Are you tired of sacrificing comfort for style when it comes to your shoes? We have two game-changing brands that are shaking up the footwear industry. Allbirds and Baabuk are both known for their comfortable, eco-friendly, and fashion-forward shoes.
So, what are the differences between allbirds and baabuk?
Allbirds and Baabuk are both footwear brands that make sustainable wool shoes. Allbirds is a New Zealand and American company that also sells apparel. Baabuk is a Swiss family-owned business that specializes in slippers, slip-ons, and runners.
Here’s some related information about Allbirds and Baabuk:
- Materials: Allbirds shoes are made with merino wool and eucalyptus. Baabuk shoes are made with wool.
- Weight: Baabuk sneakers weigh 360 grams, while Allbirds sneakers weigh about 510 grams.
- Softness: Allbirds uses 17.5 micron merino wool, which is soft but more vulnerable to wear.
- Design: Baabuk shoes are inspired by Siberian Valenki boots and feature modern Swiss design.
- Style: Baabuk offers a variety of colors and styles, including seasonal and limited-edition options.
So whether you’re an avid runner or simply looking for a pair of everyday shoes that will keep your feet happy all day long, these two brands have got you covered.
Keep reading to discover what sets them apart from each other and determine which one is the perfect match for your feet.
The Short Answer: The 3 best sustainable knit shoes for women and men
Contents
Through thorough research and careful consideration of various factors, I have come up with my top recommendations for the most sustainable knit shoe options for both women and men. These options include Greats, Allbirds, and Vivaia.
First on the list is Greats, a brand that stands out for its use of recycled plastic bottles to create stylish knit sneakers. By repurposing plastic waste, Greats not only reduces its environmental impact but also contributes to cleaning up our oceans. They also utilize other eco-friendly materials such as post-consumer recycled rubber for the soles of their shoes. Sustainability is at the core of Greats’ brand values.
Another leading brand in sustainable knit shoes is Allbirds, certified as a B Corp and well-known for using natural and renewable materials in their products. Their signature material is merino wool, sourced from humane farming practices and boasting excellent properties like breathability, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistance. Allbirds also uses recycled materials for laces and packaging, further reducing their environmental footprint.
Last but not least is Vivaia, offering chic knit shoes for both women and men made from recycled ocean plastic and other low-impact materials. They are committed to sustainability and have partnered with organizations that clean up plastic waste from the ocean.
Additionally, Vivaia offers customization options for colors and styles on their website, making it effortless to find a unique and sustainable pair of shoes that fits your personal style.
The emergence of sustainably-made knit sneakers
Allbirds and Baabuk have played a vital role in the emergence of sustainably-made knit sneakers, showcasing their unwavering commitment to sustainability in every aspect of their business operations.
Their use of eco-friendly materials, dedication to reducing their carbon footprint, and promotion of sustainable practices have set a high bar for other brands to follow.
| Key Contributions | Allbirds | Baabuk |
| Sustainable Materials | Employing ZQ-certified merino wool, FSC-certified eucalyptus lyocell, and bio-based EVA crafted from Brazilian sugarcane | Utilizing wool from ethical sources, plant-derived leather made from vegetable oil, and natural rubber |
| Reducing Carbon Footprint | Setting a net-zero carbon goal by 2030, implementing regenerative agriculture and renewable materials initiatives | Demonstrating a commitment to using renewable energy and reducing emissions through sustainable practices |
| Promoting Eco-Friendly Practices | Introducing their circularity program ReRun™, advocating for cold water washing and line drying of shoes | Promoting sustainable practices such as incorporating renewable energy and circular design into their products |
| Industry Leadership | Fostering long-term partnerships with factories, enforcing a rigorous Code of Conduct for suppliers, actively participating in organizations like Carbon Neutral and B Corp | Cultivating relationships with sustainable suppliers, being members of organizations like Sustainable Apparel Coalition and B Corp |
| Innovation and Education | Unveiling their proprietary carbon footprint calculator to help other brands understand their impact, prioritizing the use of sustainable and recycled materials | Prioritizing innovation and education through the use of sustainable materials and circular design practices |
Through their exemplary actions and leadership, Allbirds and Baabuk have not only played a crucial role in the rise of sustainably-made knit sneakers, but also set a precedent for other brands to prioritize sustainability in their practices.
Chart: Comparing the Cost of Knit Sneakers
| Brand | Price Range | Materials | Durability |
| Allbirds | $95-$145 | Merino Wool, Recycled Plastic | Long-lasting |
| Baabuk | $95-$120 | Merino Wool, Natural Rubber | Long-lasting |
When it comes to cost, both Allbirds and Baabuk offer knit sneakers starting at $9However, Allbirds’ prices can reach up to $145 for their limited edition options, while Baabuk’s highest-priced model is only $120.
In terms of materials, both brands use merino wool as the main component for their knit sneakers. However, Allbirds stands out by incorporating recycled plastic for their laces and packaging, making them an environmentally-friendly choice. On the other hand, Baabuk uses natural rubber for the soles of their shoes, which adds to their durability.
Speaking of durability, both Allbirds and Baabuk offer long-lasting options. Due to Baabuk’s traditional manufacturing methods and Allbirds’ additional water-resistant treatment, their knit sneakers are durable and can withstand various weather conditions.
Vessi vs. Allbirds
When it comes to the question of Vessi vs. Allbirds, there are a few key distinctions to be made between these two popular shoe brands that both offer waterproof options for travel, everyday wear, and rainy days.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the main differences between Vessi and Allbirds shoes:
Waterproof Technology:
One of the main disparities between Vessi and Allbirds lies in their approaches to waterproofing. Vessi utilizes patented Dyma-tex material for 100% waterproof shoes, while Allbirds relies on a natural water-resistant coating for their Mizzles line. This means that Vessi shoes may be more effective in keeping your feet dry in heavy rain or wet conditions.
Materials:
Both Vessi and Allbirds have a strong sustainability ethos and use sustainable materials in their shoes.
However, Vessi takes it a step further by offering vegan shoes, while Allbirds incorporates natural materials such as merino wool and EVA sugarcane foam.
Toe Box:
The toe box refers to the space in the front of the shoe where your toes sit.
The toe box on Vessi shoes is wider compared to Allbirds, which has a tighter and softer toe box. This may be something to consider for those with wider feet or who prefer a roomier fit.
Sole Grip:
While both Vessi and Allbirds have slip-resistant soles, Vessi goes the extra mile by having specialized grip in the heel and toe areas for improved performance on wet surfaces.
Pricing:
In terms of pricing, both brands are comparable with occasional sales bringing down the cost of Vessi shoes to match or even undercut Allbirds.
Return and Exchange Policies:
The return and exchange policies differ by location, so it’s important to check before ordering. It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with these policies before making a purchase.
In summary, while both Vessi and Allbirds offer comfortable and stylish options for travel footwear, they have their own unique strengths.
Vessi may be more effective in keeping your feet dry, while Allbirds offers a variety of natural materials and has a tighter toe box.
Also Read: Are Geox Shoes Good?
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to finding the perfect combination of comfort, style, and sustainability in your shoes, Allbirds and Baabuk are two brands that truly stand out.
These eco-friendly brands prioritize reducing their carbon footprint and offer a diverse range of styles for both men and women. But what sets them apart?
Allbirds impresses with its use of innovative materials like merino wool and eucalyptus fibers, while Baabuk offers unique designs perfect for colder weather. Both also prioritize ethical sourcing and fair trade practices, making them not just fashionable but also responsible choices.
And with other sustainable knit shoe options like Greats, Vivaia, and more emerging in the market, it’s clear that sustainable footwear is becoming a top priority for both consumers and brands alike.
