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Allbirds Wool Runners

Hi. These are a relatively new shoe that's been mentioned a few times before. I took this as my alternate/evening shoes on my Tour du Mont Blanc 100-mile hiking trip. I changed into these in the evening after leaving my muddy hikers behind. I wore them on the flight and on days we were not hiking. They were great. Because they are merino wool I didn't need socks. They are also very light weight. They have great support, were warm on cool nights and did well when it was warm out. They were nice and neutral and went fine with my sporty dress, at least in the sporty town of Chamonix. I'd definitely recommend them for travel.

One thing to note is that they are not actual running shoes despite their name. I got the black/white pepper color (we have a white dog and black dog and so this covers all the dog hair combos now that we are back home). I anticipate wearing them in the house and around town on weekends or on a casual Friday to work now that I'm home.

Posted by
5837 posts

Carrying hut shoes is well worth the weight and space. Sounds like your Allbirds have a walking sole and sturdy enough to serve as a walking around town and to the pub for dinner shoes. It's nice to have dry and comfortable footwear after a long day of trekking and to give your boots time to dry. Hut shoes are essential, not a extra in my opinion.

Posted by
1194 posts

I agree with Edgar. A pair of hut shoes keep the blisters at bay.

Posted by
337 posts

What do you mean by "hut shoes"? I've never heard that term before.

BTW, i bought some Allbirds for our trip to Ireland last May, and love them. Very lightweight, not hot/not cold/dry quickly if they get wet. Cute. Extremely comfy and great for lots of walking.

I need to wear sox with them, because any kind of wool itches my skin. No big deal. They did get smooshed out of shape a bit as I wore them--they conform to your feet, so mine developed bumps at the big and little toe. Think of a sweater for your feet. But they didn't stretch out badly. I'm looking forward to wearing them in Spain this October.

The inner lining wore through where my big toe rubs a bit, but the outer shell is fine so far. Not sure if they're dressy enough to wear with a dress, but I do love them.

PS. Everybody's feet are different, so I think the only way to know if ANY shoe will work well for you is to wear them and find out.

Posted by
5837 posts

Hut shoes are what you wear in mountain lodge or "huts" after a day of trekking across and through who knows what. Innkeepers appreciate not having field boots tracking dirt and/or mud into the "hut". Hut shoes/booties/slippers are comfortable and dry footwear for wearing in the lodge or hut after a day of climbing, trekking, skiing or walking. Hut shoes are a bit more civilized than walking around in stocking feet.

Posted by
337 posts

Ah, thanks, Edgar. Ya, we've gone on long-distance walks in the UK, where you can't avoid stepping in "stuff" left by the sheep and cows. I'd just never heard that term before.

Posted by
464 posts

I took a pair to Ireland this summer and they were great. I love that I can wear them without socks, though I sometimes wear them with no-show Smartwools. In fact, I'm wearing my Allbirds now!