The Allbirds Runner Mizzles are even higher than rain boots — these waterproof sneakers are the proper all-weather shoe

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“Will they or will not they?” I ask to myself as I crane my neck towards the grey clouds above me. When seasons transition and forecasts shift with such reckless abandon, it is tough to inform what sneakers to put on within the case that it does rain later. Since penning this Allbirds Mizzle evaluate, there’s just one pair I do know to cowl all my bases. 

On-line shoe model Allbirds is aware of their followers’ tendency to retailer away their sneakers come fall and winter time to be able to defend the wool development. So, it created two sneakers that allow you to take pleasure in comfortable consolation and help regardless of the climate situations. 

The Mizzle assortment launched with the Wool Runner Mizzle ($125) and Wool Runner-Up Mizzle ($145), and has since grown to characteristic 5 extra extra types: the Runner-Up in each Plus and Fluff editions, the Dasher Mizzle, the Path Runner SWT Mizzle, and the Flyer Mizzle. All are made with waterproof Merino wool and a bolstered sole for extra traction on slippery surfaces.

The Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzle is available in eight colorways and has an identical silhouette to the unique Wool Runner.  The Runner-Up Mizzle is its high-top counterpart that is available in seven colorways. The Dasher Mizzle is the operating sneaker counterpart to authentic Mizzle with an equally spectacular hydrophobic exterior.

Learn our full evaluate of Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzle.

What makes the Mizzles waterproof

Allbirds differentiates these sneakers from different waterproof sneakers available on the market by emphasizing that it makes use of chemical-free, naturally derived supplies to create its water-repellent remedy and waterproof layer. The corporate as a complete is geared towards environmentally pleasant practices, utilizing supplies like sustainably harvested eucalyptus pulp, recycled polyester made out of plastic bottles, and carbon-negative EVA foam.

We tried the Allbirds Mizzles to check their consolation and claims of water resistance. Our testers embrace first-time Allbirds wearers and longtime followers. 

Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzle critiques 

First impression: I personal three totally different pairs of Allbirds (effectively, 4 now!), the unique Wool Runners, the Tree Skippers, and the Tree Breezers. The Wool Runners are nonetheless my favourite and the pair I put on essentially the most, however I do should admit it takes a sure bravery to place them on throughout chilly climate season and danger getting them moist. The softness and coziness of wool is strictly why you’d wish to put on them when it rains, which is why I really like that Allbirds now has a waterproof model. 

Because it did not rain within the time I needed to check the Wool Runner Mizzle, I could not check the claims of climate resistance instantly. Nonetheless, I did run them beneath the water of my faucet, with all of the anticipated trepidation of anybody testing a water-resistant or waterproof product for the primary time. 

To my reduction and happiness, the water slid proper off (this impact was additionally very satisfying to observe). Some droplets stayed on the floor, however as I watched, they merely lingered there relatively than take in into the wool materials. I attempted ramping up the stream of the water, and the identical factor occurred, so I really feel pretty assured concerning the materials’s efficiency in an actual rain bathe.

Two yr replace: Now that I have been capable of put on these sneakers throughout actual drizzly days and rain showers, I can affirm they’re waterproof. Whereas I do love my $75 Everlane Rain Boots, they seem to be a bit heavy and clunky, so the Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles are a superb light-weight different that permit me fast-walk via moist streets with ease. 

The match and luxury really feel just a little totally different from the common Wool Runners — the Mizzles are extra supportive, however in addition they really feel just a little tighter, extra stiff, and fewer comfortable. Total although, they’re nonetheless snug. —Connie Chen, senior reporter

First impression: I’ve by some means by no means worn Allbirds earlier than reviewing the Wool Runner Mizzle. So whereas I can not examine the brand new weather-resistant sneakers to the unique, I can affirm they’re as cozy as I hoped wool sneakers could be. I instantly felt as if I had swaddled my ft in a comfortable, heat blanket.

The match was near-perfect (there was not even a touch of a blister, straight out of the field), however with one caveat: My massive toes hit simply just a little too near the entrance of the shoe. It is one thing to bear in mind for those who’re between sizes, or love tremendous thick socks, and may want additional room. Nevertheless it’s not a complete dealbreaker. I am hoping the shoe stretches with use, as I plan to put on these extra, rain or shine. —Emily Hochberg, journey editor 

Wool Runner-Up Mizzle evaluate 

First impression: In my time on the Insider Critiques group, there is not an organization that has acquired extra reward from my colleagues than Allbirds. Anytime there is a new fashion or colour launched I do know there’s an e-mail thread of pleasure on its means. I wasn’t certain if the sneakers would stay as much as the hype, however after my evaluate of the Wool Runner-Up Mizzle I am formally a convert. 

Past the fuzzy exterior that is additionally by some means waterproof, the sneakers are extraordinarily snug proper out of the field. The Merino wool that strains the inside of the shoe gives a comfortable, blanket-like really feel round my ft, and the underside of the shoe is comfortable and squishy, but additionally supportive. The Runner-Up Mizzles are actually my go-to shoe at any time when I see a wet day on my climate app.

Two yr replace: There was some put on and tear after the primary six months from my authentic Mizzle evaluate, however general, the sneakers have held up nice, particularly contemplating that I normally put on them on any day with inclement climate. They proceed to be my go-to rainy-day shoe; the rubber trim on the underside of the sneakers remains to be pretty white, and the Merino wool is as fuzzy as ever. I have never gone splashing round in puddles, however for an everyday stroll within the rain with an umbrella, you could be assured that your socks will keep dry. 

The sneakers are tremendous snug, however not particularly supportive. I’ve arch help points with virtually any commonplace sneaker that is not explicitly designed to be supportive. In case you’re like me, I like to recommend getting some inserts. As soon as I began utilizing orthotic inserts, I alleviated any issues I had with my Allbirds or some other sneaker. — Danny Bakst, Supervisor, story manufacturing 

First impression: I’ve three pairs of Allbirds Runners (each Wool and Tree), they usually’re all the time my go-to sneakers when the very first thing I am in search of is consolation. So I used to be just a little bummed out once I tried my pair of Runner-Up Mizzles. I do know I’ll get drawn and quartered by the Allbirds loyalists of the world for saying this (hey, I am typically an enormous fan, too! I am simply doing my job right here), however I discovered this pair to be uncomfortable. The highest of the shoe rubs proper up in opposition to my ankles, which I believe is because of the truth that the opening of the shoe is fairly cumbersome. That is simply my private expertise, and whereas I do know the sneakers will maintain as much as crappy climate (we ran water over them and it beaded proper up), I do not suppose they’re the pair I am going to go for once I’m commuting to work. — Sally Kaplan, government editor 

First impression: I knew Allbirds was onto one thing when throughout a gathering, one of many individuals stopped me in mid-speech to inform me how a lot they preferred my Wool Runner-Up Mizzles. Certainly, it blends the cool high-top silhouette with the fuzzy wool exterior that Allbirds is understood for.

Whereas I have never had the chance to put on them long-term, there are some issues that I seen immediately. Proper out of the field, the Wool Runner-Up Mizzle slipped onto my ft simply and cushioned them with a comfortable feeling that is paying homage to how my bed room slippers really feel.

However like my colleague Emily, I discover some areas to be a bit tight, like the massive toe and the highest of the ft. My ft additionally really feel like they have been incubating, so I would suggest sporting thinner socks to permit for some breathability (though wool absorbs moisture effectively) or save these for colder climate. Nonetheless, I actually benefit from the comfortable cushioning of the footbed and sole; I pounded the pavement for a number of hours and did not discover them uncomfortable, regardless of having not damaged them in. 

Two yr replace: After just a few months of sporting the Wool Runner-Up Mizzle in quite a lot of situations, the sneakers have held up effectively — notably the outer sole — other than some scratches. Regardless of pounding on exhausting pavement and trudging via rain, the sneakers nonetheless look new, and there are not any rapid indicators of the material coming aside (a difficulty with Allbirds within the firm’s early days). Since my preliminary Mizzle evaluate, the footbed’s cushioning has maintained each strolling and operating consolation. Plus, I discover that they’ve excellent traction on slippery floor.

After a number of changes to the lacing and breaking them in, there is a bit extra room to breathe than initially. Nonetheless, I nonetheless really feel tightness across the toe cap and up via the vamp and throat. There’s noticeable discomfort for those who put on thicker socks (which I discussed earlier than), nevertheless it does present a safe match. And one thing I did not discover at first: There appears to be some residue from the glue used to bond the higher to the only. It is not noticeable except you rise up shut, however I am undecided if that is one thing that developed over time (it is one thing that has been complained about on Reddit). With this in thoughts, I am undecided how effectively these sneakers will maintain up over time, however my colleagues beforehand famous that their Allbirds held up after two years of use. I believe the Wool Runner-Up Mizzle nonetheless seems to be terrific, however general consolation will probably be case-by-case for every individual. — Les Shu, tech critiques editor

The underside line

The Wool Runner Mizzle is one assortment of sneakers you may put on out of the home with confidence, regardless of how unpredictable the day’s climate is. The Runners and Runner-Ups provide the light-weight, supportive consolation of an everyday pair of sneakers, however the waterproof advantages of a pair of cumbersome boots.

You probably have considerations concerning the match and really feel of a high-top sneaker round your ankles, we’d suggest shopping for the the Runners as a substitute of the Runner-Ups.