Have you heard of the AllBirds Footwear lineup?
If not, you need to check them out as they are quite an amazing little shoe.
Or perhaps you have already checked them out and love them, but you would like to see the alternatives. In other words, you want more options to choose from and there is nothing wrong with that.
In fact, that is exactly what we are going to address in today’s post. We are going to take a look at my top 5 picks for shoes that are like Allbirds.
Let’s begin…
Table of Contents
What Is AllBirds?
AllBirds is a footwear company, where the Founders have set out to make the world’s most comfortable shoe. But they didn’t just want to stop there. They wanted to create the most comfortable shoe that was both environmentally friendly and stylish as well.
Thus the Wool Runner was born. A shoe made with some of the finest wool found, designed to keep your feet cool in the heat and warm in the cold.
One of the distinguishing features that really make these shoes stand out from the rest are the materials used to in these shoes. Due to the high-quality materials, they are extremely lightweight, very soft and best of all, you can throw them in the washing machine!
Shortly after the release of the Wool Runner, they developed the Wool Lounger, similar shoes, featuring (basically) the same overall design, but you can kiss those shoelaces goodbye. Yes, the Wool Lounger is the Wool Runner’s slip-on cousin.
In addition, they have also recently released their Tree lineup ( Tree runners, toppers, skippers and loungers) all made from eucalyptus tree fibers, keeping them lightweight, environmentally friendly and best of all, comfortable.
At this point, you might be thinking, wow the AllBird Lineup is so high-quality, are there really any shoes on the market that stand a chance going up against these footwear quality kings?
Well, we have accepted that challenge and have come up with 5 shoes that we think are worth taking a look at. Dare we say, if you like Allbirds, you will like these as well.
Shoes Like Allbirds – My Top 5 Picks
Features:
- Made from Merino Wool and a Polyester Blend
- Removable insole
- Available in 7 different colors
- Includes Backup laces
Do you remember what sets Allbirds lineup apart from the rest? Yes, it is the high-quality materials that are used to create the shoes. To be more specific we are talking about the New Zealand Merino Wool.
With that in mind, the first shoe that we are going to take a closer look at is the Le Mouton Merino Wool shoe. Similar to Allbirds, these are also made with Merino Wool. However, the biggest difference is that it is a Merino Wool and Polyester blend (84 percent coming from Australian Merino Wool).
These materials give them that soft, lightweight feel making them extremely comfortable on your feet.
Let’s quickly talk about the look of the shoe. Overall they look very similar to the Wool Runner. Keep in mind that the Wool runner is available in 10 different color combinations. Many times the laces are the same color as the shoe and there is no visible branding.
However, the Le Mouton shoe is available in 7 different colors with white laces and a cool visible branding on each shoe.
(Important note when ordering: These shoes tend to run small. So when ordering be sure to order a half size up. For example, if you wear 9.5 normally, be sure to order a size 10)
Features:
- Wool and Polyester Blend
- Available in 3 different colors
- Lower Price Point
Is it the price that is keeping you from trying a pair of wool sneakers? If so you need to check out, Urban Fox’s Parker Wool Sneakers.
These are made from a wool and polyester blend (70% wool / 30% polyester) giving you that lightweight feel.
In addition, what makes these such a temptation is the price point. They are much cheaper than other shoes in this category on the market. The one drawback to this particular lineup is the style. They look very similar to the Wool Runner but are not available in the same amount of colors. In fact, they are only available in 3 different colors: black, light grey and charcoal grey.
But hey, if those are the colors you like and you want to get your feet into some cheap wool sneakers then be sure to give Urban Fox’s Sneakers a second glance.
- Fabric Material
- Synthetic Sole
- Lightweight
- Lower Price Point
If you are simply looking for the best Allbirds look-a-like, then I would say you can’t get any better than Steven Madden’s Traveler Walking Shoe. They look nearly identical at a much lower price point.
These are made with a fabric and textile upper and a synthetic sole ensuring that they are both light on your feet and keep your feet comfortable all day long.
(In addition, Steve Madden also offers the Triper Walking Shoe which closely resembles the Wool Lounger.)
Even though these might look identical to the Allbirds Wool Runner, there are a few key differences I want to point out. They do a have a wider look to them. Yes, from the side profile they look the same, but it is important to note they are a little wider.
Let’s also talk about color. Color is so important because after all not only do we want to wear comfortable shoes, we want them to look good as well.
As we mentioned earlier, Allbirds are available in 10 different colors, while Steven Madden’s are only available in 5 different colors.
- Knit/Wool Upper
- Available in 8 different colors
- Lower Price Point
- Machine Washable
- Imported
Ok, ladies, this next one is for you. They are the Dr. Scholl’s FreeStep. (Sorry guys, these are available in Women’s only).
Now one thing that many people like about Allbirds is they are they made with wool, but they look just like a sneaker. However, perhaps you don’t want a shoe that looks like a sneaker. Maybe you want a shoe to wear with a dress. If so, look no further, the Freestep might be just what you are looking for.
Plus, we already know that Dr. Scholl’s has a reputation for creating comfortable shoes. So it only makes sense that they come out with a wool sneaker that is going to give you added comfort.
And believe me. These don’t disappoint.
Made with a Knit/Wool Upper these shoes give you that sneaker-like comfort level that we all crave.
Features:
- Merino Wool uppers
- Elastic Laces
- Rubber Sole
- Available in 16 different colors
- Imported
To conclude our search for the best Allbirds look-a-like, I want to introduce you to Baabuk’s Wooler Shoe. Now at first glance you might be thinking these don’t look anything like the aforementioned shoes, and that is exactly what I like about them.
I like the fact that Baabuk took their own spin on the wool sneaker and came out with a shoe that is designed to get heads turning.
Let’s talk about some of the cool features. First, like most shoes mentioned in this post, it is made up of a merino wool upper.
Next, it features elastic laces which not only act as a fashion statement, but they also make them extremely easy to slip on and off.
Lastly, they are available in 16 different colors meaning the sky is the limit when it comes to choosing a good match.
Oh did I mention how cheap they are? Yes, they are priced much lower than some other pairs mentioned here which might just be another reason to take a second look.
Is it always best to go for a look-a-like or a knockoff?
So far in this post, we have talked about 4 of the best Allbirds look-a-likes, but that leads us to the question: Is it a good idea to buy a look-a-like? Or should you just stick with the original?
The answer: It depends.
I know that is not the answer you are looking for, but it really depends on your individual footwear needs.
For example, if you are strictly looking for a wool sneaker that is made with high-quality materials then you simply can’t get any better than the Allbirds original Wool Runner (or) Wool Lounger. They use premium products to ensure that your feet stay comfortable and live up to the name they have created. Best of all, they are environmentally friendly.
However, on the other hand, if you are simply after a similar look or a cheaper version, then there are plenty of options available on the market. I only mentioned my top 5 in this post, but more alternatives are out there as well.
Have you found any AllBird alternatives that you love? Let us know in the comments below!
