Ethical Sustainable Clothing

Allbirds vs Baabuk: Which Merino Wool Shoe Brand Is Better?

Allbirds vs Baabuk is a battle of two leading sustainable footwear brands that have captured the attention of eco-conscious consumers worldwide. The question is: Which merino wool shoe brand is better?

In recent years, the fashion industry has witnessed a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products, as consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact. 

Two brands that have gained huge popularity in this space are Allbirds and Baabuk. Both are known for their innovative use of merino wool to create comfortable and sustainable shoes.

Allbirds, founded in 2014 by Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger, has taken the world by storm with its signature Wool Runners, which are made from premium New Zealand merino wool. 

Baabuk, on the other hand, is a Swiss-based company founded in 2013 by Galina and Dan, who were inspired by the warmth and durability of traditional Russian felt boots.

While they share some similarities, they also have distinct backgrounds, philosophies, and product offerings. Let’s take a closer look at how they stack up against each other in this Allbirds vs Baabuk comparison guide. 

Allbirds vs Baabuk

Allbirds vs Baabuk: Company Origins and Philosophies

With their inspiring origins and rapid growth trajectories, both Allbirds and Baabuk have captured the imagination of consumers seeking stylish yet sustainable footwear options. 

As we delve into their backstories and philosophies, it becomes clear that their commitment to responsible practices extends far beyond just the choice of materials.

Baabuk

The story behind Baabuk began in 2013 when co-founder Dan received a special present from his in-laws – a pair of traditional Russian “Valenki” boots made from felt. 

Dan and his wife Galena were blown away by how incredibly warm and well-crafted these boots were, made using ancient techniques passed down for generations. 

Inspired by the sustainable yet highly functional Valenki, the Swiss couple set out to create their own line of footwear using responsibly sourced wool.

Baabuk’s mission is to stay “authentic to the past while being responsible to the future.” They wanted to utilize sustainable natural materials like wool while still honoring traditional craftsmanship methods. 

Headquartered in Switzerland, Baabuk’s manufacturing is based in Nepal where they can provide fair wages and ethical working conditions.

Baabuk
credits: https://www.baabuk.com

Allbirds

Allbirds has a bit of a different origin story. It was founded in 2014 by Tim Brown, a former New Zealand soccer player, and Joey Zwillinger, an expert in renewable materials. Brown had tried making and selling leather shoes, but found they weren’t nearly as comfortable as he wanted for athletes.

The iconic Allbirds Wool Runners were born when Brown teamed up with Zwillinger, who was researching sustainable footwear. Using super-fine merino wool from New Zealand was a natural choice given Brown’s heritage and the prevalence of merino sheep in that country. 

Allbirds wool runners
credits: https://www.allbirds.com

The name “Allbirds” itself comes from the fact that New Zealand has no native land mammals; only birds.

Like Baabuk, Allbirds is deeply committed to sustainability and environmentalism. Their mission is to create footwear with maximum comfort and minimal environmental impact by utilizing renewable natural materials and ethical manufacturing processes.

Materials and Manufacturing

New Zealand merino wool

At the core of the Allbirds vs Baabuk comparison lies the materials and manufacturing processes used by each brand.

Both brands utilize merino wool as their primary material, sourced from either New Zealand or Portugal where mulesing (a cruel practice of cutting skin off merino sheep) is prohibited. But they incorporate some other key materials and processes as well.

For Baabuk wool shoes, the felt is made in Portugal’s Burel factory using traditional felting techniques. The felted wool pieces are then assembled into the final shoes at another factory outside of Porto. 

As for the Nepalese-made wool slippers, that wool is sourced from New Zealand’s humanely raised merino flocks.

In addition to the signature merino wool, Allbirds shoes feature other sustainable materials like eucalyptus tree fibers and recycled plastic bottles for the shoelaces, insoles, and packaging. 

They have a special partnership with ZQ Merino to ensure the absolute highest standards for ethical and environmentally friendly wool farming and land management practices.

Also Read: Dress with Conscience: 10 Ethical Alternatives to CIDER

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Sustainability is also a key battleground in the Allbirds vs Baabuk competition.

You can’t get much more sustainable than wool, which is a renewable natural material sourced from sheep without causing them harm. That being said, Baabuk and Allbirds take sustainability a few more steps further through their B Corporation certifications.

Baabuk has been a certified B Corp since 2017, meaning it meets rigorously high standards for ethical and eco-friendly practices around its supply chain, employee treatment, material sourcing, and production processes. Its commitment to environmental and community care is reflected in how conscientiously the brand operates.

Similarly, Allbirds has maintained its B Corporation status since 2016. 

Along with renewable natural merino wool, the company strives to use upcycled and recycled materials wherever possible, like those plastic bottles transformed into shoelaces and insoles.

All Allbirds shoes are ethically produced in audited factories throughout Asia, meeting strict labor and environmental criteria.

Comfort and Durability

When you make shoes out of fine merino wool, you can expect an extremely soft, cozy fit with superior breathability. That plush, moisture-wicking wool helps regulate foot temperature to prevent overheating or cold feet. It’s the ideal natural performance fabric.

When it comes to Allbirds vs Baabuk, both brands have earned a reputation for producing comfortable and durable footwear.

Baabuk takes comfort a step further by lining the inside of its wool shoes with an extra-soft merino layer. The durable yet flexible construction allows for all-day wearability without feeling weighed down. Many reviewers rave about how light and comfortable Baabuk’s slip-on sneakers feel.

As for Allbirds, the brand has garnered a well-deserved reputation for being “The World’s Most Comfortable Shoes according to Time Magazine. 

Allbirds wool uppers
credits: https://www.allbirds.com

The signature Wool Runners use a special knit that makes them pillow-soft with just the right amount of bounce. Certain styles like the Mizzles collection feature water-resistant treatments to enhance durability as well.

Since merino wool is such an inherently durable fiber, you can expect shoes from either brand to provide lasting wear. They may develop the slightly worn, cozy look of a favorite wool sweater over time, but the quality construction prevents premature deterioration.

Product Variety and Customization

In terms of product range in Allbirds vs Baabuk comparison, Allbirds certainly has Baabuk beat at this stage. The original Wool Runners were really just the start.

Allbirds now offers a wide array of sustainable sneakers, slip-ons, boat shoes, and even running shoes for different activities. They’ve also expanded into apparel with wool and tree-based clothing.

By contrast, Baabuk’s offerings are still somewhat limited, with around 10 core wool shoe styles for streetwear plus seven slipper styles. However, they allow you to customize the colors of the wool uppers, laces, eyelets, and other accents to make your shoes totally unique.

Baabuk by You
credits: https://www.baabuk.com

Both brands sell direct-to-consumer online and through their own retail locations. Allbirds has stores in major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Amsterdam, while Baabuk is still focusing more on e-commerce for now.

Also Read: Is Gymshark Ethical? A Sustainability and Impact Analysis 

Sizing and Fit

Getting the right fit is crucial for any shoes, especially ones made with the soft, flexible merino wool these brands use. You don’t want them too loose or sloppy, but you need a bit of forgiveness as the natural fibers will stretch and mold to your feet over time.

Baabuk has a handy online size guide that accounts for the stretchy wool material. It recommends sizing down if you’re a half size smaller, or up if a half size larger. Most of their styles offer half sizes for a truly customized fit. 

The sleek Urban Woolers also have elastic laces that make them easy to slip on and off while still providing an adjustable, snug fit.

As for Allbirds shoes, the consensus from reviews is that they tend to run just slightly small. After all, the Wool Runners and other styles are designed for a close, comfortable fit thanks to that specialized merino wool knit.

So if you’re a half size, it’s recommended to size up rather than down, even though half sizes technically aren’t offered. 

Vegan-Friendliness

While Allbirds and Baabuk are both focused on sustainable and ethical production, the Allbirds vs Baabuk comparison also extends to vegan-friendliness.

Unfortunately, Baabuk doesn’t offer any vegan-friendly footwear options. Allbirds, on the other hand, despite not being a vegan brand, offers vegan-friendly shoe options such as:

  • Canvas Pacers (organic cotton)
  • Tree Tunner (Lyocell fabric)
  • Plant Pacers (natural rubber and bi-products)
Allbirds Tree Runners
credits: https://www.allbirds.com

Pricing and Value

You can expect to pay a premium price for the quality natural materials and ethical manufacturing behind both Baabuk and Allbirds. 

Most of their adult shoe styles hover around the $100-$150 range, though you may find some higher or lower depending on the specific design.

For many fans, that price point is well worth it considering the outstanding comfort and relatively low environmental impact compared to conventional sneakers. The shoes’ durability also justifies initial investment.

As both brands sell directly to consumers (aside from some retailer partnerships), you’re cutting out the middleman markup as well.

That said, the somewhat higher prices could make Allbirds and Baabuk cost-prohibitive for budget-minded shoppers not willing to pay a premium. Especially younger consumers and teenagers who tend to outgrow and beat up shoes more quickly. 

For those buyers, more affordable sustainable sneaker brands may be a better option.

Customer Reviews

So what are actual wearers saying about their experiences with Allbirds vs Baabuk shoes? Let’s look at some of the common comments, both positive and negative. 

For Baabuk, owners tend to rave about the slippers and sneakers’ buttery soft wool linings that make them an absolute dream to wear. Many say the breathable wool keeps their feet at a comfortable temperature year-round without getting too hot or cold. 

Baabuk Sky Wooler - Blacknose
credits: credits: https://www.baabuk.com

The slip-resistant rubber soles get high marks for traction as well.

Some downsides cited include Baabuk’s fairly strict return/exchange policy which charges fees, especially on customized or sale items. 

There are also comments that while the wool is naturally moisture-resistant, the shoes aren’t fully waterproof for heavy rain or puddles.

Over on the Allbirds side, the Tree and Wool collections get consistent praise for their pillowy softness and featherweight feel that seems to defy their sturdy construction. 

People love the moisture-wicking and odor-minimizing properties of the brand’s merino shoes. And many owners mention being able to wear them all day in total comfort.

Negative feedback mostly relates to the tongue occasionally rubbing some people the wrong way (no pun intended). There are also some longevity concerns about the Wool Runners’ insoles breaking down faster than the wool uppers. 

Like Baabuk, the wool isn’t waterproof so these shoes shouldn’t be worn for serious rain or water activities.

Wrapping Up: Making the Choice

The ongoing battle of Allbirds vs Baabuk showcases the innovation and diversity within the sustainable footwear industry.

At the end of the day, both Baabuk and Allbirds provide high-quality, sustainable wool shoes that feel good to wear and are even better about purchasing from an environmental standpoint. They do have some key differences that may sway you one way or another, though. 

If you really appreciate Old World craftsmanship and want a more customized, unique shoe, Baabuk’s traditional felting methods and ability to design your own color combinations give it an edge. It’s a slightly more niche, premium brand though without quite as many style choices as Allbirds (at least for now).

Allbirds is the bigger, trendier brand with more mainstream appeal, especially among Gen Z and Millennial consumers. Their growth and commitment to innovation show in the expansive variety of shoe styles along with apparel options. The brand has partnered with major names like Adidas and likely has more visibility.

So for timeless, artisanal wool sneakers with a lower carbon footprint, Baabuk could be your perfect fit. But if you want the latest in sustainable sneaker technology with seamless merino wool and tons of style options, Allbirds might be more your vibe. 

Either way, choosing between Allbirds vs Baabuk, you’re making an environmentally conscious choice you can feel good about!

Savannah Bailey
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