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This may come as a surprise, but that thick and cozy material wool is actually one of the world’s most versatile fibers. A naturally occurring fabric, it actively does a fantastic job of really regulating your body temperature and wicking away moisture from your body. In other words, while keeping you comfortable and cozy, it’s also keeping you from overheating.
Hikers have known about the powers of wool for decades (using it frequently as the base for their layers or in their socks), but the fashion industry has been a little slow to incorporate it into more stylish options, until now.
Wool shoes certainly weren’t much of a thing until Allbirds came along. And while that beloved sneaker (rightfully) gets a lot of love, there are lots of other exciting options out there for those that want all the benefits of wearing a wool sneaker. Below, you’ll find plenty of wool sneaker options to help your feet stay cool and cozy, starting with everything and anything Allbirds because if you don’t have a pair of Allbirds yet, you’re way behind.
Best Allbirds Wool Sneakers
1. Allbirds Wool Runners
BEST OVERALL
The shoe that arguably started it all, the Allbirds Wool Runners are more than likely the wool shoe you’re most familiar with — and for a good reason. The superfine merino wool does an excellent job of naturally regulating your body temperature, which means your feet won’t overheat. Additionally, that merino wool helps to cushion and comfort your foot with every step and even helps to cut down on foot odor. Light and springy with every step, you might not want to ever wear anything else ever again, which is why they’re easily the best wool sneakers you can buy. Period.
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2. Allbirds Wool Runner-up Mizzles
BEST HIGH TOP SNEAKER
If your personal preference skews more towards a high-top, the Allbirds Runner-up Mizzles are the way to go. Built with rubberized treads and the brand’s water-repellent tech, they’re the best wool sneakers to stomp around town in on rainy days. And, just like their low-top brother, they’re comfortable, supportive, and cozy as hell.
Related: The Most Comfortable Sneakers
3. Allbirds Wool Loungers Fluffs Sneaker
BEST HOUSE SHOE
Listen, we all need a good house shoe. Whether it’s something quick to slip on when you’re taking out the trash or something to wear when your toes are cold, a good house shoe can make all the difference. While characteristically speaking, they can’t technically be the best wool sneakers, or really even considered “sneakers” at all, they’re still an excellent option to sport wherever. Allbirds took what made their other wool-based shoes so great and applied that to an easy-to-wear lounger shoe. Like their other shoes, it’s totally machine washable, minimizes odor, and made from renewable materials. Oh, and it’s super easy to put it on and roll.
4. Allbirds Wool Pipers
BEST CAUSAL
Heading on a couple of errands? Or maybe you’re kicking back and relaxing the day away? Whatever your day entails, do it in these Allbirds Wool Pipers, similar to a low profile Vans-like shoe that’s great for all kinds of laid back activities. Whether it’s hanging on the couch, letting the dog out, or making a meal, the wool upper yields comfort and coziness in equal measure.
5. Allbirds Wool Dasher Fluffs
BEST RUNNERS
Despite the name of the Allbirds Wool Runners, the best-dedicated running shoe offered by the brand is these Dasher Fluffs. Constructed for “performance on the inside, party on the outside,” the dashers included shock-absorbing elements to help your stride glide comfortably with every single step. The merino wool-lined cushion help to lock and support your heel for the best stability and are, of course, machine washable.
Best Alternatives to Allbirds Wool Sneakers
6. LeMouton Wool Sneaker
BEST ALLBIRDS ALTERNATIVE
Out of all the shoes on the list, these by LeMouton are (perhaps) the closest thing to Allbirds you can get without getting them directly. Built from a wool and polyester blend, the upper is also built with a bit of extra cushion and support to help gently cradle your foot in place as you wear the sneaker throughout the day. The wool construction allows you to wear them without socks, making it so that they’ll naturally regulate foot sweat to keep you cool. However, if the shoes get too funky, you can easily toss them in the wash for a nice refresh.
Read more: The Best Men’s White Sneakers
7. Baabuk Urban Wooler
BEST PHILANTHROPIC OPTION
Based in Switzerland, Baabuk is yet another entry in the wool sneaker market, though they are taking a slightly different approach. Yes, they do offer a similar style of handsome-looking sneakers made famous by Allbirds, but these shoes take it a step further (forgive the pun) by adding a little philanthropy with each purchase. Registered as an official B Corporation (which is a for-profit company that promotes an actionable, philanthropic agenda), Baabuk has made sure its business impacts the countries it operates in, as well as the environment as a whole, in a positive way. Our favorite option from Baabuk is their Urban Wooler. With a sleek silhouette and an upper comprised of 100% Portuguese mulesing-free sheep wool, this is a shoe that looks good and does good, too.
8. TravisMathew Daily Wool Sneaker
BEST EVERYDAY
With a really rich texture, TravisMathew’s Daily wool sneaks are both comfortable and handsome enough to be your all-day, everyday sneaks. Complete with a full rubber outsole for total cushioning and support, your feet aren’t even going to hurt after miles and miles of walking. What’s more, that great wool gives you all the technical features you’d need — but in a totally work-and-play-ready shoe.
9. Giesswein Wool Sneaker
BEST THIN
Ready for summer in wool? Good, you should be. Giesswein’s Wool Sneaker uses a thin layer of their unique 3D-Stretch Merino wool material to create some of the most lightweight wool sneaks we’ve ever seen. Not only that, but each sneaker has an EVA sole which makes them lighter than your average sneaker, too. The sneaks are moisture and temp-regulating, so even though the shoes are made with wool, your feet will stay temperate at all times. There are a number of colors available, but you can’t go wrong with something more neutral.
10. Loro Piana 360 Flexy Wool Sneakers
BEST LUXURY OPTION
The luxury pick on this list, Loro Piana’s wool runners are super light. Like really light. The 360 in their name refers to their 360 gram, or 3/4 of a pound, lightness that makes it feel like there’s almost nothing on your foot at all. The Italian brand also builds its wool shoes from ultra-soft Wish wool, a proprietary wool material that’s made entirely by Loro Piana themselves. This wool adds even more softness and comfort than a standard pair of wool shoes. The light sole pops nicely alongside the rich, two-toned gray, too.
11. Peter Millar Hyperlight Glide Sneaker
BEST FOR RUNNING
Get grooving and moving with the Peter Millar Hyperlight Glide Sneaker — perfect for all of your summer workouts. The Hyperlight Glide Sneakers are great for whatever your day brings. Casual work spots, outdoor runs, errands, whatever, the polyester/wool sneakers will keep you cool, calm and collected all day. Moisture management and comfort are in the forefront here, too, so you can kiss sweaty, uncomfortable feet goodbye.
12. Urban Fox Parker Wool Sneakers
BEST VALUE
Looking for a wool sneaker but don’t want to shell out a considerable amount of money to do so? Urban Fox should be your first stop shop. Available in a few different colors that will pair well with any outfit, the Parker wool sneaker is made with a breezy and lightweight construction that allows for you to have a spring in your every step. Here, you’ll get all the same great benefits you’d come to expect from a wool sneaker. Oh, and at under $40, it’s a fantastic deal.
13. Glerups GR Wool Sneaker
BEST HYBRID
Nestled somewhere in between a slipper and a house-style shoe is this selection from Glerups. Essentially a boot, its 100% natural Merino and Gotland wool construction allows for maximum comfort in a shoe that’s easy to take on and off. The style is similar to that of a Chelsea boot but gives you all the benefits that come with a wool-based shoe including warmth, breathability and excellent moisture retention.
14. Industry of All Nations Cabrales Slippers
BEST SLIPPERS
Okay, while these technically aren’t sneakers, we couldn’t help to end off on the coziest note of them all: slippers. Every man needs a good pair of slippers — especially if they’re the kind you can leave the house in, like the Industry of All Nations Cabrales slippers pictured below. They have a soft yet snug and sturdy design that are both comfortable for wearing around the house and on errands outside your homely abode.
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