Defying industry norms, they harnessed the power of nature using superfine Merino wool…
…introducing Allbirds to the world with a single shoe in 2016: the Wool Runner, an instant best-seller grounded in design, comfort, and natural materials.
An immediate sensation, it soon became known as “the world’s most comfortable shoe.”
A decade on, we continue to look to nature for inspiration in everything we do.
It’s all part of making better things in a better way.
Our story began in New Zealand in 2007, the passion project of former professional footballer Tim Brown.
Disillusioned with over-branded shoes made with petroleum-based synthetics, he saw an opportunity to do things better.
Partnering with renewables expert Joey Zwillinger in 2014, the two set out to revolutionize the shoe industry.
Better Things
We work with—not against—Mother Nature, favoring both recycled and natural materials like responsibly-sourced Merino wool, tree fiber, and sugarcane. Every choice we make is a step toward a world we could all feel better about living in. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MATERIALS
Better Ways
We innovate with a greater goal in mind: preserving our planet for future generations. As a certified B Corp, we use a data-driven approach to invest in projects, systems, and tools that maximize our opportunity for positive impact, prioritizing progress over perfection. LEARN MORE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY
From the Newsroom
June 09, 2025
How Casual Sneakers Are Redefining Everyday Style
The days of formal dress codes and everyday suits are definitely changing—and casual looks have taken over. From business meetings to dining out, more people are choosing comfort over formality.
June 24, 2025
How We Got M0.0NSHOT Zero To A 0.0 CO₂e Carbon Footprint:
- First, we started by working with The New Zealand Merino Company’s regenerative wool program, ZQRX, to source M0.0NSHOT’s wool from Lake Hawea Station.
- Second, we calculated the specific farm-level carbon footprint of Lake Hawea Station. The organizational carbon footprint that forms the starting point for the allocation was developed independently of this project and verified by Toitū Envirocare, a New Zealand-based B Corp and carbon certification business.
- Then, we collaborated with The New Zealand Merino Company to translate this farm footprint into a product-level wool material carbon intensity for M0.0NSHOT.
- This new wool carbon intensity is used to calculate the product’s carbon footprint using the Allbirds Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Tool, with modifications. The initial Allbirds LCA Tool was third-party verified against the requirements of ISO 14067, which specifies principles, requirements and guidelines for calculating the carbon footprint of a product.
- The carbon footprint of M0.0NSHOT accounts for on-farm carbon sequestration, in addition to emissions, which is a deviation from standard industry practice. As a result, the calculated carbon footprint for M0.0NSHOT, unlike Allbirds’ standard products, is not fully aligned to ISO 14067.
- However, Allbirds believes this wool carbon intensity value captures a more comprehensive model of the total emissions fluxes happening on-farm.
“Our imperative from day one at Lake Hawea Station was to demonstrate that farming can be part of the climate emergency solution. With our native reforestation projects and planting we sequester almost twice what we emit. On the other side of the ledger, we consciously reduce emissions. Lake Hawea Station is deeply committed to farming regeneratively, investing significantly in enhancing our biodiversity and have introduced new animal well-being programs and hydro and solar infrastructure. It is fantastic to work with a brand at the other end of the supply chain who shares our regenerative philosophy and values around climate action,” says Finn Ross, Lake Hawea Station.
June 06, 2025
Podiatrists For Allbirds
Find out what some podiatrists really think about Allbirds and learn more about why they value the breathability, comfort, and natural support of our shoes.
Wear All Day Comfort
Lightweight, bouncy, and wildly comfortable, Allbirds shoes make any outing feel effortless. Slip in, lace up, or slide them on and enjoy the comfy support.
Sustainability In Every Step
From materials to transport, we’re working to reduce our carbon footprint to near zero. Holding ourselves accountable and striving for climate goals isn’t a 30-year goal—it’s now.
Materials From The Earth
We replace petroleum-based synthetics with natural alternatives wherever we can. Like using wool, tree fiber, and sugarcane. They’re soft, breathable, and better for the planet—win, win, win.