ALLBIRDS’S RISER OFFERS A SUSTAINABLE SHOE FOR DRESSING UP & DOWN
Allbirds has released the Riser, their first take on a retro-inspired multi-material sneaker. Crafted from their suite of eco-innovative materials, the minimal and elevated design is a wardrobe staple.
“In designing the Riser, we were inspired by the dimension and personality so often embodied in vintage, heritage sneaker style and then added the Allbirds design philosophy to make it completely unique, ” says Kate Ridley, chief brand and product officer at Allbirds. “We’re seeing a lot of demand from consumers for versatile footwear that draws comfort, cushion and fit technology from the performance category, but designed for lifestyle use. The Riser delivers exactly that, plus all-day comfort in a package that’s so much better for the planet.”
The Riser represents an evolution in the design direction at Allbirds, and its addition to their product portfolio fills a gap in the consumer market for versatile sneakers, crafted in a sustainable way. With an expressive design created by sleek lines and dimensions, it utilizes strategic seaming to maximize pattern and material efficiency, thereby avoiding waste. The shoe features:
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Canvas: 100% organic cotton that is thoughtfully placed around the forefoot and heel for a lightweight yet durable shoe. The organic cotton is grown without chemicals or pesticides, helping to create a healthier working environment for farmers and their land.
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Ripstop: 100% TENCEL™ (eucalyptus tree fiber) instead of the petroleum-based nylon found in classic ripstop materials is featured along the eyestay pieces and tongue, adding dimension and durability in areas of high wear and tear.
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Wool: ZQ-certified Merino—the world's leading ethical wool brand—stars as the focal point in the shoe’s semicircle design element, and also lines the heel for comfort and security.
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Foam: The SweetFoam™ midsole is made with carbon-negative green EVA derived from sugarcane — the first of its kind in an industry that relies on synthetic materials.
“Within the footwear industry, it’s highly likely that a designer’s materials toolbox consists mostly of petroleum-based materials. At Allbirds, we’re very intentional about selecting the most responsible materials to create with. In order to do that, we have to think outside the box, allow nature to inspire us and push ourselves to see what’s possible,” said Ashley Comeaux, VP of product design, Allbirds. “The Riser is our most expressive style to date — unifying a range of our natural materials into a unique, street-forward design that you’ll want to style up or down for wherever the day takes you.”
About Allbirds: Dreamed up in New Zealand, Allbirds launched in San Francisco in 2016 with the ethos of using natural materials to create the world’s most comfortable shoes. With carbon reduction as its north star, Allbirds is paving the way for a more sustainable approach to business through product innovation, industry collaboration (like open sourcing its footprint calculator) and being the first footwear brand to carbon label all of its products. Allbirds serves customers in 35+ countries across 55+ retail stores.
