When searching for a new pair of shoes, the two most important qualities to prioritize are comfort and durability.
Allbirds and Merino are two brands that made comfy, durable, and sustainable footwear. Even though both brands use similar materials, however, these two make different types and designs of shoes.
This article about Merino shoes vs Allbirds will look at the overview of each brand, their differences, and compare features. Read on to find out which brand is better for you.
Comparison Table Between Merino Shoes And Allbirds
| Merino Shoes | Allbirds |
|---|---|
| Founded in 2017 | Founded in 2016 |
| Fewer shoe styles | Wide Variety of Styles |
| For Men and Women | For Men, Women, and Kids |
| More Color Options | Fewer Color options |
| Growing Brand | Very Popular |
| Affordable | Pricey |
| environmentally friendly | Use more Eco-friendly Manufacturing methods |
Overview of Merino Shoes:
San Diego-based company Merinos was established in 2017 with the goal of creating the world’s most comfortable shoes from the highest-grade wool.
Their shoe is crafted from fine Australian merino wool and is responsibly assembled in Vietnam. Merino wool is one of the greatest materials for the production of comfortable footwear.
The brand claims that its merino wool comes from certified producers and they stand behind the quality of their shoes 100%.
Merino Shoes are made with the finest materials and are perfect to look and feel completely different from anything else you’ve worn. The brand sells a small selection of footwear, including slip-ons, and lace-ups for both men and women and pumps for women only in different colors and sizes.
The Merino slip-on designs for women are bestselling with so many positive reviews on their website.
The company claims they are obsessed with making sure its shoes are the best thing you’ve ever put on your feet. If you’re not happy with them, you can send them back within 30 days for an exchange or a refund.
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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.
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Major Differences between the Brands:
Below is the comparison of features provided by these shoe brands, let’s have a look.
1) Comfort:
Merinos and Allbirds both are very comfortable using Merino Wool in the construction of shoes and need no break-in period.
The classic construction of Merino shoes from natural materials is all about simplicity and comfort for adaptable styling.
The wool used in these shoes is the comfiest thing to wear all day because it has a natural property that makes the fiber much more flexible than traditional wool fibers.
If you’ve never worn something made of this material, you have to try Merino shoes.
In contrast, Allbirds shoes are extremely comfy right out of the box and don’t need much maintenance because they are made up of SweetFoam insoles, and other signature sustainable materials.
The shoes are designed with a flexible sole that lets you walk or run for hours without discomfort. So, if you have a hard time finding shoes that feel good on your feet, you should consider purchasing Allbirds.
In short, if you want the feeling of walking on clouds look no further than Allbirds.
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2) Popularity:
Allbirds is a more famous and big-name brand than Merino shoes. It is a well-known fact that Allbirds is very popular in Hollywood.
It didn’t take long for celebrities to follow the lead of these sneakers, and now even environmentalists like Leonardo DiCaprio are customers.
In addition to the popularity of the company’s eco-friendly footwear, customers love them as well.
Under Delaware law, Allbirds became a Public Benefit Corporation. They also got B Corporation certification, which indicates how they consider how their actions affect the environment.
Alternatively, Merino shoes are the popular choice among people who need comfortable and sustainable footwear.
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3) Target Market:
The target audience of Merinos is Men and Women who prioritize comfort over style and need shoes which is good for the environment as well.
Conversely, Allbirds target a demography of millennials and Gen Z (aged between the 20s and 30s) and a psychographic of those who enjoy being in nature.
The brand’s customers are mostly people who live in big cities and want to try new shoe styles.
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4) Price:
Allbirds shoe price range from $50 to $160, these shoes are relatively pricey, but they are made to a high standard using incredible materials so they really will stand the test of time.
Merinos, on the other hand, is the much more affordable option, all of their shoe styles cost $109. So if you are on a smaller budget, then Merino shoes are the better brand for you.
5) Design:
Merino Shoes feature a traditional minimalist design, therefore, they can be used for casual wear. Also, these shoes are designed for people who spend a lot of their time on their feet and prioritize comfort.
The soles provide a good grip and are suitable for a variety of smooth terrains. Additionally, the soles are sufficiently cushioned and provide adequate arch support.
The wool material makes these shoes suitable for wearing without socks. A full pair of shoes weighs less than one pound, so they won’t slow you down and will keep you moving.
Alternatively, Allbirds Shoes are sleek, stylish, clean, minimalist, and available in a variety of styles without flashy logos.
Allbirds are the best option if you are constantly on the go during the day or if you want to find shoes that complement any outfit.
They offer exceptional comfort, are built to last, and serve a practical purpose if you lead an active lifestyle. Overall, Allbirds is a great option.
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Conclusion: Which Is Better For You?
For people who dislike walking barefoot indoors, the cozy and soft Merino shoes can keep them warm during the cold winter months. They are elegant and pretty comfy. The soles have a soft grip on the ground and won’t let you slip as other wool shoes do.
Since Allbirds has more expertise working with merino wool, their shoes are more likely to have superior features. In addition to more shoe designs and colors, they incorporate many sustainable methods in production that make them a better shoe brand.
These comfortable shoes can be worn without socks, and there is no need to worry about foot odor. Allbirds shoes have risen in popularity because they’re soft, long-lasting, and eco-friendly.
I hope that after reading this article, you must have known the difference between the two brands, now you can easily decide which is better for you.
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