What this mama thought about her Allbirds retail-store experience and an updated review of Allbirds Wool Runners for 2020

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Hi friends! Did you know you can buy Allbirds in a store? Recently I visited the Allbirds retail store at University Village in Seattle, Washington. Millennials, influencers, and hipsters will flock to this modern and clean store like gamers to E3 2020. I couldn’t help but pose for a photo by the store front. Rocking my Allbirds Wool Loungers in Frost with Cream Sole (limited edition), I waltzed (well, shyly walked) into the store.

Mama Kat rocking Allbirds wool loungers and a Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack

No Seattle freeze experienced here as a young retail ambassador greeted me. (Ack I forgot his name.) I walked around and checked out all the shoes. At a back wall, Rarebirds are on display. Rarebirds come in colors that are hard-to-find, soon-to-be retired, brand-partnership-related, or exclusive to a city. Allbirds often release Rarebirds on holidays such as Earth Day.

Allbirds Wool Loungers in Malibu with Cream Sole

I was not looking for a pair of Rarebirds. Instead I really wanted to see if Allbirds had updated their wool runners, as they had recently revamped their wool loungers. (Read my updated Allbirds Wool Loungers review here.) The pair I had my eyes set on are the limited-edition Allbirds Wool Runners in Malibu with Cream Sole. Think coral pink. Super cute, right?

In person you’ll see that the shoe is not as light or bright. It’s a deeper and more muted shade of… Malibu? Coral?

I tried both size 7 and size 8 in women’s. (Depending on the brand, I’m typically a size 8 or 8.5 in US women’s.) If you follow my blog, you’d know that I hate wearing socks. I wore socks that day because I knew I’d be trying on shoes. (Don’t want to stink up new pairs of Allbirds in the store!) My wide, flat feet could not even slip into the size 7! The retail ambassador recommended I go with the same size as my wool loungers. (That’s why I was shy coming into the store. I felt like an Allbirds geek.)

I’m certain that Allbirds has been evolving and updating their wool runners over the years. The silhouette of the wool runners resemble that of the tree runners. The wool runners have been flatter and thinner in profile, if that makes sense. They’ve become more aesthetically appealing. The frumpiness factor has gone way down!

Let’s compare:

Allbirds Wool Runners bought in 2020

Allbirds Wool Runners bought back in 2018

Allbirds Tree Runners bought in 2018

Overall the Allbirds Wool Runners feel better and look less frumpy. It’s a better executed runner! Even the insole feels thicker and comfier. You can tell why even celebrities like Ashton Kutcher, Amy Adams, and Hilary Duff rock Allbirds on the daily, and why People.com raves about these shoes. (People.com probably earns boatloads of of commissions as an affiliate partner!) Allbirds’ minimalist design is definitely super stylish!

Allbirds Wool Runners cost $95 (USD)

With the subtle changes made to the Allbirds Wool Runners, sizing may become an issue for some people. While the size 8 wool runners fit my feet well, there is still half an inch of clearance between my big toes and the tips of the toe boxes. Wool shoes typically will stretch out with prolonged wear. People with huge toes may find the Allbirds Wool Runners uncomfortable. The Allbirds Wool Runners feel less stretchy than before; therefore, I’m not sure these are the best shoes for people with bunions.

The shoe is sturdier and ankle support appears increased. Arch support is moderate and the heel cushioning of the insole is sublime. I’m happy to report that the toe humps are slowly becoming… toe nipples! With the next iteration of the Allbirds wool lines, I’m hoping the toe humps/toe nipples will disappear forever!

I walked out of the Allbirds retail store with a pair of new Allbirds Wool Runners (in size 8) and a free pair of shoes laces! (You can buy lace packs of three different laces for $10 (USD) on allbirds.com.) The retail ambassador told me that different Allbirds retail stores give out different colors of shoe laces. Note that Allbirds shoe laces are made from recycled plastic bottles. The retail ambassador was also happy to tell me that anyone can take the shoelaces (even without a purchase). He and his coworkers were happy to give them out, as they had so many shoelaces in the store!

The retail ambassador turned one of the shoelaces I took as a shopping box handle!

When you buy shoes from an Allbirds retail store, you can wear the shoes as much as you like, but if you need to exchange or return them, be sure to do so within 30 days. You can bring them back to the store for returns or exchanges. The retail ambassador mentioned that you can call customer service or email Allbirds to return via mail, but I haven’t tested this, so I can’t confirm. Please note I will not be returning this pair of Allbirds Wool Runners. In fact I’m bringing these Allbirds with me on an upcoming trip to Japan!

My Allbirds retail store experience was awesome. I loved seeing and feeling all the shoes in person. It was great how I could pick out free shoe laces and see exclusive Rarebirds. Being able to try the shoes on before buying helps with the sizing. I recommend that you visit one of the Allbirds stores located in big cities around the world.

I’ll be visiting the Allbirds store in Harajuku, Tokyo and I’ll update this post after my trip! Happy trekking, friends! Let me know what you think about Allbirds Wool Runners! <3 #weareallbirds

Allbirds FAQ

• Are Allbirds really that comfortable? They are very comfortable and can be worn without socks. Are they the most comfortable shoes in the world? Right now, they are the most comfortable shoes I own.

• Can Allbirds get wet? Allbirds wool and tree runners and loungers can get wet; however, the Allbirds wool mizzles runner-up and runners are water-resistant.

• Are Allbirds warm in the winter? Thanks to the Merino wool interior and exterior, your feet will be toasty in Allbirds all winter long, even without socks!

• Can you wear Allbirds without socks? Yes, Allbirds are meant to be worn without socks, so please do so!

• Can you wash Allbirds in a washing machine? Yes, you can wash Allbirds in a washing machine. Just be sure to air-dry them afterward. You can use a linen bag and wash Allbirds with your dirty clothes.

• Can I put Allbirds in the dryer? No, please don’t do that. My husband accidentally put my Allbirds Runner-up Mizzles in the dryer on tumble dry low. They feel tighter now…

• Do Allbirds shoes smell? Do you have odiferous feet like I do? Allbirds resist odors and after a day of wear, my feet and Allbirds do not stink! I’ve noticed, however, that after one or two washes, my Allbirds became stinkier.

• Are Allbirds good for travel? Allbirds are great for traveling because you can pack fewer pairs of socks! They are comfortable and are great for long walks, jogging, and short runs!