Allbirds Alternatives: 12 Shoes Like Allbirds, Compared by Need

Quick Discussion

The best Allbirds alternatives depend on what you liked about Allbirds. The Baabuk Classic Wooler and Giesswein Merino Wool Knit are wool picks, the Vessi Weekend Classic suits wet weather, and the Hoka Clifton 11, which Hoka calls a plush daily trainer, suits cushioned walking. Allbirds itself still sells shoes under new owners, so it is not gone.

• Most-recommended wool pick: Baabuk Classic Wooler ($121, machine washable on a wool cycle). Four of the seven guides we read recommend it.

• Wide feet: Allbirds says its shoes are all medium width (Allbirds Help). Hoka sells Wide and X-Wide, and the Kizik Athens 2 comes in Standard and Wide EE.

• Waterproof: Vessi Weekend Classic ($150), which Vessi calls 100% waterproof.

• Budget: an Amazon wool blend sneaker that We Tried It prices at about $45.

• What happened: Allbirds announced in January 2026 that it would close its full-price US stores, then agreed to sell its brand to American Exchange Group (FashionUnited, FashionUnited).

Disclosure: Atoms publishes this guide and makes sneakers that compete with Allbirds. We list Atoms last and link to every pick.

On this page: What happened to Allbirds | Are Allbirds discontinued | Best alternatives | Closest match by model | The 12 picks | Allbirds vs others | Wide feet | Washable | Podiatrists | Cheaper options | Atoms | How we chose | FAQ

What happened to Allbirds?

Allbirds shrank, then sold its shoe brand. It announced in January 2026 that it would close its full-price US stores by the end of February (FashionUnited), agreed in March 2026 to sell its brand to American Exchange Group for about $39 million (SEC filing), and the old company renamed itself Smartbird (Entrepreneur).

The original Allbirds company and the Allbirds shoe brand are now separate. Smartbird is the renamed company. The shoes are made and sold by the new owners under the Allbirds name.

Are Allbirds being discontinued?

No. The Allbirds brand was sold, not shut down, and allbirds.com still sells shoes. On October 14, 2026, the Tree Runner NZ was listed at $100, the Wool Runner NZ at $110 and the Dasher NZ at $140. The site footer names AB Dnam LLC, and a banner said orders may take up to 30 days to ship.

If you own Allbirds or plan to buy, check the current terms first. The Allbirds return policy now gives 30 days from delivery for unworn, unwashed shoes, the customer pays return shipping unless they buy return coverage, and Final Sale items cannot be returned. The pairs we checked were marked Final Sale.

What are the best Allbirds alternatives?

The best Allbirds alternatives are the shoes that match the reason you bought Allbirds. In our view, wool fans should start with Baabuk or Giesswein, walkers with Hoka or On, wet-weather commuters with Vessi or 8000Kicks, and slip-on fans with Kizik. The table compares price, material and washing for all 12 picks.

We did not wear-test these shoes. Picks come from each brand's own specs and policies, how often a brand appears in seven guides that show up high in search results, and podiatrist guidance. Prices were checked on official sites on October 14, 2026 and change often. The "Best for" labels are ours.

Which shoes are most like Allbirds, model by model?

The closest match depends on the Allbirds model you are replacing. The Wool Runner NZ has a merino upper, the Tree Runner NZ a light eucalyptus-fiber knit, and the Dasher NZ is built for more active walking. Below, each one is paired with alternatives that use a similar material or design, based on what each brand states.

This matching is our own, based on materials and design. Fit and feel still vary, so check each brand's return policy before you buy.

The 12 Allbirds alternatives, one by one

Each pick lists the price and specs from the brand's own page, what it is good for, and what to check before you buy. Brand claims are labeled as the brand's claims. Where a brand does not publish a detail, we say so instead of guessing.

1. Baabuk Classic Wooler: the most-recommended wool pick

Baabuk lists the Classic Wooler at $121, with a mulesing-free wool upper, a wool-covered insole and a TPU sole. Baabuk says it is machine washable on a wool program at 30°C and water repellent but not completely waterproof. Returns run 30 days, and you pay shipping back to its warehouse in Germany (Baabuk returns).

Good for: people who liked the Wool Runner's wool upper. Not ideal for: wide feet, since Baabuk lists no widths, or heavy rain.

2. Giesswein Merino Wool Knit: merino comfort for normal to wide feet

Giesswein lists the Merino Wool Knit at $191.94 on its US site, with a merino stretch knit upper, a removable merino footbed and an EVA sole. Giesswein says it is washable at 30° and suits normal to wide feet. Returns run 14 days with a prepaid US label (Giesswein returns).

Good for: wool fans with wider feet. Not ideal for: tight budgets, since it costs about $80 more than the Wool Runner NZ.

3. Vessi Weekend Classic: a pick for rain

Vessi lists the Weekend Classic at $150, with a four-way stretch waterproof knit and an EVA foam midsole, and calls it 100% waterproof. Vessi says to machine wash it cold with the insoles removed. It comes in a standard width, and Vessi's FAQ and size selector disagree on whether to size up, so check before ordering.

Returns run 30 days, with a $10 return postage fee in the US (Vessi returns). Good for: wet commutes. Not ideal for: wide feet.

4. 8000Kicks Explorer V2: weatherproof hemp

8000Kicks lists the Explorer V2 at $129, with a waterproof hemp upper and an algae-based EVA sole. Its FAQ calls the shoes weatherproof but not fully submersible, and it advises hand washing instead of the machine. It sells whole sizes only, and its product page and FAQ give different sizing advice.

Good for: plant-based materials and showers of rain. Not ideal for: machine washing or half sizes.

5. Hoka Clifton 11: cushioned walking

Hoka lists the Clifton 11 at $155, with an 8 mm drop and Regular, Wide and X-Wide widths, and labels it for everyday run walking. Hoka calls it a plush daily trainer. Its Clifton page says select models carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance but does not say whether the Clifton 11 is one. In our view, it looks sportier than Allbirds.

Good for: long walks and wide feet. Not ideal for: a minimal, wool-sneaker look.

6. On Cloud 6: an all-day pick

On calls the Cloud 6 its all-day signature shoe, lists polyester as the material and says it fits true to size, at $160 with free returns within 30 days. On also sells a Cloud 6 Wide. The product page does not list weight or cushioning details.

Good for: city days on your feet. Not ideal for: anyone who wanted a merino or lyocell-blend upper.

7. Kizik Monaco: hands-free slip-on

Kizik lists the Monaco at $149.95, with a nylon and suede upper, an Arch Form insole and a heel you can step into without using your hands. Kizik says it runs slightly large, so go half a size down. Only the insoles are machine washable, and the Monaco comes in a standard width.

If you need width, the Kizik Athens 2 ($139.95 regular price) comes in Standard and Wide EE. Good for: Tree Lounger fans who want easy on and off.

8. Thousand Fell Lace Up: a clean leather look

Thousand Fell lists the Lace Up at $145, with a bio-leather upper that it says is 47% bio-based and a stain and water-resistant coating. Thousand Fell says to wipe it with a damp cloth rather than machine wash it. It offers a discount when you send old pairs back for recycling.

Good for: a smarter sneaker for work. Not ideal for: anyone who wanted a soft knit or wool feel.

9. Vivaia Milo: a knit pick for women

Vivaia lists the Milo at $169, a round-toe knit sneaker made from recycled PET bottles. Vivaia labels it machine washable and water repellent, and offers free 30-day US returns (Vivaia returns). It does not publish width options or cushioning details. Vivaia calls it a barefoot sneaker, so in our view expect less padding than a cushioned walker.

Good for: Tree Runner fans who want a washable knit. Not ideal for: people who need cushioning or arch support.

10. Rothy's Daily Flat: a washable flat

Rothy's lists the Daily Flat at $100, with a knit upper made from recycled plastic bottles and an Arch Effect insole. Rothy's says to slip the insoles out, wash the shoes and insoles on cold and air dry with no heat, and allows returns or exchanges within 30 days.

Good for: Allbirds Tree Breezer fans. Not ideal for: long walks, since Cleveland Clinic says flats give little to no support to the plantar fascia.

11. 206 Collective wool blend sneaker: the budget pick

We Tried It says its best cheap Allbirds alternative is Amazon's 206 Collective wool blend sneaker, at about $45. It says the shoe runs slightly narrow, suggests going up half a size if you are between sizes, and advises against machine washing.

Good for: trying the wool-sneaker look on a small budget. Not ideal for: wide feet or daily wear, since the reviewer suggests it for occasional wear.

12. Atoms Model 000 and Model 001: our own sneakers

We make Atoms, so read this as a brand description. The Model 000 is $145 and weighs 15 oz (425 g), and the Model 001 is $179 and weighs 14.5 oz (411 g). Both have an 8 mm drop and stretch laces.

Atoms says the copper-infused lining kills bacteria and prevents odor. We have not tested that claim.

Atoms offers 30-day US returns, and its Help Center says machine washing is at your own risk (Atoms Help Center). Not ideal for: wide feet. Atoms does not list width options, and The Quality Edit noted a single average width. See what independent reviewers say about Atoms below.

How do Allbirds compare with Vessi, Hoka, On, Kizik and Rothy's?

Allbirds come in one medium width and make no waterproof claim on the three core models we checked. Based on brand specs, Vessi stands out for rain, Hoka for cushioning and widths, On for a wide version, Kizik for hands-free entry and Rothy's for washable flats. The table sets the core facts side by side.

Which Allbirds alternatives work for wide feet?

Allbirds says its shoes are all medium width, so wide feet need another brand. Hoka sells the Clifton 11 in Wide and X-Wide, Kizik sells the Athens 2 in Standard and Wide EE, On sells a Cloud 6 Wide, and Giesswein says its Merino Wool Knit suits normal to wide feet. Atoms does not list width options.

• Hoka Clifton 11: Regular, Wide and X-Wide.

• Kizik Athens 2: Standard and Wide EE.

• On Cloud 6 Wide: a separate wide version.

• Giesswein Merino Wool Knit: described as suitable for normal to wide feet.

Our guide on how should sneakers fit covers width, toe room and heel slip.

Which Allbirds alternatives can you machine wash?

Allbirds made machine washing part of its appeal, and only some rivals allow it. Baabuk, Giesswein, Vessi, Vivaia and Rothy's say their shoes can go in the wash with care, while 8000Kicks says to hand wash and Thousand Fell says to wipe clean. Always follow the maker's settings.

Our guide to washing shoes in the washing machine covers bags, settings and drying.

Do podiatrists recommend Allbirds?

Some do, for light everyday wear. In a 2024 TODAY article, podiatrist Dr. Miguel Cunha called Allbirds one of the most comfortable shoes on the market but said they may not suit heavy wear. Dr. Chanel Perkins said they suit moderate activity such as errands, not high-impact workouts.

The same rules apply to the alternatives. For long days on your feet, choose cushioning and a firm heel (Cleveland Clinic), leave about half an inch of toe room, and skip any pair that needs breaking in (AAOS). The APMA Seal is a recognition for products a committee judged as promoting foot health.

Are there cheaper shoes like Allbirds?

Yes, but the trade-offs are real. We Tried It picks Amazon's 206 Collective wool blend sneaker at about $45, and the 8000Kicks Explorer V2 costs $129. The Allbirds Tree Runner NZ itself is listed at $100, so it is worth comparing before you switch. Note that the Allbirds pairs we checked were marked Final Sale, which means no returns.

Look out for the return terms on cheaper pairs. Final sale items, return postage fees and short return windows can cost more than the saving.

Are Atoms a good Allbirds alternative?

Atoms suits people who want a clean everyday sneaker with stretch laces, and it does not suit people who want a wool upper or a wide fit. Independent reviewers mostly agree Atoms are comfortable, and they also flag a narrow fit, price and some durability issues. We make Atoms, so here is what others say.

On Zappos, 71% of 1,882 Model 000 reviews gave five stars and 14% gave four stars when we checked on October 14, 2026. Atoms offers 30-day US returns, so you can try a pair and send it back if it does not fit.

See our guide to the most comfortable white sneakers for more everyday options.

How did we choose these Allbirds alternatives?

We did not wear-test these shoes. We read seven Allbirds alternative guides that show up high in search results, counted which brands they recommend, checked each pick's price, materials, widths, washing and returns on the brand's own site, and added podiatrist guidance. Baabuk was the only brand that most guides agreed on. Hoka and On are our additions for cushioned walking.

We dropped brands we could not verify. For example, Cariuma's website, cariuma.com, showed a notice that it was closed and no longer accepting orders when we checked on October 14, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are people wearing instead of Allbirds?

Other guides most often recommend Baabuk (four of the seven we read) and 8000Kicks (three of seven). For walking we suggest Hoka or On, and for rain Vessi. Allbirds itself is still sold under new owners.

Does anyone wear Allbirds anymore?

Yes. allbirds.com still sells the Tree Runner NZ, Wool Runner NZ and Dasher NZ. The company has shrunk and announced in January 2026 that it would close its full-price US stores (Footwear Magazine).

Who owns Allbirds now?

American Exchange Group and WSG Brands jointly own the Allbirds brand after a US$39 million deal (Inside Retail), and the allbirds.com footer now names AB Dnam LLC. The former Allbirds company renamed itself Smartbird (Entrepreneur).

What is the closest shoe to the Allbirds Wool Runner?

The Baabuk Classic Wooler is the most common answer in other guides. It has a wool upper and Baabuk says it is machine washable on a wool cycle. The Giesswein Merino Wool Knit is a merino option, which Giesswein says suits normal to wide feet.

Are there waterproof shoes like Allbirds?

Yes. Vessi calls the Weekend Classic 100% waterproof, and 8000Kicks calls the Explorer V2 weatherproof but not fully submersible.

Are Allbirds good for wide feet?

Allbirds says its shoes are all medium width (Allbirds Help). For wide feet, look at Hoka, the Kizik Athens 2 or the On Cloud 6 Wide.

Can you still return Allbirds?

The current Allbirds policy allows returns within 30 days of delivery for unworn, unwashed shoes, with tags attached and the customer paying return shipping unless they buy coverage. Final Sale items cannot be returned, and the pairs we checked were marked Final Sale.

Is Atoms better than Allbirds?

It depends on what you want. The Allbirds Tree Runner NZ is $100 and the Wool Runner NZ $110. Atoms Model 000 costs $145 with stretch laces, and The Quality Edit called it very light but pricier than Allbirds.

Are Allbirds machine washable?

Allbirds says the Tree Runner NZ is machine washable, with the insoles removed and hand washed. Many alternatives are not, so check the washing table above.

Are cheap Allbirds lookalikes worth it?

They can be for light use. We Tried It rates the $45 206 Collective sneaker as its best cheap pick but notes it runs narrow and advises against washing it.

Sources

This guide draws on the product and policy pages of Allbirds, Baabuk, Giesswein, Vessi, 8000Kicks, Hoka, On, Kizik, Thousand Fell, Vivaia, Rothy's and Atoms. It also uses reporting from FashionUnited, Footwear Magazine, Inside Retail and Entrepreneur, the Allbirds press release filed with the SEC, podiatrist guidance from TODAY, Cleveland Clinic, AAOS and the APMA, and reviews from Newsweek, Believe in the Run, WearTesters, We Tried It, The Atlas Heart, The Quality Edit and Zappos customers.

Atoms publishes this guide and makes sneakers. We did not wear-test the shoes listed here.

Hassaan Sabih writes for the Atoms editorial team about footwear, materials and shoe care.

Updated October 14, 2026: rebuilt the guide around verified specs and needs, added the Allbirds 2026 timeline, model matching, wide feet, washing and podiatrist sections, and independent reviews of Atoms. Removed unsupported claims and outdated prices, and moved Atoms to the end with a disclosure.

Want an everyday sneaker with stretch laces and 30-day US returns? See Atoms shoes.