I’ve gotta be honest, I was late to the Allbirds game.
I thought those fuzzy wool shoes looked way too hipster for my taste. That is until my bestie gifted me a pair for my birthday last year.
Slipping my feet into those puppies was like walking on clouds! I finally understood the hype.
But then I saw the price tag. Yikes!
Don’t get me wrong, Allbirds are worth every penny for that plush comfort.
However, a girl’s gotta stick to a budget.
Luckily, there are tons of brands making comparable shoes without the luxury price point.
Keep reading for my top picks!
Rothys
Rothys are made from recycled plastic bottles, so they’re a great eco-friendly alternative to Allbirds. Their classic lace-up sneaker looks nearly identical to the Allbirds Wool Runner.
The knit fabric is super breathable and flexible. I also love that Rothys are machine washable for easy care. One downside is the lack of arch support, so they may not be the best option for all-day wear.
When it comes to fit and feel, Rothys have a snugger fit than Allbirds which hug your feet in all the right places. I suggest sizing up half a size if you prefer a roomier toe box.
The insole is made from foam cushions and latex so it molds perfectly to your feet over time. While not as pillowy as Allbirds, Rothys still offer decent shock absorption thanks to the padded heel and flexible knit upper.
For styling, Rothys are so versatile. I like wearing the white lace-up version with cutoff denim shorts and an oversized graphic tee for a casual daytime look.
The sleek solid colors also pair well with dresses and skirts for the office or date night. One of my faves is the limited edition prints like leopard and camo for an extra pop of personality!
Greats
Brooklyn-based Greats offers luxury sneakers without the outrageous price tag. Their classic white Royale style is clean and minimal like the Allbirds look.
I’m obsessed with Greats’ focus on high-quality, sustainable materials like organic cotton and natural rubber. The leather accents add a touch of sophistication too. My only complaint is that the Royales can feel a bit stiff at first until they’re broken in.
The Royale’s sleek leather upper comes from Italian tanneries that use ethical practices. Underfoot, there’s a comfy dual-density foam insole and fully padded heel collar.
Greats really nails that optimal balance between flexibility and support. While not as soft as Allbirds wool, the premium materials still feel dreamy once broken in.
I love rocking my white leather Royales with everything from leggings and hoodies to skirts and blazers. The low-profile design and simple colors make them so versatile.
For guys, they look equally cool paired with chinos or dark denim and button-downs or tees. I also dig the black and blush colorways for a more striking statement.
Adidas Stan Smith
You can’t go wrong with the iconic Stan Smiths from Adidas. This old-school tennis shoe has been a staple for decades.
The low-profile design is versatile to dress up or down. While not as cloud-like as Allbirds, the Stan Smiths are pretty comfy thanks to the OrthoLite insole. My tip: go up half a size if you plan to wear them with thicker socks.
The Stan Smith’s clean, retro looks are timeless. The premium leather upper comes in both smooth and perforated options.
I like that Adidas kept the throwback details like the contrast green heel tab and perforated 3-stripes. Underfoot, the molded EVA midsole provides lightweight cushioning for all-day wear. The grippy rubber outsole also handles outdoor surfaces well.
I love styling my Stan Smiths with everything from leggings and dresses to crisp button downs and trousers.
The white and green colorway is super iconic, but you can also find fun limited editions like Pride designs and ’70s inspired textures. I also suggest trying the platform version for a bit of added height!
Adidas has committed to using 100% recycled polyester in their shoes and clothing by 2025.
The Stan Smiths are partially composed of recycled materials and Primegreen canvas. Adidas has also pledged to eliminate new plastic from their supply chain which is an important step for sustainability.
Everlane The Court Sneaker
Clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic define Everlane’s Court sneaker.
The luxe Italian leather upper gives them a polished look similar to Allbirds.
I like that Everlane focuses on high-end materials without insane markups. However, for the price, I wish the Court offered more arch and heel support.
The Court’s sleek leather upper has a slight metallic sheen that reminds me of a luxury loafer. The foam collar and cushioned OrthoLite insole provide decent comfort for short strolls.
However, the thin midsole is best for casual wear rather than all-day use. I suggest adding gel inserts if you need extra support.
I love dressing up the Court sneakers with flowy midi skirts, slacks, or tailored shorts. The white and bone colors work year-round, while the matte black pairs perfectly with dark denim and leather. For guys, the Court looks sophisticated yet relaxed with chinos and button-downs.
Everlane partners with ethical factories to produce their footwear and ensure workers are paid fair wages. They use leather from Leather Working Group certified tanneries with sustainable practices. I do wish Everlane offered more recycled materials, but their focus on quality and transparency is admirable.
Veja V-10
If sustainability is your top priority, look no further than Veja.
This French brand uses fair trade organic cotton, recycled plastic bottles, wild rubber and other eco-friendly materials.
The V-10 has a very comparable look to Allbirds with its low-profile silhouette and stitch detailing. One difference is the mesh panels that allow for extra breathability.
The V-10 features a lightweight knit upper made from recycled PET bottles and organic cotton. Inside, the removable eco-sole provides great arch support and shock absorption.
The wild rubber outsole has amazing grip too – perfect for city strolling. While the canvas runs narrow, the stretchy knit upper accommodates wider feet.
I love rocking my black V-10s with mom jeans and oversized button downs for an effortlessly cool vibe. The off-white pair looks so chic with floral dresses and denim minis. And guys can’t go wrong pairing the V-10s with chinos or joggers.
Veja sources fair trade organic cotton and sustainably-harvested rubber to reduce their environmental impact.
They use recycled plastic bottles for the knit uppers and wild rubber tapped without harming Amazonian trees. Veja also audits their factories to ensure safe conditions and living wages for workers.
TOMS Alpargata
TOMS is known for giving back with every purchase, and their Alpargata shoes continue the tradition.
For every pair sold, TOMS donates to help provide vision care, safe birth services and other necessities to those in need.
The Alpargata has a breezy, espadrille-inspired design similar to Allbirds with its visible stitching and natural canvas upper.
The Alpargata features a breathable canvas upper made from organic cotton, so it molds to your feet. Inside is a cushioned latex foam insole that provides arch support and shock absorption where you need it most. The flexible jute-wrapped midsole gives just the right amount of bounce back.
I love wearing my black Alpargatas with feminine dresses and flirty florals when temps heat up. The versatile off-white pair works year-round and can be dressed up or down seamlessly. Guys will dig how the Alpargatas compliment relaxed chinos and button-downs.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
Chuck Taylors never seem to go out of style.
These iconic Converse canvas kicks have been cool since the 1920s. I love rocking my Chucks for a laidback weekend vibe.
They definitely have a similar slim, low-profile silhouette as Allbirds. However, the thin canvas and rubber sole offer little in the way of arch support or shock absorption.
Chucks have a super old-school vibe with their exposed stitching and stripped down design. The lightweight canvas upper and rubber outsole are flexible from day one.
However, the minimal cushioning keeps these strictly in casual wear territory. I suggest swapping the standard insoles for more cushioning.
My go-to pairing is white low-top Chucks, cuffed jeans and a graphic tee.
But you can also style them with sundresses or minis for a grunge-chic look. I love the platform versions too for extra height. And the high-tops add a streetstyle edge.
Converse is taking steps towards sustainability but has room for improvement. They use recycled polyester and rubber in select shoes and incorporate organic cotton.
But most Chucks still rely on virgin materials. I’d love to see Converse offer more eco-conscious options across all their iconic styles.
Saucony Jazz Original
Saucony Jazz Originals are retro sneakers that manage to feel fresh in 2023. The low-top design features premium suede and a contrasting white midsole.
I like that Saucony incorporates modern comfort technologies into a classic runner. The result is vintage good looks with plenty of cushioning and support for all-day adventures.
The Jazz Original has a super soft suede upper that hugs your feet sans any uncomfortable break-in period. Underfoot, the EVA midsole and IMEVA foam outsole provide lightweight, responsive cushioning. The triangular lug pattern also supplies plenty of ground feel and multi-surface traction.
I’m obsessed with the sleek monochromatic colorways like black, white, and grey for easy styling. They look so chic with jumper dresses and mini skirts. For dudes, the Jazz Originals pair perfectly with casual button-downs, trousers, even tailored suits.
Saucony uses recycled and biodegradable materials in many of their shoes. The Jazz Original features recycled polyester lining and partially recycled rubber outsoles.
Their FACTORY stores also collect used shoes and clothing to keep textile waste out of landfills. Definitely room for improvement but a great start!
Vans Authentic
Synonymous with surf culture, Vans Authentics have been trending since the 1960s. Their laidback SoCal vibe is similar to Allbirds earthy, natural look. While not designed for athletic performance, Vans offer decent shock absorption thanks to the signature waffle outsole.
The Authentic’s low-profile canvas upper comes pre-broken-in so they’re comfy right out of the box. The waffle rubber outsole flexes with your feet while providing just enough cushion for casual wear.
I suggest swapping the thin standard insoles for more cushioning. The grippy tread also handles any terrain.
I’m loving the checkered slip-on version to complement dresses and skirts this spring. A black-on-black monochromatic look oozes urban edge. And you can’t beat classically cool black-and-white checkerboard paired with cutoffs. The possibilities are endless.
Vans uses some recycled materials in their shoes but has significant room for improvement on sustainability.
UO Corduroy Platform Sneaker
UO, also known as Urban Outfitters, has become one of my go-to brands for on-trend fashion that won’t break the bank. Their Corduroy Platform Sneaker has a similar retro vibe to Allbirds’ Runner style. The woodgrain platform sole and soft corduroy upper offer all the cozy vibes.
These sneakers feature a corduroy fabric upper in versatile neutral tones like tan, gray, and forest green. The cozy texture adds subtle visual interest while the padded foam collar keeps your ankles comfy.
Underfoot, a sturdy 2.5 inch woodgrain platform sole and grippy rubber outsole provide shock absorption. One downside is the lack of arch support, so gel inserts are a smart addition.
I love pairing the tan Corduroys with relaxed boyfriend jeans and oversized crewneck sweatshirts for weekend vibes.
They also look so chic with floaty midi dresses or minis to balance the platform height. And I can’t get enough of the forest green color that oozes earthy charm.
UO has partnered with Canopy to ensure their rayon fabrics come from sustainable sources not contributing to deforestation. However, most of their shoes still rely heavily on synthetic materials. I’d love to see UO offer more eco-conscious natural fabrics in their footwear collections.
Axel Arigato Clean 90 Sneaker
If minimalist Scandi style is your jam, check out these sleek kicks from Swedish brand Axel Arigato. The Clean 90 has a pared back contemporary design reminiscent of Allbirds streamlined aesthetic. Bonus: the eco-leather upper is ultra soft against your feet.
The Clean 90 features a vegan leather upper in versatile white that forms to your feet overtime. The lightweight EVA midsole provides responsive cushioning and shock absorption for all-day wear. I also appreciate the grippy rubber outsole that handles wet surfaces with ease.
With their crisp, low-profile design, the Clean 90s pair perfectly with tailored trousers, A-line skirts, slip dresses and more. I also love playing with monochromatic styling by pairing the white sneakers with an all-white ensemble.
Axel Arigato uses eco-leather uppers and partially recycled rubber outsoles in their footwear. They also aim to reduce waste by keeping shoeboxes compact. Their products are PETA-approved vegan and free of harsh chemicals. However, they have an opportunity to increase their use of recycled textiles.
Cariuma OCA Low Top Sneaker
Founded in Brazil, Cariuma makes sustainable sneakers from unique natural materials. Their OCA Low Top has a similar streamlined profile to the Allbirds Wool Runner with its slick canvas upper. And the brand’s eco-efforts are seriously impressive.
The OCA Low Top features breathable bamboo canvas that molds perfectly to your feet. The insole contains memory foam and vegetable-tanned leather for premium comfort. And the natural rubber outsole provides optimal grip and flexibility. Go up half a size if you prefer wearing thicker socks.
I love wearing these with casual dresses, rolled jeans and tees for an effortless vibe. The white and off-white neutrals work with any outfit, while the black pairs perfectly with spring’s head-to-toe denim trend.
Cariuma uses organic cotton, natural rubber, recycled plastic bottles and other conscious materials in their shoes. They plant two trees in the Brazilian rainforest for every order sold to offset carbon emissions too. Definitely one of the most eco-friendly Allbirds alternatives out there!
Matt & Nat Vegan Lace Up Sneakers
Canadian brand Matt & Nat makes cruelty-free, vegan footwear you can feel good about. Their classic lace-up sneaker has a low-key vibe reminiscent of Allbirds thanks to the minimal design. And they come in the coolest colorways.
These sneakers feature 100% vegan leather uppers in fun shades like blush, mint and lilac. The removable cork insole provides arch support and the rubber outsole includes 15% recycled content. They do run slightly narrow, so wide-foot babes consider sizing up.
I’m obsessed with the metallic rose gold and blush pairs for spring – they add just the right girly-meets-glam touch to any outfit. And the classic white version looks so crisp with tailored separates.
All of Matt & Nat’s shoes are vegan and cruelty-free. They use recycled nylon lining and rubber outsoles in select styles. I would love to see them increase their use of sustainable materials as they continue to grow.
Nisolo Emmeline Sneaker
Nisolo’s handmade leather sneakers offer a luxe, ethical alternative to mainstream brands. The Emmeline style provides the same minimalist aesthetic as Allbirds with its sleek silhouette. And Nisolo’s commitment to sustainable materials is exemplary.
The Emmeline features premium leather uppers from an eco-tannery, natural latex foam insoles, and recycled rubber outsoles. The materials provide just the right balance of comfort and support. Sizing does run slightly large though, so consider going down half a size.
I love dressing up the Emmeline in workwear looks with wide-leg trousers and blazers. And nothing beats a pair of white leather sneakers to polish off relaxed denim and breezy dresses on the weekend.
Nisolo sources sustainable leather from an environmentally-friendly tannery and crafts their shoes in a fair trade factory.
They also prioritize local materials to reduce their carbon footprint. The brand does an amazing job walking the walk when it comes to ethical, eco-conscious fashion.
Top 13+ Allbirds Alternatives Ranked
Rank | Why | |
---|---|---|
Rothys | 9.5 | Made from recycled materials, similar knit design, machine washable |
Greats | 9.0 | High-quality materials, minimalist aesthetic, ethical production |
Adidas Stan Smith | 8.5 | Iconic retro style, comfortable OrthoLite insole, variety of colorways |
Everlane The Court | 8.0 | Luxe Italian leather, minimalist look, ethical factories |
Veja V-10 | 9.5 | Eco-friendly materials, similar silhouette, breathable knit upper |
TOMS Alpargata | 8.0 | Breezy espadrille style, cushioned insole, eco-conscious production |
Converse Chuck Taylor | 7.5 | Iconic slim silhouette, variety of colors/prints, affordable price |
Saucony Jazz Original | 8.5 | Retro sporty style, lightweight cushioning, some recycled materials |
Vans Authentic | 7.0 | Classic laidback vibe, decent shock absorption, variety of colors |
UO Corduroy Platform | 8.0 | Cozy corduroy upper, woodgrain platform sole, affordable price |
Axel Arigato Clean 90 | 8.5 | Minimal Scandi style, eco-leather upper, vegan-friendly |
Cariuma OCA Low | 9.0 | Natural materials, slim profile, impressive sustainability efforts |
Matt & Nat Vegan Lace Up | 8.0 | Fun colorways, cruelty-free materials, budget-friendly price |
Nisolo Emmeline | 9.0 | Ethically made, premium leather, sleek minimalist look |
Koio Capri Triple White | 9.0 | Handcrafted Italian leather, minimalist silhouette, padded collar |
Oliver Cabell Low 1 Sneaker | 8.5 | Ethically made, clean styling, comfortable memory foam insole |
SeaVees Army Issue Low | 8.0 | Vintage military-inspired look, durable canvas upper, molded rubber sole |
clause and co. Court Classic | 7.5 | Retro tennis style, eco-leather upper, cushioned memory foam insole |
Sven Clogs | 8.0 | Scandi-chic wood sole, sustainably sourced materials, customizable styles |
Native Shoes Jefferson Knit | 7.5 | Breathable knit upper, lightweight EVA sole, cruelty-free materials |
nothing new. Low Top Sneaker | 8.5 | Gender-neutral styling, recycled materials, bold colorways and prints |
Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 | 7.0 | Boho woven upper, yoga mat cushioned footbed, relaxed vibe |