Our verdict
The Allbirds and Reef Shoes are close. We gave the Allbirds a slight edge at 9.5/10 over the Reef Shoes 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
Reef Shoes
$80
Check priceRead our full reviewSide by side
| Attribute | Allbirds | Reef Shoes |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Shockingly comfortable, outrageously light at $80—buy them for travel, casual wear, or anywhere comfort matters more than fashion. |
| Standouts |
|
|
| Watch-outs |
|
|
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 Reef Shoes if…
Shockingly comfortable, outrageously light at $80—buy them for travel, casual wear, or anywhere comfort matters more than fashion.
- Extremely lightweight
- Springy, trampoline-like bounce
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..
Reef Shoes — 9/10
Shockingly comfortable, outrageously light at $80—buy them for travel, casual wear, or anywhere comfort matters more than fashion.
What we liked: Extremely lightweight, Springy, trampoline-like bounce, True to size, no break-in period, Excellent for all-day walking and standing, Versatile neutral style.
Worth knowing: Not suitable for hiking, Casual-athletic aesthetic, not for formal business wear.
Common questions
Is the Allbirds or the Reef Shoes better?
We rated the Allbirds 9.5/10 and the Reef Shoes 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 Reef Shoes cost?
The Reef Shoes is listed at $80. 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 Reef Shoes?
Short version — Allbirds: If you had to pick one shoe brand for the rest of your life, Allbirds is our answer. Reef Shoes: Shockingly comfortable, outrageously light at $80—buy them for travel, casual wear, or anywhere comfort matters more than fashion.