Travel Product Reviews
Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles Review – My Go-To Travel Shoes
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. With that, 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
$145
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.
Of course, the Runner-Up Mizzles also come at a premium, currently retailing for $145. However, I do think that the extra $20 is worth it as this is my preferred version of the Allbirds Mizzles. Additionally, those looking for discounts can check the sale or ReRun sections of Allbirds’ site.
Pros
- Water resistant coating and high-top design keep feet dry
- Comfortable for everyday wear
- Sales available via ReRun section and beyond
Cons
- Retail price is high
- Men’s styles don’t offer half sizes
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?
Color choices and ordering
Admittedly, one of the reasons I decided to order a pair of Wool Runner-Up Mizzles now has to do with the colors that are currently 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.
On that note, while these and many other colors aside from the standard three options are listed as “Limited Edition.” I’m not clear on what that means. Also, as I mentioned, you may see that several sizes are sold out when you view them but they may be restocked. Still, I wouldn’t expect these particular colors to last forever.
In any case, to their credit, Allbirds has rolled out several more color options since I first reviewed the Mizzle line. Obviously this strategy helped win me over and I suspect I’m not alone. Plus, with the creative choices they’ve exemplified so far, I look forward to seeing what they come up with next.
Price
As it happens, I was actually considering purchasing Runner-Ups when I first decided to try out Mizzles. However, in the end, it was the difference in price that pushed me toward the low-top versions instead. Currently, the regular Wool Runners (as in non-water resistant) are $98, with the Wool Runner Mizzles going for $125 and then the Wool Runner-Up Mizzles fetching $145.
It’s hard to say that this isn’t a bit steep. At the same time, it’s definitely not unheard of in the sneaker world. The good news is that, as I found with my other pair of Allbirds, they seem to hold up pretty well. Indeed, after years of wearing my Runner-Up Mizzles on a regular basis, they don’t show any major signs of deterioration aside from some wear on the bottom of the sole.
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 unphased 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 also 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.
Other options
Funny enough, a short time after I ordered my Runner-Ups, Allbirds introduced yet another water-resistant shoe model. In this case, the Wool Dasher Mizzles are running shoes that still offer protection from the rain. I did end up getting a pair of these as well (a couple years later) — and while I love the grippy sole and slip-on ability, the toe box on these feel really small.
More recently, Allbirds has also rolled out some even more rugged and water-repellent shoe models. First came the Wool Runner-up Mizzle Plus model with a mud guard overlay. Then there’s the Runner-Up Protect with even more, well, protection. Lastly, there’s now also a Runner Chelsea Protect, which are pull-on boots with water-repellant treatment.
While I’m curious about the Runner-Up Protect option in particular, my initial experience with my regular Runner-Up Mizzles in the snow doesn’t have me too concerned about upgrading. Also, since the Protect line is still pretty new, there aren’t very many colorways yet, which I think is a drawback. That said, I would be curious to know if the Protect offer greater traction on ice. If so, then I might want to get a pair in the future as Springfield has been known to get slippery from time to time.
The bottom line is that Allbirds has a number of water-resistant options to choose from, so be sure to take a good look at each to see what fits best for you.
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.
That said, if high-tops aren’t your thing or you want to save $20, I do still think that the regular Runner Mizzles are a good option. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for even more protection, you may want to spend even a few dollars more for one of the latest options Allbirds has been releasing.
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.
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