I’ve been sporting my Allbirds Runners on and off since 2018 (learn my Allbirds assessment) — and since that point this start-up shoe model has exploded in reputation. I assume it’s not shocking since they’ve been dubbed “the world’s most comfy sneakers.”
However there’s one space the place Allbirds have historically come up brief — within the rain/snow.
Properly, in late 2019, Allbirds launched their Mizzle line of water resistant Runners (low-top) and Runner-Ups (high-top) sneakers to offer of us an possibility for moist/winter days.
I don’t assume Allbirds anticipated these to be such an enormous hit as a result of they appear to promote out as quickly as they’re restocked. So that you might need to examine again if you happen to don’t see your dimension.
UPDATE: Allbirds now has their Wool Dasher Mizzles that are a combination of their Dasher trainers with the climate resistance advantages discovered within the Mizzles — I hope to strive them out quickly.
I began by dropping by Allbrid’s SoHo location in downtown Manhattan to select up a pair to check them for myself.
I ended up shopping for the Runner-Ups as I just like the look of the high-tops higher than the low-top runners.
WEAR UPDATE 11/2/2022: I first acquired my Mizzles in late 2019 and it’s lastly time to interrupt them out once more now that the climate is getting cooler and wetter. I wore my Mizzles once more final week and I’m nonetheless actually digging them. Tremendous cozy and comfortable.
My Allbirds Mizzle Evaluate
Allbirds Winter Sneakers
“Sweatpants to your ft.”
That’s how I describe what it’s like sporting my Mizzle Runner-Ups. They’re critically cozy. I discover myself continuously reaching for them once I head out to get espresso or run errands round NYC through the chilly months.
And since they’re water resistant I don’t have to fret about sporting these unhealthy boys within the rain. Okay, they’re not fully 100% waterproof (i.e. you shouldn’t step in enormous puddles) however they do a pleasant job for day-to-day city put on/journey.
I additionally recognize how Allbirds makes use of sustainable supplies and so they’ve gone 100% carbon impartial in 2019 in order that’s a pleasant bonus.
Allbirds additionally provides you a 30-day return coverage so you possibly can take a look at them out for a month and ship them again in the event that they don’t work out.
Fashion & Mizzle Runners vs Runner-Ups
Alright. Let’s begin with a fast observe in regards to the model of the Mizzle and the distinction between the Runners and the Runner-Ups.
I used to be drawn to the Runner-Up since I just like the “boot” look. If I had been planning on sporting these with shorts I might need picked the runners however the Runner-Ups had been way more sensible for my wants.
I’m actually digging the general model of those. Some individuals have complained that the only is just a little huge however I don’t assume it’s noticeable. It’s additionally a useful design ingredient because it helps you stroll by way of shallow puddles with out getting the material moist.
So far as accessible colours… I used to be actually a bit disillusioned and it will have been good if there have been just a few extra choices. However, I’ve observed that Allbirds is at all times releasing limited-edition colorways so I think about we’ll see different choices sooner or later.
I picked the Pure Gray w/ Cream Sole as a result of I actually just like the look of this shade combo however they’ve a number of shade choices.
Preliminary Consolation
To check the preliminary consolation of my Mizzles I placed on a pair of tall socks and walked casually round Brooklyn for a bit. I discovered my Mizzles to be extra comfy than my earlier pair of Wool Runners. I didn’t expertise any uncomfortable rubbing or blisters.
I learn some evaluations from different individuals who mentioned the Mizzle’s water resistant lining felt much less mushy than conventional Wool Runners and that made the shoe really feel just a little stiffer and a bit much less comfy. I can type of see their level however since I put on socks I didn’t really feel a lot distinction. The truth is, I like the additional stiffness of the Mizzle so this would possibly simply come down to non-public desire.
I do know some individuals have reported needing a break-in interval so your outcomes could range.
The Mizzles are additionally lined with mushy merino wool so you possibly can put on them with out socks — which is without doubt one of the promoting factors. Personally, I desire sporting these with socks however they’re completely comfy with out them.
Prolonged Put on/Consolation
I do know a number of my readers are inquisitive about sporting their Allbirds for journey in order that’s why I wished to deal with consolation for prolonged put on.
Personally, I’ve had no points sporting these all day as I do my day-to-day life in NYC however I’ve but put these by way of a heavy 10-15 mile day of pounding the pavement. [But I promise to update this once I have a free weekend to put these through their paces].
Allbirds solely are available in full sizes so that may be a little annoying. Allbirds advocate sizing up if you happen to’re between sizes. That mentioned, Allbirds are recognized to stretch out a bit.
I did need to level out that the soles of those Mizzles are produced from Brazilian sugarcane (which they name SweetFoam™) which has a number of bounce. It actually provides to the general consolation.
Be aware: Though these are referred to as Runner-Ups/Runners, these will not be trainers.
Supplies
For these of you not accustomed to Allbirds, these sneakers have turn out to be well-known for being made out of merino wool. I do know that wool sneakers sound just a little odd nevertheless it works out surprisingly nicely.
Merino wool is of course mushy, moisture-wicking, and helps stop odor — that are all issues that work nicely in a shoe.
These are additionally lined with wool so you possibly can put on them with out socks and so they’ll nonetheless be comfy. I put on mine with socks so I’ve solely gone sockless for very brief quantities of time so I can’t touch upon how they fare with prolonged put on.
The soles are produced from Brazilian sugarcane which is surprisingly bouncy.
Moist and Chilly Climate Efficiency
The Mizzles are water resistant however not waterproof—i.e. these aren’t heavy-duty winter boots that may face up to enormous puddles of slush. That mentioned, I’ve discovered them to repel rain nicely usually fall/winter situations.
To start with, the surface is handled with a water-repellent coating that helps water roll off. I’m curious how lengthy this coating will final in order that’s one thing I’ll need to revisit after I’ve worn them for an extended time period.
Subsequent, there’s an “ultra-thin Bio TPU membrane layered between the wool higher and the inside of the shoe to forestall water seepage.” That is the place many of the water resistance comes from.
And third, there’s a thicker sole in order that places just a little extra space between your sneakers and the moist floor. Moreover, they added further grips on the soles to assist with extra traction and provides to the sturdiness.
I acquired caught in a heavy rainstorm and after about 15-20 minutes of strolling, I began feeling that my ft had been getting just a little moist. I additionally didn’t have an umbrella so I used to be very uncovered to the weather.
Anyhow, solely small components of my socks had been moist nevertheless it’s secure to say these aren’t “waterproof.” As I discussed earlier than, these are finest for gentle rain so in most situations the Allbirds Mizzle ought to stand as much as the weather.
Breathability & Heat
I discovered the Mizzles to be hotter than my earlier Wool Runners. I’m certain it’s as a result of the water resistant lining provides some heartiness and may not breathe as nicely. I additionally assume the high-top model traps within the warmth just a little greater than the low-tops.
This, after all, generally is a detrimental or a optimistic relying on the temperature — i.e. your ft would possibly get sweaty if the climate is heat however the heat may very well be welcomed within the chilly climate.
My essential concern is working up a sweat throughout prolonged put on after which having sweaty ft — which isn’t nice when it’s chilly. That mentioned, a pleasant pair of socks ought to assist. Or, if you happen to’re not susceptible to sweaty ft, then it may not matter to you.
Sturdiness
As I discussed earlier than, I’ve solely had my Allbird Mizzles for a few month so I can’t touch upon sturdiness but. [I’ll report back when I’ve put more miles on them]
However the harder and grippier treads ought to assist add to the soles’ sturdiness.
Odor and Washability
The unique Allbirds Wool Runners might be washed within the washer however there is no such thing as a point out of this on the Allbird’s web site for the Mizzles — so I’m going to imagine these aren’t mechanically cleanable… however I’m actually unsure if that is true or not.
So far as odor, I haven’t worn these lengthy sufficient to essentially find out about their anti-odor efficiency.
In-Retailer Expertise
Allbirds is principally a direct-to-consumer firm so most individuals organize them on-line. However they’re beginning to open a handful of shops so I like to recommend stopping into one if you happen to dwell close to one.
The principle bonus of shopping for them in-store, apart from attending to strive them on, is that they provide you a free pair of laces. Within the NYC retailer, the laces are “NYC themed” in order that was a enjoyable further. I picked “taxi yellow.”
The worker additionally supplied to recycle the shoebox for me so I didn’t need to cope with that — which I appreciated.
General Ideas About The Allbirds Mizzles
I can actually say that I’m an enormous fan of the Allbirds Mizzles.
They appear cool, they’re tremendous comfy, they’re heat, and so they can deal with a wet day.
In my thoughts, my Mizzles are my go-to weekend sneakers. I like throwing them on and heading out to discover the town. Moreover, I work in an informal setting, so I’ve additionally worn these to work and gotten compliments from coworkers.
And the way do I believe they’d do for journey? Personally, I’m unsure I’d select these if I solely packed a single pair of sneakers, however I wouldn’t hesitate to convey these as a second pair since they’re comfy, useful, and really light-weight.
The Runner Mizzles are $115 and the Runner-Up Mizzles are $135 so these actually aren’t low cost. I do assume they’re a high quality product however I’d perceive if some people discovered these just a little too costly for his or her tastes.
James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the creator of the e-book “The Savvy Backpacker’s Information To Europe On A Funds”. He is been running a blog about funds journey in Europe since 2010.
No Humorous Enterprise
The Savvy Backpacker is reader-supported. Which means whenever you purchase product/providers by way of hyperlinks on the location, I’ll earn an affiliate fee — it doesn’t price you something further and it helps help the location.
Thanks For Studying! — James
Questions? Study extra about our Strict Promoting Coverage and How To Help Us.
