Our verdict
Between the Allbirds and the Giesswein wool knit shoe, we lean toward the Allbirds — we rated it 9.5/10 versus 8/10. If you had to pick one shoe brand for the rest of your life, Allbirds is our answer.
Our pick
Allbirds
Giesswein wool knit shoe
Side by side
| Attribute | Allbirds | Giesswein wool knit shoe |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 9.5/10 | 8/10 |
| Best for | If you had to pick one shoe brand for the rest of your life, Allbirds is our answer. | A worthy Allbirds alternative: machine washable merino wool comfort without the logo clutter of other Giesswein models. |
| Standouts |
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| Watch-outs |
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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 Giesswein wool knit shoe if…
A worthy Allbirds alternative: machine washable merino wool comfort without the logo clutter of other Giesswein models.
- Comfortable and can be worn with or without socks
- Machine washable
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..
Giesswein wool knit shoe — 8/10
A worthy Allbirds alternative: machine washable merino wool comfort without the logo clutter of other Giesswein models.
What we liked: Comfortable and can be worn with or without socks, Machine washable, Very breathable, Lightweight (265g, comparable to Allbirds Tree Runner), No obtrusive logo like other Giesswein models.
Worth knowing: Best for warm weather—skip if you run cold.
Common questions
Is the Allbirds or the Giesswein wool knit shoe better?
We rated the Allbirds 9.5/10 and the Giesswein wool knit shoe 8/10, so we lean Allbirds — but it depends on what you want it for (see "which one is right for you" on the page).
What's the difference between the Allbirds and the Giesswein wool knit shoe?
Short version — Allbirds: If you had to pick one shoe brand for the rest of your life, Allbirds is our answer. Giesswein wool knit shoe: A worthy Allbirds alternative: machine washable merino wool comfort without the logo clutter of other Giesswein models.