Walking has tons of health benefits, from aiding weight loss to reducing stress. You might not even have to hit 10,000 steps a day to benefit. A recent study looked at the walking patterns of 6,000 women between the ages of 63 and 99, and found that those who took an average of 3,600 steps per day had a 26% lower risk of heart failure. Depending on your height and stride length, that’s only about a mile and a half of strolling.
Whatever your goal, you’re going to need the right walking shoes. Allbirds is offering up to 50% off select styles, including its podiatrist-approved Tree Runners and Tree Dashers. If you’re not familiar with the brand, Allbirds is a sustainable shoe company that combines soft, natural materials like breathable wool and eucalyptus with bouncy, supportive soles. On-sale styles include sneakers and ballet flats. Note that many styles are marked «final sale,» and the deals end Wednesday. You’ll receive free shipping and returns on orders over $75; otherwise, shipping is a standard 5 bucks. Take a look below at some of the brand’s bestsellers — the ones shoppers say even impressed their podiatrists.
Allbirds
Allbirds’ Tree Runners are a variation of its original Wool Runner sneakers, but they feature eucalyptus tree-fiber treads for a more breathable shoe ideal for warm-weather walks. The shoes also feature the brand’s bouncy, proprietary SweetFoam sole (made from sugarcane). Plus, they’re machine washable.
«A podiatrist recommended Allbirds after I developed a foot problem,» explained one reviewer. «The comfortable fabric uppers don’t irritate my toes at all and the soles provide great support. I’m so happy to find these stylish shoes that feel like I’m walking on clouds!»
Allbirds
The Tree Dasher 2 has a lightly padded heel collar to help support and lock your ankle in place. It’s anything but stiff, though — the midsole is flexible for walking, jogging or circuit training.
«My new shoes, fit by an Allbirds salesperson, needed to be a half-size larger than my usual size,» noted one shopper. «They’re amazing, my podiatrist was impressed, and the top of my foot pain is greatly improved.»
Allbirds
These are Allbirds’ premiere running shoes. They provide stability and support with a slightly flared heel, plus the brand’s SwiftFoam sole. SwiftFoam offers extra cushioning over the SweetFoam sole and increases the energy return. So, you can walk or run longer distances more efficiently — and maybe even a little faster.
«This shoe relieves my Morton’s neuroma (while wearing an orthotic) more than any other shoe or orthotic I’ve come across so far, and I’ve tried several of them,» said a reviewer who’s also a chiropractic rehab physician. «I would strongly suggest this shoe to anyone needing mid-foot support or who also has a Morton’s neuroma (in addition to having an orthotic).»
Allbirds
If you prefer a slip-on, the Tree Dasher Relay has the same lightly padded heel collar to lock ankles in place as the standard Tree Dasher.
«I am overall very impressed and pleased with the shoe,» said one shopper. «I have all kinds of issues with my feet, aches and pains. I wear inserts from a podiatrist and I do not need them with this shoe. The support and comfort is top-notch.»
Allbirds
Not a fan of sneakers? Allbirds boat shoes are just as comfy and breathable, making them great for summer weather. They also have a flexible sole.
«I wore the Tree Skippers all week walking 7-plus miles per day and I had no pain,» said one shopper who went on a six-day European vacation. «I gave away the foot bandages and cushions I brought (just in case) to everyone else in the family while I skipped along the cobblestones without a scratch.»
Allbirds
These slip-on shoes are perfect for travel: You can wear them for long walks, but they also look great with most outfits. More than 3,000 customers give them a collective 4.5 out of 5 stars.
«Was able to wear these day one on a walking vacation and never even wore my second pair of shoes. They look stylish with whatever you wear them with!» confirmed one shopper.
Allbirds
Allbirds says its ballet flats «fit to your feet like a barefoot» — aka they’re super lightweight. The machine-washable eucalyptus tree fiber fabric is silky-smooth and moves with your every step.
«Love these shoes so much that I have them in five colors!» said one fan. «I keep one pair to wear indoors as slippers — they are that comfortable. I wear the others with shorts, slacks and skirts.»
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
