirds’ vegan-friendly sneakers do not contain merino wool. They are made from either a plant-based leather alternative or cotton canvas.
Designed for casual everyday wear, the Pacers offer similar arch support to the original Runners.
The Pacers are a good choice for vegan travelers. Canvas Pacers are machine washable, making them a better choice for travelers.
NOTE: The Pacers lines may be discontinued or redesigned, as they are currently only available via the ReRun program.
Allbirds Couriers
Another retro-inspired sneaker option, the Courier features an upper made of organic cotton and eucalyptus fabric, an extra-cushy midsole, and a natural rubber outsole.
Inspired by 1980s sneakers, these are great everyday shoes for those who like a vintage look.
Check out: Women’s Couriers / Men’s Couriers
Allbirds Loungers
These slip-on shoes are available in merino wool, Tencel lyocell, woven wool, and fluffy wool. Designed for wearing around the house or running errands, they are not recommended for travel.
The Wool Dweller, available in some markets, is a slip-on wool slipper made of reused wool scraps and recycled polyester, designed for indoor use only.
Check out: Women’s Tree Loungers / Men’s Tree Loungers / Women’s Wool Loungers / Men’s Wool Loungers
Allbirds Dashers
These running shoes are available in wool (Wool Dasher Mizzles) and Tencel lyocell (Tree Dashers).
The Wool Dasher Mizzles offer water resistance. Designed for everyday running and light workouts, they are not ideal travel shoes unless you plan to run or work out during your trip.
Check out: Women’s Tree Dashers / Men’s Tree Dashers / Women’s Wool Dasher Mizzles / Men’s Wool Dasher Mizzles
Allbirds Tree Flyers
These running shoes are made of Tencel lyocell and are designed for long-distance running. They are lighter, more springy, and less supportive than the Tree Dashers.
Check out: Women’s Tree Flyers / Men’s Tree Flyers
Allbirds Trail Runners
These trail running shoes are designed for various terrains, offering extra grip, rock protection, and water resistance. They are more rugged than the Allbirds Dashers. Trail Runners that offer more water resistance are also available (Trail Runner SWT Mizzles).
These are not ideal everyday travel shoes but could work for those who plan to hike or run during their trip.
Check out: Women’s Trail Runners / Men’s Trail Runners
6. Our Allbirds Shoes Review for Travelers
We have been wearing Allbirds sneakers since 2021 and have purchased and tried the Allbirds Wool Runners, Wool Runners 2, Wool Runner Mizzles, Wool Runner-up Mizzle Plus, Tree Runners, and Trino socks.
Having traveled with these shoes to eight different countries, we can confidently share our experiences with the pros and cons of each Allbirds Runner style.
Allbirds Wool Runners Shoe Review
The Allbirds Wool Runner sneakers are the original wool sneakers and the shoes most associated with the brand.
These shoes fit well and were comfortable right out of the box. They hug the feet and feel cozy. They are also lightweight.
One minor issue is that the shoelaces could be longer. While socks are generally preferred, they are also comfortable to wear without socks.
They pair well with various outfits, from jeans to leggings to casual dresses, making them versatile for travel. They are also easy to pack in a suitcase, although wearing them on travel days is ideal.
When traveling, they are suitable for exploring cities, road trips, and casual walks. However, they are not recommended for sports activities, strenuous hiking, or formal situations. They also are not ideal for beaches or water activities.
These shoes are machine washable with removable insoles and laces, making them easy to clean.
Like any wool shoes, they will naturally stretch and wear out over time. Keeping them out of bad weather and washing them only when needed can extend their lifespan.
Overall, the Allbirds Wool Runners are comfortable, cozy, and versatile, making them ideal for cool, dry destinations.
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Allbirds Wool Runner 2 Shoe Review
The Wool Runner 2 shoes (now called Wool Runner Go) are an updated version of the original Wool Runners, featuring a wider toe box, more foam cushioning in the midsole, a slightly chunkier look, and a new outsole with a deeper lug pattern to improve traction. Allbirds also introduced half sizes.
The wider toe box is a notable improvement. In terms of travel, they should work just as well as the original Wool Runners, making them great for cooler locations where extra warmth is desired.
Allbirds Wool Runner 2 review best shoes for travel
Allbirds Wool Runner 2 review travel shoes for traveling
Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles Shoe Review
The Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles have a water-repellent coating for better performance in light rain, puddles, and snow.
The shoes are treated with a fluorine-free, water-repellent coating, causing water to bead up and roll off. They also feature natural rubber track pads, thicker soles, and thicker wool uppers.
Due to the thicker soles and uppers, the shoes feel bulkier and heavier than the original Wool Runners.
These are comfortable to wear and can be worn with or without socks, although socks are preferred in cooler and wetter weather.
The Wool Runner Mizzles are better suited for cooler and wetter climates than the original Wool Runners. However, they are not waterproof and will not replace waterproof boots.
They are great for walking through puddles and handling light rain or snow but do not hold up well in heavy rain or prolonged wetness.
These shoes are machine washable, but washing them can reduce the water-repellent coating. Spot cleaning or hand washing is recommended.
Overall, the Allbirds Wool Runners Mizzles are comfortable, cozy, and versatile, making them ideal for cool and cold destinations with rain or snow.
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Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles Plus Shoe Review
The Allbirds Wool-Runner-Up Mizzle Plus shoes are designed with more water-resistant features.
These high-top shoes have the same water-repellent coating, layer of bio thermoplastic polyurethane, natural rubber soles, and thicker wool uppers as the Wool Runner-up Mizzles.
The addition of a 25mm mud guard overlay provides extra water protection. They also have reflective laces.
They keep feet warm and dry, performing well in wet grass, mud, light snow, and light rain. The added mud guard protection makes them more water-resistant than regular Mizzle shoes.
The downsides are that they are a bit stiffer due to the mud guard layer and only available as a high-top, taking up more room when packing.
Allbirds Tree Runners Shoe Review
The Allbirds Tree Runner sneakers feature uppers made of Tencel lyocell instead of wool, making them more breathable and lighter.
These shoes fit well and are comfortable, although without the warm and cozy feel of the Wool Runners. They travel and pack well.
The Tree Runners have perfect shoelace length.
The fabric is more lightweight and breathable, making these shoes better for warm and hot climates.
They are the most versatile in terms of pairing with different outfits.
These shoes are not water-repellent and will soak up water quickly. However, they tend to dry faster than the wool sneakers.
Overall, the Allbirds Tree Runners are a great pair of travel shoes. They are comfortable, breathable, and versatile. They are lightweight and easy to pack. These are our overall favorite shoes for travel.
The Tencel material stands up better to wear and washing over time than the wool, and these shoes feel better in warm and hot climates.
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Allbirds Re-Run Program
The Allbirds Re-Run program offers returned, gently used, and imperfect shoes at discounted prices.
The shoes arrive packaged like new Allbirds shoes.
This program is a good way to get colors that are no longer available and at a lower price.
Sadly, the Re-Run program is currently only available in the U.S.
Allbirds Trino Socks Review
The Allbirds Trino socks are made from Trino, a fabric made from merino wool, Tencel lyocell, recycled nylon, and Spandex.
The socks are good quality, look good with Allbirds shoes, and are made with eco-conscious materials.
Considering the price, there are less expensive alternatives.
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Our Overall Thoughts about Allbirds Sneakers for Travel
We have tried several types of Allbirds shoes and found all styles to be comfortable, versatile, and travel-friendly. Allbirds is an environmentally-friendly and sustainable company with an easy 30-day return policy.
Allbirds shoes are stylish with a simple minimalist design. They are great for traveling, very comfortable, lightweight, easy to pack, and machine washable. They can also be worn with or without socks and with various types of clothing.
The Wool Runners are recommended as a general travel shoe for temperate to cold locations, and the Tree Runners for warm and hot destinations. The Wool Runner Mizzles are a great option if you want a water-repellent sneaker.
7. Tips for Choosing Which Allbirds Sneakers to Buy for Travel
To decide which Allbirds shoes are best for you, consider the following:
- Current Lifestyle:
- What is the weather and climate like where you live?
- Where do you normally wear sneakers?
- What activities do you do in your sneakers?
- What clothes do you wear sneakers with?
- Travel Destinations:
- What is the weather and temperature going to be like?
- What surfaces will you be walking on?
- What activities do you plan to do?
- What clothing will you be packing?
For most travelers, the best Allbirds shoes are their line of everyday wear sneakers, the Runners line.
Here’s a rough guide on choosing based on your travel destination:
- Cooler and Dry Destinations: Allbirds Wool Runners or Wool Runners Go
- Cooler, Wetter Destinations: Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles or Wool Runner-Up Mizzle Plus
- Warm or Hot Destinations: Allbirds Tree Runners
If traveling to a mix of cool and hot destinations, the Allbirds Tree Runners are the best choice for handling a variety of climates and situations. The Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles are a second choice.
Here are tips for choosing the color of your shoes:
- Avoid white shoes, as they show dirt easily.
- Consider darker colors that won’t show dirt easily.
- Consider colors that will go with the majority of your clothing.
Allbirds shoes only come in whole sizes, so check the sizing chart and recommendations before ordering.
The Allbirds 30-day return policy makes it easy to return or exchange shoes if you order the wrong size or don’t like the shoes.
8. Can Allbirds Shoes be Worn with Custom Insoles?
Yes, the insoles in most Allbirds shoes can be removed and replaced with custom insoles or orthotic devices. The insoles are not glued down, making them easy to remove.
The Runner style shoes offer the most arch support.
9. Tips for Washing Allbirds Shoes?
One of the selling points of Allbirds shoes is that they are machine washable. Follow these tips to wash your Allbirds shoes:
- Remove any excess dirt or mud.
- Remove wool insoles and shoelaces.
- Put shoes in a mesh laundry bag.
- Use gentle laundry detergent; don’t use bleach.
- Wash on a wool cycle or gentle cycle.
- Wash the shoes by themselves.
- Don’t put in a dryer machine—let shoes air dry naturally.
It is better to spot clean your Allbirds shoes rather than putting them in the washing machine if possible.
I would not wash the Allbirds shoes from the Mizzle collection in the washing machine unless it is really needed. Washing them can reduce the effectiveness of the water-repellent coating.
New vegan leather Plant Pacers are not machine washable.
We have washed our shoes several times. We recommend just spot washing them by hand first before resorting to machine washing.
If the shoes are muddy or wet, we wait for them to dry first as it is often easier to remove dirt once it dries. For spot cleaning, we just use a gentle liquid detergent or soap, water, and a cloth.
We will only do this with the Wool Runners and Tree Runners, as Allbirds does not recommend putting the Wool Runner Mizzles in the washing machine as it can weaken the water-repellent coating.
For the most part, spot washing has been enough to keep them clean.
Our takeaway advice is that Allbirds shoes are indeed machine washable, but only wash them if spot cleaning is not sufficient. Follow all the washing and care instructions for
