The Tree Flyer, Tree Dasher 2, Trail Runner SWT, and the Adizero x Allbirds 2.94 kg CO2e, all of which were produced in conjunction with Adidas, may give the impression that Allbirds is making rapid progress with its performance shoe line.
The Pacer, a new lifestyle model from the company best renowned for its casual, comfy shoes, is nonetheless returning.
The Pacer, created by Ashley Comeaux, vice president of design at Allbirds, borrows the cut-and-sewn design of traditional tennis shoes, which are increasingly popular for casual use.
The silhouette is updated in classic Allbirds style with eco-friendly materials, curved design lines, and substantial midsoles.
The Pacer will initially be available in two materials: limited-edition 100% recycled vegan Plant Leather ($135) and canvas ($110).
Men’s and women’s sizes of the Canvas variant are offered in the colours Natural Black, Natural White, Hazy Beige, and Thrive Teal. Men’s and women’s sizes of the Plant Leather variant are offered in Natural White and Dreamy Green.
Why the Pacer shoe is important to Allbirds as a design
I’ve been wearing the Canvas Pacer shoes in Natural Black that Allbirds provided me ahead of the launch for a few days.
Looking back at all the designs I’ve evaluated over the years, it’s obvious that Allbirds is no longer the little company that must play it safe with one or two popular models. Initially, I didn’t understand what Allbirds was attempting to accomplish with the design.
Despite significant advancements in performance innovation and the use of eco-friendly materials, many of Allbirds’ shoes still have the appearance and feel of modified versions of the original Wool Runners. Contrarily, the Pacer is a completely new shape and unquestionably the most distinctive style offered by the company.
As a lover of cut-and-sewn sneakers from the 1980s and 1990s, I’ve always believed that the seamless uppers seen on the majority of Allbirds models could be readily enhanced with additional design components.
The Pacer’s shape allows for many design choices, including colour blocking, contracted stitching, and even more lace variations, despite the fact that the first releases are basic hues.
What it’s like to wear the Allbirds Pacer
The Allbirds Pacers are exactly what you would expect from the brand’s lifestyle silhouette when worn on the feet.
The Canvas and Plant variations are both very light. Both designs include interiors made of eucalyptus tree fibre, foam insoles based on castor oil, and SweetFoam outsoles made of sugar cane for extra softness and comfort.
Compared to retro-inspired lifestyle models like the Wool Pipers, the midsoles have a little bit archer, which, depending on your foot, may make them more comfortable.
Fit and size
The Pacer is exclusively offered in full sizes, much like the rest of Allbirds’ casual and lifestyle footwear. I scaled up to a 9, even though I usually wear an 8.5. I advise going up a size if you’re also in between sizes.
It is simpler to cope with too-tight shoes by tightening the laces or by wearing larger socks to make up for the excess space.
Check out one of the various athletic sneakers from Allbirds, such as the Tree Dasher 2 or Tree Flyer, if you want footwear that is available in half sizes.
The conclusion
Overall, the Pacer shoe is a wonderful addition to the Allbirds’ always expanding footwear inventory.
They cost the same as the original Wool Runners at $110 for the Canvas version. The Pacer is a fantastic option for anybody looking to expand their collection of Allbirds shoes with a brand-new design.
The retro-inspired silhouette doesn’t need to be quite as athletic as some of the most recent performance versions. They are fun to wear and style for everyone because to their timeless qualities and sustainable design.