REASONS TO BUY
Breathable
Sustainably made
REASONS TO AVOID
Minimal support
Unable to adjust tightness
Poor traction
Allbirds Tree Runners - Women's Review
A basic shoe built with sustainable materials but offering minimal performance features and poor traction
Credit: Mallory Paige
By Becca Glades ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ November 10, 2026
Contributions From: Mallory Paige
RELATED: The Best Walking Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The Allbirds Tree Runners are a simple shoe that is okay for casual wear. They won't take you far; at least, they won't without aches and pains. They are made from sustainable materials. However, we don't think this is a reason to buy them on its own. Realistically, these don't have enough support to keep your feet happy for long days on your feet.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Allbirds Tree Runners - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best for Casual Wear and Travel |  Best Bang for Your Buck | |||
| Price | $100 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $100 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $80 List Check Price at Amazon | $70 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $65 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A sustainably-made shoe that offers minimal support and traction | An easy-to-style shoe that delivers sturdy, all-day support and traction | Despite the low price, these shoes are ready to walk. They keep your feet comfortable but have minimal support | A reliable performer that punches above its affordable price point | A comfortable and affordable walking shoe that offers strong performance for the price |
| Rating Categories | Allbirds Tree Runners | New Balance 574 Core | Asics Gel-Contend 10 | Ryka Devotion Plus 3 | Skechers GO WALK Joy |
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Support (25%) | |||||
| Durability (20%) | |||||
| Traction (15%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Allbirds Tree Runners | New Balance 574 Core | Asics Gel-Contend 10 | Ryka Devotion Plus 3 | Skechers GO WALK Joy |
| Best Use | Casual | Casual, travel | Athletic walking | Athletic walking | Casual |
| Width Options | Regular | Regular, wide | Regular, wide | Regular, wide | Regular, wide |
| Support Design | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral, underpronation | Neutral | Neutral |
| Measured Weight | 6.87 oz | 9.75 oz | 8.28 oz | 7.75 oz | 5.16 oz |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 14 mm | 14 mm | 9 mm | 10 mm | 9 mm |
| Closure Type | Lace | Lace | Lace | Lace | None |
| Upper Material | TENCEL™ Lyocell (tree fiber) blend upper | Suede, mesh | Mesh | Mesh, lycra | Mesh |
| Midsole Material | castor bean oil-based insole foam | EVA foam | Amplifoam | Lightweight EVA | 5Gen |
| Outsole Material | Sweetfoam, derived from sugarcane | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber | Flexible traction |
| Heel Tab Type | None | None | None | Pull tab | Finger loop |
| Measured Heel Stack | 33 mm | 36 mm | 35 mm | 31 mm | 29 mm |
| Measured Width | 4.3 in. | 4.0 in. | 4.4 in. | 4.3 in. | 4.0 in. |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Likes
The Allbirds Tree Runners boast the claim of being sustainably made, and we can appreciate that. In use, we noticed how lightweight and breathable they are. For warmer days that require a more casual shoe, these are a reasonable choice. However, we wouldn't recommend them if heavy walking is involved. However, beyond that, we didn't have much else to like about these.
The Allbirds did earn high marks for breathability, which our smoke test illustrated. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Dislikes
For any moderate level of walking or extended standing, these aren't good shoes. They have no support and really aren't that comfortable. After 3,000 steps, we felt the foot fatigue set in due to the lack of arch support. They are also fairly tight across the top of the foot from the elastic tongue straps, which cannot be adjusted. It is worth noting that there aren't any half sizes as a few of our testers were confidently between sizes. If you are happen to be right within their sizing, this snug fit might not be much of a problem.
The sock-like upper is prone to getting holes. Credit: Mallory Paige
These are a very low-profile shoe, so we didn't feel like we would roll an ankle. That said, the sole isn't rigid at all and we could fold these shoes in two. For long-term standing stability, this isn't ideal.
Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior
The traction is lacking on these shoes. Concrete sidewalks and dry tile were okay, but any indoor wet flooring was quickly a slip risk. The outsole has slightly wavy lines, but that is it. When walking uphill on gravel we slipped multiple times.
The materials used felt like good quality. However, the material is thin and where our toes pushed against the fabric was a weak point for holes.
We wanted to like these, but found the minimal design lacked the necessary support. Credit: Mallory Paige
Should You Buy the Allbirds Tree Runners?
If you are in a pinch and need something super light and packable, these are okay. Really, you can go with a cheap option from Amazon and have about the same level of support if you're after those features and don't care about the sustainably aspect. However, we much prefer an option with support and stability for long duration wears. For the price, we recommend looking as some of the other shoes that we have tested, as you can get something with much more comfort.
What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?
For something really worth your dollar, we love the Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 which have some of the best comfort and support in the lineup. We also found the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 a solid choice for long days on your feet due to their arch support, breathable uppers, and stable bottom.
—Becca Glades and Mallory Paige
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