Allbirds is one of the fastest-growing brands for comfortable and everyday shoes. Their footwear is designed for both comfort and function.
The brand launched some incredibly popular models for both road and trail and offers new styles every year.
Today we’ll be looking at two of their shoe models, the Allbirds Wool Runners and Allbirds Mizzles, and tell you the main differences between them.
Both are made from the same sustainable materials, so how they will differ? I am hoping after reading this article you will get the answer and can pick between these two shoes according to your needs.
Similarities And Differences Between Allbirds Wool Runners And Mizzles
Features | Wool Runners | Mizzles |
---|---|---|
Launched in | 2016 | 2019 |
Stability | Less stable | More stable |
Flexibility | More Flexible | Less Flexible |
Sizing | 8-14 for men, 5-11 for women | 8-14 for men, 5-11 for women |
Weight | 8.9 oz. | 9.9 oz. |
Cushion | Well Cushioned | More Cushioned |
Outsole | FSC-certified Natural Rubber | FSC-certified Natural Rubber |
Insole | Castor Bean oil | Castor Bean oil |
Midsole | SweetFoam | SweetFoam |
Upper | ZQ-certified Merino wool upper | ZQ-certified Merino wool upper |
Retail Price | $110 | $125-$145 |
Allbirds Wool Runners Vs Mizzles: Good, Bad, and the Worst:
Let’s break down these two shoes with different features, customer reviews, and more below to see who outperforms the other!
1) Comfort:
The Wool Runners are extremely comfortable sneakers because the insoles are soft and flexible, you’ll be able to wear them all day.
The superfine merino wool has fibers that are only one-third of the thickness of human hair, making it breathable, temperature-regulating, and moisture-wicking without making your feet itchy.
These are excellent shoes for those who like to avoid wearing socks with their shoes. However, they did not maintain their original shape because of insufficient support and are not resistant to water.
On the other hand, Allbirds Mizzles are identical to the Wool Runners in comfort and every other aspect except that they feature a water-repellant coating on the wool and an additional weather-resistant layer, Puddle GuardTM to prevent wetness.
Under the reinforced wool upper Allbirds Mizzles has been coated with a fluorine-free bio-based layer that allows air to pass through but yet resists water.
Compared to Wool Runners, the Allbirds Mizzles are more structured, offer better ankle support and more grip on the soles.
Consequently, keep in mind that they are both a bit warm for the summer months due to wool but Mizzles also has an extra layer on the outside and heavier fabric weight for added warmth so they can be more uncomfortable on hot days.
2) Popularity:
The “Allbirds Wool Runners” is the more well-known and worn style from this company. The brand debuted with these sneakers in 2016 are still popular today.
It has a simple look but is as comfortable as can be for your daily walks and trips. Since then, the company has grown to offer other shoes, like flip-flops, walking shoes, and accessories.
Alternatively, to provide customers who want shoe alternatives for wet and rainy weather, Allbirds released their Mizzles line of water-resistant Runners at the end of 2019 which is also appreciated by many customers.
3) Running:
Despite the name, “Allbirds wool runners” and “Mizzles Runners and runner-ups”, these shoes are designed for casual use rather than running.
The soles don’t have the support and features of regular running shoes, and these models may get even warmer while you run which can cause difficulty.
They might work if you’re used to wearing minimalist running shoes for short runs, but you should not switch them from your actual running shoes to lower the risk of getting injured.
Shortly, I will not suggest both of these shoes for running or other high-impact activities.
3) Walking:
Allbirds Wool Runners and Mizzles both are comfortable walking shoes from the brand. These shoes are perfect for traveling around town, day trips, and long-distance walks.
The cushioned insoles will make you feel like you’re not wearing anything on your feet, making it easier to walk.
The foam soles of Wool runners are more lightweight and bouncy, so your feet do not experience discomfort after a long day of walking.
Additionally, because of merino wool, both will keep your feet warm in cold weather but I will not recommend these shoes for extended walks in summer. Even though the Mizzles can also be worn for winter short hikes, and walking in damp watery areas.
4) Flat Feet:
Allbirds Wool runners and Mizzles provide sufficient arch support and can be good for your flat feet and you may benefit from the right amount of cushioning and grip provided by these shoes.
In this case, another notable thing is that many people with flat feet tend to apply extra pressure to the toe area, needing wider shoes to prevent toe cramping, Allbirds Mizzles provide a medium width which might lead to an unpleasant condition for those who have flat feet.
5) Design:
Wool Runners and Mizzles are manufactured from the same renewable materials, require low maintenance, can be washed in the washing machine, and are shaped for ease of movement.
The Allbirds Wool Runners are designed for wearing on active days or if you are always on the go. The soles of these shoes are composed of low-density foam, which is lightweight, soft, and provides friction control.
By imitating the natural flex of your feet, the S-curve tread design distributes your weight more evenly while you walk.
On the other hand, Wool Runner Mizzles, which is the original Mizzles resemble wool runners in design whereas the high-top version the “Wool Runner-Up Mizzles” goes higher up on your ankles.
They are designed to provide the supporting comfort of a standard pair of shoes, but the water-resistance properties are like a bulky pair of boots but still extremely lightweight.
You can confidently wear Mizzles outside, regardless of the day’s unexpected weather.
Allbirds Wool Runners Vs Mizzles: What do customers think?
Allbirds wool runners for men and women have an average of 4.6-star ratings
Conversely, Mizzles wool runner and Runner-up for men and women have an average rating of 4.3 and 4.6 stars and both shoes get hundreds and thousands of customer reviews.
Overall people absolutely adore their Allbirds Mizzles, several reviewers who have foot problems, like bunions, have found these shoes more comfortable.
Moreover, Customers compliment their stylish appearance, cozy feel, and ability to withstand a rainy day. Some of the reporters claim that they did not cause achy feet or sore toes during short hikes in their Mizzles and they kept them warm on freezing mornings, and during long walks.
Also, some people are not happy because they hurt their feet during long walks and claim that these shoes are not good enough for absorbing shock and are not fully waterproof.
On the other hand, Allbirds’ most popular style is the Wool Runners is an absolute customer favorite. People say that wearing them is “truly like walking on clouds” and they are “the most comfortable sneakers they’ve ever bought.”
Also, few people complained that the wool made their feet sweat when it was hot.
Additionally, people with wide feet like the flexibility and fit of these shoes. According to the majority of reviews, if you’re in between sizes, it’s recommended to size up.
Lastly, some of them did not find them to be ideal for foot issues, and they were not suitable for hot weather or other intense activity. A reviewer said that the insoles can start to smell if you wear them without socks for too long, so he recommends wearing socks with your Allbirds wool runners.
People seem to agree that both of these shoe options offer superior walking and traveling comfort as well as quick and helpful customer service is appreciated by so many.
Conclusion: Which Is Better For You?
The Allbirds Mizzles are the superior option if you’re looking for a more supportive, structured shoe, or if you plan on wearing them in the rain or on rough terrain. The additional stability, grip, and water resistance are all provided by the Allbirds Mizzles.
The Mizzles Wool Runners are a better choice than the “Runner-Ups” if you’re worried about how a high-top sneaker will feel and fit around your ankles. Also, there are fewer color options for the Allbirds Mizzles than wool runners, and wearing them without socks might be uncomfortable.
However, The Allbirds Wool Runners can be your go-to casual shoe. They are incredibly lightweight, and you will not feel like wearing any shoes on your feet.
They are more comfortable to wear without socks, and you don’t have to untie the laces to put them on. The upper being less rigid and more lightweight makes these more convenient to pack in a travel bag.
In the end, I would conclude that these are excellent shoes; you cannot go wrong with either option.