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Many clothing brands are taking sustainability more seriously, but Allbirds takes a ground-up approach to making great sneakers, prioritizing the use of natural and innovative materials like wool and sugarcane while offsetting emissions in the manufacturing process. The brand’s Wool Runner is its signature shoe, featuring a merino wool-blend upper that’s machine washable.
Though wool has many great features, it can lose effectiveness if it gets too wet, which is why Allbirds introduced the Wool Runner Mizzle—a sneaker that uses a bio-based DWR coating that helps repel water. Right now, the Mizzle sneaker is on sale at REI for $87, a 30% savings on the normally $125 shoe. It’s available in whole sizes between 8 and 13, but shoppers say sizing up is the way to go if you’re in between.
Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzle Sneakers, $87 (was $125) at REI
These minimalist shoes are well-known for comfort in addition to their eco-friendly sources. They’re made from itch-free merino wool that is ZQ-certified, meaning environmental and animal welfare standards have been met during production. It has a bouncy and lightweight EVA midsole that Allbirds makes from sugarcane rather than plastic. The ergonomic insoles are constructed from castor bean oil-based foam, while the shoelaces are made from recycled plastic bottles. They’re also very soft and can even be worn without socks thanks to the merino wool uppers that are naturally odor-resistant and temperature-regulating,
Even though they’re water-repellent, they likely won’t be the ideal pick for braving a tropical storm as much as they’ll offer peace of mind on overcast days. But if you do get caught in the rain, the fact that they can be easily tossed in the washing machine adds to the convenience and long-term value.
Shoppers were impressed with the comfort and durability of the shoes. “Unlike so many other brands, the quality and consistency of these are amazing,” one shopper said, adding that they’ve bought four pairs over the last decade. Another shopper wrote that the sneakers offer “all-day comfort,” with another noting that they “wear them with and without socks. They look good and hold their shape.”
Others were impressed with the DWR performance, with one calling the shoes “great in cold rainy weather,” and another saying they are “perfect for cold, drizzly Northwestern casual outings.” Another shopper wrote that the shoes were “Scotland tested,” adding that they “made it through the bogs, hikes, and cobblestone streets with comfort and ease.”
If you’re looking for a versatile, water-repellent shoe with an eco-friendly ethos, the Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzle sneaker is the one for you. But we’ve seen other sneakers from this brand sell out quickly, especially when they’re on sale, so act fast to score this substantial discount.