Sustainable Sneakers Edit: Allbirds Review
So lets talk about sustainable sneakers. A minimal sneaker is a rather unexpected wardrobe staple for me. I don’t do the type of physical activity that really requires shoes (I’m more of a yoga & barre fan) and I’m not particularly keen on athletic wear for day to day. I do however love a practical shoe and it just doesn’t get much more practical than a sneaker. I’ve been incorporating this sporty staple into my capsule wardrobe for a few years now and just realized I’ve never talked much about what to look for or how to style them so that’s the topic for today.
Before we go any further I should warn you that this review is purely from an aesthetic, not athletic, standpoint. I will not be informing you on how these sneakers held up after a year of running because I wouldn’t know. If you’re looking for that kind of review there are plenty out there. Here I’ll be highlighting a great sustainable brand and showing you how to incorporate these sneakers into a capsule wardrobe. So if that all sounds great to you, let’s get into it!
Uniqlo Cardigan (similar) | Back Beat Co. Pants | Allbirds Wool Runner | Ana Luisa Celeste Hoops | Ana Luisa Curb Chain
Allbirds Wool Runner Review
The Allbirds Wool Runner is by far the most comfortable pair I own! I went with my usual size and they fit like a glove. And yes you read that correctly, they are made of Merino Wool. And not just any wool, these are made from ZQ certified wool, ensuring that they meet strict animal welfare and environmental sustainability standards. Besides being super cozy, like walking on little clouds, they’re also flexible, machine washable and can be worn without socks.
There was so breaking in period with these, although that may not be the case if you’re planning to use these for running or workouts. I’m quite a fan of the sleek, minimalist design, free of large logos and unnecessary details. They’re sneakers for people who don’t really care about branding but still wants something stylish, comfortable and above all else, low impact and eco-friendly.
Shop through the link to receive one free pair of socks with your purchase.
Maje Leather Jacket via ThredUp (similar) | Orejas Tee | Encircled Wide Leg Crop Pants | Allbirds Wool Runner | Ana Luisa Celeste Hoops
How To Style Sneakers
There are a few styling tricks I use to incorporate a more sporty style of shoe into my otherwise classic and minimal wardrobe. I consider sneakers to work in place of pretty much any flat shoe if the goal is to dress down any outfit or make it look more casual. Adding sneakers to an outfit is an easy way to dress down tailoring and dresses to make them more wearable day to day.
I also love styling solid color sneakers (my go-to is all white) with a monochrome outfit. This is one of those outfit formulas I rely on when I want to look put together without too much effort on my part. Maybe it’s an old habit from my time spent working in art museums but an all black outfit always gives me that focused feeling needed for a productive day. An all white outfit has a similar effect and it’s something I’ve been gravitating towards more in the warmer months.
Another Favorite Brand
If you’re looking to add a sneaker to your capsule wardrobe but want something a little more polished and a little less athletic in style, why not try a simple leather sneaker option? This edit wouldn’t be complete without a mention of another favorite brand of mine, Veja. I own the leather Veja Esplar sneakers and they’re some of my most favorite shoes to style because they really just change the whole vibe of an outfit. They’re one of those effortlessly cool brands beloved by bloggers, influencers and editors, in and out of the sustainable fashion world. I think they’re worth a mention here because unlike a lot of other sustainable sneaker brands I’ve seen, their designs aren’t based on the classics from Vans, Converse and Superga, but they’re unique and classically cool .
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