If you’re in the market for a new pair of shoes and are trying to decide between Allbirds and Olukai, you have come to the right place, as this article compares and contrasts the two brands and highlights the key differences between them.
We’ve looked closely at both companies and will provide all the information you need before purchasing like the comfort of their shoes, prices, and more. So, Let’s start.
Comparison Table Between Allbirds And Olukai
| Allbirds | Olukai |
|---|---|
| Founded in 2016 | Founded in 2005 |
| Become B-Corp in 2016 | Become B-Corp in 2014 |
| No warranty | One Year Warranty |
| Resistant to wear and tear | Highly Durable |
| Not good for long walks | A better option for long walks |
| No Break-in period required | Break in needed |
| Midsole made of SweetFoam | Midsole made of EVA |
| For Men, Women, and Kids | For Men and Women |
Overview of Olukai:
Since its beginning, it has always been a priority for Olukai to fulfill the company’s original mission which is to “make footwear that blends durability for the ocean lifestyle, waterman, and a brand that has strong values and roots with comfort, style, and craftsmanship.”
The brand was founded in 2005 by Bill Worthington and his business partner Matt Till, who intended to design a multifunctional pair of sandals as flip-flops grew in popularity.
The shoes are designed to be casual, supportive, and comfortable while being attractive enough for daily wear.
With their super soft genuine shearling-wrapped upper and straps, the Kpe’a Heu Sandals are a top seller among women and consistently receive excellent reviews.
The brand is also connected to the history of Hawaii and embraces the meaning of Ohana and Aloha. The company even gives its products Hawaiian names, including terms from the Hawaiian language.
It is a Certified B Corporation that has always prioritized sustainability by designing products to last a lifetime and minimizing its carbon footprint.
In the belief of giving back to the community, the brand formed the Ama OluKai Foundation, which provides financial support to organizations committed to preserving Hawaiian heritage and culture.
In this way, the company produces high-quality shoes while staying true to the values that have been passed down through Hawaiian generations.
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Overview of Allbirds:
Allbirds makes eco-friendly shoes for both men and women from sustainable materials. The company’s purpose is to reduce its impact on the environment by using sustainable production methods.
Tim Brown, a native of New Zealand, and Joey Zwillinger, an engineer and renewables expert based in San Francisco, founded the company in 2016.
The high-quality merino wool used in Allbirds shoes is sourced from New Zealand, processed in an Italian textile facility, and then manufactured in China.
Overall, its products are breathable, light, simple to maintain, and undeniably comfortable, also each one has some unique features.
Allbirds Wool Runners, for both men and women, made from high-quality materials, giving them a luxuriously soft texture, are their best sellers with so many positive reviews on the website.
Allbirds has developed a massive fan following due to its eco-friendly business strategy and reasonable return policy. The brand allows customers to try its shoes for up to 30 days; if they’re not satisfied, they can return them for a full refund.
In my experience, this is uncommon in the market, as shoe companies rarely accept returns on already-worn shoes.
If you’re interested in buying from Allbirds then you should definitely check out our comparison between Allbirds Tree Pipers and Tree Runners.
Major Differences between the Brands:
Make sure to read until the end of this article so you can understand how Allbirds and Olukai are different.
1) Comfort:
Olukai shoes are designed to replicate the sensation of walking barefoot on the wet sand, this is because of their “Wet Sand Principle”. It cups the heel, fills the arch, and spreads the toes all at once, making it fit any foot shape comfortably.
The heel cup gives stability and helps to absorb shock. The molded footbed and supportive arch ensure all-day comfort. More importantly, the toe box allows the toes to flex without restriction.
The arch of the foot is cushioned by the anatomically shaped footbed without adding unnecessary bulk to the shoe, making these a top pick for anyone seeking a lightweight yet comfortable pair of shoes.
In contrast, Allbirds shoes are feather-light and adaptable, making them appropriate for people who spend extended time on their feet.
Allbirds are renowned as the “best comfortable shoes in the world” due to the use of their signature sustainable materials. The shoes fit your feet perfectly and hold them well during exercise and can be worn without socks.
The midsole of their shoes is flexible and shock-absorbing. The shoes are versatile and water-resistant, making them ideal for a variety of outdoor activities.
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2) Popularity:
Allbirds are especially popular among Hollywood elites including Camila Cabello, Jessica Alba Mila Kunis, Lady Gaga, and Blake Lively, and legends like Google co-founder Larry Page.
In addition to the popularity of the company’s environment-friendly footwear, people appreciate them as well.
Allbirds also became a public benefit corporation in 2016 under Delaware law and received B Corporation certification. Additionally, professionals like medical staff, students, nurses, and others with long hours prefer Allbirds.
On the other hand, Olukai shoes are popular among travel freaks who love exploring different places. The brand formally established its business operations by becoming a Certified B-Corporation in January 2014.
By working with over a thousand other Certified B-Corps from 33 countries and 60 different industries, the brand rebuilds social and environmental performance standards.
Forbes and other well-known media outlets have featured the brand’s take on stylish and eco-friendly shoes.
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3) Target Market:
The Olukai brand is targeted at men and women in search of functional, comfortable, and elegant shoes, aged 21 to almost 35, they have something for everyone.
Whereas, Allbirds’ primary target market consists of young adults in their twenties and thirties (Millennials and Generation Z) who have the desire to travel.
Most of their clientele is someone who lives in urban areas cares about the environment and wants to try new shoe styles.
Also Check Out: Allbirds VS Brooks: Which Brand Is Better?
4) Price:
The average price for Allbirds and Olukai is roughly $50 to $160. Both shoe brands have an almost similar price range, Boots and sneakers cost more than slippers and sandals depending on the model of shoes.
Both brands made shoes that last long so they are definitely worth buying.
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5) Design:
Olukai aims to put a lot of consideration into every part of its designs. Authentic artwork made by hand shows details of island culture in every shoe design.
Their collection is made of high-quality, durable materials and has a uniqueness that makes them perfect for running, hiking, walking on the beach, and any other outdoor activity you can consider.
Furthermore, the brand uses custom-made lasts and anatomical footbeds to make sure shoes fit well. The best materials are carefully chosen to look good, last long, and feel soft on your skin.
Their footwear ranges from water-friendly sandals and beach town shoes to upcountry boots that are built to provide the best luxury feel.
However, Allbirds are built with minimalist appeal in mind. Due to their exclusive use of natural materials, such as merino wool, there is no additional padding or cushioning in their shoes. This makes them extremely lightweight and suitable for everyday use.
The footwear is designed to function well on a variety of terrains, including highlands and wetlands, and is therefore preferred by tourists. T
heir construction consists primarily of a tear-resistant mudguard so that the rough surface doesn’t damage your feet. The zero-drop design of Allbirds shoes, in which the heel and toe are the same height, makes them more comfortable than common sneakers.
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Conclusion: Which Is Better For You?
No matter what their pros and cons are, both companies have a lot to offer and try to work for the well-being of the environment as well.
Both brands have many styles for different kinds of activities, so customers have a lot of options to choose from.
In the end, whether you should buy a pair of Allbirds shoes or Olukai probably depends on your needs and style.
Go with Olukai if you want to look stylish at the beach and stay cool on hot summer days. However, if you need some extra comfort, spend most of your time on your feet, or want an everyday sneaker, Allbirds might be the better brand for you.
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