Allbirds vs Vessi Review

About Allbirds 

If you’re versed in sustainable fashion, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard of Allbirds before. This DTC brand focuses on implementing eco-conscious initiatives within each step of the manufacturing process. Specializing in footwear, Allbirds prides itself on its transparent company model. 

Allbirds took ‘flight’ in 2016. Based in San Francisco, California, the shoe brand is considered the brainchild of co-founders Tim Brown and Joey Zwilliginer. 

Brown’s proud New Zealand heritage brought forth an interesting question related to footwear design: why is merino wool not used in the industry.

Coupled with Zwillinger’s expertise in renewable resources, Allbirds was formed as a direct call to the veritable lack of sustainable, high-performance sneaks. 

Allbirds is all the rage when it comes to sustainable footwear. Aside from its 490k following on Instagram, this brand has also been featured in select magazines, including The Business of Fashion, CNN, and Forbes. 

About Vessi

Vancouver’s climate is known to be typically unforgiving. Whether you’re hiking in Grouse Mountain or perusing the streets in Gastown, you’re bound to encounter treacherous terrain along the way. 

Case in point, it’s important to wear functional shoes—which is where Vessi comes in. This Vancouver-based brand utilizes performance fabrics to ensure support and durability for all types of activities. 

Like Allbirds, Vessi also leads with a sustainable focus. Co-founders Tony Yu, Andy Wang, and Mikaella Go wanted to design a shoe that could withstand the harsh environment of Vancouver without resorting to non-renewable resources. After raising over $1 million on Kickstarter, Vessi officially launched in 2017. 

Vessi is definitely no stranger to the public. The company’s Instagram page showcases an impressive 287k following. Their products have also been featured in a few media outlets, such as Vancouver Magazine, the Daily Hive, and Insider. 

Becoming a responsible shopper is already a noble choice. That said, there are hundreds of sustainable shoe brands to choose from, so who should you pick? Keep reading, as in this Allbirds vs Vessi review, I’ll provide an in-depth of both companies, their products, customer ratings, and more to help inform your final decision. 

Product range

Shoes come in a wide variety of designs. Brands can offer streetwear sneakers, running kicks, flats, and more. A company that provides a wide selection of options is always worth keeping in mind. 

Target audience

Brands will typically cater to a target audience to help ensure cohesive marketing and design elements. Is the footwear brand in question catered to workout geeks, or are they focused on providing performance kicks for Vancouverites? 

Design features

Shoes are rarely so simple. Features like lace, placement of the tongue, tabs, platform thickness, and the amount of support integrated are usually thought of at the preliminary design stage. It’s important to consider your needs and aesthetic tastes before settling on a shoe.

Materials and sustainability

Allbirds and Vessi are both sustainable shoe brands. They utilize eco-conscious fabrics to help minimize waste and energy. The question is—what company stands out in terms of transparency and product quality? 

Accessibility

Accessibility relates to cost and store/online availability. A company that offers an even balance of both is always worth checking out. I’ll be sure to outline both points further in this Allbirds vs Vessi review. 

Allbirds Men’s Wool Runners vs Vessi Men’s The Everyday Review

The go-to shoe should be simple and functional in design. To most, it should be relatively free of unnecessary bells and whistles. 

I think it’s fair to say that the Allbirds Men’s Wool Runners and Vessi’s Men’s The Everyday shoe are considered prime examples of the quintessential ‘daily kick.’ Both designs feature a sleek silhouette, a minimal lace-up detail, and a star material to ensure peak performance and comfort. 

Given that they’re quite similar in design, you’re probably wondering what’s the difference between the two. I’ll quickly outline the product specs of each shoe next in this Allbirds vs Vessi review:

Allbirds Men’s Wool Runners 

• Constructed out of merino wool 
• Thermoregulating 
• Ideal for everyday wear 
• Features a SweetFoam midsole made out of sugarcane 
• Moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, thanks to its castor bean oil protective layer 
• Laces made out of 100% post-consumer recycled polyester 
• 3,754 reviews with 4.6/5 stars, according to Allbirds.com 
• $110

Vessi’s Men’s The Everyday

• Constructed out of Dyma-tex knit 
• Waterproof, breathable, and anti-bacterial 
• odor-resistant
• Features a wave grip sole for additional support 
• Vegan 
• 4,786 reviews with 4.7/5 stars, according to Vessi.com 
• $104 

Allbirds’ Men’s Wool Runners offer moisture-wicking properties, but it doesn’t mean that they’re waterproof. The Vessi Men’s The Everyday shoe, on the other hand, is built for wet weather. In terms of sustainability, Allbirds definitely knock it out of the park while its competing alternative is more acclimated to intense environmental stressors. 

To quickly summarize, I recommend Allbirds for dry weather and Vessi for post and pre rain situations. Both shoes are quite popular among customers, not to mention that they’re within the same price ballpark. 

Allbirds Women’s Tree Breezers vs Vessi Women’s The Everyday Slip-Ons Review

Ballet flats have officially made a comeback. After being in hiding since the mid-2000s, they’ve suddenly made a re-appearance in streetwear and on the catwalk. They’re intrinsically linked to minimalism and ballet core, but fashion has a habit of pairing opposites together. 

The Allbirds Women’s Tree Breezers are considered the perfect mish-mash of athleisure and romanticism. Featuring a simple silhouette, these sustainably-made kicks are made for a simple lifestyle. 

The Vessi Women’s The Everyday Slip-Ons are not ballet flats, but they offer a similar design when it comes to ‘easy access.’ They are free of zippers and laces, which provides more accessibility to the user. 

So, do you covet the ballet aesthetic, or would you rather opt for running sneaks? To help inform your decision, I’ll provide a side-by-side comparison of both shoes next in this Allbirds vs Vessi review. 

Allbirds Women’s Tree Breezers: 

• Made out of eucalyptus tree fiber (sourced from FSC Certified forests)
• Constructed with SweetFoam outsoles made from sugarcane 
• Layered with castor bean oil
• Moisture-wicking, odor-resistant 
• Easy to slip on 
• Ribbed collar to ensure a comfortable fit 
• 835 reviews with 4.6/5 stars, according to Allbirds.com
• $101 

Vessi Women’s The Everyday Slip-Ons 

• Made out of Dyma-tex material 
• Waterproof, breathable, and anti-bacterial 
• Odor-resistant 
• Features molded insoles 
• Comes with wave grip outsoles for added grip 
• Vegan 
• 1,406 reviews with 4.8.5 stars, according to Vessi.com 
• $112

From the get-go, the Women’s Tree Breezers are definitely made for warm and dry seasons, such as spring, summer, and to some extent, fall. The ‘openness’ of the design allows for additional breathability compared to sneakers and boots. 

I would say that The Everyday Slip-Ons are catered for exercise and situations where you want some extra coverage. I don’t recommend donning the Allbirds flats for hikes. 

Both shoes are optimal for different environments and activities. For instance, the Allbirds slip-ons are best suited for casual brunches or grocery store errands, while the Vessi sneakers are designed for exercise and long walks. 

Allbirds TriniXO™Face Mask 3 Pack vs Vessi Reusable Face Masks Review

COVID-19 is (hopefully) within the rearview mirror, but that doesn’t mean we should sleep on standard hygiene. There are situations where wearing a mask is preferable, especially in crowded areas. 

If you’re not fond of disposable coverings, the Allbirds TriniXO™Face Mask 3 Pack and the Vessi Reusable Face Masks are designed as reusable alternatives to help mitigate waste. 

Hundreds of clothing brands make masks. With that in mind, what makes the TriniXO™Face Mask and the Vessi Reusable Face Mask so special? I’m so glad you asked. I’ll provide a quick overview of both products for customers to consider. 

Allbirds TriniXO™Face Mask 3 Pack 

• Made out of upcycled materials from Allbirds’ Revolutionary Tee (65% Tencel™ Lyocell, 30% Merino Wool, 5% Chitosan)
• Constructed with 3 layers 
• Has a carbon footprint of 1.85kg CO2e
• Comes with adjustable straps
• Moisture-wicking 
• One size fits all 
• 190 reviews with 4.4/5 stars, according to Allbirds.com 
• $25 for a 3 pack 

The Vessi Reusable Face Mask

• Made out of HeiQ antimicrobial fabric 
• Comes with adjustable ear loops
• Offered with a flexible nose wire 
• Built with a filter insert pocket
• Provided with a complimentary carrying pouch 
• one size fits all 
• 67 reviews with 4.8/5 stars, according to Vessi.com
• $11 for one face mask 

Right off the bat, both masks outperform any disposable face covering. Allbirds and Vessi utilize specialty fabrics, such as Tencel, Merino Wool, and HeiQ, to ensure durability and flexibility. In terms of sustainability, Allbirds takes the cake once again. 

That said, Vessi also deserves a round of applause when it comes to functionality, as their Reusable Face Mask comes with a nose wire and an insert pocket for filters. 

If you have a tough time deciding, it’s best to consider what you value in a face mask. Do you care more about sustainability, or do you prioritize functionality? There’s no wrong answer here. 

Allbirds vs Vessi: Quality

A good majority of sustainable clothing brands produce their own in-house fabric. This is to help combat material waste, as eco-conscious companies prefer full control over the blend percentages, the weave type, and the finishings to ensure a high-quality product.

Additionally, it allows them to understand how much waste and energy is accumulated during production. 

Allbirds utilizes merino wool for most of their shoes. Of course, this brand wasn’t the first to discover this durable textile, but they do implement some refinery processes to maximize its benefits. Their blend is superfine, temperature-regulating, and moisture-wicking. 

In terms of other sustainable materials, Allbirds uses Tencel, which is a subcategory of Lyocell. Woven from tree fibers, it requires natural rainfall to cultivate, meaning that it doesn’t need irrigation or fertilizers. 

The brand’s SweetFoam outsoles are made out of sugarcane. Like Lyocell, it requires no watering or added chemicals to produce. Trino XO, another favorite of Allbirds, is a hybrid of eucalyptus tree fibers and processed Merino wool. It’s soft, breathable, and odor-resistant—which is a must when it comes to footwear. 

In terms of other materials, Allbirds also utilizes recycled plastic bottles, post-consumer nylon castor bean oil, and recycled cardboard. This brand does its absolute best to ensure each material comes with a minimal carbon footprint. 

Vessi’s itinerary of sustainable materials is also quite impressive. The brand uses a mix of HeiQ fabric, Dyma-Tex, and  Dyma-Wool for its shoe collection. Vegan and eco-consciously designed, Vessi prioritizes support, performance, and waterproofing—which makes sense given that their kicks are made for tough environments. 

The brand’s in-house materials are tested for durability, flexibility, comfort, and fit. Plus, they’re super lightweight and stretchy to minimize any sweat stains and bruises. In relation to sustainability, Vessi is partnered with several eco-conscious organizations, including Bluesign and OEKO-TEX. 

Compared to shoe brands that don’t implement a lick of sustainability, Vessi and Allbirds seem to be the benchmark when it comes to commendable company transparency.

Customers are able to understand the whys, whats, and hows when it comes to materials, manufacturing, and sourcing. This is mainly due to the amount of information provided on both websites. 

Allbirds vs Vessi: Price & Value

Based on the products I’ve featured so far in this Allbirds vs Vessi review, it’s fair to assume that both brands fall in the same price range. Most of their shoes retail around $100 to $150, which is pretty standard when it comes to high-quality runners and everyday slip-ons. 

That said, I will say that Allbirds provides customers with more budget flexibility, as prices vary from $65 to $165. Vessi, on the other hand, usually marks their kicks to $105, $180, and $60 for their kidswear collection. 

Allbirds and Vessi both offer a convincing case to help justify the cost of their footwear. For one, they ensure that each step in production passes the sustainability check. 

As previously mentioned, these two companies manufacture their own materials, which feeds into assembly costs. Each shoe is tested for durability, flexibility, and comfort, so there’s no need to worry about quality control here. 

Of course, the amount of effort put into production means absolutely nothing if customers don’t like it. Thankfully, it seems that Allbirds and Vessi are both in the spotlight when it comes to high-quality, sustainable footwear. 

The amount of praise found on both brands is quite overwhelming—so I thought it best to summarize customer feedback in the following segment of this Allbirds vs Vessi review. 

I’m not here to crown any winners when it comes to quality control. Both Vessi and Allbirds do an outstanding job of balancing price versus value. 

Allbirds vs Vessi: What Do Customers Think?  

Sustainability is this decade’s hottest buzzword. Several clothing brands have re-transformed their company mission to better align themselves with customer values—which is definitely a step in the right direction. The question is, in the midst of eco-conscious marketing, what brands stand out in terms of transparency, quality, and price versus value? 

Allbirds and Vessi have equally shared the spotlight for some time now. All of the products featured in this Allbirds vs Vessi review have rounded up hundreds of positive comments. It’s certainly encouraging, given that their prices are quite expensive. 

Of course, I didn’t just base my research on both of their official websites. I also did some digging on some outside sources to help beef up this Allbirds vs Vessi review. The ratings speak for themselves, as buyers seem to be satisfied with the quality of their shoes. 

While you’re free to form your opinion based on these ratings, I thought it best to provide a quick summary of common customer feedback to help inform your final decision. 

Allbirds:

• Trustpilot: 1,143 reviews with 4.5/5 stars
• Sitejabber: 141 reviews with 2.7/5 stars
• Thingtesting: 380 votes with 4.3/5 stars

Common customer feedback: 

• Footwear is comfortable and durable 
• Ideal for walking and running 
• Breathable, lightweight, and trendy in aesthetic 
• Speedy shipping 
• Helpful customer service 

Vessi:

• Trustpilot: 4,084 reviews with 4.5/5 stars
• Wetried.it.com: 8.5/5 stars 
• Packhacker.com: 6.9/10 stars 

Common customer feedback: 

• Shoes are ideal for wet environments 
• Easy to slip on and comfortable to wear 
• Easy to wash 
• Super lightweight in construction 
• Great for exercise and everyday use 

In terms of negative testimonials, complaints made for both Vessi and Allbirds are relatively the same. A few buyers weren’t happy with the quality of their shoes, as they felt uncomfortable and too thin in construction. Others noted issues with customer service and returns. In some cases, users reported delayed deliveries. 

While it’s easy to get caught up in 1-star reviews, let’s not forget that there’s more praise than problems when it comes to Allbirds and Vessi. 

Allbirds vs Vessi: Promotions & Discounts

Everybody loves a good, especially if the product in question is over the $100 limit. With that in mind, I’ll share some promotions I’ve found in this Allbirds vs Vessi review. For Allbirds, customers can peruse through the brand’s sale outlet, where select designs are offered at discounted prices. 

Currently, Vessi isn’t offering sales at the moment, but they do provide other ways for customers to save. This includes the following: 

• A 20% discount code for healthcare workers 
• Customers can receive a free gift if they sign up for the brand’s newsletter
• $20 for every successful referral in terms of Vessi’s refer-a-friend program (for orders $100 or more)

Allbirds and Vessi are not exactly generous when it comes to offering promotions, but it’s probably due to their sustainability model. From the get-go, Vessi seems to be in the lead in terms of discounts and deals. That said, it’s possible that Allbirds could release some insider perks in the future. 

Customers should also know that both brands offer free shipping if you order a select amount, which I’ll be sure to cover next in this Allbirds and Vessi review. 

Allbirds vs Vessi: Shipping & Returns 

The devil is in the details. In this case, I’m referring to shipping and returns. Before you opt for either brand, it’s important to know some specs concerning delivery costs, refunds, timeframes, and, of course, customer feedback relating to both policies. I’ll provide a side-by-side comparison of these two companies next in this Allbirds vs Vessi review. 

Allbirds:

• Free shipping on orders over $75 or more 
• Complimentary returns 
• Ships to several countries 
• Provides a standard $5 fee on all purchases 
• Packages usually take 6 to 8 business days to arrive
• Issues a tracking number via a confirmation email 
• Offers some flexibility in terms of shipping options (1-day and 2-day expedited delivery) 
• Customers have until 30 days to return their products 
• No glaring issues in regard to shipping or returns 

Vessi:

• Free shipping on orders over $80 or more
• Complimentary exchanges 
• Available in several countries 
• Provides express delivery 
• Offers a 90-day window for returns 
• Issues a tracking number for all packages
• No concerning red flags for returns and shipping 

There are pros and cons found in both companies’ policies. For instance, Vessi offers a more generous timeframe for returns, while Allbirds issues complimentary returns. Thankfully, I didn’t find any glaring issues related to shipping and refunds, but you should know that there are a couple floating around on the internet. It’s nothing too disconcerting, however. 

Who Will You Shop With?

Allbirds and Vessi are the standard when it comes to sustainable footwear. They check all the required boxes in terms of transparency and quality control. Again, I’m not here to award the crowning champion, as I believe that both brands offer their own set of advantages. You win either way if you settle for one or the other. 

Vessi, while catered to Vancouverites, can be worn by any individual that normally experiences tough weather. Thunderstorms, muddy hikes, and wet snow are inevitable in most countries, which is why this brand does its best in designing functional footwear for harsh climates. It’s the type of go-to shoe if you’re not fond of wearing rain boots or sneakers. 

Allbirds shoes aren’t exactly the height of trending when it comes to athleisure, but they definitely knock it out of the park when it comes to sustainability. The amount of effort into mitigating waste and overproduction is certainly impressive. 

Functional, thoughtfully designed, and commendable in environmental conservation, Allbirds is something to keep in mind if you want to reduce your carbon footprint. 

From customer feedback to offered promotions, I think I provided enough information in this Allbirds vs Vessi review to help you settle on the right brand. 

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