Allbirds recently released the newest iteration of its classic Wool Runner, first introduced 10 years ago. Said to retain the brand’s signature comfort and Merino wool materials, the new Wool Runner NZ reportedly features enhanced fit, a dual-density Featherbed™ insole, and updated aesthetic details.
Having worn a pair of Allbirds Wool Runners for the past year, I’ve come to develop a love-hate relationship with them. Although I liked the overall look and it was my go-to footwear choice for professional work settings, I found that it wasn’t very comfortable after long hours, and the heel chafed my skin when worn with short socks.
After wearing the new Wool Runner NZ for a week, I found a few noticeable differences. The first was that the insole felt much more cushioned, while the old Wool Runners felt flat. This may just be my soles being worn down over time. The heel also featured an improved design that was softer and much more comfortable on the skin.
One aspect of the old Wool Runner that I wasn’t fond of was the colour design. My pair had a red detailing with an orange, yellow and red camo pattern on its logo tag.
The new Wool Runner NZ’s colour design is streamlined with a variety of mostly darker and earth-tone options. I think this was a great choice, making Allbirds a more adult and business-appropriate footwear choice.
“From day one to today, our quest remains the same: make better things in a better way,” said Tim Brown, co-founder, Allbirds. “That quest for better demands a spirit of continuous improvement, so the work of the Wool Runner is never finished. The Wool Runner NZ is a reminder that we will never stand still. We will move forward into the next ten years with as much determination to make things with purpose as we have through our first decade.”
My final thoughts are that yes, the new Wool Runner NZ is indeed an improvement upon the old iteration. Now that I have both pairs of the old and new Wool Runner, I’ll definitely wear the new one and retire the old to the back of my closet.
Are they the most comfortable shoes ever? No, but I think the Allbirds are a great choice for professionals and students. I believe a review of 3.9/5 stars is fair.
