The Allbirds Tree Runners and Tree Skippers have lasted us for years with out shedding their form. Right here's what units them other than different Allbirds footwear.

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Allbirds’ minimalist sneakers have turn into a go-to shoe for a lot of, particularly those that commute in locations like Silicon Valley and Wall Avenue. There’s loads of hype about their common practicality and luxury, so with the addition of the Allbirds Tree assortment, we determined to assessment the Allbirds Tree Runners and Tree Skippers. 

We have examined Allbirds earlier than, and our workforce unanimously feels that they are just about essentially the most comfy footwear on the market (as seen in our opinions of the Wool Loungers, Wool Runners, and Runner-Up Mizzles). And we’re not alone — an Insider survey confirmed that Allbirds was one in all our readers’ favourite manufacturers they found via studying our opinions. 

There are a variety of causes individuals like these footwear past simply how comfy they’re. They’re additionally comparatively inexpensive (from $95-$154 a pair) and simple to wash with a easy spin within the washer. However for some, the largest draw is the truth that the corporate maintains a deep, unshakable dedication to sustainability.

The model additional devloped this dedication in early 2018 by introducing an an much more sustainable set of footwear made out of timber — or extra particularly, from a textile engineered utilizing eucalyptus pulp. 

The supplies

In keeping with Allbirds, this materials makes use of 95% much less water and cuts its carbon footprint in half when in comparison with conventional footwear supplies. 

Naturally, contemplating that merino wool costs have been steadily climbing, we questioned if the manufacturing of those footwear was supposed to offset the elevated price of manufacturing their wool line. In any case, Allbirds is beloved partly as a result of their footwear have maintained a gradual and cheap worth because the very begin. However the model assured us that the concept for brand new, sustainable textiles had been within the works since earlier than they even launched their authentic Runners in 2016. 

We spoke with the founders of Allbirds, Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger, who advised Insider that they’ve at all times envisioned Allbirds as a sustainable materials innovation firm. “For us, it was about making a model that challenges the established order and redefines what it means to make one thing ‘higher.”

The Tree Assortment kinds

The road, aptly named the “Tree assortment,” is made up of six kinds, together with the Runners and Loungers that we already know and love, a pair they name the Skippers, that are just like a ship sneaker, and a high-top Topper sneaker.

The fabric creates a cooling impact by wicking moisture away, making them good for summer time. The make-up of the insoles has stayed constant, so you may nonetheless anticipate the identical consolation degree as their traditional pairs. The ladies’s kinds are available in as much as 11 colours, and the lads’s kinds are available in as much as 12 colours. 

As longtime followers of the model, our workforce was given the possibility by Allbirds to assessment the Tree Runners and Tree Skippers. Hold studying to discover a breakdown of every of our experiences with the kinds (spoiler alert: they’re nonetheless actually, actually nice). 

This is our preliminary Tree Runner and Tree Skipper opinions, plus updates after practically three years of wear and tear:

Mara Leighton, Insider Evaluations senior reporter:

March 2018 assessment: Allbirds is one in all my favourite firms to buy from as a result of they’ve at all times exceeded expectations on consolation, high quality, and elegance. In different phrases, they’ve earned my belief as a priceless purchase. I do not really feel unhealthy dropping cash on a brand new pair of footwear from them as a result of I do know I’ll put on them till they’re borderline disintegrating — and I might be glad each time I put them on. It appears like an exaggeration, however they’re actually that comfy.

I reviewed the Allbirds Tree Runners in Navy Night time, which is definitely a pleasant darkish green-blue in particular person (much less vivid than a real teal), and — as soon as once more — Allbirds has exceeded my expectations. They’re loopy comfy, the silhouette is flattering and close-fitting, and I like the sleek however texturized higher. The stylistic distinction of the thick laces is a very nice contact, and the semi-muted shade means they go along with mainly something.

The only feels acquainted (it is the identical structured, wool-lined insole present in my Loungers) and supportive, however the higher is much more breathable than my different pairs.

Whereas I would not purchase Allbirds in the event that they weren’t persistently making essentially the most comfy footwear I personal, I additionally love that they are utilizing sustainable supplies (and inspiring innovation). They really feel ridiculously good on, and any aware shopper can really feel nice about shopping for them.

March 2021 replace: Three years after testing them, these are nonetheless each my go-to journey footwear and my favourite pair of Allbirds. They’re comfy, noticeably cooling, and ideal for all-day put on. The navy has held up properly over time and exhibits negligible indicators of wear and tear after semi-frequent use.

Connie Chen, Insider Evaluations senior reporter:

March 2018 assessment: I put on my Allbirds Wool Runners frequently and am at all times more than pleased to speak about how great and comfy they’re to anybody who’s curious, so I used to be excited to find out about this newer fashion from one in all my favourite manufacturers. Itching for the texture of summer time, I opted to assessment the Allbirds Tree Skippers, that are a contemporary twist on the traditional boat shoe.

Once more, Allbirds’ stunning supplies have confirmed to achieve success. I by no means would have guessed that the textile was made out of eucalyptus pulp, however it supplies an fascinating, eye-catching texture that is extra distinctive than that of a conventional boat shoe. Eucalyptus is thought for its cooling properties, so I recognize that the Tree Skippers provide the perfect informal summer time look whereas additionally retaining my toes cool in heat climate. The Stone’s impartial, sandy shade (shade not obtainable) jogged my memory of the seashore and might actually match with any shade you put on on high.

Like Mara mentioned, slipping into the shoe felt gentle and acquainted because it has the identical wool-lined insole and heel cup of Allbirds’ different choices. I am additionally virtually sure that the Tree Skippers are extra comfy than the Tree Runners, which is a powerful feat.

March 2021 replace: My common take a look at for whether or not a pair of footwear is really supportive and comfy is how they really feel once I put on them to a music pageant. These all-day occasions are the last word battleground and contain a variety of strolling, standing, and dancing — my Tree Skippers handed the take a look at many times. I like that they appear much more informal than common sneakers, which is why you may usually discover me sporting the Tree Skippers on the weekend, whatever the season. 

I’ve found over time of writing Allbirds opinions, nonetheless, that the Tree Skippers are extra finicky to take care of, maybe as a result of there’s much less materials they usually have a thinner sole than the Tree Runners. I feel the mesh knit materials is just not as resilient as wool and is liable to slight shrinking and warping, so I’d suggest that you just both get a darker shade or be further cautious whereas drying them post-wash. 

David Slotnick, senior transportation reporter:

March 2018 assessment: “I reviewed the Tree Skipper in Kauri Stone (shade not obtainable), and suppose I’ve discovered the proper summer time shoe. They really feel like a mixture of a ship shoe and a sneaker — I’ve by no means discovered the previous very comfy, however sneakers will be heat or restrictive throughout summer time. These are light-weight, breathable, and to my delight, really feel like a pleasant, properly-supportive shoe that will be equally becoming for strolling round a metropolis throughout trip, sporting on the best way to the seashore, or on a ship. I can tie the laces to maintain them on as I stroll — even when I stroll shortly or run — though I can kick them off with out untying them if I wish to.

Store all kinds from the Allbirds Tree assortment right here.