Allbirds Men's Wool Runner 2 Shoes is for $55 at site. It is only for Rich Earth color. This is the final sale, no returns or exchanges are permitted. Post from .

Allbirds Alternatives: A Guide to Versatile and Budget-Friendly Sneakers

Introduction

Hi, MFA members. I have seen the question time and time again in Simple Questions: "What is the best color of Allbirds?", "What are MFA's opinions on Allbirds?", "Are Allbirds fashionable?" Well, fear not, because I am here to tell you that you actually don't need to get Allbirds at all. The truth is that Allbirds are bland and don't fit any aesthetic as well as another sneaker would. While they are simple and versatile, they are sort of in an uncanny valley of minimal shoes, and there are many other sneakers that can take their place.

A Look at Allbirds

are a wool sneaker with no branding and a bit of an athletic look. if you do not know what they look like or maybe just needed a refresher. In the eye of the Allbirds lover, they are the ultimate inoffensive and utility sneaker. So simple! So comfortable! You can wear them with anything!

For each of these aesthetics, though, there are sneakers that fit it better. White sneakers like are a better choice for the minimalist. For sporty sneakers, something with and/or would work nicely. For general MFA-core sneaker meets bizcaz, something like or, of course, .

Let's take a look at the things people like about Allbirds so we can suggest different sneakers for any combination:

• minimal

• sporty

• all-around

• comfortable

• < $100

With this, here is every possible combination of those characteristics:

1. minimal

2. sporty

3. all-around

4. < $100

5. comfortable

6. minimal, sporty

7. minimal, all-around

8. minimal, comfortable

9. minimal, < $100

10. sporty, all-around

11. sporty, comfortable

12. sporty, < $100

13. all-around, comfortable

14. all-around, < $100

15. comfortable, < $100

16. minimal, sporty, all-around

17. minimal, sporty, comfortable

18. minimal, sporty, < $100

19. minimal, all-around, comfortable

20. minimal, all-around, < $100

21. minimal, comfortable, < $100

22. sporty, all-around, comfortable

23. sporty, all-around, < $100

24. sporty, comfortable, < $100

25. all-around, comfortable, < $100

26. minimal, sporty, all-around, comfortable

27. minimal, sporty, all-around, < $100

28. minimal, sporty, comfortable, < $100

29. minimal, all-around, comfortable, < $100

30. sporty, all-around, comfortable, < $100

31. minimal, sporty, all-around, comfortable, < $100

In this guide, I will list a sneaker for every single one of these combinations, and you might find something you like instead of Allbirds. Without further ado, let's get started.

The Sneakers

Converse Chuck Taylor

- $50

- $80

• sporty

• all-around

• < $100

Chucks are an American classic! They go with everything, can be bought anywhere, and you can beat them up without them falling apart. Though the regular Chucks are not super comfortable, the 70s Chucks have a softer insole. You also have the option of buying a separate insole like Dr. Scholls or something if you want to buy the cheaper Chucks but also want a soft insole.

Adidas Stan Smith

- $75 (the navy colorway is $50 for whatever reason)

if you really want the knit upper - $85

• minimal

• all-around

• < $100

These are minimal and go with everything. There's really not much to be said about these besides that. I suppose it's also convenient to be able to wear these in light rain. These are also more comfortable than Chucks.

New Balance 574

- $75

- Around $80

• sporty

• all-around

• comfortable

• < $100

New Balances are an inoffensive and basic sporty sneaker. They are the most athletic-looking of the alternatives, and, like the rest, will look fine with any casual outfit. They are also quite comfortable. They come in plenty of different colors, and the if you want them to be a bit more minimal. The removed stitching will leave some small holes, but will be less noticeable with more wear. These have the added bonus of covering every combination except for ones including minimal, though if you want to remove the N, then they truly do everything Allbirds do.

Nike Killshot 2

- $55

- $90

• all-around

• < $100

Do these even need an introduction? MFA loves them, and for good reason. They have some character because of the gumsole and blue swoosh, they go with anything, and you get extra karma if you have them in your outfits. What's not to love?

German Army Trainers

- £39.50 (Around $55)

- Price varies, but usually around €40 (Around $50)

- $80

- $100

- $150

- 1600 Kr (About $185)

- $225

- $470, but can frequently be found for less on Grailed.

• sporty

• all-around

• < $100

• minimal (mostly)

These are, in my opinion, one of the best all-around sneakers. They look clean while still having character and looking a bit sporty. Comfort, as with most sneakers, varies by brand and price.

Runners

New Balance , , and - $55, $70, $60

- $60

Greats and - $60 and $200

- $220-300

- €240 (Around $285)

• sporty

• all-around

• comfortable

• < $100

• minimal

  • Not all are, but some, like the Greats Rosen, are.

Runners are undoubtedly sporty, most of these choices are pretty minimal, and they are all more comfortable than a Stan Smith or something of that nature. Check these out if you want something overtly athletic-looking in your footwear rotation.

Minimal White Sneakers

- $30

- $30

- $85

- $100

- $170

- $415 (you can easily find these for less, this is more or less the maximum price for Achilles)

• all-around

• minimal

Minimal white sneakers are the poster child of MFA-approved sneakers. With no branding, sleek looks, and their bright white color, they stand out in an outfit while not being the main focus and working with anything. Some of these links, like the Target and H&M links, will undoubtedly stop working within the next 6 months or so, but those stores will likely always have some sort of minimal white sneakers for as long as they remain popular.

Plimsolls

- $50

- $65

- $150

• all-around

• minimal

Another type of minimal sneaker that has the benefit of being cheap. You can beat them up and they breathe bit because they're made of canvas. Great for beater sneakers that you can just throw on without thinking.

Ugly Sneakers

Reebok and - $70, $80

Fila - $80

- $130+

- €140+ (Around $165)

- $175+

These sneakers aren't conventionally fashionable, but many models are, and most are reasonably priced. If you're looking to expand your sneaker collection with something a little less basic and with a bit more character, give one of these a try. Because these sneakers are so varied, I've decided to omit the characteristics bulleted list from this section.

Techwear Sneakers

Nike , , , and - $100, $120, $150, $190

Adidas and - $120, $130

- $155

Techwear is a very niche aesthetic that I decided to include mostly to expose fashion beginners to something new. These sneakers would generally be worn by your friendly neighborhood , but can fit into many streetwear-oriented outfits as well. Besides looks, these sneakers often focus on innovative materials and design. The Nike and Adidas shoes here are probably the alternatives to Allbirds that are the most lightweight and breatheable, but they cost a bit more than $100.

Conclusion

There are lots of awesome sneakers at any price point that will fit almost any aesthetic. From Converse to Killshots, there are plenty of options that look great and don't break the bank. Keeping all this in mind, if you still prefer Allbirds, then that's okay. If you like them, buy them. The goal of this guide is to inform, so as long as you understand the possible alternatives and what they offer, then I've done my job. Hopefully you've found something that intrigues you, or maybe even something that you're going to buy right away. If you catch a mistake, have an addition or recommendation, or have any questions or feedback, then definitely leave a comment. I'll do my best to respond to as many as possible.

Thanks for reading!

I have tried the Tree Runners, and while the shoes are indeed lightweight and breathable they are not comfortable for walking all day... The sole is really thin and it feels like there is little to no cushioning as the the front of my foot presses against the pavement... It feels like a lot of pressure and no support. I feel like the sole is going to wear out very quickly. I am not expecting durability but for all the breathability it is not a shoe I would use for travel if I was walking a lot. I have bought Vessi weekend sneakers ( in same price range roughly) and find that they offer better cushioning

I was looking for something casual and less sporty Sai the Runners seemed to fit the bill.. I've also tried the Dashers model and didn't like the tongue less design.. They also felt a bit narrower in the toe box and have a much more sporty look

I got interested to buy Allbrids Dashers but recently start to see posts about decline in quality and financial problems. Is all of that true and I should look at some other brand or is that just rubsih ?

It seems like the company won't be able to make it based on its stock price. I've been a huge fan of the allbirds shoes (own 10 pairs) over the years and it's sad to see my fav shoes company go down like this.

We had a good run. I tried on my last pair of Allbirds today - in the last 5 weeks, this is the 3rd pair ordered and the 3rd pair returned. I was a true loyalist…I own 3 pairs, purchased pairs for my parents, my husband, etc…. As recently as October, I was a happy Allbird. But the last 3 pairs ordered has had WILD size differences. I am a 7.5 and with the exception of my flats (which are 7.5), my other shoes are 8s and fit perfectly. Following my prior experience, as well as Allbirds recommendation on sizing up if you’re a half size, I ordered both shoes in an 8. And both were giant. So on the 3rd go, I ordered a new pair in a 7. And they are too small. I have to give credit to the customer service rep that I just talked to…my first pair were final sale but they Allbirds graciously gave me store credit. I spent more $ on the second pair, on top of the credit. And even more on the 3rd pair. Allbirds just refunded me the entire amount I spent (including the OG amount they put on a gift card). No more store credits. No more running to the post office to exchange and wait with baited breath for the next pair. I just have to say goodbye. The c/s rep did call out that I am ordering different styles. Fair point but 1) I have 3 different styles already that fit fine 2) using Allbirds guidance, I should always be sizing up 3) I would love order the same style but either the color or size is not available. They don’t say “size up unless you’re ordering x y or z , then size down or don’t bother because we won’t have a shoe that fits you.” I would love to go to a store to try them on first but unfortunately they just closed the store near me. I just can’t anymore with the inconsistency in sizing. That’s it. Rant over. I would love to come back and try again when they offer 1/2 sizes in all styles but until then, I need to look elsewhere.

Any recommendations for alternative brands? I tried Hylo and tore those shoes up on a 6 week trip this fall (they were actually coming apart at the seams…nothing extraneous, just normal walking around). I just want a good pair of comfortable sneakers shoes that I can wear for travel, everyday stuff etc… my wool runners still have a lot of life in them, at 5 years old, but I just want a different style. Is that too much to ask?

Ok, thanks for letting me vent. :)

TLDR/ sizing is wildly inconsistent now, need to find a new brand. Any recs? Also, Allbirds still has great customer service.

I'm on a quest for a onebagging shoe that'll allow me to:

• walk all day

• participate in light hiking (i.e. walk on dirt and rocks)

• go to the hotel gym

• be welcomed in a $$$ restaurant

I"m thinking ALLBIRDS are the best option for all that? Any thoughts? Any beautiful shoe that does all this? Any experience with allbirds?

These two look like top contenders...

Hi! As the title says. Just wondering what cute work sneakers for office setting people are wearing besides Allbirds. I feel like when I ask people, they always say Allbirds but I don’t really like the look of them.

Or something else?? Looking for a breathable flat I can walk around comfortably in in Thailand, mainly Bangkok. I have had allbirds before, I didn't love them but I did like that they had more support than other flats I had in the past so I would buy them again but if there is a better option out there I am all ears!

I am bringing my Tortuga setout divide (26L but can expand to 34L) for 3 weeks so I am ideally looking for a flat that can be smushed and isn't too heavy.

My Aerosoles ballet flats have had it and I’m considering investing a little more $ to replace them with a basic black flat that’s really comfortable, cute and lasting. I’ve never tried Rothy’s or any of those other brands - any recommendations?

I feel like they are ate ever so slightly missing the mark in a few areas. Would love to see this brand survive. I wanted to share a few ideas. Feel free to share yours.

1. Sell wash kits. I purchased a wash kit on amazon that consists of plastic shoe trees and a bag and my goodness my Bird’s have turned out so much better post wash. The best part is they don’t collapse with the help of the shoe tree, they come out looking almost brand new when I used the wash kit.

2. Name changes. Wool Runner to Winter Runner.
   Tree Runner to Summer Runner. Wool Mizzle Runner up Plus to Rain Runner+ Hightop or Rain Runner. They don’t need to make shoe buying so complex. The names should be intuitive and simple.

3. Get back into athleisure but do it right this time. Copy Lulu’s fit but use wool and cotton not plastic clothes. Once people realize they’re wearing plastic (it might take time and advertising) be positioned to gobble up the business. Give them fits they’re used to with better materials. Simple shirts, wool pants, blend leggings, linered shorts, the basics.

4. Make allbirds cool again. Allbirds won’t survive if it’s synonymous with zero carbon footprint, while important that’s not enough. People wear Apple watch ultra to imply they’re active, patagonia to imply they’re outdoorsy, LuLu to imply they’re into fitness, Stance socks because nba players wear them. They desperately need high profile, cool ambassadors. Idk what their target should be but tech, artsy, eco won’t pan out (as much as I like all those things).

5. Small birds in tree material and get into kids stores. Best kids shoes ever.

6. Fix retail. Train your retail employees to engage, convert and sell. With a few exceptions they’re some of the worst trained employees i’ve seen in retail. Also stock your retail stores with all your shoes. They don’t even have super lites in store. One of the best products they make is online only.

7. Fit estimator online. There are so many sites where you enter a brand and your size and it shows what size you should order. Have something like that online for nike, adidas, etc

What did I miss?

Love the new colors that they just released this year! Like this hazy cobalt for tree dasher 2.

They finally figured out that most men don't buy pink/red/yellow colored shoes (🙄 how do these colors even get approved at allbirds?)

Jesus all the bad colors they've released in the past ended up in their 50% sales just to get rid of. They need to continue to release mainstream colors like these for men and women. Stop with that pink/red/yellow/purple bullshit that only 5% of people would buy...

I recently got a pair of Wool Dasher Mizzles in the Natural Black color and boy are they one of the most comfortable AND best looking allbirds I've ever gotten. And keep in mind I recently got the wool runner 2 in black as well.

The Wool Dasher Mizzles in the Natural Black color to me feels like a UPGRADE to even the wool runner 2. It's basically a slim and sleek version of the wool runner 2. The build and quality of it feels better than the wool runner 2 as well.

This is just such a well made shoes, so clean looking. I'm surprised this is not allbirds's top products.

I would suggest everyone to try them out, I included a snapshot of mine. <3