Like many ladies with an urban commute, I always have a pair of lightweight slip on shoes/sneakers so I can commute in comfort and preserve my pretty work shoes. I’ve tried a couple brands and a few styles over the years but I’ve settled on Toms Avalon shoes for a last couple years. I get a pair, wear them into the ground in about six months, then replace them.

Recently I’ve seen the hype around Allbirds and they have a slip on style comparable to my Tom’s so I decided to give them a try. While they’re lightweight and very soft, I have mixed opinions. Here’s my pro/con list:

Pro

• lightweight
• breathable (I got the “tree material” version)
• machine washable
• no break in required

Con

• run small (they only have whole sizes so I don’t want to size up)
• no instep support
• upper has a lot more coverage than my Toms (my friends said they look like water shoes)
• limited color options
• price point- $100 (every alternative is about $50)

I think the main issue for my is the size issue. I have been a size 10 forever, and I think if I sized up to an 11 they would be huge on me and my feet would look really large. Also the lack of support is not great. I want to use them for walking, but my Toms have much better support. Lastly, if I can get Toms or Skechers that are cuter, more supportive, and $50 cheaper, I think the choice is obvious.

So the plan is that I’ll wear this pair into the ground. We’ll see how they last. Then I’ll go back to Toms or I did see a cute new version of Skechers Go Walks in the store the other day.

Sorry to be a Debbie Downer…