AllBirds Wool Shoes
Jun 3, 2017, 10:20 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Wisconsin
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Delta PM
Posts: 323
AllBirds Wool Shoes
I've been reading and hearing a lot about AllBirds lately, and just bit the bullet and ordered a pair of their (women's) wool runners. I'm hoping they'll be comfortable enough for days of touring in Europe, light-weight in my bag, and much more subdued than my pink/purple running shoes. Has anyone tried these?
Jun 5, 2017, 5:47 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: DL Plat
Posts: 752
I've had a pair for 3 or 4 months now, and wear them intermittently. They're super comfortable and good for walking, but it seems that the area in front of my big toe is starting to wear a little thin. I think that a hole in the toe is probably another 6 months away, which I am not thrilled about. Maybe the answer is to wear socks, but that kind of defeats the whole purpose of Allbirds shoes. I've never thrown them in the washer, but I guess that's another selling point. YMMV.
ETA- they also soak up water like crazy (as you might expect). I try not to wear mine in the rain.
ETA- they also soak up water like crazy (as you might expect). I try not to wear mine in the rain.
Jun 6, 2017, 12:26 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: MileagePlus and a bunch of hotel programs
Posts: 112
I own three pairs of them (2 are lace up and one is the new slip on style) -- my family members also each have a pair. I really like them. They're extremely lightweight and comfortable, even without socks. As they are fabric (wool), they aren't at all waterproof or water resistant. I generally take them as my second pair of shoes on trips when I know I'll be doing a lot of walking (my first pair being something a little more rugged and water resistant, like a comfortable pair of ankle boots).
Jun 6, 2017, 10:00 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bye Delta
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Plat, Nat'l Exec Elite, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 16,273
I love them. They're the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. They're like giving your feet a hug.
I wouldn't suggest using them for running, nor prolonged use on uneven ground, but they're perfect for around the house, daily commute, errands, city touring, etc. I second the recommendation to wear something different if it's raining or if there are large puddles.
I wouldn't suggest using them for running, nor prolonged use on uneven ground, but they're perfect for around the house, daily commute, errands, city touring, etc. I second the recommendation to wear something different if it's raining or if there are large puddles.
Jun 14, 2017, 3:19 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: AA ExPlat, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 1,130
I basically live in them. I travel with them. They breathe, you can wear them with socks or barefoot. They are super soft and super comfy.
They aren't for running or anything sports-related, as the wool siding doesn't give a ton of support and your foot may slide sideways in them if you try to pivot quickly. And they did take a couple of long walks to "break in" but since then, nothing but amazing. ^
They aren't for running or anything sports-related, as the wool siding doesn't give a ton of support and your foot may slide sideways in them if you try to pivot quickly. And they did take a couple of long walks to "break in" but since then, nothing but amazing. ^
Jun 14, 2017, 5:05 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Wisconsin
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Delta PM
Posts: 323
I got them on Saturday and have been wearing them for two days. So far, I'm a big fan. Glad to hear they're holding up gosha83...I'm hoping to have them broken in before I leave for Europe in 2 weeks.
Jun 14, 2017, 9:15 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bye Delta
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Plat, Nat'l Exec Elite, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 16,273
At first I thought mine were too tight. But their advice is spot on - you want them
to start off slightly tight as the wool really does stretch out to fit your feet after a week or so. That's really the only "breaking in" mine needed.
to start off slightly tight as the wool really does stretch out to fit your feet after a week or so. That's really the only "breaking in" mine needed.
Jun 15, 2017, 10:19 pm
#11
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: Fallen DL DM (PM) 2MM
Posts: 4,783
The reviews here sounded good so I ordered a pair of the "runners."
A question on rain/wet -- is it just that your feet will get wet (which I can handle) or that they are damaged by rain/puddles?
I don't mind getting my feet wet if there is an unexpected shower (which would happen if I wore sandals or "tennis" shoes) but if they fall apart if they get wet then not so good for travel.
A question on rain/wet -- is it just that your feet will get wet (which I can handle) or that they are damaged by rain/puddles?
I don't mind getting my feet wet if there is an unexpected shower (which would happen if I wore sandals or "tennis" shoes) but if they fall apart if they get wet then not so good for travel.
Jun 18, 2017, 10:51 am
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Wisconsin
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Delta PM
Posts: 323
Heel blisters in the first week, on a day that my fitbit says I had only 8,000 steps. Will probably wear some socks for a few days to see if I can get past the "breaking in" period.