Why You’ll Love Allbirds Tree Runners

*Updated July 2026*

I bought my first pair of Allbirds Tree Runners in 2020 when we were all at home due to the pandemic, and a second pair a few years later. In 2026, Allbirds sold its assets to a tech company and no longer makes shoes. If you’re looking for comfortable, fashion sneakers, you may enjoy this post: https://fashionipa.com/how-to-wear-suede-sneakers-this-fall-winter/.

1. Allbirds Tree Runners Are Hugs For Your Feet

Time magazine named Allbirds Wool Runners the “World’s Most Comfortable Shoes”. I’m naming the Allbirds Tree Runners. “Hugs For Your Feet”. I never realized how little arch support I get from my other shoes until I tried the Tree Runners. They have (removable) inserts that hug the bottoms of my feet.

2. They’re As Light As Air (Well, Almost!)

Maybe I’m just getting old, but I don’t have much patience for stiff or heavy shoes. A few of the leather sneakers that I ordered felt like bricks on my feet (okay, I exaggerate a little). The Tree Runners feel exceptionally light. They’re made from eucalyptus tree fibers and are somehow (I’m thinking magic) woven into a breathable, stretch fabric. I’m not kidding when I say they give me a bounce in my step!

3. They’re Flexible

One of the first things I check in a shoe is how flexible they are. I like to know that the leather or material will “give” when I move my toes, and the soles will flex as I walk. The Tree Runners have enough stretch to allow you to wiggle your toes, dance, or do whatever you’re in the mood for. While I wouldn’t wear them for hiking or running (despite the name) they are comfortable for a day of walking.

4. They Don’t Scuff Or Stain Easily

With our gravel driveway and rainy fall weather, I expected my shoes to look much more worn by now. Of course, a huge part of that is the darker color that I chose, but even the white soles don’t seem to have picked up much dirt. If you don’t like high-maintenance sneakers, avoid canvas, which stains easily, and leather, which can scuff and wrinkle, and try these!

5. You Can Throw Them In The Wash

I haven’t needed to wash mine yet, but you can wash your Allbirds sneakers. Remove the laces and insoles, put the shoes in a washing bag, then wash them on a delicate cycle with a gentle detergent. Let them air dry, then put the laces and insoles back. If your laces need replacing, you can buy a new pair.

6. They’re Versatile

While I love an animal print or a cool logo on my sneakers, I wanted a solid color that I wouldn’t have to think about coordinating. My Tree Runners are the kauri marine blue. They’re very close to a dark denim color, so wear them with jeans to give your legs a longer, leaner look without the discomfort of heels.

(If you’re looking for new jeans, read this post for tips on how to find your perfect pair).

I also wear my Tree Runners with leggings, yoga pants, casual dresses, and skirts. They have a simple, clean design that works with most of my everyday outfits.

7. Allbirds Is A Sustainable Brand

Allbirds is a Certified B Corporation which means that they have high standards of ethical, sustainable, transparent, and fair practices. The shoes are made from natural materials like wool, castor bean oil, and eucalyptus. Most fashion sneakers contain a lot of plastic. The laces on Allbirds shoes do include plastic, but they use recycled plastic bottles to make them.

Questions I Asked Before I Bought My Allbirds Tree Runners…

Since I was buying them online, I read a lot of reviews to make sure my purchase would be worth my time and money. I also read the information on their website pretty thoroughly. Here are a few questions I asked that you might be asking too!

Do Allbirds run true to size?

They do run true to size according to the company and all the reviews that I read. In my case, I’m almost always a 7M and I bought a 7.

Do you need to wear socks with your Allbirds?

The wool inserts are soft, so you can wear your Allbirds without socks, but you’ll probably have to wash or replace the inserts more often. I find it easier to wear and wash my thin no-show socks.

Can you return your shoes if you don’t love them?

You have 30 days to return your shoes (with the labels intact). Check their website for the most current information about their return policies.

What other Allbirds styles can I buy?

Allbirds has a variety of styles for men, women, and kids, including wool shoes (that’s how they started), high tops, ballet shoes, slip-on shoes, and boat shoes. They also have some clothing and face masks.

What are the differences between Allbirds and Rothy’s?

Rothy’s is another sustainable, comfort shoe brand. They use recycled plastic bottles to make their signature fabric, but the company is not a Certified B Corporation (at the time of writing). Rothy’s shoes are slightly more expensive than Allbirds, but they have a much larger variety of patterns, styles, and colors. If you like the latest trends, you’ll probably prefer the options at Rothy’s. If you’re more of an eco-minimalist, you’ll probably prefer Allbirds.

Not sure? Take a look at my How To Define Your Personal Style Post!

Have you tried on Allbirds shoes? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of them!