Cole Haan VS Allbirds: Which Brand Is Better?

It can be difficult to buy shoes online because you’ll be in doubt about the size and wonder if the shoe fits perfectly. You should also think about things like quality, price, and brands that are similar.

Cole Haan and Allbirds both provide a broad variety of comfortable and trendy footwear for men, women, and kids. However, there are a few key differences between these two brands, which are explained in this article.

Comparison Table Between Allbirds And Cole Haan

AllbirdsCole Haan
Founded in 2016Founded in 1928
Sneakers, Flats stylesOxfords, Boots, Sneakers, and More
Designed to provide  comfortDesigned to protect from blisters
No Break in PeriodBreak in required
Water ResistantWaterproof Options
Machine WashableClean by Hand
Prices Relatively lowVery Expensive

Overview of Cole Haan:

Cole Haan is a shoe and accessory company dedicated to providing fashionable and practical footwear.

The brand was created in 1928 by Trafton Cole and Eddie Haan. The company began as a label for men’s footwear but has since extended to include shoes for men and women as well as accessories such as belts, handbags, sunglasses, and luggage.

Ultimately, they became one of the most popular lifestyle brands in the United States, but their primary focus remained footwear.

They relocated its headquarters to Maine from Chicago, where they had developed a high-quality brand.

The company was sold to George Denney’s partners in 1975. Over the course of a decade, Cole Haan grew into a leading American footwear brand and entered the retail market.

Then, in 1988, they teamed up with Nike to combine their traditional shoe quality with the latest innovations in athletic footwear. This development is still reflected in their unique aesthetics.

After years of working together, Nike and Cole Haan announced their separation.

In 2012, Apax Partners Worldwide purchased Cole Haan. Their current headquarters are in Greenland, New Hampshire, while their design center is in New York City. 

The new ZEROGRAND models from Cole Haan are their best sellers, redefining the term “dress shoe.”

The collection brings in the future of formal shoes by innovating design and comfort. More than 300 Cole Haan stores are located in America, Asia, and the Middle East.

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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. 

Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger

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.

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Major Differences between the Brands:

Now we’ll compare different factors of Cole Haan and Allbirds to help you decide which brand you should consider next.

1) Comfort:

The supreme comfort technology developed into Cole Haan shoes ensures that your feet will feel great throughout the day.

With a lightweight, cushioned, and flexible sole that moves with the foot as you walk, they are made to relieve heel and arch pain.

Some of their footwear features an innovative heel and forefoot cushioning system. It absorbs shock and provides a comfortable walking experience.

While the footbed is comfy right out of the box, the leather is rather stiff and will require a few wears to break in.

Likewise, Allbirds shoes are extremely comfortable and require minimal maintenance with no break in time.

The slipper-like nature of the shoe is due to the superfine merino wool and other eco-friendly materials used in its construction.

The foam used in soles is soft and offers adequate cushioning. You can spend the entire day in your Allbirds regardless of the weather, with or without socks, because they keep your feet cool and comfy. These shoes are great for travel due to their reliable comfort and stylish appearance.

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2) Popularity:

Cole Haan is generally acknowledged as a premium footwear brand. It offers unique features similar to those of other well-known brands. Whether you’re looking for high-fashion or casual shoes, the brand has you covered.

Cole Haan has always been popular with older or aged people, but now they are more famous among young creative people.

Conversely, Allbirds have gained significant popularity among travelers, Hollywood’s elite, and other notable figures like Larry Page.

Customers love the brand not just for its global recognition but also for its commitment to environmental sustainability in footwear design.

Allbirds established a public benefit corporation under Delaware law and was certified as well, describing how they consider their activities’ environmental impact.

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3) Price:

Allbirds’ price range is from $50 to $160, which can be expensive, but these shoes are not what you would expect from a fast-fashion store.

Ethical manufacturing and materials that are good for the planet and last a long time are things to consider here. 

On the other hand, Cole Haan shoes cost anywhere from $49 to $270. Although their shoes are more expensive than Allbirds, they are not much more costly than comparable high-quality leather shoes from other brands.

Boots and formal shoes will cost a bit more than sandals and casual shoes from Cole Haan. Most of the time they are on sale either through the website or you can get them at more affordable prices in retail stores.

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4) Target Market:

Cole Haan claims that its products are designed to perform from “work to workout to the weekend.” Targeting men, women, and young adults between the ages of 24 to 44.

The main customer base of Allbirds consists of millennials and people in their twenties and thirties. Approximately 49% of their customers are male, while 51% are female.

Customers of Allbirds care about the environment, are interested in trying different shoe styles, and have the desire to travel.

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5) Design:

Allbirds are known for their simple design, which has no flashy logos or unnecessary details, and their flexible construction.

These most comfortable sneakers are crafted from natural materials for functional design. Because they may be worn for athletic and casual purposes, so they have made their way into modern fashion.

Their designs combine sophistication and elegance with a touch of activity and creativity.

However, Cole Haan’s footwear is designed for everyday and formal wear. Their adaptability makes them ideal for all seasons. In the summer, you can wear sandals or flats to keep your feet cool, and in the cold, you can wear boots to keep your feet warm and dry throughout the wintertime.

These shoes combine a modern aesthetic with classic craftsmanship. All shoes, from flip-flops to well-known dress shoes and sneakers, are ergonomically designed to keep your toes and heels from getting wounds or blisters.

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Conclusion: Which Is Better For You?

In the end, you’ll have to decide what you care about most in terms of materials, how they’re made, and the way they look in general, as well as what style you need right now.

Both brands’ success and popularity are a result of their commitment to making shoes that are unique and their efforts for the environment are justifiable. 

Cole Haan shoes have comparatively high prices but can be worn on any occasion. What I appreciate most about Allbirds is their initiative to use as many eco-friendly manufacturing processes as possible and their shoes are very comfortable. 

Hopefully, you found this Cole Haan vs Allbirds comparison informative and helpful before spending a significant amount of money on new footwear.

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