Allbirds may use vegan leather, but figuring out whether Allbirds are a totally vegan shoe can be a bit complicated.
This is because they contain many different materials, some of which may be of animal origin.
To make sure you are buying clothing and accessories that align with your vegan lifestyle, I’ve investigated the materials in Allbirds shoes.
Here’s what I found.
Are Allbirds Shoes Vegan?
No. Allbirds shoes are not vegan.
Allbirds use environmentally friendly materials like plant-based leather in their shoes to replace unsustainable leather, but they are not vegan because all the shoes in their lineup contain merino wool.
Merino wool is a type of wool that comes from a specific breed of sheep. So, while Allbirds shoes may be eco-friendly, they’re not vegan.
Are Allbirds Shoes Cruelty-Free?
No. Allbirds shoes are not cruelty-free because they use wool in their shoes.
As mentioned before, the wool comes from merino sheep. These sheep are bred for their wool and in most countries where sheep are raised for their wool, abuse and cruelty are common.
Wool shearers are paid by the hour, so they are incentivized to work quickly, which often leads to them injuring the sheep. Wounds are often sewn shut without any painkillers.
Sheep are also bred to make so much wool that their bodies become incapable of regulating their temperature. In hot weather, they often die from heat stress. In addition, urine and feces often build up on their wool, which can lead to infections.
So, while Allbirds shoes are made from sustainable materials, they’re definitely not cruelty-free.
What Is Plant-Based Leather?
Plant-based leather is a type of leather made from plants instead of animals. It is often made from renewable natural materials, such as natural rubber and vegetable oil.
Innovations in Allbirds’ supply chain processes and manufacturing techniques mean that they are able to create a soft, breathable, and environmentally friendly leather alternative to the animal-based or synthetic leathers made by most fashion companies.
Compared to traditional leather and synthetic leather, plant-based leather also provides the possibility of at least a 95% reduction in carbon emissions. It is also biodegradable, meaning that it will break down naturally over time. And, it doesn’t require the use of harsh chemicals in its production like traditional leather does.
What Are Allbirds Shoes Made Of?
Here are the materials used in Allbirds Shoes:
- FSC-certified TENCEL Lyocell (eucalyptus tree fiber) upper
- SwiftFoam midsole made with bio-based Pebax
- FSC-certified natural rubber outsole
- Shoelaces made from recycled plastic bottles
- SweetFoam insole foam
- ZQ merino wool heel lining
Let’s break down the material of Allbirds shoes:
FSC-certified TENCEL Lyocell (eucalyptus tree fiber) upper
FSC-certified TENCEL Lyocell is a type of eucalyptus tree fiber. The fiber is turned into a soft, breathable fabric that is perfect for shoes.
Eucalyptus tree fibers are a sustainable resource because they grow quickly and don’t require much water or pesticides to thrive. Lyocell is often considered to be more sustainable than other types of fabric and it is considered a vegan alternative to silk.
SwiftFoam midsole made with bio-based Pebax
The SwiftFoam midsole is made with bio-based Pebax. Pebax is a type of plastic that is derived from plants. It is a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
Pebax is a lightweight, durable material perfect for shoe midsoles. It helps to absorb impact and provides a comfortable ride. Because it is derived from plants, it is considered a vegan-friendly material.
FSC-certified natural rubber outsole
The FSC-certified natural rubber outsole is made from latex. Latex is a milky white sap that comes from rubber trees.
Rubber trees are a sustainable resource because they can be harvested without harming the tree. Natural rubber is a durable, eco-friendly material that is perfect for shoe outsoles. Natural rubber is vegan.
Shoelaces made from recycled plastic bottles
Allbirds shoelaces are made from recycled plastic bottles. Recycled plastic bottles are turned into a type of yarn called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This is a great way to recycle plastic bottles and keep them out of landfills.
SweetFoam insole foam
SweetFoam is a type of insole foam made from sugarcane. Sugarcane is a sustainable resource because it grows quickly and doesn’t require much water or pesticides to thrive.
SweetFoam is a soft, comfortable material that helps to absorb impact. It is eco-friendly and vegan friendly.
ZQ merino wool heel lining
The ZQ Merino wool heel lining is made from the wool of merino sheep. Merino sheep are a type of sheep native to New Zealand. The wool from these sheep is considered to be some of the finest in the world.
Merino is a soft, breathable material that is also eco-friendly and biodegradable. However, it is not vegan friendly because it is an animal product.
Why Aren’t Allbirds Shoes Vegan?
Allbirds is not a vegan or cruelty-free company.
Allbirds shoes, according to their website, do not have vegan products. They use merino wool, which comes from sheep. Even their plant-leather shoes are not vegan because they have wool in the heel lining.
The company also is not a PETA-approved cruelty-free brand because the sheep in the wool industry are often abused and exploited.
Is Allbirds Women’s Tree Dasher Relay Vegan?
No. Allbirds Women’s Tree Dasher Relay is made with wool. Even though the materials are sustainable and eco-friendly, they are not vegan.
Are Allbirds Women’s Tree Runners Vegan?
No. Allbirds Women’s Tree Runners are made with wool. Even though the shoes are made from sustainable materials, they are not vegan.
Are Allbirds Women’s Tree Breezers Vegan?
No. Allbirds Women’s Tree Breezer is made with wool.
Are Allbirds Men’s Tree Pipers Vegan?
No. Allbirds Men’s Tree Pipers are made with wool. Even though the materials are sustainable and eco-friendly, they are not vegan.
Are Allbirds Men’s Tree Loungers Vegan?
No. The Allbirds Men’s Tree Lounger is not a vegan shoe because it is made with wool. Even though the materials are sustainable and eco-friendly, they are not vegan.
Vegan Alternatives to Allbirds Shoes
These shoes all use vegan leather made with sustainable and regenerative methods that are gentle on the environment. Plant leather has at least 17 times less carbon impact than traditional or synthetic leather.
Final Words
Allbirds may be using eco-friendly and sustainable materials, but they are not vegan or cruelty-free. The wool industry is ripe with abuse and exploitation, and even their plant leather shoes contain wool. If you are looking for a vegan-style alternative to Allbirds, there are many other companies that sell vegan shoes made from sustainable materials.
The companies I listed above all make vegan shoes that are eco-friendly and vegan. So, if you are looking for an alternative to Allbirds, I would recommend checking out one of these companies.