Allbirds Tree Runner Go sneakers are as comfy as socks — but are they worth it?
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When it comes to comfort, Allbirds never misses — and I would know: I’ve run several miles in its Tree Flyers, I’ve taken its Vista Racers for a spin at the gym, and I’ve led personal training sessions in the Wool Runner 2s. That’s why I was eager to test out the brand’s new Tree Runner Go, which promises a better fit, a better look and an enhanced overall wearing experience than the OG Tree Runners many of us know and love.
Allbirds Women's Tree Runner Go
Like the original Tree Runners, these sneakers are made from a sustainable and breathable blend of recycled polyester and Tencel lyocell that’s machine-washable, packable, odor-resisting, thermoregulating and as easy on your carbon footprint as they are on your actual foot. Women's sizing ranges from 5-11, and both men's and women's colors include Blizzard, Natural Black, Medium Gray, Deep Navy, Rugged Beige and Basin Blue.
Allbirds Men's Tree Runner Go
Where these new kids on the block truly shine is in their improved midsole made of sugarcane-derived SweetFoam EVA foam for even more cushioning and impact-absorption; an upgraded last, which is defined as the shoe mold that conforms to the anatomical contours of your foot; and modernized line detailing to make them look that much more influencer-approved. Men's sizing spans 8-14.
What I liked about them
The fit is on point
When testing sneakers, I like to put them through three main tests: speed walking, cardio-forward high-intensity interval training and strength training. This allows me to determine how well they function in a variety of planes of motion and different types of “stress.”
The moment I stepped into them before an hour-long power walk, I noticed how they required zero breaking in. They felt deliciously slipper-like right out of the box with a bouncy feel attributed to the heighted SweetFoam-based platform. Life is too short to wait for your shoes to work for your particular foot.
As a new mom, my feet and ankles have developed tons of swelling and my body as a whole is considerably heavier than it used to be pre-pregnancy, which often requires me to take frequent breaks when sitting or standing. Not only was I cruising along in these sneakers pain-free for the full hour, but I barely noticed I was wearing any shoes at all.
In plyometric movements like jump squats and skater hops, their cushioned midsole helped catapult my body into the air with minimal effort than I’m accustomed to. While shoes aren’t recommended in barre — a bridge between Pilates and ballet — the Tree Runner Go sneakers serve a similar function as grippy socks that help promote stability while still forcing your muscles and core to do most of the work. Overall? A 10/10 in both the fit and comfort departments.
They provide sock-like comfort
Who doesn’t love wearing nothing but socks all day? While doing so provides a feeling of being completely off-duty, it’s not exactly the safest option on slippery floors like I have. While walking around my home performing chores with a newborn strapped to me, I felt completely in control of my gait and firmly anchored to the ground. I don’t usually wear shoes around the house, but now I may just have to. If the feeling of bare feet or just socks leaves you feeling achy or sensitive, these are a sensible alternative.
They’re incredibly flexible
Sneakerheads can relate: Creasing the instep of a shoe is one of the cringiest feelings known to the human experience. That doesn’t exist in the Tree Runner Go universe. Their flexible mesh-like upper allows you to confidently move your feet in the deepest range of dorsiflexion (the action of bending your toes towards your ankle, reducing the angle between your foot and your shin). Here, I tested the shoes in numerous variations of dorsiflexion from curtsy lunges to mountain climbers, and not a single crease formed. Since creases often introduce thinning and holes in the material over time, their flexibility also speaks to their longevity, making them well worth the price tag.
They’re plush — but not too plush
Fun fact: You don’t want your shoes to be so plush your feet sink into them because this can prompt overcompensation, which can then lead to both weakness and imbalance. While performing balance-forward movements like single-leg deadlifts coupled with bent over rows to further challenge my balance, I noticed how rooted I felt in the ground, with plenty of room for my toes to fan out and solidify my center of gravity in their generous toe box. Normally, a lifting shoe should feel firm with minimal plushness, but because these don’t feature a pronounced curved J-frame like other running shoe brands like Hoka, they make for a decent strength-training option that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
The styling options are endless
Like their Tree Runner predecessor, these sneakers are versatile and appropriate enough for virtually any occasion outside of a formal affair. While I’m a leggings and sweatpants girl through and through, I can easily see these dressing down a business casual pair of pleated trousers and an oversized blazer. Plus, they’re neither too casual nor too upscale, so they’re the perfect sneakers if you’re truly struggling to fit neatly within a dress code or only have a limited amount of room in your suitcase.
What I didn’t like about them
They aren’t particularly trendy
I’d be lying if I said these shoes were empirically fashion-forward. While they might very well be someone else’s cup of tea, I wouldn’t gravitate towards them for any other reason other than comfort. They’re certainly versatile enough to complement any type of athleisure outfit, but they wouldn’t do much in the way of elevating it. I do appreciate the remodeled U-shaped vamp to harken to the Adidas Samba and Gazelle aesthetic we’re seeing everywhere, but it’s too subtle to make much of an impact.
They’re quite warm
Thankfully, they feature a merino wool lining to promote thermoregulation and prevent odor buildup — otherwise, fellow sweaters (people who sweat a lot, not the garment) might be in big trouble when wearing these babies in hotter climates. On a chilly spring day of 45 degrees Fahrenheit, my feet felt swampy. I can only imagine how they’d fare in the thick of summer or while stress-running to my gate at the airport, so I’d recommend these either with thinner socks or barefoot.
Bottom line
If you currently own a pair of Allbirds sneakers that you enjoy wearing and that have low mileage on them, investing in these may be redundant (unless, of course, you’re looking for a new color or a back-up pair in case they sell out).
While this rendition does feature noticeable updates to the midsole, trim and upper, the signature Allbirds comfort is what makes them blend in with the brand’s original offerings — in the best way possible. What you’re getting with the Tree Runner Go is a sneaker so comfortable it almost doesn’t matter what it looks like. Allbirds has taken the best parts of its 1.0 model, from comfort to fit, avoided deviating too far from a good thing and instead gave a subtle facelift to its overall aesthetic to keep us consumers on our toes (and very comfortably, might I add). So if you’re in need of a really comfortable sneaker and are considering the Tree Runner Go, I say without hesitation to Go ahead.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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