Allbirds Men's Wool Runner-up Mizzles Review: Should You Get Them?

I’ve been wearing my Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles for three years. They’re my “high-top” shoes that I like as an additional type of shoe I can have in my closet. I don’t typically seek out high-top shoes, but the Wool Runner Mizzles in its “Runner-Up Mizzles” version is a good fit for anytime I’m wearing regular pants or even dressing up casually with a collared shirt.

Let’s check out the Allbirds Men’s Wool Runner-up Mizzles in this review. I’ll tell you about how I wear them every time it rains! Be sure to look closely at my photos if you’re interested in the details.

Note: Allbirds sent me the Men’s Runner-up Mizzles to try out, and the following is my honest review about how I feel about them.

The Score View detailed breakdown

Allbirds Men's Wool Runner-up Mizzles

4.2 / 5

The Allbirds Men's Wool Runner-up Mizzles are comfortable, water-resistant sneakers with merino wool construction and stylish design, though they lack arch support for flat feet and may cause discomfort during long walks.

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Allbirds Wool Runner-up Mizzles summary

I first tried out the Allbirds shoe brand during a trip to Ireland in 2018. Thinking back, it would’ve been nice to have a shoe like the Wool Mizzle because it rains literally all the time in Ireland, and it’s when you’d least expect it.

This takes us to the Allbirds Wool Runner-up Mizzle, the shoe I’ve added to my Allbirds collection. The Allbirds Mizzles are the wool water-repellent lineup of shoes. These shoes maintain the look and most of the feel of the original Allbirds Wool Runners, with a few upgrades that are reflected in a slightly-higher price point.

The flagship feature of the Wool Mizzle shoe is the level of waterproof-ness. Merino wool is a unique material that Allbirds uses in its eco-friendly practices to make them more wintry and cozy shoes.

With the Mizzles, they’re adding a thicker material weight for more warmth and a water-repellant layer on the exterior to keep out water.

How waterproof are the Allbirds Mizzles?

The water-repellent ability is good enough for most situations. If you’re caught in the rain, you’ll be happy you have water-repellent shoes.

If you are going outside for a long period of time, stepping in puddles or trenching through snow — you’ll probably have some issues with the waterproofing.

Keep in mind that these shoes are in no way rain boots. I don’t even have rain boots, but I do have some boots that I wear in heavy rain, snow or sleet, and the Allbirds Mizzles would not be a stand-in.

Consider that having a water-repellent sneaker is good if you know there’s precipitation in the forecast, or if you’re going somewhere like Seattle or Dublin, where it’s not too hot and it’ll probably rain at some point, every day.

What’s the difference between the Allbirds Wool Mizzles and Allbirds Wool Runners?

At first glance, the standard Tree and Wool Runners for both men and women look almost identical to the new Wool Runner Mizzles (we have to break down the Allbirds model terminology here).

Here are some visuals of other Allbirds shoes, which come in unisex versions: the Wool Runner, the Tree Runner and the Wool Piper. I’ll mention a few of these as you read on.

The first difference is that the “Mizzle” line only comes in the “wool” (merino wool) material. So, you won’t find the Tree Runner in a “Mizzle” version. As for the Wool Runner Mizzles and standard Wool Runners, I really had to look at them next to each other.

Both the Wool Runner Mizzles and standard Wool Runners are made from renewable materials, are machine-washable, were built to minimize odors, and have flexible movement contouring.

Here’s a photo of each with me wearing them (the Wool Runner, and then the Wool Runner-Up Mizzle), next to each other:

Here is where the Wool Runners and Wool Runner Mizzles are different:

The price point. The Allbirds Mizzles are priced higher. While the original Wool Runners are made from the merino wool material, the Mizzle shoe is the water-repellent sneaker of the two, made from what Allbirds refers to as thicker wool.

With this, the Mizzle claims to have a “bio-based water-repellent shield” that will keep feet dry in unpredictable weather (good for an NYC fall, or a Pacific Northwest wet climate, I would think).

On par with the wet climate and rainy day aspect is the Allbirds Dasher Mizzle sneaker, which is more geared toward activity and running.

What are the pros and cons of the Allbirds Men’s Wool Mizzles?

It’s ideal to assess both the best features and the hesitations you might have when choosing which Allbirds to buy, and which Allbirds shoes might be best for you.

Pros

• There are some good things to say about Allbirds and their products, which you may have already seen in reviews, media, videos or social media.
• They’re comfortable. They’re cozy.
• They’re stylish. It’s hard for men to find a cool sneaker for wearing out during the day or out to an event at night, and it’s harder to find something that looks good enough with jeans where it doesn’t look like you came right from the gym. Allbirds do the trick here with being an attractive and trendy shoe that you can wear to work or anything casual.
• In comparison with the standard Allbirds Men’s Wool Runners, the Mizzle product has an extra layer of material that causes a tiny bit more stiffness and rigidity, which might be what you’re looking for.

Check out the floppiness versus rigidity I’m talking about when comparing the Wool Runner to the Wool Runner-up Mizzle:

Cons

While Allbirds makes cool shoes that people are excited about, there are some things to know.

• I’ve heard people say they hurt their feet (like Becca, who has flat feet and they’re sensitive to shoes that lack arches). Allbirds shoes do not have high arches and do not absorb shock like sneakers from big athletic brands would.
• I personally wouldn’t wear the Men’s Wool Runner-up Mizzles with shorts because they have a high-top effect that I’m not into unless I’m wearing pants.

Update: I’ve been wearing my Allbirds Mizzles for 3 years. I walked about 6 miles in the shoes and felt a small amount of discomfort.

I’m still very happy with the my Allbirds and often wear them when it rains or want to dress up an outfit. I think they make a great business casual shoe and are great for going to an office. If I know that I will be walking long distances (over 6 miles) or traveling and exploring a new city, I probably won’t wear them.

Here’s a photo of me and Becca both wearing our Allbirds with pants. She’s wearing the Women’s Pipers, which look fine with shorts as well (in our opinion), but you may have to be a bit bold to wear the Runner-Up Mizzles with shorts.

Final general considerations about the Men’s Wool Runner-up Mizzles

I like these Allbirds sneakers and I’m looking forward to wearing them as a decent and attractive shoe to wear with jeans, from autumn to spring. They kept me pretty warm on a cold day, too!

I think they make a nice addition to anything I’m wearing. They also come in a whole slew of colors, from Black to “Tuke Jo” (a dark gray), their natural gray and some more limited-edition color choices like navy, “Mist,” turquoise “Aurora” and a heathered navy called “Blue Ridge.”

The Runner-up Mizzles are warm and cozy because of the merino wool! For most people, I don’t think these shoes are good for hot days. These are perfect for morning walks, brisk falls days and the winter. If your feet sweat, I’d avoid them as soon as summer hits, or if you live somewhere humid.

Oddly, my feet don’t sweat, and I don’t mind wearing these even on super hot days. I quite like the look of these with shorts lately.

They are excellent travel shoes that I’ll be including in my future travel gear. I’m a big fan of only traveling with one pair of versatile shoes in order to pack minimalistically. The comfort, waterproof quality and style make the Allbirds Mizzles okay to wear in a lot of different situations.

Because they are water-resistant, the Mizzles are a bit easier to clean. They don’t get dirty as easily as my other Allbirds. Note: I have both pairs in the dark gray color choice, as to not show so much dirt (I used to live in NYC, so walking down the street, you never know what can happen).

I have the Allbirds Wool Runner-up Mizzles, which is the high-top version of the standard Wool Runner Mizzles. The regular lower Wool Runner Mizzles look a lot like the original Wool Runner shoe.

Allbirds also sells the classic Tree Runners and Wool Runners and the Dasher, which is the newer run-friendly shoe that also has a water-resistant capability.

Comparison with similar products

Here's how this product compares to similar options. Use this table to find the best of the bunch!

Where to buy Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles

I recommend getting your Allbirds on the Allbirds website. Make sure to use the code HALFHALFTRAVEL15 at checkout to receive 15% off!

Getting Allbirds in-person at a retail store

You can now buy Allbirds shoes at any of their retail stores around the world, which are located in some major (and awesome!) places like NYC, Chicago, Boston, DC, LA and also South Korea and China, not to mention across Europe.

Getting Allbirds shoes online with shipping

If you’re not near an Allbirds store and you want to sit at home and shop online, go for it! You can shop on Allbirds.com to get the Wool Runner Mizzles or Wool Runner-Up Mizzles.

What’s so great about Allbirds shoes?

Allbirds shoes have a few key features that set them apart from other brands I’m familiar with.

First of all, they use natural products in their sneakers. Allbirds shoes are made ethically with materials like merino wool, sugar cane and castor bean.

Some of their materials are even carbon-negative, like the soles of the Wool Runner Mizzles. That’s something to be happy about.

Lastly, you can wash your Allbirds in a regular washing machine. Just be sure to line-dry them, and don’t put them in the dryer, but it’s pretty straightforward. Your shoes are guaranteed to be clean and free of odors after a good machine wash, and this is one of the simplest ways the Allbirds shoes make looking good pretty easy.

Another thing you’ll find out when shopping for Allbirds is that they have a 30-day return policy with no questions asked. Also, any order online over $50 ships free, and all of their shoes are $50+ so that’s a one-and-done.

You can learn more about the sustainability practices of the company at the Allbirds website.

Detailed score breakdown

Allbirds Men's Wool Runner-up Mizzles

4.2 / 5

The Allbirds Men's Wool Runner-up Mizzles are comfortable, water-resistant sneakers with merino wool construction and stylish design, though they lack arch support for flat feet and may cause discomfort during long walks.

All-day comfort

76%

Comfortable for short to medium walks but can cause discomfort during long distances (6+ miles). I actually did walk 6 miles in mine and got a footache, so my best conclusion is to use these for light, rather than sustained, walking, and quick errands rather than all-day intensive use.

Support & stability

70%

They have minimal arch support and shock absorption compared to athletic sneakers. Not ideal for flat feet or those needing significant support, nor anyone whose feet pronate, as the arch is limited and the sole is flat. There is slight cushioning in the sole compared to other Allbirds models, though.

Fit & sizing consistency

84%

True to size fit. I got a good fit the first time, with size 10, which works perfectly for my standard-width feet. The merino wool conforms to foot movement over time, and I find this to be the case with all of Allbirds' merino wool shoes.

Breathability & moisture control

80%

Good breathability with merino wool material, though not ideal for hot, humid weather. I wear mine only in cooler weather, or if in warmer temperatures, I make sure to wear breathable socks and expect some heat to be getting trapped.

Water resistance performance

92%

Good water resistance (not water PROOFING) with the Mizzle's bio-based water-repellent shield. They keep my feet dry in light rain and wet conditions, so they've actually been my go-to if there's slight rain in the forecast or if rain has just stopped. I'd avoid wearing them in downpours completely.

Traction on different surfaces

84%

Good traction for city walking and casual use. Consider that they're high-tops with a thick sole, and it has some grip for sidewalk pavement (but not hiking or athletics).

Weight & balance on foot

86%

Lightweight and well-balanced for daily wear. The merino wool keeps the shoes feeling light even with the added water-resistant layer. Feels nimble and efficient during normal walking.

Dry-time speed

80%

The merino wool upper dries relatively quickly after getting wet, though the water-resistant treatment may slow drying slightly compared to standard Wool Runners. Machine washable and air dries well overnight.

Packability in luggage

88%

Good for travellightweight and versatile enough to work with multiple outfits. Easy to pack and clean. Machine washable makes them easy to maintain on trips. Can work as a single versatile travel shoe.

Durability over time

90%

Good durability with merino wool construction. Machine washable and easy to maintain. Shows minimal wear after 3 years of use. The thicker wool material and water-resistant treatment add durability compared to standard Wool Runners.

Insole quality & replaceability

70%

The insoles do not have arch support, so any guys with flat feet should consider if they want to use custom inserts. That would do the trick for getting support in your Mizzles.

Style & outfit versatility

96%

Very versatile, which I like. They work with jeans, casual pants, and business casual attire. The high-top style works better with pants than shorts. The Runner-up Mizzles version provides a slightly more elevated look than the standard version.

Overall value for price

90%

Good value considering the comfort, water resistance factor and sustainability from Allbirds (a B Corp). The higher price point justifies them for the versatility in travel use, and the great everyday casual style I get from them.

How we score gear

Want to learn more?

If you’re interested in the Mizzle idea, but a more athletic shoe, I’d recommend seeing the Wool Dasher Mizzle Sneakers, which I outline in my Men’s Wool Dasher Mizzle Sneakers review.

Check out our Allbirds brand review where you’ll see our other reviews and more information about Allbirds!