Are Allbirds Tree Runners really as comfy as everyone says?

Allbirds have a reputation as some of the comfiest travel shoes going, but do they live up to it once they’re out of the box and on the road? This practical review gives you the lowdown on the Tree Runners, the good and the bad, so you know exactly what you’re getting before you buy.

Allbirds are one of the breakout shoe brands of the past decade: even Barack Obama has been spotted in a pair.

Rumour has it, they’re also some of the best travel shoes you can lay hands on. As someone who is constantly on the road, I wanted to put that theory to the test.

We all know how tough it can be to find a decent pair of travel shoes: ones you can chuck in your suitcase and rest assured that they will stand up to the rigours of long days on your feet, whilst keeping your feet comfortable and cosy.

So yes, finding a good pair of travel shoes is tough, but ones that are sustainable and stylish too? It sounds too good to be true.

Having put these runners to the test, my Allbirds Tree Runners review gives you the lowdown on whether they’re worth buying: what I liked, what I loved and the things that I wasn’t so hot on.

Quick verdict

The Tree Runners are light, breathable, machine washable trainers that are genuinely comfortable from the first wear: some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve travelled in, on flights, long drives and long days walking around cities. They suit travellers who want one easy, low-key shoe for planes, cities and paved paths. They’re not for you if you need support for proper hikes, something that copes with rain, or a trainer that looks smart: the sole looks a little cheap and shiny for the price.

My rating: 4/5

The Tree Runners at a glance

The Allbirds Tree Runners are a great option for your time on the road, with a relatively minimalist design, lightweight materials and superior comfort and breathability that makes them a delight to wear, even on the longest days.

They’re not a great option if you’re looking for something a little more rugged or any kind of support to help you out on rougher terrain, plus their lack of weatherproofing rules them out for wetter and colder climates.

• What they are: lace-up everyday trainers with a knit upper made from eucalyptus-derived TENCEL Lyocell blended with recycled polyester, on a sugarcane-based SweetFoam sole.
• Price: $100 in the US and £110 in the UK for the classic Tree Runner; the updated Tree Runner NZ is $100 (it launched at $110) and £110.
• Weight: about 207g (7.3oz) for a women’s US 7 and 244g (8.6oz) for a men’s US 9.
• Sizes: women’s US 5 to 11 (UK 2 to 8.5) and men’s US 8 to 14 (UK 7 to 13), whole sizes on the classic Tree Runner and half sizes on the NZ.
• Care: machine washable on a gentle, cold cycle; take the insoles and laces out first and air dry.
• Water resistance: none. Look at the Mizzle range if you need a shower-proof pair.
• Returns: 30 days from delivery for unworn, unwashed pairs with the tags on, but anything marked final sale can’t be returned or exchanged.

Check prices for Allbirds Tree Runners on the Allbirds store

How the Tree Runners held up on the road

Considering purchasing a pair of Allbirds but not sure of the specifics?

I tested these shoes on an early summer road trip around the American Southwest. I wore them for flying, hiking, for long days in the city and for numerous days on the road, including a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon. I’ve worn them on a few trips since, and I’m yet to find a more comfortable, breathable pair of trainers to travel in. Here’s my complete review of the Allbirds shoes, touching on the good, the bad, and the (not so) ugly.

Tree Runners’ sustainable material

Seeing as one of the biggest differentiators about Allbirds from other travel shoes is their sustainability, I’m going to focus on this first.

The Tree Runners weren’t the first style of trainer made by Allbirds: that title goes to the Wool Runners, which are made from merino wool. With the Tree Runners, Allbirds wanted a lighter, more breathable design that was just as sustainable as the original.

With this in mind, Allbirds chose a knit made from eucalyptus tree fibre, TENCEL Lyocell, which comes from responsibly managed forests. Today’s upper blends that tree fibre with recycled polyester, so it isn’t pure eucalyptus, but it’s still a long way from a standard plastic mesh trainer.

When it comes to the sole of the Tree Runner, Allbirds use Brazilian sugarcane, which they call SweetFoam. When it launched, Allbirds billed it as the world’s first carbon-negative green EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate).

For the insole, Allbirds use castor bean oil-based foam, and the shoe is lined with a soft merino wool blend, giving you a cushiony feel. The merino is also moisture-wicking, odour-reducing and very soft, so socks are optional. The laces are 100% recycled polyester, made from plastic bottles.

Allbirds go out of their way to make each stage of the trainer-making process lower impact, from the materials to the shipping, and Allbirds was one of the first fashion brands to put a carbon footprint figure on its products.

So you can walk in style and comfort, knowing your shoes have a smaller footprint than most.

Water resistance (or lack thereof)

While Allbirds sell water-resistant trainers, the Tree Runner isn’t waterproof or water-resistant. This was one of the few things I didn’t love about the shoe, as it meant it was a bit more restricted in terms of what you can use the Tree Runners for. Puddles soak straight through the knit, and wet trainers are no fun on a long travel day.

If you want a water-resistant option, try something from the Mizzle collection like the Wool Runner Mizzles or Wool Dasher Mizzles. They have the classic Allbirds minimalist design but with an added water-repellent layer. They’re shower-proof rather than waterproof, so they won’t keep your feet dry in a downpour.

Comfort and support: where they shine

One of my favourite things about owning these shoes is that they are breathable and incredibly comfortable, so you can wear them all day without any issues.

I’ve spoken a bit about how comfortable these shoes are, but I cannot stress it enough. If comfort is the thing you care about most in a travel shoe, the Tree Runners are for you. If you have chronic foot problems or need a structured, supportive shoe, though, look elsewhere or talk to a podiatrist first: there’s no real arch support here.

The soft insoles make it feel like you are walking on a cloud, making long days of exploration easier on the feet.

The Tree Runners are flexible enough that you can wear them on well-made paths and a bit of uneven ground. They are also perfect for airports and flying. The thick tab at the back makes them super easy to slip off and on for security checks, and they’re just as good for long car journeys.

I wouldn’t recommend the Tree Runners for proper hikes, intense exercise or running, though, as they don’t offer much ankle support or enough cushioning to keep your feet safe and comfortable.

Rather weirdly, given their name, Allbirds themselves don’t sell the Tree Runners as running shoes: for running, they point you to the Dasher range instead.

Thermoregulation

Another great feature of the Tree Runners is how well they handle heat. The tree fibre knit is very breathable, so on warm days you don’t experience much sweating.

The merino lining helps a little on cooler days, but the open knit lets the wind straight through, so they’re not a shoe for cold weather. For winter trips, the wool styles are the warmer choice.

Washability and odour resistance

The great thing about these shoes is they are machine washable.

Take out the insoles and laces, pop your Allbirds Tree Runners in a delicates bag or pillowcase and wash them on a gentle cycle in cold water with a little mild detergent (no fabric softener or bleach). Afterwards, leave them to air dry somewhere with good airflow, never in the tumble dryer. Hand wash the insoles separately. The shoes take a wear or two to get their shape back.

Allbirds promote their trainers as odour-reducing because of the merino wool lining, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get an odour. I recommend wearing socks if you wear them for most of the day.

If your shoes are getting a little smelly, Allbirds sell replacement insoles (which trap most of the odour), so you don’t need to replace the whole shoe.

Style, looks and colour options

The most significant draw of the Tree Runner is its minimalist design. They have a sleek appearance, and there are plenty of colours to choose from. Whether you prefer warm neutrals or bright colours, there’s usually an option for you, though the line-up rotates, and the classic Tree Runner now comes in far fewer colours than it once did, so check what’s in stock in your size.

Of course, the classic colours pair well with any outfit, while the limited edition options are fantastic if you want a little pop of colour in your neutral looks. They’re perfect with jeans, trousers and casual dresses.

The Tree Runners also have a narrower fit than the Wool Runner, making them curve well with the shape of your foot. Their sleek, minimalist look will complement any casual outfit.

My biggest criticism of the style of the shoes is the sole. I must admit that it looks a little cheap and shiny. This detracts a bit from the classy and stylish look you’d expect from a shoe at this price point.

Sizing

An interesting thing to note is that the men’s Tree Runners and the women’s are the same design. So, if you like a colour only in the men’s line or vice versa, it’s the identical shoe. You just need to size appropriately.

Allbirds’ own advice varies from page to page: the classic Tree Runner page says it tends to run small and suggests sizing up, while the UK Tree Runner NZ page says that version runs large and suggests going half a size down. I, and many other reviewers, suggest buying your usual size in the classic Tree Runner, and reading the fit note on the exact model you’re buying.

For UK sizes, the Allbirds women’s Tree Runners are about half a size to a size smaller than the men’s. Allbirds’ own example is that a women’s UK 6 may suit a men’s UK 7.

If you are in the US, a good rule of thumb is that women’s sizes are about one size larger than men’s: Allbirds suggest a men’s 7 to 7.5 for a women’s 8 to 8.5, and a men’s 10.5 to 11 for a women’s 11.5 to 12.

Unfortunately, if you’re a woman with smaller feet, you won’t have much luck with the men’s sizes. Allbirds only stock men’s Tree Runners from a US 8 (UK 7) and up.

Durability

The Tree Runners are about as durable as other everyday trainers at this price. They may look worn with frequent use, but these signs are mostly superficial and don’t affect how the shoe works.

The only parts of the shoe that might need changing with regular use are the insoles, which tend to wear down quickly.

Another issue you may face is staining. Despite being easy to clean, frequent use may leave more stubborn stains on the knit, especially on the paler colours. I noticed that the mesh is a bit vulnerable to snagging or tearing with continual use, so be aware of this when wearing them.

Having put them to the test, I can confidently say they’re great day-to-day shoes that should last you a good while if you look after them well.

What I loved

• The comfort: soft, cushioned and comfortable from the very first wear, with no breaking in.
• The weight: they’re light enough to wear on travel days and barely add anything to your luggage.
• The washability: a cold, gentle wash and they’re ready to go again.
• The colours: there’s a good choice, from neutrals to limited editions.
• The materials: tree fibre, sugarcane and recycled laces make them a more sustainable choice than most trainers.

The catches to know before you buy

• The sole: it looks a little cheap and shiny for the price.
• No weather protection: they aren’t waterproof or water-resistant, and they’re chilly in cold weather.
• Limited support: fine for cities and paved paths, not for proper hikes or running.

Sizes, weight and materials: the technical details

Below are the technical details of the Tree Runners at a glance.

	Men’s Tree Runners	Women’s Tree Runners
Sizes	US 8 to 14 (UK 7 to 13)	US 5 to 11 (UK 2 to 8.5)
Weight	244g (8.6oz), men’s US 9	207g (7.3oz), women’s US 7
Upper	TENCEL Lyocell (eucalyptus tree fibre) and recycled polyester knit	TENCEL Lyocell (eucalyptus tree fibre) and recycled polyester knit
Midsole	SweetFoam (sugarcane-based EVA)	SweetFoam (sugarcane-based EVA)
Insole and lining	Castor bean oil-based foam insole, merino wool blend lining	Castor bean oil-based foam insole, merino wool blend lining
Laces	100% recycled polyester	100% recycled polyester
Heel-to-toe drop	9mm	9mm
Price	$100 / £110	$100 / £110
Classic colours	Jet Black and Navy Night with white soles, plus Mist	Mist with a white sole (other colours come and go)

Warranty and returns

Allbirds doesn’t offer a formal warranty, but you can contact their customer support team ([email protected]) if you have any issues with quality or if your shoes are wearing quickly.

They also offer returns or exchanges within 30 days of delivery if you are not happy with the product, as long as the shoes are unworn and unwashed with the tags still attached. Return postage is now at your own cost unless you buy return cover at checkout, you can only return in the country you bought in, and anything marked final sale can’t be returned or exchanged at all. Sale styles, including recent Tree Runner colours, are often marked final sale, so check before you buy.

Tree Runner or Tree Runner NZ?

Allbirds launched the Tree Runner NZ in July 2025 as an update to the classic Tree Runner, and you’ll now see both on the site. The upper is the same tree fibre and recycled polyester knit, but the NZ adds a softer dual-density memory foam insole, a wool-blend lining around the collar and tongue, a slightly higher SweetFoam stack and an updated shape underfoot. Allbirds describe it as more structured and supportive, with a roomier fit, and it comes in half sizes. It’s also a touch lighter, at 201g (7.1oz) for a women’s US 7.

If you liked the original, the NZ is the natural upgrade, especially if you want a little more cushioning on long walking days. If you prefer the low, slipper-like feel of the classic version, buy it while it’s still on sale.

Who are Allbirds?

Allbirds was founded in San Francisco in 2016 by New Zealander Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger, and became popular thanks to its minimalist trainers. The company uses natural and recycled materials such as merino wool and tree fibre for the uppers and sugarcane for the soles of the shoes.

After releasing their Wool Runners, Allbirds released the Tree Runners. These shoes have a eucalyptus pulp fabric instead of wool, which makes the shoes cooler and more breathable.

Allbirds’ sustainability promise goes beyond their materials. The company has a supplier code of conduct to which all its factories must adhere, covering fair treatment of workers, health and safety, and fair pay.

The business has changed hands since I bought my pair. In 2026, the Allbirds brand was sold to American Exchange Group (the owner of Aerosoles), which now runs it with WSG Brands, and the brand closed its full-price US stores earlier in the year. The shoes are still sold on the Allbirds websites, and two full-price stores remained open in London at the time of the sale.

Tips for getting the most out of them

These shoes are ideal for travelling and walking around the city thanks to their lightweight nature, and they’re perfect for long car rides on a road trip. But they’re definitely not the first shoes you should reach for if you’re going for a hike, as they don’t provide much ankle support. On a road trip like my Arizona road trip itinerary, pack a separate pair of hiking shoes for the trails.

Although the shoes can get dirty quickly, they are easy to clean. So if you happen to spill your coffee or accidentally step in a muddy patch, you can put them through the washing machine. And if you need a quick spot clean, use a little mild soap and water, rinse well, and leave them to air dry.

The Allbirds Tree Runners hold up well with frequent use and all-day wear. Thanks to the merino lining, you won’t need to worry about excessive odour. You also don’t need to wear them with socks, but I advise you to if you plan on walking a lot.

Alternatives to the Tree Runners

• Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles: the same easy Allbirds style in merino wool with a water-repellent finish, for wetter, colder trips.
• Tropicfeel Canyon: a more rugged, water-friendly travel trainer with a grippier sole, and the shoe I hiked in on the same Southwest trip.
• Tropicfeel Geyser: a waterproof option if rain is likely.
• Rothy’s: machine-washable knit flats made from recycled plastic bottles, if you want something smarter for cities.

For more options, see the best travel shoes for women.

So should you buy the Allbirds Tree Runners?

In short, yes. These shoes are perfect if you are roaming the city or spending long hours on planes and in airports. But I wouldn’t recommend them for anything more demanding than this.

The Tree Runners are perfect if you are looking for something lightweight that won’t add weight to your luggage when travelling.

My rating: 4/5

Whether you buy the Allbirds men’s Tree Runners or the women’s pair, you can expect a well-made, comfortable trainer.

Shop the Allbirds Tree Runners range now

Read next

• Are Rothy’s worth it? A Rothy’s shoes review, tested on cobbles, gravel and in the wash
• Tropicfeel shoes review: putting the Tropicfeel Canyon shoes to the test
• The best travel shoes for women: tried and tested
• Tropicfeel Geyser review: putting Tropicfeel’s waterproof shoes to the test

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