Travel Product Reviews
Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles Review – My Go-To Travel Shoes
Updated on March 5, 2026
Years ago, I purchased a pair of Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles on the theory that they might make a good travel shoe thanks to their comfortable materials and water-repellent treatment. While I found that hypothesis to mostly be true, I did think there was some room for improvement.
Sometime later, I purchased another pair of Mizzles — opting for the Runner-Up high-top model this time around. Like their low-top counterparts, I figured that Wool Runner-Up Mizzles would be great for travel but also perfect for cold and wet weather at home.
So what do I think of the Wool Runner-Up Mizzles so far and how do they compare to other Allbirds options? Let’s take a closer look at the water-resistant shoes:
Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles
Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles: My Pick for a Weather-Resistant Travel Shoe
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Price
Starting at $57
Materials
ZQ Merino wool with bio-based water repellent shield
Worth the Extra Premium for Greater Protection
While the Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles are already great for protecting your feet against wet weather, the Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles are even better. Thanks to the high-top design, you can feel more confident when traversing rain, puddles, and even snow. In my experience, the Runner-Ups are also a bit more comfortable and require less break-in than the regular Wool Runners. These days, you can find this model on the Allbirds ReRun store — while those looking for fully weatherproof replacement can look toward the Wool Runner NZ Mid Waterproof.
Pros
- Water resistant coating and high-top design keep feet dry
- Comfortable for everyday wear
- Sales available via ReRun section
Cons
- Limited stock and options available
- Not fully waterproof
Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles: What You Need to Know
What are Allbirds Mizzles?
Mizzles are Allbirds’ line of water-repellant shoes that marry the company’s natural materials with a treatment that allows them to wick away wetness. In this review, I’ll be looking specifically at the Wool Runner-Up Mizzles, which is their high-top model. For a broader look at Allbirds Mizzles, I’d recommend checking out my previous review: Do Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles Make For a Go-To Travel Shoe?
Finding the Runner-Up Mizzles: Price, Color Choices, and New Options
When I bought my Wool Runner-Up Mizzles a few years back, they were $145. Today, you can pick up a pair for as little as $57. Wait, how is that possible?
Well, the original Runner-Up Mizzles have largely been discontinued (we’ll get to why in a moment). As of 2026, you can currently only find them in Allbirds’ ReRun shop. Since this is a resell shop, the sizes and color options may be limited. Moreover, the final price will also depend on the condition (Excellent or Very Good). Beyond the regular Mizzles, you may also find some of the offshoots, such as the Mizzles Plus or Mizzles Protect.
So why have the Runner-Up Mizzles been phased out? That’s because Allbirds has been doing some upgrades. Currently, they offer the Wool Runner NZ Mid Waterproof — which looks a lot like the old Mizzles but with some added features. The most important of these features is in the name: these are now fully waterproof rather than just being water-resistant. As of this writing, a pair of Wool Runner NZ Mid Waterproof shoes will cost you $160 at full price, although 30% off sales are somewhat common. You might also find a pair on ReRun if you want to save a few dollars.
With that out of the way, let’s get back to my beloved pair of Allbirds Runner-Up Mizzles.
Admittedly, one of the reasons I decided to order the ones I have had to do with the colors that were being offered. Specifically, I was taken with the limited edition Medjool option, which is a unique cross between red, maroon, and purple — with the emphasis between those three seemingly shifting depending on the lighting. Thus, when I saw that my size was back in stock after showing as unavailable during my previous checks, I decided it was time.
In any case, to their credit, Allbirds had regularly rolled out new colors for the Mizzles and has continued that trend with the Wool Runner NZ Mid Waterproof. So, if you don’t see one that catches your eye now, you might want to check back from time to time.
Fit
When I reviewed the regular Wool Runner Mizzles, I mentioned how they required some breaking in as they were a bit tight at first. Well, I had no such issue with the Runner-Ups and the “ceiling” of the shoe didn’t feel as claustrophobic as my initial experience with other Mizzles. Meanwhile, before trying on the shoes for myself, I was a little concerned that the high top could cut into or at least irritate my Achilles when I wore them. Thankfully, this fear was unfounded as the shoe’s cuff is soft while offering some support.
My Experience with the Runner-Ups
Soon after my Runner-Up Mizzles arrived, we had a pretty rainy week here in the Ozarks. Luckily, my shoes seemed up for the challenge and were unfazed when I’d wear them out. Similarly, when I went for a walk in the falling snow last night, my feet managed to stay nice and warm, while drying them off afterward required little more than a quick wipe.
Another notable aspect of the Wool Runner-Up compared to the normal Wool Runner is the high-top aspect, which helps stand up to puddles and other water hazards. Furthermore, thanks to the design and soft material, you could even stuff the cuff of your jeans into the shoes to further guard against water sneaking in. All said, I found my Runner-Up Mizzles worked as intended while looking stylish along the way.
I’ve now taken the Runner-Up Mizzles on several trips with me. In that time, they’ve held up well (through all kinds of weather) and remain comfortable, even on days where I’m doing a lot of walking.
Final Thoughts on the Allbirds Wool Runner-Ups Mizzles
If I had to do it over again, I probably would have gone for the Allbirds Wool Runner-Ups Mizzles to begin with (although, at the time, I wouldn’t have been able to nab the color I ended up getting). This isn’t to say that I don’t like my regular Wool Runner Mizzles, but I feel like high-tops make a little more sense given their overall purpose, making them worth the upgraded price. I also find them to be more comfortable than the lowtops, with more room in the toebox and less need to break them in.
True to my initial prediction all those many years ago, my Allbirds Wool Runner-Ups Mizzles have indeed become my go-to travel shoe. Specifically, I almost always wear them in the car or on the plane while also popping my Suavs Zilkers in my bag (since they’re ultra packable). On top of that, they’ve been great for wearing at home on wet or snowy days and have yet to let me down. Therefore, I’ll declare them to be $145 well spent.
As for how my shoes have held up, they still look great, despite surviving several trips and taking abuse from rain, snow, and mud. The smell, however? Not so great. I did try to wash them, which helped some, but I think I could use some new inserts. Or, even better, I think it’s about time I upgraded to the Wool Runner NZ Mid Waterproof shoes to give them a try!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles good travel shoes?
Yes, Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles are excellent travel shoes due to their comfort, natural materials, and water-repellent treatment, making them versatile for various conditions and destinations. They offer reliable performance on the go.
What is the difference between Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles and Runner-Up Mizzles?
The primary difference is their cut: Wool Runner Mizzles are the low-top version, while Wool Runner-Up Mizzles are the high-top model. Both feature water-repellent wool, offering comfort and protection from wetness.
How water-repellent are Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles?
Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles feature a specialized water-repellent treatment on their natural wool material. This helps wick away wetness, making them suitable for damp conditions or light rain, keeping your feet drier.
Are Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles suitable for cold weather?
Yes, the Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles are well-suited for cold weather due to their high-top design and warm wool material. They provide extra ankle coverage and insulation, offering comfort against the chill.
Are Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles a good value for the price?
Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles offer good value, especially with recent price adjustments. Their blend of comfort, water-repellency, and sustainable materials makes them a worthwhile investment for travelers and daily wearers seeking durability.
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