Final month, I walked a complete of 34 miles, 40,000 steps, and 10 hours from the tippity-top to the tippity-bottom of Manhattan. I hadn’t walked that lengthy in years—possibly even ever—and what I believed can be a really lengthy, leisurely stroll sightseeing my house metropolis, proved to be an endurance check. My physique ached, save for my ft, which I owe solely (lol) to my plush Allbirds Tree Gliders ($135).
The Tree Gliders are one of many newest launches from the sustainable footwear firm. Per the model, they’re equally suited to “exercises” as they’re to “working errands,” and, in my expertise, to strolling distances upwards of 30 miles. The pair is harking back to stacked strolling sneakers which have turn into synonymous with Scorching Lady Walks, and upon first look, appear to say, I can go the space. After my journey by way of Manhattan, I can affirm they will.
Allbirds Tree Gliders — $135.00
- Cushioned midsole gives all-day consolation
- Breathable knit higher maximizes airflow
- Wonderful assist on quite a lot of surfaces
- Constructed from sustainable supplies
- Machine cleanable
- Restricted colour choices
- Might not be excellent for vast ft
- No padded collar to stop rubbing and chafing of ankles
My stroll by way of Manhattan with Allbirds Tree Gliders
I courageously wore my Tree Gliders for the primary day trip of the field on my stroll, beginning on the 215 Road Station in Inwood (that’s the northernmost tip of Manhattan for my non-city dwellers). From the get-go, the cloud-like cushion underfoot was spectacular—all the higher, maybe, to traverse pavement, grass, and gravel.
Extra than simply comfy, their chunky soles had been supportive. The stops I made on the best way to Harlem—the Met Cloisters, Fort Tryon Park, the Little Pink Lighthouse—concerned a route of inclines and declines on paved and uneven surfaces, with a excessive chance of a twisted ankle if I stepped the unsuitable means.
Thankfully, the sneakers provided me some insurance coverage, offering me with regular footing on slopes, in addition to the greenways that curled alongside the Hudson River. Their substantial underfoot assist coupled with their lighter weight was a aid after enduring the trek from Central Park to Washington Sq. Park. My ft had been effective—even nice—however my companion, who kindly accompanied me on the journey, wore a trusted pair of Adidas Sambas that left him with achy ft (and three useless toenails).
Like my companion, I’d by no means been one to pick out sneakers based mostly on foot well being or orthopedic options, as neither of us has needed to fuss a lot about our footwear. We’re “informal walkers;” if we had been putzing round in horrible sneakers—to the subway, grocery store, or our mates’ flats—we by no means wore them for lengthy sufficient to note.
Associated Tales
It’s solely till you stroll 30+ miles in a pair of sneakers that you’re going to notice your sneakers do make a distinction. The stroll by way of Manhattan was a strong indication Tree Gliders’ are as much as simply concerning the hardest of duties.
As their identify aptly suggests, the Allbirds Tree Gliders made strolling really feel like gliding. They managed to propel me by way of the final stretch of Fifth Avenue and the Monetary District’s busy streets to the sting of Battery Park, the place I caught a glimpse of Woman Liberty. And aside from some gentle rubbing on the ankle (I actually ought to have worn longer socks), I barely thought concerning the shoe in any respect. In case you can stroll so long as I did with out eager about your ft, that’s simply concerning the highest reward footwear can get.
Are the Allbirds Tree Gliders value it?
The Tree Gliders aren’t precisely low-cost, however their versatility makes them nicely value it. Though they aren’t billed as trainers, I’m satisfied you can clock as many miles in them strolling round. Because of their ultra-comfy construct, they maintain their very own on each lengthy walks and a day of errands, in addition to temporary stints open air.
I’d say the Allbirds Tree Gliders are nice for individuals who desire a comfortable—and I imply, unbelievably comfortable—pair of sneakers. Along with being soft, the sneakers are roomy up entrance and the knit higher additionally permits for some wiggle room (although, I wouldn’t name them vast—one thing you might have considered trying to bear in mind).
I’m additionally an enormous fan of their minimalist, stylish design. I’m not one to put on exercise sneakers in flashy colorways; whereas enjoyable, they make me really feel like I’m cosplaying a Capital R runner, which couldn’t be farther from my reality. The Tree Gliders avoid vibrant hues and quite stick with a palette of earthy neutrals that additional lend to their versatility. Name me boring, however that’s simply what I like. So, sure, if an opulent sneak in a fairly, goes-with-everything colour palette is your velocity, they’re well worth the triple-digit price ticket.
Closing ideas
I don’t know when the following time I’ll be strolling over 10 hours, however this wasn’t the final time my Tree Gliders bought any motion. They’ve turn into my new go-to once I know I’ll be on my ft for prolonged swaths of time and have surpassed my different sneakers by way of consolation. I can belief that they’ll get me to level A to B with no hitch.
Other than them being akin to marshmallows by way of consolation, I like how sustainable they’re. Like all Allbirds sneakers, the Tree Gliders are produced from eco-friendly supplies you can actually be ok with sporting. The knit higher is woven out of Tencel lyocell, a proprietary material produced from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wooden pulp. Down beneath, the SweetFoam midsole makes use of sugarcane as an alternative of conventional plastic. Even the shoelaces are produced from recycled polyester.
Tl;dr: The Allbirds are versatile, comfortable, and simpler on Mom Earth. In case you’re courageous sufficient to be in your ft for 10 to 12 hours at a time, belief me once I say that these sneakers can and can go the space.
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