These are our favorite shoes for travel (and they’re up to 40% off right now)

When you’re a family of four (sometimes five) that travels the world constantly, you tend to figure out very quickly what clothing, gear, and gadgets are worth lugging around. You also learn how to be efficient and versatile to further minimize your packing footprint — and one of the easiest places to carve bulk without sacrificing comfort is in your wardrobe. Especially when it comes to the bulky, oddly-shaped (and harder-to-pack) footwear category.

When I first decided that it was time to trim my suitcase size, I ran a quick inventory of my most common activities and the kicks that I needed for each. First, there were the requisite travel days. Then the inevitable walking tours around the destination. Throw in a daily workout (a jog or an hour in the resort fitness center), an upscale dinner out, and some sort of adventurous excursion (maybe a hike, boat ride, or zip-lining between islands) and the math showed that I needed a half-dozen pairs of shoes.

Not okay.

So I leveraged the engineering acumen and ingenuity that have served me well over the past fifty years and started narrowing that list down to a single, versatile style that I could wear throughout an entire trip. They’d need to be comfortable, stylish, durable, affordable, and easy to clean, but if they were going to serve as a longer-term standard, they also needed to be available for repeat purchase over multiple seasons and multiple years. That would rule out most brands, which tend to discontinue models seasonally.

What I discovered through my research was a brand that checked every single box. And after ordering my first pair of Allbirds and testing them through a solid 1,000 miles of walking, running, climbing, and jumping over the course of two years, I convinced my wife to make the switch. Today, they’re easily our favorite shoes for travel.

Why we love Allbirds

In the ever-evolving landscape of footwear, Allbirds has emerged as a brand synonymous with comfort, sustainability, and minimalist design. Founded in 2016 by Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger, Allbirds set out to create a shoe that not only prioritizes comfort but also addresses environmental concerns. The result is a range of shoes that have gained a cult following for their unique blend of style, functionality, and eco-friendliness.

After 2 satisfying years on my Tree Dashers, my wife decided to join the party with a pair of her own.

Comfort Redefined

One of the standout features of Allbirds shoes is their unparalleled comfort. The brand has revolutionized the industry by utilizing innovative materials like merino wool and eucalyptus fiber. The Wool Runners, a flagship product, exemplify this commitment to comfort. The merino wool used is soft, breathable, and regulates temperature, ensuring a cozy feel in any weather.

The insoles of Allbirds shoes are made from a castor bean-derived material, which not only provides excellent support but also contributes to the overall sustainability of the product. The shoes' lightweight construction and flexible soles make them a dream for all-day wear, whether you're exploring the city or standing on your feet for extended periods.

Allbirds takes a customer-centric approach to design, conducting meticulous research to create a shoe that caters to the diverse needs of its wearers. The result is a shoe that feels like a second skin, adapting to the natural contours of the foot and eliminating the need for a lengthy "breaking-in" period.

Sustainable Production

Allbirds has become a trailblazer in the sustainable fashion movement. The brand is committed to minimizing its environmental impact by using renewable materials and reducing carbon emissions. The Tree Runners, for instance, are made from eucalyptus fiber, a fast-growing and resource-efficient material that requires minimal water and no pesticides during cultivation.

The company is also conscious of its carbon footprint, going beyond the use of sustainable materials. Allbirds has taken steps to measure, reduce, and offset its carbon emissions, making it a leader in the effort to create a more eco-friendly fashion industry.

In addition to the innovative materials, Allbirds' commitment to sustainability extends to the packaging. The shoeboxes are made from 90% recycled cardboard and are shipped without unnecessary frills, minimizing waste throughout the supply chain.

By combining comfort with a commitment to sustainability, Allbirds has successfully disrupted the traditional paradigm of footwear consumption. Consumers are not just buying a pair of shoes; they are investing in a brand that aligns with their values of environmental consciousness.

Aesthetics and Versatility

While comfort and sustainability are paramount, Allbirds has not sacrificed style. The minimalist design of Allbirds shoes is both timeless and versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of occasions. The neutral color palette and sleek silhouette ensure that these shoes can effortlessly transition from a casual day out to a more formal setting.

Allbirds style pairs as well with a suit as it does with a treadmill.

The simplicity of the design also allows for easy pairing with various outfits. Whether you're dressing up for a business meeting or dressing down for a weekend stroll, Allbirds shoes provide a seamless complement to your style. This versatility has contributed to the brand's popularity among consumers who appreciate a shoe that can effortlessly adapt to different environments.

Durability and Maintenance

Despite the lightweight and breathable nature of Allbirds shoes, they boast impressive durability. The merino wool, eucalyptus fiber, and other materials used are chosen not only for their comfort but also for their resilience. Wearers report that Allbirds shoes maintain their shape and structure even after prolonged use, making them a sound investment for those looking for a durable yet comfortable pair of shoes.

Maintenance is also straightforward. The shoes are machine washable, a convenience that adds to their practicality. This feature not only enhances the lifespan of the shoes but also aligns with the brand's commitment to simplicity and functionality.

Customer Feedback and Community Impact

The success of Allbirds can be measured not only by its sales figures but also by the positive feedback from customers. Many users rave about the comfort, praising the shoes for their ability to alleviate foot pain and provide a unique walking experience. The brand has cultivated a loyal community of wearers who not only appreciate the product but also resonate with the values Allbirds stands for.

Furthermore, Allbirds actively engages with its customer base, seeking feedback and incorporating it into their product development. This iterative approach ensures that the brand remains attuned to the evolving needs and preferences of its consumers, fostering a sense of collaboration between the company and its community.

In addition to its direct impact on consumers, Allbirds has made strides in contributing to broader social and environmental causes. The company's commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainable practices sets a standard for the industry and encourages other brands to follow suit. Allbirds is not just selling shoes; it's selling a vision of a more sustainable and responsible fashion future.

Conclusion

Allbirds shoes have disrupted the footwear industry by seamlessly combining comfort, sustainability, and style. From the use of innovative materials to a minimalist design that transcends trends, Allbirds has created a product that resonates with a diverse consumer base. The brand's commitment to environmental responsibility adds a layer of purpose to the act of buying shoes, turning it into a conscious choice for those who value both comfort and sustainability.

As a reviewer, it's challenging to find significant drawbacks to Allbirds shoes. The brand has successfully carved a niche for itself by delivering on its promises of comfort and sustainability. While the price point may be slightly higher than some conventional options, the value derived from the quality, durability, and environmental consciousness of Allbirds shoes makes them a worthy investment for those looking to make a positive impact with their purchasing choices.

In summary, Allbirds has not just created a product; it has sparked a movement towards a more responsible and thoughtful approach to fashion. With their innovative designs, commitment to sustainable practices, and dedication to customer satisfaction, Allbirds hasn’t just set a new standard for what consumers can expect from their footwear — they’ve also become the standard for our descerning family.