Last year, I championed Allbirds shoes because they look great, last a long time, and feel like walking on a cloud. I wore them every time I traveled – and walked 100s of miles in them.
For $95 a pair, that’s a great price for shoes you’ll have for up to a year. I wore them until the grip on the soles wore off and little holes appeared in the bottom. I’m rough on my shoes, and get a certain amount of pride from putting them through the wringer. I need my shoes to carry me from place to place – and I am not kind to them when I’m on the go.
So when I found a similar shoe for $40 to $45, I decided to give it a go. Urban Fox shoes are just as comfy, stylish, and simple as Allbirds. And I dare say – even more comfortable.
These are NOT Allbirds. They’re $40 to $45 and even more comfy. Why pay $95 for the same look?
After walking around FinCon for a solid week in these bad boys, I can confidently say they’re the real deal. And while I like the sustainability/green choice factor with Allbirds, I also like paying $40 to $45 instead of $95 for a similar product.
Are Urban Fox shoes the best Allbirds alternative?
The company that makes these shoes, Urban Fox, only creates men’s products. Update 3/21/19: They now have models for women!
After my Allbirds bit the dust, I wore my old New Balance shoes until those, too, eventually died. I thought about getting another pair of Allbirds, but decided to research before committing. I’m glad I did, because it led me to these Urban Fox wool sneakers.
I think these are my new “one pair” when I travel
I want a shoe I can take when I travel. Something simple – no flashy logos – that’s easy to slip on and off, has great support, and can dress up or down. Essentially, I want to take one pair of shoes when I travel and have those shoes be neutral and versatile enough for any environment.
Like Allbirds, the Urban Fox Parker shoes have a wool top, thick padded bottom, and removable insole.
You’ll also notice they’re similar colors, shape, and overall design.
These are Allbirds – can you tell the difference?
There are only ~20 reviews online, but 80% of them are 5 stars. Peeps love how lightweight they are, the comfort, and the wool material used for the top.
They also come in gray/white and black/black
After absorbing the reviews and seeing they were only $40 to $45, I decided to give them a shot. And took them as my only pair to FinCon, where I knew I’d be walking a lot.
The black/black variety look very sleek
After raving about them at FinCon, a friend ordered a pair to try – and he loves them as much as I do, so far.
Urban Fox Vs Allbirds
The dark gray color I got is nearly identical to my old Allbirds. So is the bottom, and general look.
One thing I like much more on the Urban Fox shoes is the support. Whereas Allbirds got a “crinkle” in the heel area, the Urban Fox Parker is stacked solid. It is thick and cushy and bouncy all at the same time. It really feels like walking on air. I cannot overstate how good the support feels.
As far as other elements, the wool top feels just like Allbirds. The laces are the same. The bottom actually has a little more grip than Allbirds. It feels more solid, like it can stand a lot more impact – which is awesome.
I like the traction on these puppies
The bottoms have a wavy design imprinted whereas Allbirds are completely smooth. But it’s not a dealbreaker at all.
The final difference is invisible. Allbirds are all about sustainability and being kind to nature. I don’t know where Urban Fox stands on those issues. In fact, I’d never even heard of the brand and can’t find an official website for them. So I don’t really know where they come from or what their corporate posturing is on that.
Buck for buck, these shoes are comfy as heck
But I do understand the difference between $40 and $95 for similar items. After trying them, they’re good enough to challenge the title of “world’s most comfortable shoe.”
Bottom line
Allbirds were the only show in town for a while there. So I’m glad to see competition in the wool top/travel shoe arena. There are lots more out there. But when I saw these Urban Fox Parker shoes for $40 to $45 on Amazon with free shipping, I couldn’t resist trying them out.
If you’re looking for a comfy shoe to wear pretty much anywhere with incredible support, I definitely recommend them. The price is almost too good to believe. And I like them more from a support perspective, which is important to me.
Be sure to check out my original Allbirds review and 6-month followup for more comparison. I’m looking forward to 6+ months of roaming in these shoes!
Would you consider these instead of Allbirds? Let me know if you snag a pair, or another alternative!
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I look forward to the 6 month update. I’m also someone that is hard on shoes, And unfortunately I’ve found that knockoffs can be great at first and then quickly deteriorate.
Totally! I figure for $40 it was worth a try. I have high hopes for these, though!
Fincon was a lot of walking that’s for sure! My husband loves to walk around the neighborhood and stay active these would be perfect and they are affordable. I might have to get them for him. Thanks for the review!
Very cool – let me know if you pick up a pair and what he thinks of them! Loved connecting with you last week! <3
Have you tried them in a warm environment ? Would they work in a hot humid climate?
Yeah, my first week with them was in Orlando! And I’m currently in Texas – hot and humid is all I’ve known! :p
They’re very breathable, which I really like.
Does urban fox not make these anymore? I can’t even find a website for the company much less the parkers in stock anywhere.
Carrie, it looks like these are back in stock!
Getting a pair based on this article. Thanks for the comparison!
Let me know how you like them! Thank you for reading and commenting!
I really appreciated this review. It helps me to have confidence in my choice to keep the AllBirds that just arrived.
I am a bit surprised to see such a willing switch to a knock off. Sure the Urban Fox is half the price, but can you really put a pricetag on the social and environmental expense of the AllBirds sourcing and being a certified B-Corporation? Those things have value way beyond the comfort factor alone…
This is a “gold” post, for sure. I have foot problems and love this style shoe. I found a new Le Mouton pair (just like allbirds) for $8 at a thrift store and love them. I’ll be getting a pair of these, thanks to you.
Hey Patsy! Thank you for reading and commenting! I’m on my second pair of these right now. Let me know what you think of them! <3
How well did these last, compared to the Allbirds? I like the look of the Allbirds, but am not so keen on the price! I notice that Skechers do a similar looking shoe for less money, but if these Urban Fox shoes are comparable, I may have to give them a go.
The bottom sole started to wear down around the 6-month mark, then I got another few months of solid wear out of them. I’ve had Skechers in the past too and noticed a similar lifespan. But yeah, these were great little shoes. I’m on my second pair now.