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How to Safely Wash Allbirds Wool Shoes
June 16, 2023
-
By
Sophia Grant
Allbirds was founded by Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger in 2014. A former business student, Brown had made leather shoes for friends in the past.
However, it wasn’t until later on that he decided to make his own sneaker. Teaming up with Zwillinger, a biotech engineer, the duo began to develop their product after successfully raising $119,000 on Kickstarter.
By 2016, they had opened for business. Within a year, they managed to raise over $7 million from investors such as Red Seas Ventures, Peterson Partners, and Lerer Hippeau Ventures.
Fast forward to 2025 and they have retail stores in New York, Shanghai, San Francisco, Beijing, London, and Seattle.
Allbirds’ Footwear Materials
Allbirds offers various types of shoes, each of which is made of an eco-friendly fabric. Let’s take a look at their collections below.
Superfine Merino Wool Collection
Their merino wool collection is breathable, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating.
Made from superfine fibers (20% the diameter of a human hair), you won’t have to worry about any irritating scratchiness.
Cozy as a blanket, it’s soft on the inside and durable on the outside. There are two types of shoes in this collection—loungers and runners.
Tree Fiber Collection
Their tree fiber collection is made from Tencel Lyocell – a type of material that is derived from cellulose fibers.
Sourced from South Africa, the fabric is silky-smooth and breathable, with a cooling effect. Renewable and naturally-derived, it’s much more eco-friendly compared to traditional shoe materials.
Not only that, but they’re so soft that you can wear them without socks!
Sugarcane Sweetfoam Sole
Many of their shoes such as their runners come with their signature SweetFoam sole. Made from sugarcane material, it concurs to your feet for endless comfort.
Sourced from Southern Brazil, it not only grows quickly but also helps to remove carbon from the atmosphere.
Trino Yarn Socks
Trino is a super-tan that’s made from tree and merino wool fibers.
Responsibly sourced, the fiber is soft, moisture-wicking, and breathable—which makes it perfect for socks.
Complete with a reinforced heel and toe, they are guaranteed to last you a long time. What’s more, is that they come with special fibers on the footbed for slip prevention.
How to Wash Allbirds Wool Shoes
It’s best to wash your Allbirds shoes when they become visibly dirty or stained and the good news is, there are two different ways to do it.
Machine Washing Your Allbirds Wool Shoes
The first option involves using the washing machine.
Given the delicate nature of the fibers, however, there are a few things that you want to be mindful of.
Step 1: Remove the Laces and Insoles
Start by removing the shoelaces. While you can leave them on, it’s much better to take them off – that’ll provide the detergent with better access to the shoe surface. Next, remove the insoles.
Step 2: Use Mesh Laundry Bags
Place the laces and insoles in a mesh laundry bag and load them into the machine. Do the same for the shoes.
For the best results, add in a few clean towels to help balance the load.
Step 3: Add ACTIVE Detergent
Add one scoop of ACTIVE detergent to the drum. Don’t add any fabric softener – it will prevent the wool from pulling moisture away from your skin. Also, be sure to skip the bleach.
Step 4: Run a Wash Cycle
Run a gentle cycle (or a wool cycle if your washing machine has the option), and make sure to use cold water – hot water can cause your wool shoes to shrink.
Once the cycle is finished, take the shoes out and let them air dry in a well-ventilated room—the same goes for the insoles and laces.
Tools:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Mesh laundry bag
- Towels
Never use the dryer with Allbirds shoes unless you want to buy a new pair – the heat will permanently damage the material.
ACTIVE Detergent
Safely deep clean and remove odors from Allbirds shoes.
How to Hand Wash Your Allbirds Wool Shoes
Allbirds footwear can also be washed by hand with a gentle detergent. If anything, it’s much better for the wool compared to machine washing.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Soft bristle brush
Step 1:
Fill a large sink or tub with cool water. Never use hot or warm water as the heat can cause the wool fibers to shrink.
Step 2:
Add a small amount of ACTIVE Detergent. Swirl the water with your hand to dissolve the powder.
Step 3:
Using a soft bristle brush, remove any dirt or mud that might be on the surface of the shoe, then submerge the whole thing in the soapy water.
Let it sit for 20 minutes.
Step 4:
Rinse the shoes thoroughly with cold water.
Make sure there’s no soft residue left on the material and allow them to dry in a well ventilated area.
We recommend washing the laces and insoles separately for the best results.
How to Deodorize Allbirds Wool Shoes
Here are a few ways that you can deodorize your Allbirds shoes.
Deodorize Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is super effective when it comes to removing smells.
Supplies:
- Baking soda
Step 1:
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into each shoe and let it sit inside for several hours.
For the best results, leave it in overnight. The longer it’s in the shoe, the more effective it will be as a deodorizing agent.
Step 2:
Remove the powder from your shoes in the morning (simply shake them upside down) and you’re good to go.
You can also make a “deodorizing pack” by filling a pair of socks with baking soda. Tie them up tightly and stuff them into each shoe, then remove in the morning.
Deodorize with White Vinegar
White vinegar is also great for odors and it’s super easy to use.
Supplies:
- White vinegar
- Clean cloth
- Newspaper (optional)
Step 1:
Dampen a clean cloth or rag with white vinegar and use it to wipe the inside of each shoe.
Do not use balsamic or apple cider vinegar as these variations can stain the wool material.
Step 2:
If necessary, stuff the inside with newspaper to help get rid of excess water.
Deodorize with Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is fantastic at killing odor-causing bacteria and can be used similarly to vinegar.
Supplies:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Clean cloth
Step 1:
Dampen a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe the insides of the shoes with the cloth, paying extra attention to the corners.
Deodorize with Fabric Softener Sheets
Dryer sheets aren’t just for the dryer – you can also put them in your shoes. That’s right, they can be used to neutralize odors.
Supplies:
- Fabric softener sheets
Step 1:
Place a fabric softener sheet into each of the shoes.
Step 2:
Leave the softener sheets in the shoes for a few hours before taking them out.
How to Wash Allbirds Shoes – FAQs
Can I put my Allbirds shoes directly in the washing machine?
It’s best to put your shoes in a mesh delicates bag before putting them in the washing machine. The mesh bag will keep them together and prevent them from banging inside the washer.
How can I prevent my Allbirds from developing an odor?
Wearing socks is the best way to prevent odors. You also want to let them air out after each wear.
Is hand washing Allbirds better than using a gentle cycle?
When it comes to shoe care, hand washing will always be the gentler option. You just need a tub, some mild detergent, and water.
Can I put my Allbirds wool shoes in the dryer?
No, you should never put your Allbirds into the dryer. The heat, even on the gentle setting, will permanently damage the wool material.
The better option is to air-dry your allbirds. Not only is it better for the wool but it’ll also use less energy.
What kind of gentle laundry detergent should I use?
ACTIVE Detergent is the best option for your Allbirds shoes. It will penetrate deep into the fibers and break down odor-causing grime.
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Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
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