Our Story

The journey of Allbirds began with a straightforward idea: products can be created differently when design, comfort, and responsibility are considered together. From its earliest days, the brand has focused on questioning traditional approaches and searching for improved ways to make footwear. Instead of accepting existing industry standards, Allbirds set out to explore how natural materials, thoughtful engineering, and sustainable practices could come together to create shoes that are enjoyable to wear while reducing environmental impact.

The foundation of the company can be traced back to New Zealand, where Tim Brown first started exploring a new vision for footwear. As a former professional footballer, he had extensive experience with athletic shoes but noticed that many products in the market depended heavily on synthetic materials, complicated designs, and strong branding rather than genuine comfort. Growing up surrounded by New Zealand’s natural environment gave him a different perspective, particularly through his familiarity with Merino wool, a material known for its softness, durability, and natural performance qualities. This inspired him to consider whether footwear could be designed around simpler, more natural solutions.

Several years later, this early concept developed into a larger mission when Tim Brown joined forces with Joey Zwillinger in 2014. With expertise in engineering, renewable materials, and business development, Joey brought a scientific perspective that complemented Tim’s design-focused approach. Together, they began investigating new possibilities for footwear production, aiming to create shoes that could deliver exceptional comfort while addressing the environmental challenges associated with traditional manufacturing methods.

In 2016, Allbirds officially launched its first shoe, the Wool Runner. Built with premium Merino wool, the product introduced a new style of footwear centered around simplicity, lightweight construction, and everyday comfort. Unlike many shoes that prioritized complex appearances, the Wool Runner embraced a clean and minimal design that allowed the materials and functionality to stand out. Customers quickly connected with the experience of wearing a shoe that felt natural, versatile, and comfortable in different situations. The success of this first product established the foundation for Allbirds’ future growth.

Following the introduction of the Wool Runner, Allbirds continued expanding its approach to material innovation. The company explored a range of renewable and responsibly sourced resources, including tree-based fibers and sugarcane-derived foam technologies. Each material was selected with careful consideration of performance, comfort, and environmental impact. Rather than viewing sustainability as a single achievement, Allbirds approaches it as an ongoing process that requires continuous research, improvement, and adaptation.

The company’s philosophy extends beyond product creation. As a certified B Corporation, Allbirds evaluates its impact through both business performance and broader environmental and social responsibilities. This means considering how decisions affect communities, ecosystems, and future generations. Through measurement, transparency, and data-based strategies, the company works to better understand its footprint and identify opportunities for improvement across design, sourcing, and manufacturing.

Carbon reduction has become another important part of Allbirds’ long-term vision. The brand has invested in understanding the complete environmental impact of its products, including emissions connected to raw materials, production, transportation, and other stages of the supply chain. Through partnerships focused on regenerative agriculture and responsible farming practices, Allbirds continues exploring ways that natural systems can contribute to climate solutions. These efforts reflect a belief that sustainable production requires cooperation between innovation, science, and nature.

Over the years, Allbirds has gained recognition from consumers, sustainability communities, and industry observers for its unique approach to footwear. The brand has helped change conversations around what modern shoes should represent, showing that comfort and responsible design can work together. Medical professionals and everyday users alike have highlighted qualities such as softness, breathability, and ease of wear, reinforcing the idea that practical comfort can be an essential part of product design.

Today, Allbirds continues building on the principles that shaped its beginning. The company remains focused on creating products through better materials, smarter processes, and a deeper respect for the environment. By continuing to explore new technologies and sustainable solutions, Allbirds aims to demonstrate that footwear can be comfortable, stylish, and thoughtfully made at the same time. Its story remains centered on the belief that improvement is always possible and that every step toward better design can contribute to a more responsible future.