Our verdict
The Allbirds and Hari Mari are close. We gave the Allbirds a slight edge at 9.5/10 over the Hari Mari at 9/10 — close enough that fit matters more than the score. If you had to pick one shoe brand for the rest of your life, Allbirds is our answer.
Our pick
Allbirds
Hari Mari
$75
Check priceRead our full reviewSide by side
| Attribute | Allbirds | Hari Mari |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 9.5/10 | 9/10 |
| Best for | If you had to pick one shoe brand for the rest of your life, Allbirds is our answer. | Premium-priced but worth it for instant comfort and durability—outperforms Rainbows. |
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Which one is right for you?
Choose the Allbirds if…
If you had to pick one shoe brand for the rest of your life, Allbirds is our answer.
- The Wool Runner is an absolute 10/10 for comfort and casual wear. Everything else they've made is always a little bit of a trade-off from that.
- They offered incredible comfort, especially for someone like me who struggles with plantar fasciitis.
Choose the Hari Mari if…
Premium-priced but worth it for instant comfort and durability—outperforms Rainbows.
- Instant comfort with no break-in period
- Memory foam toe post
Why we rate them this way
Allbirds — 9.5/10
If you had to pick one shoe brand for the rest of your life, Allbirds is our answer.
What we liked: The Wool Runner is an absolute 10/10 for comfort and casual wear. Everything else they've made is always a little bit of a trade-off from that., They offered incredible comfort, especially for someone like me who struggles with plantar fasciitis., I've worn the new Wool Runners NZs for 3 months and they're the best shoes yet. I wear them everywhere., I was shocked when I got them, expecting them to be garbage. The sole has less forefoot cushioning but they feel like similar shoes to the NZs..
Worth knowing: This is why I will NEVER buy shoes that use naked foam cushioning as a sole. You really can't complain about short lifespan..
Hari Mari — 9/10
Premium-priced but worth it for instant comfort and durability—outperforms Rainbows.
What we liked: Instant comfort with no break-in period, Memory foam toe post, Water-resistant leather, Durable construction resists wear and tear, Outperforms Rainbows in comfort.
Worth knowing: Premium price at $75, Sizing can vary.
Common questions
Is the Allbirds or the Hari Mari better?
We rated the Allbirds 9.5/10 and the Hari Mari 9/10, so we lean Allbirds — but it depends on what you want it for (see "which one is right for you" on the page).
How much do the Allbirds and Hari Mari cost?
The Hari Mari is listed at $75. We don't have a current price on file for the Allbirds — check the latest on its review page.
What's the difference between the Allbirds and the Hari Mari?
Short version — Allbirds: If you had to pick one shoe brand for the rest of your life, Allbirds is our answer. Hari Mari: Premium-priced but worth it for instant comfort and durability—outperforms Rainbows.