‘Not your average knit’: Brand behind the ‘world’s most comfortable running shoes’ launches a CARDIGAN made from cosy New Zealand merino wool
- Allbirds is known for designing the ‘world’s most comfortable running shoes’
- The brand has now launched an apparel range including a cosy wool cardigan
- The Wool Cardi costs $240 AUD and is made from New Zealand merino wool
- The cardigan has already started selling out and is described as ‘impossibly soft’
The brand behind the ‘world’s most comfortable running shoes’ has launched an ‘impossibly cosy’ cardigan as part of its new apparel range.
Allbirds – a San Francisco-based sustainable footwear company co-founded by former professional New Zealand footballer Tim Brown – has sparked a rush on the new women’s ‘Wool Cardi’ which is made from premium merino wool.
Although a steep $240 AUD, the chemical-free cardigan is made from the brand’s famous super-fine ‘wonder-fibre’ mix and is slightly oversized with a textured knit structure and distinctive design details.
It’s been so popular that sizes ‘extra small’ and ‘small’ have already sold out online.
The brand behind the ‘world’s most comfortable running shoes’ has launched an ‘impossibly cosy’ cardigan as part of its new apparel range
Allbirds – a San Francisco-based sustainable footwear company co-founded by former professional New Zealand footballer Tim Brown – has sparked a rush on the new women’s ‘Wool Cardi’ which is made from premium merino wool
The brand describes the piece as a ‘relaxed-but-structured take on the traditional cardigan’ that serves as an ‘elevated cool-weather layer designed for season after season warmth’.
Allbirds, which is known for its light shoes made from natural materials, launched its Allbirds Apparel range in October 2020 with a puffer jacket, socks and a t-shirt each labelled with their Carbon footprint – a world first.
Each piece embodies the brand’s philosophy of the ‘right amount of nothing’ and is designed to look visually distinctive and feel luxurious.
Earlier in the year, the brand launched $225 Tree Dasher performance sneakers in addition to the AUD $140 Wool Runners famous for being a favourite of celebrities including Mila Kunis and Barack Obama.
What makes the Cardi different to others?
Merino Wool
Allbirds re-engineered its signature soft & cosy merino wool to create a sustainable cardigan
Structured Yet Soft
A thicker gauge yarn and heavier weight help prevent a change in form and fit without interfering with the Wool Cardi’s ease and comfort
Double Knit
The double knit structure fused with expressive stitching creates a playful, unique feeling in the fabric pattern
Chemical Free
The Wool Cardi is independently tested for harmful substances according to strict global criteria
Recycled Buttons & Carbon Neutral
Recycled polyester is used for the buttons and it is carbon neutral thanks to a combination of sustainable practices, like using natural materials and carbon credits
Although a steep $240 AUD, the chemical-free cardigan is made from the brand’s famous super-fine ‘wonder-fibre’ mix and is slightly oversized with a textured knit structure and distinctive design details
Since launching in 2016, the original Allbirds sneakers have been worn by the likes of Jennifer Garner (left) and Whitney Port (right)
What made them different to the original runner is the focus on durability and support while keeping the shoe lighter weight than your typical sneaker.
The liner and odour/sweat minimising materials mean no socks are needed; the shoes can be washed in the washing machine on a cool, gentle cycle after use.
Allbirds was co-founded by New Zealander Tim Brown, who teamed up with Joey Zwillinger, an engineer and renewables expert, to craft a revolutionary wool fabric made specifically for footwear.
Allbirds was co-founded by New Zealander Tim Brown (left), who teamed up with Joey Zwillinger (right), an engineer and renewables expert, to craft a revolutionary wool fabric made specifically for footwear
Pictured are the Allbirds Tree Dashers – a high performance sneaker launched in 2020
The AUD $140 Wool Runners (pictured) have earned fans including Mila Kunis (right), Leonardo DiCaprio and Barack Obama since their launch in 2016
The result was an entirely new category of shoes ‘inspired by natural materials, and an ongoing mantra to create better things in a better way’.
‘The thinking behind Allbirds was it would be innovative to do nothing; to strip back a shoe and create something simple and natural. Sometimes innovation is about taking things away,’ Mr Brown said previously.
The former professional football player’s vision of a minimalist line of runners made from eco-friendly materials like Merino wool and eucalyptus fibre with textured laces made with plastic bottles was born on the soccer field in 2008.
Brown, who was playing with the Newcastle Jets in Australia, realise his endless supply of sneakers from his sponsor was ‘totally unnecessary’.
They have since sold millions of pairs of the shoes and describe them as ‘the most comfortable shoes in the world’.
You can buy Allbirds online here.