New Balance V Allbirds: Which running shoes are the best?

Can a trainer with strong eco credentials perform better than a foolproof favourite? We find out

Both are neutral shoes with maximum cushioning and energy return (Getty Images)

Allbirds burst onto the leisure trainer scene in 2016 with great success.

Using naturally derived materials, which lower the carbon footprint of the production process in an industry known for its heavy use of oil-based plastics, it produced a supremely comfortable and durable trainer that won fans worldwide.

This month, Allbirds took a leap into the crowded running shoe market by launching its first performance shoe – the tree dasher.

The shoe is packed full of the brand's signature naturally derived materials, and its carbon output is stamped beneath the insole, but does it perform?

We’ve put it head to head with the IndyBest buy trainer from our review of women’s running shoes – the New Balance fresh foam 1080v10.

Both are billed as neutral shoes – for runners whose foot lands centrally and doesn’t roll – with maximum cushioning and energy return, and we tested them both on several road runs.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world and expert advice. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.

Allbirds tree dasher: £120, Allbirds

Heel drop: 7mm​
Available colours: Thunder (white sole), geyser (light blue sole), flame (light red sole), cyclone (light green sole)
Available widths: Standard
Available sizes: 2-8 (all available in half sizes)

It would be rude not to start with the tree dasher’s green credentials. A carbon negative foam midsole derived from renewable sugarcane sits above an outsole featuring FSC-certified rubber. The upper is made of breathable TENCEL lyocell, a eucalyptus-based material that uses 95 per cent less water to produce than traditional footwear materials. The castor bean-based sock liner and merino wool heel cushion complete the shoe. It produces 9kg of CO2, which the company says is almost 30 per cent less than the average running shoe.

Allbirds nailed comfort with its fashion trainers and it’s done it again here – it’s an extremely comfortable shoe with great arch support.

Its promise of “maximum cushioning and energy return” is provided by the sugar cane based midsole. This cushioning feels fairly responsive, although it’s on the firmer side and could be felt more through the heel and midfoot, the forefoot area could do with being springier for the push off.

The natural rubber on the outsole provides durability and some traction, although we’re not sure how it would perform in wetter, slippery conditions as it’s quite smooth. There are no flex grooves to help the shoe bend, but it rolls nicely from heel to toe, nonetheless.

The upper is simple design and has a stylish, fuss free look. We found it breathable on a warm run. With only four lace loops (rings sewn into the upper, rather than punched holes), it could arguably do with more, particularly for those who like to adjust their lacing along the foot. But the one piece engineered knit design does fit snugly, so you may not find it necessary.

Especially generous in the forefoot, it will suit runners with broad, deep feet. If you have narrow feet, you may find your foot sliding from side to side. Sizing is also generous – if you usually size up from your street shoe size (as most runners do), we’d recommend staying with your street size in these.

It’s not a stability shoe, but its flared outsole does offer some support if you overpronate (your foot rolls excessively inwards after landing).

All in all, these are a promising start from Allbirds. We wouldn’t choose them for a long race or high mileage training, but for a recreational runner who’s looking for a comfortable, durable (they can be machine washed) neutral shoe for their 5 to 10k runs, this ticks all the boxes and you can polish your eco-halo to boot.

Buy now

New Balance fresh foam 1080v10: £135, New Balance

Heel drop: 8mm​
Available colours: Black with outerspace, Bali blue with ginger pink and lemon slush, light cyclone with team Carolina and grey, natural indigo with plum and Bali blue, lemon slush with sulphur yellow and Bali blue
Available widths: Narrow, standard, wide and X-wide
Available sizes: 3-10 (all available in half sizes apart from 9 and 10)

Chosen as the IndyBest buy in our review of women’s running shoes for good reason. It’s a trusty companion for long runs with sublime cushioning that keeps your legs feeling fresh while also being responsive enough for shorter, faster runs.

The rocker shaped outsole makes for a smooth, propulsive ride, aided by the strategically placed flex groves. It also features durable rubber in higher wear areas to save on weight.

Eight punched lace holes help fit its engineered knit upper even more snugly to your foot. It comes in narrow, standard, wide and X-wide, so there’s something for everyone. But we found the standard to be sufficient for a fairly wide foot and the shoe is incredibly comfortable, with great arch support and a beautifully moulded heel cup.

The shoe itself doesn’t make any claims about being eco-friendly, but you can see what steps New Balance is taking to lessen its impact on the environment on its website.

Buy now

The verdict: Which should you buy?

If your top priority is choosing a pair of running shoes that treads more lightly on the planet, the Allbirds tree dasher takes the trophy. A great deal of thought has been given to the provenance of its materials and those materials perform well. It’s durable, well-designed and a solid choice for regular shorter runs and gym work.

If you’re looking for a higher-mileage, maximally cushioned but very responsive shoe, the New Balance fresh foam 1080v10 pips the Allbirds to the post. It has the added bonus of fitting most foot shapes due to its width selection, superior upper and lacing system.

Running is a pollution-free way of getting around but the clothing and shoe industries serving it still have a long way to go with sustainability. While many mainstream brands are making some inroads, Allbirds is leading the way by showing that you can make high-quality, more sustainable products – and, more importantly, that consumers really want them.

We would add that all running shoe manufacturers, including Allbirds, need to turn their minds more to what happens to shoes at the end of their lives to prevent so many millions ending up in landfill.