Meet the New Allbirds: let’s face it—finding shoes that feel like a cloud, don’t wreck your outfit, and come with a side of “saving the planet” is like hunting for a unicorn in a sea of sneakers. Enter Allbirds with the Wool Runner NZ and Tree Runner NZ: two sparkling new gems in their lineup that tie a bow around comfort, sustainability, and that oh‑so‑chic minimalism we can’t get enough of.
Wool Runner NZ
The New Allbirds Wool Runner NZ arrives just in time for Allbirds’ 10th anniversary, and oh boy, does it deliver. With a sleek update to the cozy merino‑wool staple we all know and love—plus a dual‑density Featherbed™ insole and refined design details—it’s like a decade of innovation wrapped around your feet.
Tree Runner NZ
Meanwhile, the New Allbirds Tree Runner NZ is the cooler, breezier twin that took your favorite fan‑favorite Tree Runner and amped it up. Think breathable TENCEL™ tree‑fiber upper, upgraded SweetFoam™ sole contours, and plush wool‑blend lining—all still machine‑washable (yes, really). Available in stores in early July and online mid‑July, this pair proves Allbirds knows how to keep us stepping softly and stylishly.
Why We’re Excited About These Next-Gen new Allbirds
If you’ve been around here long enough, you know our shoe rack looks like an Allbirds showroom. We’ve worn them to the office, to the airport, on walks with the dog, and even to the grocery store where—let’s be honest—comfort matters more than impressing the produce section.
The new Wool Runner NZ and Tree Runner NZ aren’t just re-releases with a fancy new name. They’re the result of ten years of Allbirds tinkering, testing, and asking, “What if we could make comfy even comfier… and greener?” Spoiler: they did.
From the moment you slip them on, you notice it—like that feeling when you swap your scratchy old bath towel for one of those ridiculously plush hotel ones. The Featherbed™ insole in the Wool Runner NZ cradles your foot like it’s been personally trained in the art of foot massages. The Tree Runner NZ’s breezy knit keeps things light and airy without feeling flimsy.
And the best part? They manage to feel premium while staying rooted (literally) in sustainable materials—wool from happy sheep, tree fiber from responsibly managed forests, sugarcane-based SweetFoam® soles. It’s like your feet and the planet both get a win.
What Does the “NZ” in the New Allbirds Models Actually Mean?
In Allbirds’ latest releases—the Wool Runner NZ and Tree Runner NZ—the “NZ” isn’t some futuristic tech spec—it’s a heartfelt nod to where it all began.
- The “NZ” stands for New Zealand, paying homage to the brand’s roots and the birthplace of its founders, Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger.
- It’s also a subtle highlight of Allbirds’ decade-long journey—ten years of comfy, planet-conscious innovation—being reborn with that original New Zealand spirit intact.
So when you see “NZ” slapped on a new pair, it’s more than a style cue—it’s a wink to the brand’s beginning: starting from a footballer in New Zealand who thought comfy wool shoes could be made better, for both your feet and the planet.
Tree Runner NZ vs. Tree Runner Go: A Shoe-Love Double Take
Okay, full disclosure: we haven’t gotten our paws on the Wool Runner NZ yet (those new releases move faster than our dog chasing squirrels), but we do have both the Tree Runner NZ and the OG Tree Runner Go sitting side by side. Spoiler alert: they’re basically twins. Kind of like the difference between fraternal twins—similar vibes, slightly different personalities.
What’s Familiar (And What’s New):
- Both leans into that breezy, tree-fiber knit comfort Allbirds is famous for—the Tree Runner NZ is a stealthier remake of its fan-favorite predecessor, with enhanced softness and breathability paired with that magic SweetFoam midsole.
- The Tree Runner Go, launched back in 2024, introduced extra cushioning: 14% more SweetFoam and 12mm additional stack height compared to the original Tree Runner—think more spring and less “Did I step on a pebble?” vibes.
Our Side-by-Side Verdict (aka “Shoes on Shelf Testing”):
- Visually and texturally, it’s tough to tell them apart at a glance. Both feel plush and supportive, both are machine-washable, and both uphold that sleek Allbirds aesthetic we’re obsessed with.
- Reddit folks noticed something similar—one user commented that the Tree Runner NZ offers a “more roomy upper” and feels a bit sturdier compared to the OG Tree Runner, but overall, still retains that lightweight, sneaker-slipper vibe.
- In everyday wear, the Go brings a slightly bouncier ride thanks to that boosted SweetFoam, while the NZ brings the same comfort with a subtly more refined fit and updated underfoot contour. Think of it as the Go being that comfy landing pad and the NZ feeling like a cozy hug with a little upgrade.
Real-World Vibes (aka What We Felt)
From our shoe‑on‑desk experimentation:
- Look and feel? Near twins. Both feel plush, machine‑washable, and totally sleek.
- Ride? The Go gives a slightly bouncier experience; the NZ feels a bit smoother and a smidge sturdier.
- Community notes echo our impressions: “Compared to the original Tree Runner, the NZ has a bit more roomy upper, it feels like the material is a bit sturdier.” “The soles are a slightly lower profile version of the Wool Runner Go sole.”
So What’s the Punchline?
| Shoe | Why You Might Swear By It |
|---|---|
| Tree Runner Go | Plush, springy ride with extra cushioning—great for long days or walking-heavy schedules |
| Tree Runner NZ | A more streamlined, sculpted feel with improved fit and support—same comfort, more finesse |
Wool Runner NZ: The Classic Gets a Glow-Up
So yes, the Wool Runner has long been the Allbirds MVP—like your coziest sweater personified. But for the brand’s 10th anniversary, they didn’t just dust it off and call it a day. Instead, they sent it to a comfort spa—and the results are dazzling.
Comfort Refined (Not Redesigned)
- Featherbed™ Dual-Density Insole: Think memory foam meets wool-blended top layer—a ultra-soft handshake with every step. Allbirds put the footbed through more than 45 design variations to nail that feel-good fit right out of the box.
- Wool-Blend Everything: We’re talking upper, collar, and tongue lining—all in responsibly sourced Merino. If your foot were a cake, this is the marshmallow center.
- SweetFoam® Midsole with Underfoot Contour: Same sugarcane-based cushioning you know and love, but now with an updated shape that hugs your stride like it was pre-choreographed.
Style Winks for the Design-Savvy
Allbirds didn’t just shuffle the insoles around—they polished it up:
- Subtle fluted sidewalls, refined new eyelet design, and a concentric outsole pattern lend a sleek, sculpted vibe—like a sneaker that got a minimalist makeover.
- Still true to the brand’s roots: “NZ” isn’t just a label—it’s a tip of the hat to the brand’s New Zealand origin story, when a former pro athlete and a biotech whiz teamed up to say “what if comfy could be planet-friendly too?”
Launch and Legacy
- Price: $110 USD
- Sizes: Women’s (5–11) and Men’s (7–14), both in full and half sizes
TL;DR: Why the Wool Runner NZ Rocks
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Dual-Density Insole | Memory foam meets wool—follows your foot like your favorite cuddle. |
| Wool-Blend Layers | Soft and cozy, with natural temperature and odor control. |
| Refined Aesthetic | Cleaner, sleeker look—without sacrificing soul. |
| Sustainable Roots | Same comfort, same green vibe, with an elevated sense of purpose. |
Just a heads-up: we haven’t tried it with feet yet—we’re still dancing in the pre-order line for this one—but based on the tweaks, it might just out-comfy the OG. Want me to spin this into a “what to expect when you finally get them” section next?
Direct Comparison: Wool Runner NZ vs. Tree Runner NZ
Alright, let’s line these two up side by side and see which one does what best. You’re basically picking between the cozy hug (Wool Runner NZ) and the sleek breeze (Tree Runner NZ)—yet both are still Allbirds-level comfy.
| Feature | Wool Runner NZ | Tree Runner NZ |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Material | Soft Merino wool — temperature-regulating, odor-resistant, ultra-cozy | Lightweight TENCEL™ Lyocell tree-fiber blend — breathable, cool, and ideal for warmer days |
| Insole | Featherbed™ dual-density insole — memory foam top layer meets wool cushioning | Featherbed™ dual-density insole — memory foam meets plush comfort for refined support |
| Midsole & Comfort | SweetFoam® midsole — sturdy and soft all-day support | SweetFoam® midsole — plus ergonomic underfoot contour to reduce fatigue and smooth stride |
| Breathability | Naturally cozy, slightly warmer—great for cooler climates | Naturally airy and cool — great for humid or warm conditions |
| Design & Aesthetic | Refined flair — fluted sidewalls, new eyelets, concentric outsole tweaks | Minimalist, polished, and office-ready with a travel-friendly vibe |
| Wash & Care | Machine-washable—insole and laces removed | Machine-washable—super practical and fuss-free |
| Perfect For… | Cozy days, cooler weather, temperature control, classic wool feel | Warm-weather wear, daily casual, travel, and a lightweight feel with support and structure |
TL;DR: Which One Should You Lace Up?
- Wool Runner NZ is your go-to if you want that classic wool cozy—think chilly mornings, sockless comfort, and a snuggly vibe that doesn’t skimp on support.
- Tree Runner NZ gives you cooler, breathable vibes with a leaner profile and a surprisingly cushioned stride—perfect for travel, warmer seasons, or when you want a minimalist sneaker that works with everything.
In short, I prefer the Wool Runner NZ for winter months and the Tree Runner NZ for everything else.
Why Your Feet (and the Planet) Will Thank You
Both the Wool Runner NZ and the Tree Runner NZ are dressed in materials that feel like a hug—and Mother Earth’s giving them a high-five too.
- Natural, renewable materials reign: Merino wool that’s bio-based and itch-free, plus tree fibers spun from fast-growing eucalyptus, make these kicks gentle on feet and fabulous for the planet.
- Sole softness from sugarcane: Their SweetFoam® midsoles are made with sugarcane, a renewable resource that helps replace petroleum-based foam and lowers the carbon footprint.
- Carbon accountability matters: Allbirds labels products with carbon footprint data—think of it like calorie labels for sneakers. And they’re serious about cutting emissions in half by 2025 and hitting near-zero by 2030.
- A quick peek at impact: A classic Wool Runner clocks in around 7.2kg CO₂—much lighter than your average sneaker. That’s a wearable win for conscientious folks everywhere.
So in slipping into one of these, you’re basically stepping into a cloud that treads lightly on the Earth.
Final Thoughts – New Allbirds
Let’s break it down.
Here’s Where We Land
- Wool Runner NZ = a cozy default for cooler days, with cozy wool, upgraded insole, and sculpted design.
- Tree Runner NZ = the sleek, breathable all-star fit for warm weather and day-to-day hustle, packing refined comfort in a lighter package.
Your Move
Which One Matches Your Life Better?
- Chilly morning walks or cozy night runs? Go with the Wool Runner NZ.
- Sweat and hustle, or looking fly while on the fly? Tree Runner NZ is your new sidekick.
Tip: Own both, and you’ll be armed to match any vibe or weather—plus, that machine-washable factor keeps life low-maintenance. Ready to level up your comfort game.