Allbirds has become well known and loved for its comfortable, sustainable footwear, and the brand’s latest release, the Runner NZ Remix, takes both of those core values to a new level.
Inspired by Allbirds’ New Zeland roots, the Runner NZ Remix uses modern aesthetics and are made with recycled materials that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill. The upper is woven from recycled fibers and the midsoles are made from repurposed foam footwear scraps.
We’ve tested dozens of shoes over the years for our Allbirds review, so when we heard about the new silhouette using recycled materials, we decided to give them a try. Keep reading to learn our thoughts, below.
Sizing and fit
The Allbirds Runner NZ Remix is available in men’s sizes 8-14 with half sizes and women’s sizes 5-11 with half sizes. I’m typically a men’s 8.5 and went true to size. If you’re also in between sizes, I recommend going up to the next size. It’s easier to tighten the laces or wear thicker socks to account for extra room than it is to deal with shoes that are too tight.
Amir’s review of the Allbirds Runner NZ Remix
Amir Ismael/Business Insider
I’ve tested many pairs of Allbirds sneakers over the years, and comfort is the primary commonality between them all. The Runner NZ Remix is on par with the comfort you’d expect from Allbirds — they’re super lightweight and the wool interior is very soft.
However, the Runner NZ Remix stands out from all other Allbirds I’ve worn because of its use of recycled materials. With the overall quality and construction of the shoes, you’d have no idea these materials were bound for a landfill before Allbirds repurposed them.
In terms of wear, the Runner NZ Remix is a wonderful casual comfort shoe. It feels great on feet when worn all day. I choose to wear mine with socks, but since wool is naturally odor-resistant and temperature-regulating, you can wear them without socks. I also appreciated the solid grip the rugged outsoles provide.
The Natural White color might be a bit difficult to match, but the dye-free upper lends itself well to the design’s eco-consciousness.
Amir Ismael/Business Insider
Gabi’s review of the Allbirds Runner NZ Remix
Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider
I’ve tested more than my fair share of walking shoes, and as a city dweller who can easily rack up 20,000 steps a day, I have high standards for what’s comfortable. It may seem obvious, but a key factor to consider is weight. Sometimes the more cushioned the shoe, the heavier it feels — which is not the case with the Runner NZ Remix. Each shoe weighs about 14 ounces in a women’s size 8.
These sneakers are lined with some of the softest wool insoles I’ve ever stepped into. You may think wool would get stuffy, but my feet stayed perfectly cool and dry as I walked around in these on a warm September afternoon. These insoles are layered atop a non-slip midsole, which feels firm with each stride. This kind of firmness is ideal if you have plantar fasciitis or rely on stability sneakers when you pivot, since anything too plush will cause your feet to feel muddy and unsupported.
Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider
Design-wise, the Runner NZ Remix is the more sustainable cousin of the brand’s popular Tree Runner, which comes with a decently wide toe box. Allbirds spun the Runner NZ Remix anew from materials that were destined for the landfill, like recycled yarn from expired T-shirts and rubber from old shoes. Next, I’d like to see it in darker colors, since the white gets dirty easily.
The bottom line
Overall, the Runner NZ Remix isn’t just another stylish sneaker from Allbirds; it’s living proof that actionable efforts to improve sustainability don’t have to come in the form of decades-long plans from big brand names. The shoes are comfortable, good-looking, and, most importantly, good for the environment.