Sneaker enthusiasts (ahem, sneakerheads) have closets full flashy kicks in every hue, and most likely made of synthetic materials. AllBirds’s new Wool Runners are not for them. They’re for people who covet a comfy pair of sneaks. The shoes are made in New Zealand using ultra-fine merino wool and a rubber-foam polymer sole. No, really, castor beans. The simple shoes come in a handful of colors (charcoal, green, navy, light blue, and red), but they aren’t trying to compete with the neon-lined displays at Foot Locker. No, AllBirds has a higher goal: create shoes with a super-low carbon footprint, right down to the box, in which each single shoe is housed in its own separate compartment, a design that uses far less cardboard to ship them. The Wool Runners are the brainchild of Tim Brown, a native New Zealander and former professional footballer. After his athletic career, he attended business school in London. When his Kickstarter campaign for the shoes exceeded his expectations, he teamed up with San Francisco Bay Area entrepreneur Joey Zwillinger.

Together they launched AllBirds, which launched its consumer-reafy product this week. The $95 kicks come with a 30-day trial but—spoiler alert—you’re not going to need it. Sure, they aren’t as attention-grabbing as Yeezys, but AllBirds Wool Runners are understated and damn good looking. You can wear them with or without socks without completely destroying them. The materials regulate temperature, so your feet don’t get sweaty, and wool is slow to stink, so they’re safer for the sock-free. While built for casual wear, I found them cozy and supportive enough to wear all day. I walked about five miles per day in them. The design is neutral enough that they can be worn to the gym or with street clothes. I can’t say enough about how comfortable these shoes are. They make Nike’s Free line feel constricting. Ninety-five bucks isn’t a bad price for these, either. Sure, you could pick up a cheap pair of sneakers for $30-$40, but the quality won’t approach what you get here.

Usually, that would be a pair of shoes that won’t withstand much wear and tear and definitely aren’t going to treat your feat as well. While the Wool Runners are billed for the gym or home, they’re definitely more suited to casual wear. best sneakers for the gym 2015Their ultra-comfy build means they don’t have a lot of ankle support (though there is plenty of heel cushion), so if you plan to do much more than ride a bike or hop on an elliptical machine, bring a brace. nike clearance store shoesI also didn’t have a chance to test them in the rain, and while the sole seems thick enough that water wouldn’t get through, a downpour could soak through the wool—though they do feel thick enough that it would take some serious rain to do that.nike football shoes cheap india

Really, the Wool Runners only downside is they aren’t a true all-in-one sneaker. They just aren’t meant for a run (at least, not yet—Brown hinted that versatile versions of the shoes are in the works). running shoes for someone with flat feetBut just about everywhere else, they fit right in.running shoe stores new zealand 9/10 – Look great, feel great, responsibly made, and decently priced—just don’t expect to run that 5K in ’em.discount golf shoes irelandBivouac Outdoor stocks the most extensive range of Inov-8 shoes, clothing, packs, and accessories in NZ.  Visit any of their 11 stores nationwide. You can browse the range or shop online at www.bivouac.co.nz. Highbeam is the leading online trail running and crossfit retailer in NZ with the complete Inov-8 range of footwear, clothing & packs.

The team at High Beam are happy to help with specific shoes for your next event. Shop Now at www.highbeam.co.nz. Stop into their Albany, Ponsonby, Newmarket, New Plymouth, Napier, Dunedin and Nelson locations for expert advice, footwear analysis, and to see a range of the latest Inov-8 trail shoes. Visit their website at www.shoeclinic.co.nz. Stop into any of Shoe Science's five Auckland locations for expect advice, footwear analysis, and to see a range of the latest Inov-8 trail and fitness shoes. Visit the website at www.shoescience.co.nz. Stop into their New Plymouth, Christchurch (Colombo), or Queenstown locations for expert advice, footwear analysis, and to see a range of the latest Inov-8 trail and fitness shoes. Visit their website at www.thefrontrunner.co.nz. Podium is a podiatry clinic and footwear retailer all rolled into one! Visit their Mount Maunganui, Whakatane or Rotorua locations for expert advice, footwear analysis, and a range of Inov-8 trail and fitness shoes.

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