The new vintage-inspired Allbirds Couriers are the only walking shoes I'll be wearing this fall — here's what they're like IRL

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As I prepare for taking walks with more leaves crunching underfoot, a reliable pair of comfy, vintage-inspired walking shoes are just what I need to get excited about the routine. Admittedly, I don't always take time to get some fresh air between hours at a desk. But in putting together my Allbirds Couriers review, I had a newfound reason to get outside and move.

Many of the popular Allbirds shoes we've detailed in our full Allbirds review have more of a minimalist, modern silhouette. But lately, there's been more retro influences — in our Allbirds Risers review, we noted the retro vibe of the shoes and how they had a distinct '70s style.   Now, the Couriers call in the casual styles from the '80s as a reference point.

For its initial release, the Allbirds Couriers are available in women's sizes 5-11 and men's sizes 8-14. They come in two classic black and white colorways, with three limited edition colorways of Medium Grey, Arid Umber, and the Natural Black featuring pink accents.

Below you can read how the Couriers feel on foot compared to similar sneakers I've tried, and why Allbirds' special use of recycled materials matters.

The Allbirds Couriers' advantage

When I got my first look at the Allbirds Couriers, their shape reminded me of my old Nike Daybreaks. I've owned two pairs of Daybreaks, and got a decent amount of wear out of them before they became too beat up to keep. The Couriers bear an uncanny resemblance, but were markedly more comfortable and supportive as I put them to the test against the uneven sidewalks of my neighborhood.

The Couriers have a more substantial outsole than my flatly soled Nikes, but were surprisingly even more lightweight and instead made from bouncy natural rubber. The scoop-shaped midsole is made from Allbirds signature sugarcane-based SweetFoam, an innovative material that's become synonymous with the brand. It felt springy and provided extra cushion for comfortable stepping on concrete.

Meanwhile, the upper is made from 100% organic Cotton, Tencel Lyocell Ripstop, and bio-based nylon. Tencel adds durability to the cotton using a strengthening eucalyptus fiber, and leaves a carbon footprint that's one-third lower than when using virgin nylon. Besides being leagues better for the environment than the Daybreaks' petroleum-based synthetic foam and leather, these naturally renewable materials are fully machine washable, so I can anticipate keeping them looking newer for longer.

How the Allbirds Couriers fit into the retro sneaker trend

After wearing them over miles of pavement, the name "Courier" became more and more of a fitting moniker for these sneakers. Their chunky, sporty silhouette reminds me of something from the 80s, and my first instinct was to wear them with tube socks as seen in the aerobic videos of the era. This trendy go-go 80s aesthetic was also referenced in Chanel's Cruise 2023/24 collection, where the Couriers could have easily fit in under some leg warmers. Still, these sneakers have a simple, classic feel that can be styled with your average pair of jeans or trousers. 

The bottom line

Although priced a bit higher than a similar pair with a check or three stripes logo, these Allbirds alternatives are ultimately the better investment when you account for their longer lifespan. The Allbirds Couriers are made with responsibly sourced, high-quality materials, creatively crafted into a pair of walking shoes that you can wash and wear for the seasons ahead.