Nobull and Allbirds offer so good features that you may get confused to pick one while purchasing.
However, as I was curious to see how these two sneakers would compare, I put them both to the test. After months of wearing and exercising in each pair, I finally discovered all their differences and similarities.
And to ease your decision, now, I’ll share my findings with you.
So, if you wanna make an informed choice, stay put!
Overview of Nobull and Allbirds
Both Nobull and Allbirds started their journey not so long ago. However, with their user-friendly deals and commitment to quality, these two brands are now making waves in the fitness world.
Allbirds
Allbirds was founded in 2016 with a mission to create eco-friendly footwear that’s comfortable and stylish. Allbirds is the first brand to offer sneakers made of Merino wool. Despite using natural materials, these shoes are very sustainable.
And that’s why this brand is getting popular among travelers and casual wearers.
Nobull
Nobull, on the other hand, was founded in 2015 with the goal of creating durable and functional shoes for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
The minimalistic design, great performance, and firm cushioning make this sneaker popular among runners and gym-goers alike.
What are the Key Differences Between Allbirds and Nobull?
Nobull and Allbirds mainly differ in their material, design, comfort, and style offerings. Both vary in features as they were designed with different purposes in mind. While Nobull is designed specifically for athletes, Allbirds focuses more on the comfort of casual wearers.
Hence, to find the right one, you must know all the major differences they have in their features.
So, let’s find out how Allbirds and Nobull vary in their features:
1. Material
The main difference between these two popular sneakers is in their material.
Allbirds shoes are known for using eco-friendly materials from Merino Wool to tree fibers for the upper. Plus, they use recycled plastic to make laces and castor oil for insoles.
Another good thing about Allbirds is that they are machine washable.
Conversely, Nobull uses Synthetic Leather, Nylon, and Polyester for making the mesh upper. These materials are the reason why Nobull sneakers are so lightweight yet durable.
Also, the bouncy rubber sole allows you to have an effortless running or workout experience.
2. Comfort
Both brands offer comfy shoes with good cushioning and high-quality materials. Nobull shoes are very breathable and lightweight, and so are the Allbirds.
However, when it comes to their level of comfort as casual sneakers, I would say, Allbirds are a bit more comfy than the Nobull.
This is because the Merino wool upper and foam midsole makes you feel like you are walking on the clouds. The upper is so supple that my pair of Allbirds fit comfortably right out of the box.
Plus, while walking, the outsole feels so soft, yet they provide good traction.
Nobull, on the other hand, has firm construction mostly because they are designed for athletic activities. They might not be soft like the Allbirds, but they have enough cushioning to give a comfortable walk.
Plus, the outsole is so flexible that whether you Squat or deadlift, the firm upper will hold your feet right in place.
But the problem I found with Nobull is that they fit snugly to my average feet and need time for a proper break-in.
3. Size and Fit
Both Nobull and Allbirds fit true to sizes. So you can go with your regular sneaker size while buying any of the two sneakers.
However, there’s a difference in their size offerings. Nobull offer both full and half sizes, but Allbirds only offers full sizes. As my usual size is a US 11.5, I had to go with the size 12 while buying my Wool Runners, yet they fit well.
So if you are between sizes like me, go half-size up for Allbirds. But for their Plant Pacer model, you need to size down.
When it comes to fit, Allbirds fits comfortably right from the start, but Nobull feels a bit tighter, especially around the midfoot. Due to its narrow-cut design, Nobull shoes are not good for wide feet.
4. Style Options
Allbirds have a wide range of styles, from slip-ons to hiking shoes. And they offer all these varieties for men, women, and kids. And most of the designs of Allbird shoes are so versatile that I wear them both with my jeans and shorts.
Nobull also offers a lot of style varieties, but only for men and women. They don’t have any kids’ shoes.
5. Price
Although both are expensive brands, the shoes offered by Allbirds are more affordable than that of Nobull.
The overall price range for Allbirds is from $30 to $170. This comparatively low price of this brand is because of the use of natural and recycled material in shoes.
However, the price for Nobull shoes ranges from $120 to $300. Plus, Nobull’s slides are the cheapest, which you can buy at a price of $59 to $69. This high price of these shoes is worth it, as they last longer than the low-priced Allbirds.
So, for an affordable pair of sneakers, Allbirds will be a better choice. But if you want something more durable, go with the Nobull.
6. Traction
For running shoes like, Nobull and On Cloud, a grippy outsole with good traction always comes first.
However, when it’s about comparing Allbird shoes with Nobull, there’s a big difference in the overall traction they provide.
As for my experience, the traction of Nobull was far better than the Allbirds. This is due to their variation in the tread pattern.
Nobull uses a herringbone outsole tread pattern for most of its trainers. Also, in some models like Turf Trainers, the brand uses lug tread patterns for better grip on grass or turf surfaces.
On the other hand, Allbirds are designed with S-curved natural rubber threads, which is not as good as Nobull.
However, the outsole tread pattern of this shoe is so poor that it starts to wear out only after a few weeks of wear.
So, if you need a pair for walking on slippery surfaces, Nobull will be the best choice.
Moreover, both shoes are comfortable in their own way. Where Allbirds is ideal for everyday wear, Nobull is more suitable for workouts. And all these factors are important in choosing your perfect pair of sneakers.
Pros and Cons of Nobull and Allbirds
For a better choice, you should know all the positive and negative sides of Nobull and Allbirds, along with all their feature variations.
So, let’s check out all the pros and cons of Nobull and Allbirds.
Nobull
- »Breathable and flexible materials.
- »Firm cushioning.
- »Available in half sizes.
- »Highly responsive outsoles.
- »Suitable for exercise and running.
- »More durable.
- »Good traction for slippery grounds.
- »Expensive.
- »Not machine washable.
- »Not suitable for wide feet.
Allbirds
- »Extremely comfortable.
- »Eco-friendly material.
- »Soft foam midsoles.
- »Machine washable.
- »Doesn’t need time for a break-in.
- »Affordable price.
- »Don’t offer half sizes.
- »Not suitable for running or athletic activities.
- »Less durable.
- »Poor traction.
Verdict
As Nobull and Allbirds have features for different purposes, it’s pretty tough to put one over another.
However, as a casual pair, I like Allbirds more because I can wear them for traveling or while going out for lunch. And they are good for people who are always on the go and stand on their feet for a long time.
But they lack the firmness needed for doing rigorous activities like weight-lifting or cycling.
So, if you want a comfortable everyday sneaker at a reasonable price, consider buying Allbirds.
However, Nobull is the best choice for gym-goers. The firm and rigid construction with great cushioning makes them ideal for doing high-intensity workouts and training.
So, if you are looking for a comfy yet functional sneaker for the gym, go for the Nobulls. This pair is so versatile and durable that you can use them for everyday casual use.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Pick the one which fulfills all your needs and preferences.
Final Words
Allbirds and Nobull both offer unique features that cater to different needs and preferences.
But hopefully, with all the details I’ve provided here, you can make the right choice for you.
And for any more queries regarding this topic, comment down below!