In this article, I will be reviewing the Allbirds Tree Runners shoe.
When traveling, expect to walk around a LOT, especially if you’re an explorer like me who loves to hit as many places as possible.
That’s why a comfortable pair of shoes is one of the most crucial things to pack and wear during a trip.
Your shoes will be your feet’s lifesaver, whether you’re hiking, touring around with a fast-paced group, or even sprinting in airports trying to catch your flight! After all, you wouldn’t want to suffer from pain or blisters from wearing poorly-fitted shoes.
That’s why I’m always on the lookout for shoes that aren’t only comfortable but stylish and versatile as well.
Does the Allbirds Tree Runners fit the bill? Let’s take a closer look at what the Allbirds Tree Runners has to offer and see if it passes the travel check!
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About Allbirds
Allbirds is a known footwear company founded by Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger, intending to create shoes out of wool fabric. Because wool is a strong and sustainable material, Allbirds’ products are made of natural materials, a breath of fresh air compared to the many brands that use synthetic materials.
Today, Allbirds has penetrated the industry with its footwear products made of various sustainable materials, ranging from wool to eucalyptus tree fiber.
The company isn’t only dedicated to providing all-natural footwear, but they also extend its environment-friendliness throughout all parts of the business as well. From their packaging to being a certified B Corp, Allbirds is a suitable choice for the socially conscious.
Allbirds Tree Runners
As the name suggests, Allbirds Tree Runners, along with the rest of their “Tree” series, are made of trees. Someone suggested the Allbirds Tree Runners as I was searching for a year-round shoe that fit all my travel needs well, and what got me curious was how footwear made of trees differed from the likes of other commonly used materials.
Let’s see if the Allbirds Tree Runners live up to the hype and are true to their claims of being a soft, moisture-wicking, and odor-reducing shoe!
Colors Available
Style is an important factor when it comes to footwear, and the Allbirds Tree Runners pass this round because of the many color choices available. There are around ten different color combos to choose from, and the company continues to update the colors so you’re bound to find one that suits you best.
I chose the Kaikoura white shoe, a perfect color in my opinion since white matches almost every outfit! Sure, it may not be the best shoe to wear when walking around areas where you’re exposed to dust, dirt, and water, but since they are easy to clean, there isn’t much of an issue in this department.
In terms of style, I appreciate the Tree Runners’ minimalist look, having more of a casual style that pairs well with many outfits, whether you’re wearing jeans or shorts.
Materials
As mentioned, the Allbirds Tree Runners are made of trees, eucalyptus tree fiber to be exact. The tree material is what makes these shoes cool and breezy.
During hot days, I don’t feel my feet being boxed in and suffocating from the heat. I can wear these shoes in most temperatures and enjoy their breathability but do expect them to feel a bit colder when the temperatures drop. That’s why I see these shoes functioning better all year round except for winter.
Compared to what other people say about the Allbirds Wool Runners, the tree material is a bit more durable. The Tree Runners hold their shape better and seem to withstand more wear and tear while still looking great!
Even the soles of these shoes are made of Brazilian sugarcane, another natural material. This is known as SweetFoam, made with the world’s first carbon-negative green Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA). This is what makes the sole rubber-like in softness and flexibility, making it feel even more comfortable.
Whether you’re standing and walking as you explore a new destination, or sitting in a long flight, you won’t feel much discomfort. Sure, my feet are just a tad sore when I arrive home, but that’s understandable and expected if you’re on your feet the entire day. So far, I haven’t experienced any pain or blisters wearing these shoes.
The natural materials extend to the shoelaces and eyelets, which are made of recycled polyester and bio-based polyurethane. Allbirds truly does pride itself in producing all-natural footwear that’s built to last and function excellently.
We also reviewed the Allbirds Tree Pipers– click here to read our article.
Other Features
There are other notable features I loved about the Allbirds Tree Runners, such as:
Easy to Slip On
Some shoes can be such a hassle to take on or off, which can get pressuring when lining up for airport security or rushing to get ready for an early tour! Fortunately, the Allbirds Tree Runners are easy to slip on and off, so I won’t have to struggle.
It’s such a simple yet crucial benefit, especially when it’s been a long day and all you want to do is take off your shoes without taking too much time or effort.
Safe to Run With
Tree Runners are also safe to run with. I don’t recommend them for intense exercise or sprinting, but I can feel comfort and some support as I go around for a morning jog.
I’ve put a lot of miles on these shoes on various terrains and it still keeps my feet stable and pain-free. That said, it may not be the best for rugged terrains and hiking since the ankle support is minimal.
Anti-Odor Properties
The Allbirds Tree Runners have anti-odor properties and paired with their breathability, you won’t have to worry about any strong odors after a hot day. That said, its odor-reducing features won’t prevent odor completely.
While Allbirds say that you can go sockless because the Tree Runners are so soft (which is true), I still recommend wearing socks to keep your shoes from smelling.
There aren’t any strong odor issues when wearing socks but there will be a bit of a smell if you wore them without socks, especially if you were out all day.
If you have odor issues with the insoles after a couple of years (it’s inevitable for any shoe, really), then you can purchase replacement insoles from Allbirds and it’s back to smelling fresh!
Easy to Maintain
Maintenance is an important factor to consider when choosing the right shoes and fortunately, the Tree Runners passed this. You can wash the shoes in the washing machine and then air dry them without any trouble involved!
That’s why if I notice any stains or odor, I simply throw them in the washing machine and then air dry them in a safe spot.
Lightweight
Another notable issue with some shoes is how heavy or clunky they are. Not only is this a challenge when packing shoes in a small carry-on, but heavy shoes just add to the discomfort when walking or running all day.
The Tree Runners are lightweight and flexible, making them easier to pack inside luggage and wear without dragging your feet at the end of the day.
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Other Allbirds Shoes
The Tree Runners aren’t the only products that Allbirds offers. They have much more footwear that can suit your style and specific travel needs. All their shoes are made of different natural materials and are designed for different functions, may it be for running, casual dates, or lounging at airports.
Their Wool Runners and Tree Runners are the most popular products available today. As the name implies, Wool Runners are made of wool, which helps keep your feet warm and comfortable during cold weather. If you want something more durable and made for harsh weather like heavy rainfall or snow, then you’ll want the Wool Flyer Mizzles, which can hold up to different situations. The Allbirds Wool Loungers are another suitable purchase, especially when you want something soft and easy to slip on and off at the airport.
There are also other notable shoes under the Allbirds “Tree” series, including the Tree Dasher and Tree Flyer. These two are suitable running shoes that offer lightweight and breathable properties with adequate support for long runs in any weather.
Verdict on Allbirds Tree Runners
Do I recommend the Allbirds Tree Runners? Yes, if you are looking for an all-around travel shoe for spring, summer, and fall. The soft feel and flexible sole will have you enjoy your day without even thinking about your feet!
That said, it does have its drawbacks, such as the fact that it isn’t suitable for cold weather or rough terrains. Moreover, the ankle support isn’t as great compared to other athletic shoes, so you may want to only use these for walking and jogging.
Overall, the Allbirds Tree Runners are a great travel shoe to have and are worth the investment for their balance of style, functionality, and versatility. At its price, you get more than what you pay for, especially when you consider its all-natural materials.
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