Skip to main content

Sustainable and Stylish Allbirds Wool Shoes Will Make Your Feet Very Happy

Tim Brown, a former professional soccer player from New Zealand, launched a Kickstarter campaign to see if other people would be interested in his new shoe design: shoes that can be worn without socks and won’t smell.

In just five days the campaign had mounted 970 backers who donated around $119,000. The new shoe idea was so popular that it led Brown to switch career paths and cooperate with biotech engineer and renewables expert, Joey Zwillinger, to create a truly innovative and sustainable sneaker company: Allbirds.

Allbirds has taken the sneaker market by storm with its sustainable, biodegradable wool shoes. These runners are lightweight, machine washable, and they even regulate temperature to keep your feet cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

That’s thanks to the magic of Merino wool: nature really perfected this fiber– just ask the sheep. Because of its natural crimp, the wool is able to trap heat, providing insulation and it’s simultaneously able to keep your feet dry. Wool can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in sweat or moisture and still feel dry. That absorption doubles as a kind of natural air conditioning unit since the moisture will evaporate, cooling the skin. Wool is incredibly strong, naturally odor resistant (because of its Olympic moisture-wicking ability), and Merino wool is famously soft (not the least bit itchy). Also, it will protect your feet from harmful UV rays. Allbirds’ wool comes from New Zealand sheep and is spun in Italy, allowing them to ensure every step of the process meets their exacting ethical and sustainability standards.

The insoles use green polyurethane, which is made of castor beans. And their cleverly designed packaging means they use 40% less material than traditional shoe boxes. All this translates to an Allbirds’ carbon footprint that’s a whopping 60% smaller than shoes using synthetic materials. It also translates to Allbirds being certified a B Corporation, which has extremely high standards for social and environmental impacts as well as transparency.

Allbirds Runners come in three different colors at the moment: charcoal, black, and white, with each pair possessing its own flair. The all-black design is a sleek, natural black shade that’s paired perfectly with just about any outfit. Kotare Slate is a limited edition color, which is a pale grey, adding a bit more interest to a neutral shoe. You may not want to train for a marathon in them, but they’re ideal for everything else– a jog, weight lifting, or just living life.

They’ve just added a new design: the Wool Lounger, which is the answer to getting to wear the world’s most comfortable, non-smelly shoe in the office or at a fancy restaurant. They look like the cool older brother to the relaxed, athletic Runner. Currently they’re offered in a really rich Navy Blue, a vibrant Kotare Lemon, or Kotare Pine that is a deep green.

Both the Runner and Lounger are sleek and modern looking and we dig that there are no garish logos or designs. They’re monochromatic, hell, even the laces are the same color as the shoe, giving them a timeless look.

Allbirds also offers a 30-day guarantee on their shoes, so if they don’t fit your fancy, they’ll take them back no questions asked. There’s a very good chance, however, that you’ll love them so much you’ll consider sleeping in them.

Updated May 12th, 2017 by Elizabeth Dahl

Editors' Recommendations

Bryan Holt
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Bryan Holt is a writer, editor, designer, and multimedia storyteller based in Portland, Oregon. He is a graduate from the…
Overland is the king of ski towns: Celebrating 50 years of American mountain west outerwear
How did Overland win over the mountain town
Taos Storefront 2023

Every industry has its mainstay brands that only get stronger with more competition. There will always be some new and fresh idea that challenges all those before it and tries to change the industry. Then there are those brands they face, who have been around for decades, weaving in and out of competition and outlasting every challenge thrown their way. For every new and exciting watch brand, there is a Rolex standing strong. While there are plenty of explanations for why a brand outshines every other around it, Overland Sheepskin Co. has an explanation all its own. On this, their 50th year, we look back and try to understand how this family-owned business became the King of the Mountain towns and what keeps them on top.

Back in 1973, the flagship store in Taos, New Mexico, took a bale of sheepskin and a sewing machine and began creating coats, hats, and mittens for the surrounding area. As word began to spread about their quality, the whole family had to pitch in to help out to meet the growing demand. Five decades later, with 17 stores throughout the Rocky Mountains and across the country, they have become a mainstay in the mountain and ski towns for their quality and dependability. We got a chance to sit down with Monty Goodson, manager of the Santa Fe store and a buyer for the company, to find out how they did it and how they maintain the culture that has made them who they are today.

Read more
Bell & Ross BR-03, its flagship watch, updated for first time in almost 2 decades
A classic design gets a much-deserved update
BR 03 Military Ceramic watch Bell & Ross

In the realm of luxury watches, Bell & Ross holds a unique place. The brand is renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and innovative designs, which have consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking. One of their most iconic watches, the Bell & Ross BR-03, recently underwent a significant update, marking a milestone in its nearly two-decade history.

Founded in 1992 by Bruno Belamich and Carlos A. Rosillo, Bell & Ross quickly gained recognition for its dedication to producing professional timepieces tailored to specific needs. Their watches are often inspired by aviation and military aesthetics, characterized by a perfect blend of form and function. Over the years, the Bell & Ross BR-03 has become a symbol of precision and reliability, earning its place among the finest luxury watches.
The timeless design of the BR 03
The Bell & Ross BR 03 has always been celebrated for its distinctive square case design, paying homage to cockpit instruments. Its robust and bold appearance sets it apart from traditional round watches, and the BR 03 has been a favorite among those who appreciate a timepiece that makes a statement. The signature square case, clear numerals, and luminescent hands make it not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly legible.

Read more
Apple doesn’t sell the Hermes Apple Watch leather band anymore – and we think we know why
Leather is not exactly "sustainable"
apple watch hermes leather band

 

In the realm of luxury, Hermes is a distinguished name known for (amongst other things) its collaboration with Apple in creating exquisite Apple Watch bands. In recent days, Hermes appeared to remove all leather Apple Watch 8 bands from its site, sparking intrigue and raising questions about the underlying reasons; many even wondered if Hermes and Apple were ending their partnership. All Apple Watch Series 9 bands are listed on the Hermes website – including leather bands. Still, Apple isn't selling the leather bands on its website, and there's an excellent reason why.

Read more