Test des Allbirds Tree Runners : le nouveau Tree Runner Go est-il un meilleur choix ?

If you’re an eco-conscious shopper, you probably know Allbirds for its engagement to sustainable materials and working toward net zero emissions by 2030. While the brand is famous for its wool sneakers (the Wool Runners), Allbirds has also gained popularity for its lightweight, sustainable Tree Runner line, which includes two models that can be worn as everyday and travel shoes: The original Tree Runners and the newly launched Tree Runner Go.

Both models are made of plant-based materials, but beyond sharing the Tree Runner name, these two are wildly different shoes. I tested both versions head-to-head while walking, running around town and going about my day. Here’s what I thought.

Le Tree Runners are a classic-looking sneaker with a slim profile. They come in numerous colorways (21 options at the time of writing, mostly neutrals). While the shoe looks pretty standard as far as sneakers go, it’s noticeably more lightweight, breathable and minimal than others I’ve worn. The upper feels stretchy and silky smooth, and the sole is very flexible and bendy. Additionally, the foam under the toes is very thin (it gets thicker at the heel), so when I was walking, my forefoot felt like it was on the ground. This reminded me of barefoot-style shoes that I’ve worn, and although the sensation is strange, it actually has a lot of benefits. Minimal cushioning requires you to engage your foot muscles like you naturally would when you are barefoot, building strength and stability. Although these shoes have more features than barefoot shoes, they have far less protection than your average sneakers.

Walking around was surprisingly comfortable. The shoe fit well and conformed to my foot nicely. I have a wide foot and last time I tried the brand’s Wool Runners, I could barely fit my foot into my standard sizing because the wool wouldn’t budge. However, the eucalyptus fabric here easily conformed to my foot and it was barely noticeable while I was out and about. The heel cup has a merino wool lining which makes it stiffer than the rest of the shoe so I didn’t experience any heel slipping.

The cushioning felt firm but responsive, so it didn’t bother me that there wasn’t much of it. The one major drawback for me was purely aesthetic: The upper is so thin that you can see the shape of my toes no matter how I was standing. I tested them in a light color, so a darker tone might solve the issue.

Compared to the Tree Runners, the Tree Runner Go feels like an entirely different shoe. It is all around sturdier, with a thicker, stiffer outsole and woven upper material that feels much more structured and similar to a classic sneaker.

When I slipped the shoe on, I wasn’t sure about the fit. It’s a very low volume sneaker, which means that it doesn’t have much height or room at the top of the foot. People with larger or higher-volume feet may need to size up. While the original Tree Runners felt comfortable right off the bat, Tree Runner Go felt a bit restrictive even as I was just sitting around, so it does require a break-in period.

Before wearing the Go, I was worried that it would be too stiff—the foam barely compresses at all when you squeeze it. But after a few short neighborhood walks, these shoes broke in and felt very comfortable. The upper is very snug, but it’s soft enough that it doesn’t create pressure points. The Tree Runner Go also has more arch support than the Tree Runners—I appreciated the cradled feeling and the amount of responsive foam underfoot. This shoe is much more durable than the original version, too, so it won’t wear down as quickly.

Tree Runners Vs Tree Runner Go: What’s the Difference?

Here are some of the major differences between the two models:

Matériels

The sustainable materials are what set Allbirds apart from other shoes. Both models have an upper made of Tencel lyocell tree fiber. This material is great in warm weather, since it keeps the interior of the shoe cool and wicks moisture. However, the original Tree Runners are thinner and silkier—almost like mesh—so it’s much more breathable than the Tree Runner Go. The upper on the Go has a denser, woven fabric, and while it doesn’t overheat, it doesn’t feel as airy as the original.

Also great: Allbirds’ materials are all machine-washable so you can clean them easily. However, be sure to remove the insole and laces, and toss them in a mesh bag beforehand so the material doesn’t snag in the washing machine.

Amortissement

Both shoes use the brand’s proprietary Sweetfoam midsole, which is made of sugarcane-based green EVA foam. This foam is stiff yet bouncy, creating an enjoyable stride. While the original is relatively minimal, especially at the toe, the Go uses nearly double the foam for people who like that extra cushioning.

Soutien

The original model gained a massive following for its minimalism, but for some people, it didn’t provide enough support. The Go comes with a stiffer upper to keep your foot in line, and a footbed that offers much more arch support. I actually found that the arch support too intense at first, but I quickly warmed up to it. I don’t have any foot problems, so I can go back and forth between these two easily, but if you have flat feet or high arches, you may want to choose based on the level of support you need.

Réflexions finales

Both models showcase Allbirds’ commitment to sustainability and comfort, but they cater to different needs. If you prefer a minimalistic, lightweight shoe that mimics the barefoot experience, the Tree Runners should be your top choice. But if you need more structure and support, the Tree Runner Go est votre meilleur choix.