Our Story

The journey behind Allbirds begins with a straightforward but ambitious idea: products can always be made in a more thoughtful and responsible way. From its earliest stages, the brand has been driven by curiosity about materials, manufacturing methods, and the environmental cost of everyday footwear. Rather than accepting industry norms, it set out to question them, aiming to design shoes that prioritize comfort while also reducing harm to the planet. This guiding mindset has remained consistent throughout its development.

The initial inspiration can be traced back to New Zealand in the late 2000s, when former athlete Tim Brown started reflecting on the footwear he had worn throughout his career. He noticed how much of the industry depended on synthetic inputs and surface-level design choices, often overlooking comfort and environmental considerations. Living in a country known for its natural landscapes and access to high-quality Merino wool, he began exploring whether nature itself could offer a better foundation for footwear design.

Years later, this early curiosity turned into a concrete venture when Tim Brown joined forces with engineer and sustainability specialist Joey Zwillinger in 2014. Their collaboration brought together creative design thinking and technical expertise, allowing them to reimagine how shoes could be developed from the ground up. Instead of making incremental improvements, they focused on rethinking materials and production systems entirely, with the goal of reducing environmental impact while maintaining strong performance and everyday usability.

In 2016, the first product from this effort reached the public. Known as the Wool Runner, it introduced a different approach to casual footwear. Built with soft Merino wool and a minimalist structure, it quickly stood out for its lightweight feel and easy wearability. People responded to its simplicity and comfort, and it soon became widely recognized as a new kind of everyday shoe. That single release laid the groundwork for what would become a growing global presence.

As development continued, the brand expanded its material exploration beyond wool. Tree-based fibers and plant-derived components were introduced as alternatives to conventional synthetics, along with foam made from renewable agricultural sources such as sugarcane. Each of these materials was selected not only for performance qualities like breathability, cushioning, and durability, but also for their potential to reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based resources. The goal has consistently been to move toward better solutions rather than simply maintaining existing standards.

A key part of the company’s identity is its focus on measuring impact more broadly than just financial success. As a certified B Corporation, it evaluates performance through social and environmental outcomes as well. This includes tracking emissions, improving supply chain transparency, and investing in systems that support long-term sustainability goals. By taking this wider view, it aims to align business growth with responsibility and accountability.

Efforts have also extended into agricultural partnerships and carbon awareness initiatives. Work with regenerative farming programs, particularly in regions such as New Zealand, has helped deepen understanding of how materials like wool interact with the environment. These efforts consider both emissions produced and carbon naturally stored in land systems, offering a more complete perspective on environmental impact than traditional models typically provide.

Over time, the brand has attracted attention not only from consumers but also from professionals and commentators interested in design, sustainability, and comfort. Discussions around footwear have increasingly emphasized the importance of everyday comfort and natural materials, reflecting a broader shift in consumer expectations. What was once considered a niche approach has gradually become part of a larger conversation about responsible design.

Today, the evolution continues with the same foundational belief that started it all: there is always a better way forward. Through ongoing experimentation, refinement, and a commitment to reducing environmental impact, the brand continues to explore how comfort, practicality, and responsibility can coexist in everyday products.