We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Fashion Shoes The 12 Best Allbirds Shoes We Tested Include Sneakers, Slip-ons, and Flats Our top picks from the celebrity-loved footwear brand By Avery Stone Avery Stone Avery Stone has extensive expertise in the beauty and lifestyle space. She also has testing experience from her previous role as a commerce editorial director at Dotdash Meredith. People Editorial Guidelines Published on November 27, 2024 06:15AM EST In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Others We Tested What to Know Behind the Scenes Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Margot Cavin Allbirds has made a name for itself as a sustainable footwear and apparel brand best known for its ultra-comfortable sneakers — worn by A-listers like Jennifer Lopez, Mila Kunis, Lady Gaga, Hilary Duff, and Jennifer Garner, to name a few. While Allbirds offers a wealth of footwear — including running and walking shoes, flats, platforms, slip-ons, and more — the brand’s calling card is its use of eco-friendly materials like merino wool, eucalyptus tree fiber, and recycled materials. Deal Alert! Allbirds is having a massive Black Friday sale starting November 29 — with deals up to 50 percent off. Grab best-sellers that we've personally tested and loved like Tree Runners, Wool Runners, and Tree Dashers for under $100 while deals last. Our team researched and tested some of the brand’s most popular shoes over a period of one month, evaluating their fit, comfort, support, durability, design, and value. We also consulted with a North Carolina-based podiatrist for insights on what to look for when shopping. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Allbirds Women's Canvas Pipers at Allbirds.com Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: Allbirds Couriers Everyday Sneakers at Zappos $98 Jump to Review Best for Walking: Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2 at Nordstrom $135 Jump to Review Best for Walking (Cheaper): SALE Allbirds Tree Runners at Amazon $98 $69 Jump to Review Best Flat: SALE Allbirds Tree Breezers at Amazon $100 $70 Jump to Review Best Slip-On: SALE Allbirds Tree Loungers at Amazon $100 $70 Jump to Review Best Platform: Allbirds Lounger Lift Sneakers at Allbirds.com Jump to Review Best Water-Resistant: Allbirds Women's Wool Runner-up Mizzles Sneakers at Allbirds.com Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Allbirds Women's Wool Runners at Amazon $98 Jump to Review Best for Travel: Allbirds Tree Runner Go at Zappos $100 Jump to Review Best Overall Allbirds Women's Canvas Pipers PHOTO: Allbirds View on Allbirds.com Star Qualities Extremely comfortable for walking Durable Attractive design Red Flags May not be ideal for high-impact activities Of all of Allbirds’ offerings, the Women's Canvas Pipers stood out as a true lifestyle shoe thanks to unmatched comfort, versatility, and a go-with-everything style. Our tester wore them nearly every day for a month in New York City and raved that they were easy to slip on, required absolutely zero break-in time, and were very durable. (In fact, she noted absolutely no wear and tear over the testing period, and she was able to wipe dirt and dust off easily.) Although our tester observed that the shoes didn’t provide much arch support, which makes them less ideal for high-impact activities like running, she said they supported the heel and didn’t cause any pain or discomfort even after eight hours of wear. She added that they were true to size and that their toe box was roomy. Overall, we recommend this pair as an attractive, comfortable, everyday shoe. Size Range: Women’s 5–11 | Material: 100% organic cotton canvas upper, SweetFoam midsole, soft wool heel lining | Fit: True to size | Colors: 7 PHOTO: People / Mandy Meindersma PHOTO: People / Mandy Meindersma PHOTO: People / Mandy Meindersma PHOTO: People / Mandy Meindersma PHOTO: People / Mandy Meindersma PHOTO: People / Mandy Meindersma Best Overall, Runner-Up Allbirds Couriers Everyday Sneakers PHOTO: Allbirds $98 $90 at Zappos $98 at Allbirds.com Star Qualities Comfortable for all-day wear Excellent traction Durable and machine washable Red Flags May not be ideal for high-impact activities Not available in half-sizes As an alternative everyday sneaker, we stand by the Women's Couriers, which are lightweight and supportive for daily, low-impact wear. Our tester wore these shoes largely walking on concrete and reported excellent traction and incredible comfortable from the get-go. She added that the white color stayed sparkling clean longer than expected, and that the shoes are machine washable (and easy to wipe down) if needed. While these shoes fit true to size, they're only available in whole sizes. Our tester fluctuates between a women’s size 8 and an 8.5, and she was happy with the 8, noting that it even accommodated a bunion on one of her feet. Size Range: Women’s 5–11 | Material: Organic cotton and tree fiber blend, SweetFoam midsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 5 PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts Best for Walking Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2 PHOTO: Allbirds $135 at Nordstrom $127 at Zappos $135 at Allbirds.com Star Qualities Lightweight, comfortable fit Ample cushioning Very durable Red Flags Tight ankle opening Thick laces are challenging to double-knot For a reliable walking shoe, reach for the Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2 sneakers. According to our tester — who wore them several times to the gym, on long walks, and while running errands — their lightweight feel and ample cushioning kept her feet comfortable for hours on end. Plus, the stretchy, single-piece knit upper adapted well to her foot's shape, and the light blue color added a coastal, trendy vibe that garnered many compliments. She also praised their durability: There was no significant damage after extended wear, and they’re machine washable for easy maintenance. That said, the shoes' tight ankle openings may require thinner socks for comfort, and the short, thicker laces were challenging to double-knot. Also, while they technically fit true to size, there wasn't extra room in the toe box, so it might be preferable to size up. Size Range: Women’s 5–11 | Material: FSC-certified TENCEL Lyocell (eucalyptus tree fiber) upper, SweetFoam midsole, natural rubber outsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 21 PHOTO: People / Katie Hill PHOTO: People / Katie Hill PHOTO: People / Katie Hill PHOTO: People / Katie Hill PHOTO: People / Katie Hill PHOTO: People / Katie Hill Best for Walking (Cheaper) Allbirds Tree Runners PHOTO: Allbirds $98 $69 at Amazon $84 at Zappos $98 at Allbirds.com Star Qualities Lightweight, comfortable fit Versatile style can be dressed up or down Excellent heel support Red Flags Not enough arch support for high-impact activities or fitness walking Tight knit upper reveals toe outline For a more budget-friendly walking shoe, we recommend the Women’s Tree Runners. Our tester wore these shoes on long walks with her dog and raved about their supreme comfort, lightweight feel, and durability. The shoe’s design also paired effortlessly with athleisure or casual outfits. A few drawbacks: The one-piece knit upper allowed for a snug fit but also revealed the outline of our tester's toes, and the shoes excelled in heel support but lacked arch support (less ideal for high-impact activities). Overall, though, these are a more affordable walking shoe with a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Size Range: Women’s 5–11 | Material: FSC-certified TENCEL Lyocell (eucalyptus tree fiber) upper, SweetFoam midsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 14 PHOTO: People / Maggie McClelland PHOTO: People / Maggie McClelland PHOTO: People / Maggie McClelland PHOTO: People / Maggie McClelland PHOTO: People / Maggie McClelland PHOTO: People / Maggie McClelland Best Flat Allbirds Tree Breezers PHOTO: Allbirds $100 $70 at Amazon $100 at Nordstrom $75 at Zappos Star Qualities More cushioning than typical work-appropriate flats Elastic band design ensures no slippage or blistering on the heel Showed zero signs of wear and tear Red Flags Couldn't find any! While Allbirds is best known for its lace-up and slip-on sneakers, the brand also offers ballet flats: a versatile, comfortable choice for work-appropriate shoes with a casual edge. Our tester noted that these shoes offered more support than typical flats, and that, due to their elastic band design, they fit securely and comfortably, preventing any slippage or blistering around the heels. They held up well with regular use and showed zero signs of wear or tear, even in high-friction areas like the toe box. All in all, their sleek design, comfort, and adaptability make them a standout as practical work or leisure shoes. Size Range: Women’s 5–11 | Material: Eucalyptus tree fiber, SweetFoam cushioned sole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 10 PHOTO: People / Kelly Lewis PHOTO: People / Kelly Lewis PHOTO: People / Kelly Lewis PHOTO: People / Anna Knief PHOTO: People / Anna Knief PHOTO: People / Anna Knief Best Slip-On Allbirds Tree Loungers PHOTO: Allbirds $100 $70 at Amazon $81 at Zappos $100 at Allbirds.com Star Qualities Cushioned, comfortable feel Excellent arch and heel support for a slip-on shoe Breathable eucalyptus tree fiber upper Red Flags Prone to pinching at the ankles, at first Not available in half-sizes Seeking a slip-on shoe? Consider the Allbirds Women's Tree Loungers. Our tester wore this pair for commuting to work, running errands, and even on an apple-picking trip, and she raved about their lightweight design, supreme cushioning, and durability. In particular, she said they provided ample arch and heel support and their eucalyptus tree fiber upper was ultra-breathable. The navy blue color masked any dirt effectively but also cleaned up easily with wipes post-use. The lack of half sizes creates some challenges: Our tester wears a women's size 7.5 and found the size 8 to be too loose and the size 7 to be too snug initially. However, after a brief break-in period, she was able to wear the size 7 pair comfortably all day. Size Range: Women’s 5–11 | Material: FSC-certified TENCEL Lyocell (eucalyptus tree fiber) upper, SweetFoam midsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 8 PHOTO: People / Sharon Budhai PHOTO: People / Sharon Budhai PHOTO: People / Sharon Budhai PHOTO: People / Sharon Budhai PHOTO: People / Sharon Budhai PHOTO: People / Sharon Budhai Best Platform Allbirds Lounger Lift Sneakers PHOTO: Allbirds View on Allbirds.com Star Qualities Cushioned, comfortable fit Convenient for traveling Attractive style Red Flags May run small Bulky upper canvas material prone to creasing Allbirds’ Lounger Lift — the brand’s platform slip-on shoe — also performed well in our testing, proving to be comfortable and durable. Our tester wore them while commuting to work and during everyday tasks like running errands, but she found them especially ideal for traveling; she wore them on a long flight and appreciated their cushioned, supportive feel and that they were ultra-easy to take on and off while going through security. However, the shoes’ light-colored canvas upper looked bulky and showed creases and wrinkles more easily than other materials. The sizing was also a bit too snug: Our tester's toes pushed close to the front of the shoe. Reviews also confirm this shoe running slightly small, so consider sizing up. Size Range: Women’s 5–11 | Material: 100% organic cotton canvas upper, SweetFoam midsole, merino wool-lined insole | Fit: Runs slightly small | Colors: 4 PHOTO: People / Lauren Mikler PHOTO: People / Lauren Mikler PHOTO: People / Lauren Mikler PHOTO: People / Lauren Mikler PHOTO: People / Lauren Mikler PHOTO: People / Lauren Mikler Best Water-Resistant Allbirds Women's Wool Runner-up Mizzles Sneakers PHOTO: Allbirds View on Allbirds.com Star Qualities Cozy and lightweight Comfortable and supportive Red Flags Shoes might be too warm for hot feet Slightly difficult to put on Allbirds offers a range of water-repellent women’s sneakers, but this high-top pair with a merino wool upper was the best of the bunch. Our tester, who wore these primarily in milder weather, appreciated that they were lightweight and cozy. She also found that the shoes supported her high arches and were comfortable after several hours of wear. Lastly, they held up well after the testing period with only minor scuffs on the white soles. However, the shoes were slightly difficult to put on, at first, and they got quite warm, which could be a con for those with feet that run hot. Size Range: Women’s 5–11 | Material: ZQ-certified merino wool upper, SweetFoam midsole, FSC-certified natural rubber outsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 13 PHOTO: People / Margot Cavin PHOTO: People / Margot Cavin PHOTO: People / Margot Cavin PHOTO: People / Margot Cavin PHOTO: People / Margot Cavin PHOTO: People / Margot Cavin Best Lightweight Allbirds Women's Wool Runners PHOTO: Allbirds $98 at Amazon $76 at Zappos $98 $76 at Zappos Star Qualities Ultra-lightweight design Soft and breathable wool upper Incredibly comfortable Red Flags Runs slightly small Not as much arch support as other athletic shoes Our tester was impressed with the Allbirds Women’s Wool Runners because they're far more lightweight than other athletic shoes she owns — ideal for more low-impact activities like being on her feet all day at work or light recreational activities like a game of pickleball. Initially, she was skeptical of this pair’s wool upper, but the material proved to be soft, comfortable, and breathable. No overheating issues, here! This ultra-comfortable pair lacked some arch support, but our tester liked the stylish design for business-casual events. They do have a tighter-than-expected fit, though, so consider sizing up. Size Range: Women’s 5–11 | Material: ZQ-certified merino wool upper, SweetFoam midsole, ZQ merino wool heel lining | Fit: True to size | Colors: 7 PHOTO: People / Michele Hanson PHOTO: People / Michele Hanson PHOTO: People / Michele Hanson PHOTO: People / Michele Hanson PHOTO: People / Michele Hanson PHOTO: People / Michele Hanson Best for Travel Allbirds Tree Runner Go PHOTO: Allbirds $100 at Zappos $120 at Allbirds.com View on REI Star Qualities Easy to slip on and off without adjusting laces Ample cushioning Sleeker look Red Flags Knit upper may soak through in wet conditions The perfect travel shoe is comfortable and incredibly easy to put on, and Allbirds’ Tree Runner Go sneakers more than fit that bill. Our testers noted that they were seamless to slip on and off, even without adjusting the laces, and their cushioned insoles provided excellent arch and heel support for long airport days or other commutes. One of our testers also praised the sleek look for an athletic shoe, as well as how her chosen color (white) showed minimal signs of wear, even after frequent use. A note: The knit upper may not fare well in wet conditions, so packing rain boots is always a good idea. Size Range: Women’s 5–11 | Material: Upper made with a TENCEL Lyocell (tree fiber) blend, SweetFoam midsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 17 PHOTO: People / Sastridai Budhai PHOTO: People / Sastridai Budhai PHOTO: People / Sastridai Budhai PHOTO: People / Sastridai Budhai PHOTO: People / Julia Baker PHOTO: People / Julia Baker Best for Men Allbirds Men's Tree Gliders Active Shoes PHOTO: Allbirds View on Allbirds.com Star Qualities Lightweight and comfortable Easy to slip on and off without tying laces Excellent support, even for high arches Red Flags Loose fit around the heel Bright white soles attract dirt and grime Although the other products on our list are women’s shoes, Allbirds offers an extensive range of sneakers for men, and the brand’s Tree Gliders were our favorite. During testing, they were impressively lightweight and comfortable, as well as easy to slip on and off, even without untying the laces. They also had excellent arch support and a cushioned sole, and our tester experienced no pain after wearing them for hours on end. Our tester’s main qualm with this shoe was that it felt slightly loose around the heel, which caused some instability during jogging. (He acknowledged it might have been a sizing issue, but he's also worn other athletics sneakers in the same size without experiencing this.) The pair’s bright white soles also attracted dirt and grime, but one could mitigate this with a quick wipe-down. Even still, these shoes' comfort, ease of use, and style makes them a reliable, lightweight option for men. Size Range: Men’s 8–14 | Material: Upper made with a TENCEL Lyocell (tree fiber) blend, SweetFoam midsole | Fit: True to size | Colors: 9 PHOTO: People / Kyler Alvord PHOTO: People / Kyler Alvord PHOTO: People / Kyler Alvord PHOTO: People / Kyler Alvord PHOTO: People / Kyler Alvord PHOTO: People / Kyler Alvord The 60 Best Christmas Gifts for Men, Including the Best Stuff We’ve Tested This Year Best Investment Allbirds Women's Tree Flyer 2 Sneakers PHOTO: Allbirds $119 at Allbirds.com Star Qualities Cloud-like cushioning Supportive during high-intensity exercises Machine washable for easy upkeep Red Flags Slightly higher price point than other options Narrow toe box may cause pinching for wider feet Price-wise, Allbirds’ Women's Tree Flyer 2 sneakers are slightly more of an investment than other pairs, but they’re worth it. Our tester praised the cushioning in this shoe as cloud-like, citing a supportive and stable design for high-intensity workouts. The shoes are also machine washable for easy upkeep. As a note: The width and fit of these shoes may not be ideal for everyone. Our tester has narrow feet yet reported that the shoes had a snug fit and narrow toe box that could cause pinching for wider feet. Overall, though, we highly recommend them as a supportive, comfortable sneaker, both for high-impact activities and casual wear. Size Range: Women’s 5–11 | Material: Upper made with FSC-certified TENCEL Lyocell (eucalyptus tree fiber), SwiftFoam midsole, FSC-certified natural rubber outsole, ZQ merino wool heel lining | Fit: True to size | Colors: 5 PHOTO: People / Sarah Michaud PHOTO: People / Sarah Michaud PHOTO: People / Sarah Michaud PHOTO: People / Sarah Michaud PHOTO: People / Sarah Michaud PHOTO: People / Sarah Michaud Other Allbirds Shoes We Tested Allbirds Women's Superlight Trainers: These trainers scored high marks from our testers for their lightweight design, comfort, and roomy toe box that accommodates wider feet. However, they lacked sufficient arch and heel support, and their slick, thin laces required double knots. Allbirds Women's Trail Runners SWT: While this pair had excellent grip that made them ideal for outdoor trail runs, our tester experienced more discomfort than with similar models from other brands, which made them less preferable for long-term use. Allbirds Women's Tree Pipers: Our tester noted that these sneakers may not be ideal for wider feet, as the fabric lacks stretch, as well as a limited grip on smooth surfaces, which could present a slipping hazard. These shoes were comfortable and breathable — they just weren’t our favorite of the bunch. Allbirds Women's Wool Pipers: Although these shoes were very comfortable, cushioned, and accommodating for those with wider feet, our tester noted some pilling in its wool upper fabric over the testing period. The throwback-inspired design also might not be ideal for all shoppers. What to Know About Allbirds Shoes Think About How You’ll Use Them When shopping for Allbirds shoes, the first thing to consider is how (and where) you’ll plan to use them. Do you need support for high-impact outdoor activities, like trail running, or do you need a cushioned pair for long walks or commuting to work? Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, a podiatrist based in North Carolina, shared the following as a general rule: “Running shoes tend to have more cushioning, so you might see more a rocker bottom or a rounded front to help with propulsion, as well as a thicker sole with more padding,” she says. “A walking shoe is going to be a little bit stiffer or heavier to help ground you [as you step].” Try Them Out First Although many of us prefer to shop online, Daughtry stressed the importance of taking a pair of sneakers for a test run during the brand’s return window before committing to them. (The good news: Allbirds has a 30-day guaranteed return or exchange policy, even if you’ve worn your shoes “in the wild,” according to the company, so don’t be afraid to use it!) Daughtry also notes that, in general, most athletic shoes tend to run a little small, so when you lace up, try them in real-world scenarios: “Stand up and walk around, because our feet spread and flatten as we walk — you want to make sure there's no rubbing in the toe box,” she says. If they’re a little snug, size up one half-size! Behind the Scenes To identify the best Allbirds shoes on the market, our writers and editors spent a total of 1,152 hours with 16 pairs from the brand. We wore each pair at least twice a week during the month-long testing period, during high- and low-impact impact activities like running, hiking, and walking around town. Fit: We tried on the pairs and evaluated their fit, including if they were true to size and if they required any break-in time.Comfort: We evaluated each pair’s comfort level when worn for extended periods, noting if they featured adequate cushioning for daily activities, including walking on different surfaces — like concrete, grass, and indoors — as well as if they caused any discomfort or pain in certain areas of the foot.Support: We observed how well each pair provided arch and heel support during various activities, including walking, light jogging, or standing for long periods.Durability: Throughout the testing period, we noted if the shoes showed any wear and tear and evaluated their overall durability.Design: We rated the overall aesthetic of each pair and noted any standout design elements like colors, materials, or stitching.Value: Lastly, we evaluated the value of our respective pairs, noting if we thought they were worth the price. People / Katie Hill Why Trust PEOPLE? Avery Stone is a contributing writer for PEOPLE and was previously the Commerce Editorial Director for Byrdie and Brides at Dotdash Meredith. Her work has also appeared in The Cut (NYMag), The Wall Street Journal, The Hollywood Reporter, Bustle, Billboard, ELLE, GQ, VICE, Eater, NYLON, Refinery29, and more. When covering the best Allbirds shoes, Avery thoroughly inspected the PEOPLE team’s insights to learn more about their individual experiences and make note of any noteworthy results. She also interviewed Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, a podiatrist based in North Carolina, to learn more about what to look for when shopping for Allbirds shoes. Our Expert Panel Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry is a podiatrist based in North Carolina. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.