A fashion editor’s favourite Allbirds Trainers for spring

When it’s your job to write about fashion, there’s nothing better than when an opportunity presents itself to talk about a brand that not only makes great pieces but also does good for the planet. We’re all aware of the impact fast fashion has on the environment, so when Allbirds reached out asking if we’d like to work with them, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. For those unfamiliar with Allbirds, let me bring you up to speed.

A B Corp brand making waves in eco-conscious footwear, its founders hail from California and New Zealand, the latter of which is known for wool production. It was here where the brilliant idea to use merino wool and its fantastically sustainable production methods as a primary material for footwear came about; a practice that had generally never really been done before. Allbirds makes trainers that are quite frankly the most comfortable shoes you can wear, and it offers a range of casual and athletic styles created with plant-based or renewable and recycled materials.

In the past 15 years, sneakers have become an essential part of almost every person’s wardrobe. Thankfully, we’re no longer in an era where “smart” shoes are required for the office or bars and restaurants. In fact, quite the opposite. Nowadays, wearing, say, court shoes or loafers is a style choice, not a formality, and there are very few situations where a clean pair of trainers isn’t appropriate.

As a fashion editor, people often ask me about my favourite brands, must-have pieces and trending styles, but no question comes up as much as recommendations for quality, timeless staples that won’t break the bank. For trainers, Allbirds is such a great option—perfect for a multitude of occasions (ticking off errands, going to work, casual lunches with friends, walking or running), Allbirds has styles for everything and everyone, with the bonus that they’re sustainably-minded. How many other brands can boast all that?

Allbirds recently started a social campaign with influencers in their community, asking them to spotlight places or initiatives in their local area, to encourage us all to embrace the brilliant things we have close to home, and extra points if these establishments have a focus on sustainability too! When they tasked me with the same thing for this shoot, my mind was bubbling with different spots on my doorstep. I’ve lived in many areas of London but settled in East London around eight years ago. From Hackney to Walthamstow and now Leyton, I’ve hopped about a bit and enjoyed each neighbourhood for different reasons. But one of the things I love most is the sheer number of independent establishments around me—shops, cafes, restaurants and even gyms.