The Comfort of This Adidas x Allbirds Shoe Is Unmatched — and I’m Finally Excited to Go for a Run

I have a pretty long relationship with running. It started in high school when I'd get to the athletic center an hour before my 6 a.m. early-bird gym class to burn through a few miles — yes, I was the dork that took gym before school started to squeeze in more academic classes and clubs.

In college I ran long distance and have since completed a few half marathons and marathons. Unfortunately, though, my running career was riddled with injuries.

After an ankle injury that had me working with a physical therapist yet again, I was done. I was sick of standing on a balance board tossing a ball against the wall. I was sick of strengthening the "small stabilizing muscles" I didn't even understand made a difference.

So, after more than eight years of consistent (practically daily) running, I just stopped and started strength training.

I had absolutely no intention of running long distances ever again. But with some unintentional encouragement from my partner, I started vaguely considering a return to the sport. And when I received a pair of Adidas Adizero x Allbirds running shoes in the mail, they were the tip of the iceberg.

I can't credit my ​entire​ return to running to one pair of shoes. But when I slipped these sneakers on for a walk around the block, I just ​had​ to go for an actual run — and it's the best decision I've made in a while.

When I run, I like to feel light on my feet, like I'm gliding through the air. And at 5.4 ounces (that's about the weight of a checkbook), these sneakers are as light as they come. But thanks to their sleek fit, they still feel secure and stable stride after stride.

Another thing I absolutely adore about these runners: The fabric upper is unlike anything I've ever worn. Whereas most running shoes have a squishy mesh or sock-like knit, the soft fabric on these offers the breathability of mesh with sock-style compression.

The sole is minimal but comfortable, just like I prefer. Personally, I like feeling barefoot when I run, making as much contact with the ground as possible. After years of strength training, I enjoy picturing my different muscles contracting to propel my body forward. But it's definitely something to keep in mind if you like a little more cushion in your runners.

Finally, this shoe was designed with the environment in mind — it was important for the manufacturers to keep their CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) footprint to a minimum when making the shoe, and the shoe is made from at least 25 percent recycled materials and colored in a more sustainable way.

To say that a pair of shoes are the only reason I've started running again is a bit of a stretch, but if I'm being perfectly honest, they were definitely a major convincing factor.

And now, I can't wait to slip them on for my weekly speed sessions or tempo runs.

But don't take my word for it! Give these a test run (pun intended) of your own. And right now, Adidas even has them on sale — scoop them up while you still can!

​​Ready to pound the pavement feeling like a pro? Gear up with this perfect pair of running shoes.​