Allbirds teams up with actress Lindsay Lohan for the new Allbirds limited-edition Lux Pink Tree Runner. Image supplied.
The first time I came across Allbirds was early in the brand’s history – at a pop-up shop in Wellington Airport.
My flight was delayed, I’d already indulged in one coffee too many (and perhaps a Best Ugly Bagel), and had started to mooch around the stores to ease the waiting.
At the time I’d heard the buzz around Allbirds wool fabric shoes, and, of course, of Kiwi native Tim Brown and his passion for merino.
With nothing better to do, I decided to find out for myself what all the hoohaa was about considering the shoe’s fairly simple design.
Obviously, this story has a happy ending. That pop-up shop was the beginning of a long and faithful relationship with the brand. In fact, those freshly purchased Allbirds (my first, but not last) adorned my feet on the delayed flight with my ‘old’ shoes relegated to the Allbirds shoebox.
Looking back, the evidence of how much I wanted a pair was obvious, as I purchased a men’s pair because there were no women’s in my size (or preferred grey colour) available. Fortunately (on this occasion – thanks mum and dad), my trotters tend towards broadness so opting for the men’s fit was no great drama.
I’ve gone on to add to my Allbirds collection. That original pair (now some five years old) has become my favourite gardening shoes and are still going strong. Occasionally, they get chucked in the washing machine for a quick refresh, while their more colourful brothers and sisters are taken on regular outings.
So when the Allbirds Tree Flyers came onto my radar – and the marketing campaign included Lindsay Lohan as ‘an unexpected athlete’ – well, my interest was piqued. By teaming up with actress Lindsay Lohan, Allbirds has once again done the unexpected.
Lindsay Lohan? Lacing up Tree Flyers. And … going for a run? Not what you’d expect – but that’s the point.
“With Lindsay’s help, we’re reminding the world that anyone can lace up and move their body,” promises the Allbirds team.
The Tree Flyer is a fresh look for Allbirds – still without unnecessary ‘look at me’ bells, whistles, or flashing lights, but the traditional design has gone high-tech for the running shoe sole.
Remaining true to the Allbirds breathable upper, this one is made from FSC-certified eucalyptus fibre rather than wool. The laces are made from recycled plastic bottles, the heel lining is ZQ merino wool, and each Tree Flyer is carbon neutral.
There’s plenty of high-tech design in the geometric sole design, engineered for maximum cushioning with minimal weight. A flared heel adds stability and helps keeps your stride smooth and steady.
I’m mentioning these features because just like Lindsay Lohan, I also fit into the ‘unexpected athlete’ category. I’m more at home on the back of a horse than pounding the pavement with my own two legs. But maybe, just maybe, clad in the Allbirds Lux Pink (limited edition), I could be convinced otherwise. If not, I’ll enjoy walking in the extremely lightweight and super springy shoes. The Allbirds love affair continues.
Available in-store and online.
Images supplied.