Re-Allbirds

It felt absolutely great reading this.

If you're ever in SF, I'd love to show you around the company.

And thank you for trying a pair -- hope you love them (please lmk if you don't!).

Adam, thanks for connecting us. Much appreciated.

Joey Zwillinger

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Don't buy woolen shoes, or any wool product: http://www.theethicalman.com/wool.html

Mark Haven

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Lemmings

- Bruce Gow

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Bad news, Bob. I just ordered two pairs. Throw yours out:)
With thanks, from a loyal, daily reader, who gives almost every one of your recommendations a shot. Especially books. Thanks again.

Ed Glavin

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Bob. It's too late, everybody already has Allbirds. Somebody gave me a pair for my birthday in October. I quit wearing them this month after the fifth person said "Oh you wear Allbirds too!" Back to Olakal's, equally comfortable, less trendy.

Bill Price

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Converse. You'll be happier. Acceptable at all social functions, and also machine washable.

Marcia P. Hrichison

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So now everybody will want to buy them! That includes me. You have started a trend!?

Nan Borcherding

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I got a pair of Allbirds last summer and I've been singing their praise ever since! Super light, super comfortable. As a long-time reader I had to write to testify about these shoes. Do it Bob!

Daryl Manderville

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I'm on your mailing list and read all your emails. This one struck a cord. YOU MUST get a pair of Allbirds. I broke my foot and ankle and needed a flat, comfortable shoe. Because Allbirds has a 30 day no questions asked return policy I bought a pair. They are supportive and cushy comfortable at the same time. I LOVE THEM! I'm able to walk, bike, etc. in these shoes. So far I have them in three different colors. But... be sure to buy the wool runners, not the wool lounger. The heel on the lounger is lower than the one on the runner and not as comfortable. One other thing - go up a size; they run small.

Would love to hear how you make out.

Sincerely,

Beth Ann Kessler

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I used to think you were relevant. Now I now you are just like the rest. So sad.

Scott Arbough

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I have a pair. I've had them almost a year now. Still holding up well. I had to wait months for them to release them in the color I wanted. When I first tried to buy a pair they only offered two colors, neither of my liking. When they offered a lighter color I jumped. They are very comfortable, not the most comfortable shoes ever but very comfortable.

I hope I have a few more months until everyone else is wearing them, otherwise I, like you, we find something else.

Nicolas Bernardine

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I don't know anything about Allbirds, and know only one person who wears Atheist. http://www.atheistberlin.com

Thomas Mumey

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Love it Bob... I still sail & enjoy a Clarke's boat shoe. I recall the 70's focus on the Stones albums shoes with friends....Thanx!! Jim Eaton

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Your feet will stink, you will have to wear a good pair of thick white cotton socks. All the geeks you mentioned discovered hygiene late in life, that was part of their dating problem. Staying up all night drinking Mt. Dew and eating bad snacks, gave them bad breath, bad teeth and bad skin. Go ahead, be just like them, and revel in being an outsider

Thomas Geimer

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Just do it Bob, but maybe don't wear them on a hot day.

Stephen Tatton

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I just ordered a pair, i've never heard of them or seen an ad for them prior to your e mail. I didn't even read the entire e mail, I scrolled looking for a link to purchase, found the article, clicked the link in the article and made the purchase in a matter of minutes.

I figured they say they are comfortable so why not give it a shot.

Now i'm looking forward to sharing them with my followers when they get here.

Jared Polin

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I looked at 'em yesterday. Look great. And I LOVE wool socks so I was all in. But now you've spilled the beans and they'll be everywhere. I guess I'll stick with my wool socks and Chocos. Truth is, I got the socks and sandals look from the Beats when I was a kid. Been wearing this combo since the 90s.
Have worn Chacos and wool socks in snowstorms in Toronto, the heat of Hollywood, rain etc. Never gets cold. Rarely gets hot. And my tootsies get some air.
Get on the bandwagon. Just don't tell everyone!
:)
Richard Sales

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Cool. Since a Allbirds store is coming to NYC next month, that will work. I only buy comfy shoes. It started with Earth Shoes in the 70's. CLARKS!! Naot. Dansko. Might as well check out Allbirds.
Thanks for sharing.

manora

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Good looking shoe. But its wool? Isnt it hot? Too hot for wool, right?

Marc Amendola

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If you like the Allbirds, you should try Boll and Branch sheets on a Casper mattress while wearing a pair of Krewe sunglasses.

I'm only half kidding. All great products.

ross hinkle

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Listen to Felice. Women know. Allbirds would suit you Bob and their pretty normal looking so that should make your Lady happy. And happy is good! And New Zealand is a cool place with very cool people, like Neil Finn.

Olie Kornelsen

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I bought a pair of these after seeing the same article yesterday.. appears it will be a great shoe.. only issue I had is to order black or grey... minor problem I guess. Good luck on your shoe shopping!

Chris Anderson

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once a trend is in the NYT it's both validated and no longer on the ascent

Richard Ivester

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They are aaaaamazing. You won't regret the purchase. Promise.

Chrissy Cornwall

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You deserve a pair of Allbirds. Do it. (Or perhaps they'll send you a pair for a test run).

I live in a rainforest climate in the Pacific Northwest. Wool and rain aren't a good match. I'm hesitant.

Cheers, Ken
Ken Stewart
Vancouver

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I like the idea of wool loungers around the house. Better buy a couple pair though.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/allbirdss-wool-runners-have-a-wear-and-tear-problem-185839595.html

G. Robey
Chesapeake Beach, MD.

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A wise man once told me "Never skimp on anything that goes between you and the ground." That is meant to include your bed, your tires, and your shoes.

I've been wearing Merrell Moabs for years now (on my fourth or fifth pair now.) Most comfortable shoes I've ever had. I work long hours on film sets, and my feet used to kill me. Once I got my Merrells (With Vibram soles, of course,) it changed everything. They also feel comfortable the first day I wear them. No blisters or anything.

Admittedly, I've never worn Allbirds, but make sure they provide you with proper support if you're going to be wearing them as your daily drivers. The back problems aren't worth the fashion statement.

Anyway, I love your letters. Keep them coming. While I don't always agree with you (my political leanings are a little more center,) I love hearing your perspectives.

Matt

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I got clued in with Allbirds on a trip to Twitter HQ a few months back. Haven't taken them off since. Don't be afraid to throw them in the washing machine, though air dry is best (keep insoles seperate).

-Darwyn Metzger

PS just saw two 16 year old kids get out of a BMW SUV on Fairfax each holding 8 pairs of Yeezys. I asked them what they were doing and they told me they were selling them for $650 per to a local sneaker shop, that would in turn sell them for $1,000. One man's rip-off is another man's come-up.

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Thanks for the great idea!!!!! I will ask Hermann if he can make a sample from Austrian wool. I will order he and I a pair. I also have a supplier in New Zealand who surely knows. As you said even though a year or more old, it takes time for ideas to percolate. My website has doubled every year and most of my biz is 75% from new customers who "discover" me. It's like you said about music artists, it takes time and you have to be patience and persevere. You could write a book about that subject alone and give a lot of young people guidance. I would love to send your book to my kids now in their 30's to remind them of some of your maxims.

Thanks Bob.

Rick Vogt

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damn are they ugly! enjoy Bob.

Owen Plotmobile device

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Lol....sheep following the wool... I def wanna wear the same sneakers as Larry Page and Benny, that will definitely make me seem like I'm "in the know". Bwaahahaa

Allbirds are kinda old news, maybe you willl write about GREATS next!

It's amazing how high school all this shit is ...

k d

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I was gifted a pair for my birthday on July 20th.

Dude. No socks needed. No smell. Good for a hike or a dance floor or a wedding.

Feels like your best friend on your foot.

colin

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I'm not sure how I initially head about Allbirds. But I've had a pair now since the spring, and it's almost all I wear. They're the damnedest shoes. You'd think they'd be warm and your feet would sweat b/c they're wool...but they're as cool as cucumber (and there is no need to wear socks with them). I almost feel guilty wearing them outside, like I'm wearing slippers on the street, b/c it feels like you're walking on carpet.

I haven't seen too many of them in NYC, might still be a west coast thing.

But they're exceptionally comfortable.

Rishon Blumberg

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Got my first Allbirds back in March. Already thinking of getting another pair. Best shoes I have ever owned!

Axel Hyge

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If I wear these, I'll be doing it to fit in with the outsiders!
Mick O'Regan

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Those Allbirds are tasteful sneakers. For working out, sneakers are my go to but for nearly all other occasions I wear various Red Wing boots. Made in America and built to last. I'm in Vancouver, so it's rarely too hot to wear leather footwear, but I've never owned a better pair of shoes than my Red Wings. I just got a pair of 875 boots resoled after 3.5 years of heavy use and they look better than new and feel great. That's what's nice about quality footwear, it can be repaired. A $300 investment, plus 100 bucks every couple years for repairs will get you a pair of shoes you will have for decades. Disposable footwear is the norm and I do love sneakers but quality leather shoes are comfortable and durable. Quality will always be the coolest trend.

Cheers

Aidan Mouellic
Vancouver, BC

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Here is another footwear option gaining momentum, Bob: https://yorkathleticsmfg.com/

You can use my coupon code for a discount: family

Travis York

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If you don't already have it, get the uncrate app. Allbirds and more.

BC
Chapin Music Group

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All right. You sold me. I'm in.

Mike Murphy

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I'm certain I won't be the only person to suggest this, but definitely check out Adidas' Ultra Boost if you want a comfortable shoe that's light and stylish. I stand on my feet all day and I won't wear anything else anymore.

They're not cheap, but worth it.

Cheers,
David Bassin

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Buy them, Allbirds that is.
I hate trends.
These are awesome.

lauren kraft greene

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I love my Allbirds! They're a little tough to get used to at first because there's little support and they're very light weight, but after a week or so it's like they've molded to your feet... I wear them all the time, with socks or without. And you can throw them in the wash! They're the best for air travel, if you have to take your shoes on and off, they're like a pair of slippers... and bonus, they look great.

Keith Levy

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Hey Bob, for runners and more casual shoes, check out Vejas....found them in Berlin last summer and they're incredible. Made from recycled material and very well constructed. Highly recommended!

Jason Blynn

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Get a pair.......

Jake Gold

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I have had my Allbirds for about a year. They are great. I both a pair for my husband. He is quite particular and likes them very much. Now that I know they are Silicon Valley favorites, I'm reticent to buy more. Reverse status symbol problem.

For women, try Rothy's. The most comfortable shoe ever. Seriously. Sorry, not for men, though.

Janna Glasser

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Hi. How great, definitely the "new thing..."
First started noticing these on people in airports...
First thought; kind of a cross somewhere between "grandpa bedroom slippers" and "cool" but supposedly are comfortable...and "breathe...?"

Valerie Geller

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Because I'm a contrarian I clicked through. That, and I trust the source.
Interesting, though with the low backs I wonder if they'll work with (or survive) my orthotics.
Keep up the cool work.
Philip Hicks

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There has got to be a lot of profit margin in these? I think I will wait for the 19.99 knock offs from Asia. Thanks for the tip Bob. I never thought of you as a trendy guy, I thought your waters ran deeper.

asegal

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Reach as far as you can in the back of your closet. Back there you will find the most fashionable pair of shoes you own.

Accessorize with a cap found at the same depth.

PS… I bought a pair of Allbirds

PPS… from fabric to poly to fabric

Scott Crompton

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2 cents:
I saw the Allbirds shoes mentioned in US magazine last month or so as a buzz item, and because
I think wool shoes are a cool idea ( I have Mahabis slippers) I looked up the you tube reviews. They look comfy. I didn't order them.

Laura Balga

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They are definitely on many people's feet here in SF.

Brian Riccardi

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I picked up a pair of AllBirds around this time last year. I first saw/heard about them on Instagram. They were delivering me ads regularly, I assume, because I searched for a pair of Yeezy Boosts to try and figure out what the hype was about. The speed with which the ads were delivered was shocking. Days, if not hours...

Its a great shoe - I don't wear them all the time as they are dusty from hiking (which I wouldn't recommend - barely any traction on them) but you can clean them in the washer. They are comfortable and have a clean design - which can work in a lot of different places if need be.

More and more companies like this seem to be thriving (Myles, Mack Weldon are similar clothing companies that I've also purchased from that are direct-to-consumer). It seems like the marketing is 80% of the budget... after that, as long as the stuff doesn't fall apart after a few washes/wears and they have eco-conscious goals and production practices, I'm on board.

Steve Page

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The average American buys eight pairs of shoes per year?!? Astonishing. Somebody's lying about how bad off they are.

Doug F

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Like you I saw an ad--actually I think it was one of those annoying pop up ads. Anyway the web site was attractive, the shoes inexpensive so what the hell!
Amazing. Packaging is intelligent and attractive and the SHOES! They are feather light. Wool (who'd a thunk it?).
With nice rubbery soles and thick enough so you can walk anywhere without feeling the terrain (I wouldn't go hiking in them). Just enough support too.
They are like the most comfortable bedroom slippers imaginable except you can wear these anywhere--outdoors.
You can toss them into the washing machine!
I would say definitely not athletic shoes--I wouldn't run a 10K in em.
Only caveat--follow their size advice on the site--I am wearing a half size smaller than I normally do.
Finally--
Whether or not you like em for you--these people seem to genuinely appreciate you as a customer. When's the last time someone selling you something gave you that kind of feeling!

jlahart

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I labor over buying shoes for a couple months every year or two. Your email plus a couple of real glowing YouTube reviews sold me. I just order a pair.

Jon Bahr
VP, Music Publishing and Rights Management
CD Baby

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I went to the site. Did I miss something? They only make two styles of men's shoes? The runner and the lounger? This means every guy is wearing one or the other. Pretty much like the USSR back in the day, the Llada's came in black or grey.
Not hip if every guy thinks thinks they're expressing their personality by wearing the same thing. At least tattoos are all mostly different.

You want cool shoes, go look at www.nativeshoes.com the Canadian company that makes foam shoes as well as man made suede styles. There are unique given the choice of styles. I probably have ten pair. They are super comfortable, light, breathe well and I get more questions from people about where I got them. I can pack three pair to travel with and the total weight is about 8 ozs. They even make a LLBean style low cut rain boot that I wore in the rainforest that are made out of a light rubber.
Plus the price range is $50 to about $95.

That way you don't have to look like you are following the Silicon crowd.

Better to be on the leading edge of a cool thing, than joining the masses.

John Brodey

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My son ordered his Allbirds so he'd have comfy but hip footwear for our three-day Outside Lands extravaganza. He foolishly wore them on Friday with no socks. Big, blistering mistake. With socks on Saturday and Sunday, the Allbirds performed like a charm. Mine arrive today, in time for a trip to France where shoes matter, particularly for women.
Hope you like yours,
Medea Bern

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When they produce a version that doesn't involve abject, industrial animal cruelty, I'll pay attention. Until then, pass.

Best,

Rob450

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I saw the Allbirds ad on Facebook and immediately clicked through. (Surprisingly, I find myself clicking on more ads than I used to. I guess the targeting is getting better.

Comfort and cushioning in shoes is a priority for me, but I also like some style, and I can't wear my Brooks running shoes everywhere. So I own a lot of Cole Haan lace-up shoes, which I love. But I saw these and immediately said, "they're me!" and bought the black & white version.

Waiting for them to arrive and can't wait to try them on.

Debbie Newman

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I had a pair a year ago and had to send them back as, funny enough, they didn't fit well.
Soft, yes, but if you're feet are even remotely "wide," they aren't for you. The good news:
their support / return policy was almost as good as Amazon, which I consider to be the
gold standard.

eric behrns

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Thanks and now I go from you telling me about new songs to new shoes....haha
When I read about when the shoes become hip, you'll throw them out. That made me laugh because I do the same. I got a cool tattoo when I was around 22-about 25 years ago...sigh-and now I regret it because everyone has them. A lady I work with got one to be trendy. It's only one word on her forearm and her reason only reinforced my regret.
The other sign was walking to work In Downtown Vancouver with a Starbucks in hand! Yup....I went trendy! When I realized that I almost threw it away...until I realized I paid for it so no way was I going to waste $$
All the best

Jeff Harris

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Bob, Bob, BOB!

Music, yes. Politics, yes. Society, yes. Skiing, hell yeah. Tech, sure. But shoes?!?! And not even something that might improve my physical well-being. Just fashion bullshit. FUCK THAT!!!! This is so far below you. Please don't do that again.

Tim W
In Calgary

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And now I'm thinking about buying a pair, too. Not because of the digerati. But because of you. Well, I checked them out because of your email. I'll buy a pair because I like them, and I am fairly confident they'll be rarely seen in my small circle in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. But Allbirds would've never hit my radar but for you. Thanks for that.

Likewise with Spotify. I would've never gotten into streaming if I hadn't be schooled by you. Full confession: I still buy CDs from time to time. I'll be 61 in October and I still like to hold things and read the notes/lyrics. Some things ain't changing.

But what really made hit reply is your reference to Earth Shoes. I too had a pair in college, so I'm thinking I got mine in 1975 or so, when I was a freshman. I had to drive 35 miles to a store in Nashville and order them, and then wait a month or more to get a phone call that they'd arrived. Different world. But I loved my Earth Shoes.

And I still am a shoe guy. Lately I discovered Camper shoes. Have you heard of the brand? I hadn't. It's a casual shoe. And it costs twice what Allbirds do. But when I showed them to my wife (who knew me in college), she said, "Hey, those remind me of Earth Shoes." I hadn't noticed. But she's right.

They're definitely unique, and you might like them, too. I got one of Camper's "iconic" styles, the Peu. It's a slip-on. Check them out: https://www.camper.com/en_US/men/shoes/peu?col=ico. The ones I got (blue laces) are on sale now. Wouldn't you know!

All best,
Craig Dees

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Hi Bob,


There is a cost for wearing wool. If you are willing to exact pain and suffering on innocent animals, you should at least be prepared to watch it...
I hope you change your mind.

Drew Arnott

PETA's investigations in Australia—the world's top wool exporter—found that shearers beat, kicked, and threw terrified sheep. "A PETA investigation of more than 30 shearing sheds in the U.S. and Australia uncovered rampant abuse. Shearers were caught punching and stomping on sheep, in addition to hitting them in the face with electric clippers and standing on their heads,necks, and hind limbs. One shearer was seen beating a lamb in the head with a hammer. Another even used a sheep's body to wipe the sheep's own urine off the floor. And yet another shearer repeatedly twisted and bent a sheep'sneck, breaking it." Below, is the video revealing the abuse.

https://theveganlily.wordpress.com/tag/lamb/

_________________________________________

Allbirds shoes are about done having their 15 minutes of fame. Don't buy them during their 16th minute.

Real shoes go through rougher terrain than the offices of Silicon Valley halls' digerati or of the "rapidly declining L. A. 'Times'," and it's no contest when the $95 Allbirds' fine wool fibers get caught and snagged on bushes and twigs on an outdoor path.

If you accept that in a few months you will toss these out like your pet rock and your I'm With Stupid t-shirt, okay. Certainly the no-strings loafers are easier to use going through the TSA line at LAX. But $45 Vans and penny loafers are already striding through airports nationwide because they have no shoestrings that take 5 minutes getting off, 5 minutes putting on.

You can stay with your Nikes and look like Ben Stein in his business suit and his silly Keds-type high school gymnasium footwear, but a better look would be those classic Clarks. (Your Dressports have rubber soles, not rubber souls.) But you are better than a copycat trend follower of Allbirds. Once it's in the old-news New York Times, you know that everybody in Silicon Valley has Allbirds now and it's time to throw yours out. So don't even bother to buy them. Give it up and go with Felice's idea – real shoes. What a concept.

Bob Askey
Longmont, CO

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Joe Cohen @Cohen_Goes_HAM

I'll bet @Lefsetz sells more @Allbirds than the @nytimes


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