If there’s one thing I know about you, it’s that you’re really into lightweight, sustainable shoes made of merino wool. You’re always telling me that. Such a rascal.
Sounds a lot like Allbirds. There’s no denying that the ubiquitous B Corp makes some super functional, super cozy shoes. But for whatever reason, here you are looking for shoes like Allbirds. Maybe the O.G.s aren’t as budget-friendly as you’d prefer. Maybe you’re tired of reading about plummeting shares. Hell, maybe you just hate the word Allbirds.
Doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’ve got dozens of Allbirds alternatives to choose from, six of which I’ve taken the liberty of highlighting below. The athleisure community, which is probably a thing, won’t know what hit it.
Key Takeaways
To find the highest quality shoes like Allbirds, I began by researching dozens of brands and their materials, sustainability practices, customer reviews, and photos.
The resulting six are the best of the best based on factors that include but aren’t limited to comfort, style, price, and materials used. Edging out the competition is my top overall pick of the Tropicfeel Canyon, followed by a budget-friendly pair from Bruno Marc.
Why they’re great: Barcelona-based Tropicfeel goes all in on hyper-functional travel and lifestyle gear manufactured using sustainable materials and processes. Its Canyon travel sneakers—made with plastic bottles and recycled EVA—are breathable, slip-resistant, water-friendly, and incorporate odor-fighting properties. This is a handsome and versatile pair of shoes that will serve you well on day hikes, river tubing excursions, or less harrowing adventures like coffee and grocery store runs.
How they feel: Heel padding, toe reinforcements, and 3D Dual cushioning work together to seamlessly create a pillow-soft feel regardless of what you’re getting into.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Though Tropicfeel regularly expands its product line, you’ll find more types of shoes, styles, and colors over at Allbirds.
Sizes Available: 6-12.5 | Colors Available: 7 | Material: 77% Recycled Polyester, 23% Polyester
Why they’re great: “French calfskin” likely isn’t a material you’d associate with shoes like Allbirds. Yet here we are, drawing that unlikely comparison. Why? These lightweight, breathable, undeniably cool sneakers from Aurélien take the Allbirds aesthetic and elevate it by way of eye-catching colors and suede uppers blended with nylon fabric made from recycled PET bottles. Basically, they forgo the athleisure look in favor of a dressier take more reminiscent of a “galavanting around a Mediterranean resort with an Aperol spritz” vibe.
How they feel: That French calfskin works overtime to create a luxurious feel that will conform to the contours of your feet over time. Further sweetening the cozy pot are calf linings and extra-padded insoles.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Aurélien’s Playtime Sneakers are a significant detour from Allbirds, so purists need not apply. But the incorporation of eco-friendly materials and the general aesthetic are more than enough to earn it a slot on this list.
Sizes Available: 8-13 | Colors Available: 3 | Material: 100% French Calfskin
Why they’re great: Based in Rio de Janeiro, Cariuma is a certified B Corp that’s been manufacturing meticulously crafted, sustainable shoes since 2018. Made from bamboo and recycled plastics, their low-profile Knit Sneakers are available in 17 colors from everyday white to eye-popping yellow. This is the pair you stock up on in as many colors as possible. The lightweight, breathable pair that you blindly reach for any day, for any reason. Cariuma checks all the comfort, style, and eco-friendly boxes that Allbirds does and throws in an effortlessly cool skater aesthetic for good measure.
How they feel: All Cariuma process, design, and material roads lead to lightweight, breathable comfort. You won’t even know they’re there. Unless you get one of those aforementioned eye-popping colors. Then you’ll definitely know they’re there.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: While most of Cariuma’s style offerings take a detour from the Allbirds look, the variety of styles and colors you can add to your everyday rotation should more than make up for it.
Sizes Available: 5-13 | Colors Available: 18 | Material: Bamboo & Recycled PET
Why they’re great: Breathable knit uppers. Lightweight construction. Materials ranging from recycled polyester to recycled polyurethane foam. Sound familiar? It should, because here comes the Louie from LA-based
How they feel: Much like the other shoes on this list, the one-two punch of knitted uppers and lightweight soles create a pillowy soft feel from day to night.
Flaws but not dealbreakers:
Sizes Available: 7-12 | Colors Available: 3 | Material: 100% Cotton
Why they’re great: As you might expect from a budget-friendly alternative, the materials and construction used to make these knit-mesh sneakers from Bruno Marc aren’t on par with those of Allbirds and other higher-end brands. That said, if you’re looking for a similar aesthetic and an adequately comfortable shoe at around half the price, this is a great option.
How they feel: EVA memory foam insoles, lightweight outsoles and surprisingly breathable microfiber uppers pack a punch in terms of overall comfort—especially for the price.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Unlike Allbirds and other sustainability-minded companies, Bruno Marc isn’t upfront about the exact material composition of these shoes.
Sizes Available: 6.5-13 | Colors Available: 5 | Material: Microfiber/Not Specified
Why they’re great: Yes, Australian brand Woolloomooloo is a mouthful. But what it lacks in roll-off-the-tongue-ness, it more than makes up for in comfort thanks to its knitted merino wool uppers, wool-lined footbeds, and cushy outsoles. The machine washable Belmont is a particularly versatile pair that can be used as a running shoe or the sneaks you reach for before hitting the gym, but also as a solid go-to for life’s casual, everyday affairs.
How they feel: Merino wool is one of the most comfortable and functional fabrics out there and is the material Allbirds employs throughout much of its product line. The combination of the Belmont’s merino wool uppers and its wool-lined footbeds makes this one of the coziest alternatives available.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Woolloomooloo’s Belmont is comparably priced with much of Allbirds’ current lineup, making them less than ideal for bargain hunters.
Sizes Available: 3-12.5 | Colors Available: 12 | Material: 100% Merino Wool
Buying Considerations To Find Shoes Like Allbirds
Materials & Sustainability
Everyone has their own reasons for gravitating toward Allbirds. The way they feel and look? Of course. But if you’re into this brand, chances are you’re also into its dedication to using sustainable materials and practices.
Breathable, moisture-wicking wool instead of the more standard canvas. Laces made from recycled plastic bottles. Castor bean oil incorporated into the insoles. The best shoes like Allbirds also prioritize sustainability in their own ways.
Comfort
If you’re in the market for a pair of Allbirds-adjacent shoes, comfort has to be a prerequisite. To nail down the next best thing in the cloud-like coziness department, look for merino wool uppers and midsoles made of light, cushy materials. To find the best pair for you, prioritize lightweight, breathable, and durable alternatives.
Style
Allbirds and shoes like Allbirds offer a very specific style. So it should go without saying that if you’re in the market for similar alternatives, which you are, you’ll definitely want to nail the look. A knitted fabric is a good place to start. Cushy, chunky soles are a close second. Basically, shoot for easy-breezy shoes with an athleisure vibe and you’re good to go.
Why You Should Trust Us
As a fashion and grooming writer at FashionBeans, I compare, test, and research the products that make a gentleman a gentleman. If it can be worn, carried, or used in a way that elevates your look and feel, I’m into it.
For this review, I pored over trusted sources, dozens of brands, materials, sustainability practices, and customer reviews to understand what makes the best shoes like Allbirds. After comparing over 40 products, I chose the resulting six based on considerations like comfort, style, materials used, and value for money. Ultimately, I want to see everyone find the right shoes similar to Allbirds.
Final Verdict
There are shoes that look like Allbirds, then there are shoes that look and feel like Allbirds while also emphasizing the use of sustainable materials and practices.
Save for the occasional style and fabric tweak, my top picks stay mostly true to the original shoes’ intent. The most versatile, durable, well-rounded option I’ve seen is Tropicfeel’s water-friendly, quick-drying Canyon.
FAQ
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You won’t have a hard time finding multiple alternatives to Allbirds loungers, though quality and materials run the gamut. One of the best pairs out there is the Knit Sneakers from Cariuma. Like Allbirds, these slip-ons are incredibly light, similarly priced, and are made using sustainable materials and practices.
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