Are The Allbirds Tree Runners Worth The Hype? My Honest Review

Every spring my shoe collection goes through a changing of the guards—but there’s one lace-up sneaker that always remains. The Allbirds Tree Runners are lightweight and comfortable—earring the sneaker a starring role in my lineup for far longer than any other pair.

Hot take: While these comfy and sustainable shoes have developed a reputation as the best travel sneaker, I think the Allbirds Tree Runners are better fit for walking, bopping around town, and running errands. And podiatrists approve of them as well. 

Holistic podatrist Robert Kornfeld, DPM, previously told mindbodygreen that he likes the Allbirds Tree Runners because they align with his natural approach. “The flexibility allows for natural muscle function and engages the foot in stability of its own rather than from a stiff and more rigid shoe that disables a lot of intrinsic muscle activity,” he explained.

Before I started wearing the Tree Runners, I was a fan of the brand’s original design, the Wool Runners. And what truly sets the Tree Runners apart is their breathable, lightweight design.

The Allbirds Tree Runners weigh about 8.6 ounces, which is significantly lighter than the majority of my shoe collection.

Let me pause to explain the significance of that factor. Traditional footwear is far from eco-friendly. Allbirds , however, was one of the first brands to truly prioritize the environment—and the Tree Runners are one of the brand’s most sustainable designs.

The upper is made from FSC-certified eucalyptus tree fiber, the midsole from sugar-cane based carbon negative EVA, and the heel lining from Merino wool. Even the eyelets are bio-based and the shoelaces are made from recycled plastic bottles.

When you live in a walking city like I do, comfort is of the utmost importance—and the Tree Runners deliver on this front, too. I particularly love that they’re comfortable right out of the box, with no break-in time needed.

The Tree Runnerss are a lace-up shoe, but their flexible design makes them easy to slip on and off. I actually rarely untie mine, and I often reach for them when I’m running out the door in a hurry.

I’ve spent my fair share of time with a magic eraser to my favorite sneakers, and a pair that’s machine washable is truly the answer to my prayers. I toss my Tree Runners in the wash on a gently cycle about once every three months and they come out looking almost new. 

For a shoe that’s so lightweight, the Allbirds Tree Runners continue to shock me with their durability. Even when I’m going through a phase of wearing mine daily, these shoes still hold up better than most others I own.

Nelya Lobkova, Surgical Podiatrist, founder of Step Up Footcare, previously recommended the Allbirds Tree Runners to mindbodygreen as an “especially comfortable option” for people with bunions or hammertoes (it’s me, hi!). But she noted that they are relatively unsupportive—and I have to agree.

I personally love the sleek, minimalist design of the Allbirds Tree Runners. They're available in seven "classic" colorways and there are typically at least five limited edition shades to choose from, so you have a ton of options.

However, I do wish the design was a bit more versatile. While the Tree Runners go with most athleisure and casual outfits, I tend to opt for slightly more elevated designs (like the Cariuma Ocas) when I’m going to the office or out for social events. 

Can someone please tell me why not every shoe is available in half sizes? As a 7.5 girlie, I get super frustrated when I have to make the decision to go up to an 8 or down to a 7. The brand (and most reviews I've read) recommends opting for the nearest size up, but I personally find the 7 to be a better fit

Yes, the Allbirds Tree Runners are absolutely worth it. There’s a reason why I repurchase these shoes every year. 

I own more than a dozen pairs of sneakers, but I’ve had my Allbirds Tree Runners for longer than any style in my collection. The comfy, lightweight-yet-durable design never lets me down—and if you’ve been considering hopping on the Allbirds train, I promise you won’t regret finally investing in a pair.