You’re probably most familiar with Allbirds’ cozy slip-on kicks, so its high-top sneakers might throw you for a loop. Nevertheless, the Wool Runner-Up Mizzle silhouette aims to provide similar comfort with an outdoor-ready composition.
The sustainably-crafted shoe is composed of a ZQ-certified merino wool blend that meets animal and environmental welfare standards, proving eco-cognizance remains one of the brand’s primary takeaways. The upper is finished with shoelaces made of recycled plastic bottles, then placed atop insoles made of castor bean oil-based foam and Allbirds’ proprietary SweetFoam compound. The latter is constructed of a form of EVA that derives from sugarcane, further showcasing the strive toward sustainability.
Functionally, this blend of materials is bolstered with a DWR finish to prevent the shoes from getting soggy in fall and winter rain. And while this helps prevent it from getting dirty, the sneaker is remarkably simple to clean when needed. All you need to do is remove the laces and insoles, then place the shoes in a delicates bag (or even a pillow case), and toss them in the laundry on a gentle cycle using cold water — really, it’s as simple as that.
The Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzle Sneaker is available in three colors — Hazy Indigo, Hazy Lime, and the pictured Black — on REI for $145.