"Thanks to Allbirds Sneakers, I Can Walk Thousands of Steps Daily Without Pain"

I'll admit, I’m not the biggest sneaker girl. Unless I’m working out, I typically gravitate towards classic flip-flops, chic, comfortable flats, or heels (if I’m feeling fancy) — that is, until trying out the Allbirds Tree Gliders. I was initially hesitant to add a pair of sneakers to my weekly shoe rotation, but after unpacking the box of these just-released shoes and realizing how sleek they were with their all-white colorway to the minimalist knit fabric made from tree fibers, I was convinced to take them for a spin. Suddenly, I found myself sporting these on my daily coffee run, during a spin class, while commuting all over the city, and even while running down my New York City walk-up to grab the mail. I couldn’t stop slipping these on.

Now both an Allbirds and everyday sneaker-wearer convert (after just one week of wearing the Tree Gliders), I’ve come to understand why I fell in love with these shoes. Aside from the cool design, this pair is extremely lightweight, which is important to me as a fast walker who likes to intertwine between groups of New York City tourists on the streets and in the subway stations as fast as possible. Despite the lightweight feel, I was surprised at how the Tree Gliders kept my typically overpronated feet stable and cushioned, eliminating any potential for shin splints and making me feel like I was walking on a cloud. I attribute this to the sugarcane-based midsole, known as the brand’s SweetFoam sole — sugarcane is a sustainable, plant-based alternative midsole material that contours to your feet to keep your foot feeling secure and comfortable with every stride.

Sugarcane isn’t the only sustainable material that Allbirds prides itself on using. For the uninitiated, Allbirds is known for its eco-conscious approach to sneaker-making, using natural materials to make comfy shoes (rather than plastic!). The Tree Gliders are no exception to these practices — this style is made from tree fibers, giving the shoe a super breathable feel that prevents me from sweating when running around the city all day.

While I tend to wear my Tree Gliders for everyday errands and walks, they are also suitable for more serious workouts. I kept these on my feet for a high-intensity spin class and felt nothing short of complete comfort — the temperature of my feet inside my shoes felt fine despite the 45-minute sweat sesh, and the stable cushioning helped my very sore legs feel secure (rather than extra wobbly) when traveling back to my apartment.