I’ve been carrying my Allbirds Runners on and off since 2018 (learn my Allbirds overview) — and since that point this start-up shoe model has exploded in reputation. I suppose 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 present of us an choice for moist/winter days.
I don’t assume Allbirds anticipated these to be such a giant hit as a result of they appear to promote out as quickly as they’re restocked. So that you may need to verify again should you don’t see your measurement.
UPDATE: Allbirds now has their Wool Dasher Mizzles that are a mix 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 choose 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 obtained 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 cozy.
My Allbirds Mizzle Evaluate
Allbirds Winter Sneakers
“Sweatpants in your toes.”
That’s how I describe what it’s like carrying my Mizzle Runner-Ups. They’re severely cozy. I discover myself consistently reaching for them once I head out to get espresso or run errands round NYC throughout the chilly months.
And since they’re water resistant I don’t have to fret about carrying these dangerous boys within the rain. Okay, they’re not utterly 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 admire 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 offers you a 30-day return coverage so you’ll be able to take a look at them out for a month and ship them again in the event that they don’t work out.
Type & Mizzle Runners vs Runner-Ups
Alright. Let’s begin with a fast word in regards to the type 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 have been planning on carrying these with shorts I may need picked the runners however the Runner-Ups have been way more sensible for my wants.
I’m actually digging the general type of those. Some folks have complained that the only is a little bit huge however I don’t assume it’s noticeable. It’s additionally a purposeful design component because it helps you stroll by means of shallow puddles with out getting the material moist.
So far as accessible colours… I used to be actually a bit disenchanted and it might have been good if there have been a couple of extra choices. However, I’ve seen that Allbirds is all the time 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 colour combo however they’ve a number of colour 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 critiques from different individuals who mentioned the Mizzle’s water resistant lining felt much less gentle than conventional Wool Runners and that made the shoe really feel a little bit stiffer and a bit much less comfy. I can sort of see their level however since I put on socks I didn’t really feel a lot distinction. Actually, I like the additional stiffness of the Mizzle so this may simply come down to non-public desire.
I do know some folks have reported needing a break-in interval so your outcomes could differ.
The Mizzles are additionally lined with gentle merino wool so you’ll be able to put on them with out socks — which is likely one of the promoting factors. Personally, I choose carrying these with socks however they’re completely comfy with out them.
Prolonged Put on/Consolation
I do know a number of my readers are taken with carrying their Allbirds for journey in order that’s why I needed to handle consolation for prolonged put on.
Personally, I’ve had no points carrying these all day as I do my day-to-day life in NYC however I’ve but put these by means 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 full sizes so that could be a little annoying. Allbirds advocate sizing up should you’re between sizes. That mentioned, Allbirds are identified to stretch out a bit.
I did wish to level out that the soles of those Mizzles are made out of Brazilian sugarcane (which they name SweetFoam™) which has a number of bounce. It actually provides to the general consolation.
Word: Though these are known as Runner-Ups/Runners, these should not trainers.
Supplies
For these of you not acquainted with Allbirds, these sneakers have grow to be well-known for being made out of merino wool. I do know that wool sneakers sound a little bit odd however it works out surprisingly nicely.
Merino wool is of course gentle, moisture-wicking, and helps stop odor — that are all issues that work nicely in a shoe.
These are additionally lined with wool so you’ll be able to 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 made out of 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 stand up to enormous puddles of slush. That mentioned, I’ve discovered them to repel rain nicely generally 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 should revisit after I’ve worn them for an extended time frame.
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 a little bit extra space between your sneakers and the moist floor. Moreover, they added further grips on the soles to assist with further traction and provides to the sturdiness.
I obtained caught in a heavy rainstorm and after about 15-20 minutes of strolling, I began feeling that my toes have been getting a little bit moist. I additionally didn’t have an umbrella so I used to be very uncovered to the weather.
In any case, solely small elements of my socks have been moist however 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 waterproof lining provides some heartiness and may not breathe as nicely. I additionally assume the high-top type traps within the warmth a little bit greater than the low-tops.
This, after all, could be a detrimental or a optimistic relying on the temperature — i.e. your toes may get sweaty if the climate is heat however the heat might be welcomed within the chilly climate.
My major concern is working up a sweat throughout prolonged put on after which having sweaty toes — which isn’t nice when it’s chilly. That mentioned, a pleasant pair of socks ought to assist. Or, should you’re not liable to sweaty toes, then it may not matter to you.
Sturdiness
As I discussed earlier than, I’ve solely had my Allbird Mizzles for a couple of month so I can’t touch upon sturdiness but. [I’ll report back when I’ve put more miles on them]
However the more durable and grippier treads ought to assist add to the soles’ sturdiness.
Odor and Washability
The unique Allbirds Wool Runners may be washed within the washer however there isn’t 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 actually learn about their anti-odor efficiency.
In-Retailer Expertise
Allbirds is especially 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 should you stay 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 should cope with that — which I appreciated.
General Ideas About The Allbirds Mizzles
I can actually say that I’m a giant fan of the Allbirds Mizzles.
They give the impression of being 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 really like throwing them on and heading out to discover town. Moreover, I work in an informal surroundings, so I’ve additionally worn these to work and gotten compliments from coworkers.
And the way do I feel 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, purposeful, and really light-weight.
The Runner Mizzles are $115 and the Runner-Up Mizzles are $135 so these definitely aren’t low-cost. I do assume they’re a top quality product however I’d perceive if some people discovered these a little bit too costly for his or her tastes.
James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the writer of the guide “The Savvy Backpacker’s Information To Europe On A Price range”. He is been running a blog about funds journey in Europe since 2010.
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