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Dec 01, 2023

The best Allbirds shoes and kit for running: Tried & tested

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Searching for sustainable running shoes and activewear? This is the Allbirds kit we rate the most

There's no denying that running's good for the body and mind, but what if it could be good for the planet too? Allbirds was founded in 2015 as a sustainable footwear company with a mission to ‘make better things in a better way, through nature’. It initially set out to make running shoes with a lighter environmental impact than other sports brands, and has since gone on to release a whole range of running kit for men and women.

Most Allbirds products are made with naturally derived materials, including wool from merino sheep, sugarcane (used in its signature SweetFoam midsole), recycled bottles (used in the laces), and caster bean oil (used in the insoles). It was also one of the first athletics brands to display the carbon footprint of each of its products.

The company received B corp certification in 2016, which means it's been verified to meet high standards of social and environmental performance. While Allbirds might be on the luxury side of the market price-wise, it's built to last, and it's designed with carbon consciousness in mind.

We’ve been sweat-testing a bunch of Allbirds running shoes and kit at RW. Our verdict? It might not be race-day apparel, but it's super comfortable, good quality kit for those everyday, easy miles. A lot of the items you'll see below transition well from running to everyday too, so if you're a fan of parkrun and brunch, this kit is for you. Here's the gear that got our seal of approval.

The Tree Dasher 2 is the second iteration of Allbirds’ everyday running shoe, designed for shorter, steady miles, walks and light workouts. The midsole uses the brand's signature SweetFoam, made with sugarcane-based green EVA, while the upper contains fibres from eucalyptus trees for a flexible, lightweight and breathable fit. An improved heel collar helps to keep the ankle locked in place for extra stability.

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The Tree Flyer is Allbirds' most cushioned shoe to date and features a new high-performance midsole that is both cushioned and springy. Allbirds recommends the Tree Flyer for everyday road running and tempo runs, and uses its new, lighter Swiftfoam midsole, which is designed to provide 25% more responsiveness than Sweetfoam. The upper is made from FSC-certified eucalyptus fibres and there is an external heel counter for added stability. Perfect for running further and faster.

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The Wool Dasher Mizzle is designed for wet and drizzly conditions, which seems like a bit of an unusual USP for a running shoe, but we certainly have plenty of that weather in the UK. It's got the usual SweetFoam midsole for cushioning and stability, but the upper has been treated with a fluorine-free, water-repellent coating and there's natural rubber treads for extra traction in wet conditions. There's even 'reflective headlights' around the shoe so you can be seen in poor conditions.

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Pre-warning: this is one of those running vests you're going to want in more than one colour. It's made from a mix of sustainable materials, including eucalyptus tree fibre and merino wool, which feels super soft and wicks away moisture easily (despite its heavier looking appearance). It comes up about waist height, which is flattering paired with cycling shorts or leggings, and we love the higher neckline. It's got a built-in shelf bra, too, so if you’re smaller breasted you can get away with going braless. A perfect tank for training sessions or those rest days where activewear still feels appropriate. If you’re between sizes, we’d recommend going for the smaller of the two.

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Allbirds is known for its eco credentials and the Natural Run Tee continues this trend, using sustainable materials to create a functional running T-shirt. Made from a combination of merino wool, recycled polyester and Tencel Lyocell (fibres derived from wood), this run tee has a more relaxed fit and aesthetic, with the breathable mesh doing a great job of keeping you cool, while feeling airy and comfortable next to the skin. It's not the lightest of running tops, but for those casual runs where comfort is king, it's a great choice.

Allbirds uses the same breathable mesh fabric in its men's and women's run tees. There's also anti-chafe seaming for additional comfort. While the men's top has a slightly slouchier fit (no need to size up or down) the women's tee does run slightly small, so we'd recommend going up a size. A good, staple running tee that works well for everyday wear too.

The long-sleeved version of the above, made from the same meshy material. The fit is flattering, with a round high neck, but again we’d recommend sizing up if you want a bit of a looser, 'away from body' fit, especially as it runs quite small across the shoulders.

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This is the men's natural run tee, but with longer sleeves. It's light enough to layer under a gilet in colder months, although oddly, there's a pocket on the right hand side. If we're honest, this doesn't really add anything because it's not secure enough to hold a phone or a credit card, so we can only guess it's there for the aesthetic.

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Treading the line between a general short and a running short, the Allbirds Run Natural shorts wouldn't look out of place down the pub, but also do a great job on the run. There is no liner to the short, so they do require some running underwear, but with a relaxed cut and longer leg length, roomy front pockets and casual styling, the lack of lining makes them a more versatile offering if you want a pair of shorts that you can reach for on multiple occasions.

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These are up there with some of the softest shorts we’ve ever ran in. They’re a relaxed fit with a 4.5% inseam, which ticked all the boxes for our 5ft 9ins tester who struggles to find shorts that don't come up...well, too short. The only downside is there's no secure pocket for a phone (just open pockets on the front and one on the back). But for the fit and sweat-wicking abilities, we don't mind wearing a running belt.

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Our ecommerce ed is a sucker for a good pair of cycling shorts, and these lived up to expectations. From the outside, the eucalyptus tree fibre and merino wool blend fabric looks like it's going to be hot and sweaty mess, but these kept us cool and dry. They're between a mid to high rise, which is perfected for this 5'9 editor, but where they really excel is the compressive, ride-up resistant fabric. They stayed perfectly in place thanks to a supportive waistband - but there is an internal drawcord if you want extra piece of mind. There's just the one pocket, so these won't quite work for race day, but for training runs they fit the bill.

If Allbirds' natural run shorts are some of the comfiest bottoms we've tested, this is up there with one of the softest bras. Designed to provide medium support, it's definitely not one for bigger busts (D+), but for A-Cs it will keep everything nice and secure as you clock up the miles. We like that the cups can be removed if you need, and the crossover back is super flattering.

Complete with perforated side panels, this cap will help you stay cool during the warmer months. The understated design comes in four natural colours: black, grey, pastel pink and sage green, and the back is adjustable to help you find a comfortable and secure fit. True to the Allbirds ethos, the rim uses recycled fishnet too.

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