I’ve been on the hunt for a new pair of shoes for pretty much as far back as I can recall.
In my experience, shoes are a bit like mattresses in that every store carries a different type of shoe and it’s extremely rare to find two shoes from the same brand that feel exactly the same.
What about Allbirds? Do Allbirds Run Small?
When I first purchased a pair of Allbirds, I noticed they seemed smaller than the size they said they were.
I thought this was odd and wanted to share my experience as well as some tips on how to get the best fit out of your Allbirds if they’re running small or large.
What is Allbirds?
The brand has gained popularity for its ultra-comfortable wool shoes and socks.
These shoes are made with eco-friendly materials that biodegrade quickly, which is important to note if you’re interested in a sustainable fashion.
Allbirds also offers styles for men and women, so you can choose the right shoe for your needs.
All birds shoes are made with New Zealand merino wool, so they’re naturally antimicrobial and odor-resistant.
The insoles are made from a custom foam that’s designed to mimic the feel of walking barefoot (which some people may find uncomfortable).
The upper fabric of the sneaker is made from the same material as the slipper — wool and elastic — so they both feel very similar in fit (although they look different).
The sneaker has a rubber sole instead of leather (as does the slipper), giving it better traction on slippery surfaces like tile floors or wet grassy areas outside your house.
Should you size up or down in Allbirds?
If you’re between sizes, go for the larger size.
These shoes are made from wool and leather, so they’re a little stiff at first. But after a few wears, they should start to soften up.
Allbirds recommends sizing up one full size for these shoes. If you’re between sizes, go for the larger size.
While these shoes are wide enough to accommodate your foot, they’re not very deep.
So if you have a wider foot or want room for socks in winter months, choose your actual shoe size instead of going up a full size like Allbirds suggests.
How do Allbirds fit?
Tree runners come in two sizes: 7-12 and 13-15.
The large size is just right, but that’s not to say that the mediums are too small.
The extra room in the toe box makes them ideal for people with wide feet, bunions or any other foot issues (like me).
Allbirds have very flexible soles, which is great for those who like their shoes to mold to their feet.
The downside is that the upper material can stretch out over time, so it’s best to wear socks when putting them on for the first time and then again after each wear. This will help keep them from stretching out too much.
Are Allbirds too small?
Allbirds are made from a blend of merino wool, and alpaca. The shoes are designed to be extremely comfortable and breathable.
They’re also made in New Zealand, which has a reputation for being environmentally conscious.
The Allbirds shoe is designed with a wide toe box and no-sew method of construction.
This means that they’ll fit most feet comfortably but might not work well for people with narrow feet or bunions.
Allbirds come in two styles: the Classic Loafer and the Wool Runners. Both styles are available in whole sizes (8-14 for men and 5-11 for women).
If you’re unsure which size to choose, check out our guide on how to measure your feet correctly before ordering online.
One other thing worth mentioning is that these sneakers run true to size.
If anything, it’s best to size up because they will stretch out a bit after you wear them around the house or office for a few days before wearing them outside.
Do Allbirds Wool runners run small?
Allbirds are made from wool, so they’re not going to stretch much. If you get a pair that’s too small, it’s not a huge deal, but you may be uncomfortable.
The loungers and skippers run true to size, but the tree version runs big. The tree version is more like a sneaker than a running shoe, so it’s designed to be worn with socks.
To get the best fit in tree runners, size up by half a size (so if you wear an 8 in our regular running shoes, you should get an 8.5 in our tree versions).
Conclusion:
The secret to Allbirds’ popularity isn’t the shoes themselves, but their price tag and the cool factor of “owning” a pair of environmentally-friendly vegan shoes.
It appears that people who see them in a retail setting tend to buy them, whether or not they fit particularly well.
They aren’t a bad casual shoe in spite of their fit issues, but there are several better options for runners out there.
