It’s no secret Allbirds is continuously innovating its footwear offerings. From merino wool-lined sneakers that provide a streamlined look at the office or the airport to technical running shoes with plenty of flexibility and breathability, Allbirds has successfully mastered the ability to cater to every type of lifestyle and shoe preference.
With the release of the Vista Racer sneaker on Oct. 3, the brand has proved it really can do it all: The shoe is at once stylish enough to pair with a matching set yet spec-driven enough to make you feel supported during a high-intensity workout. We hit the pavement with these new sneakers to determine just how well they stack up to the rest of the roster.
The Vista Racer features Allbirds' signature sustainable fabrics — a eucalyptus tree fiber upper, a plant-based foam midsole and an organic cotton canvas — in a blend between a fashion-forward shoe and a tech-driven, reduced-carbon sneaker.
The men's version of the Vista Racer is available in the same colors of the women's model at launch: Natural Black and Stormy Mauve. Sizing spans from men's 8 to 14.
What we liked about it
A better look than most running shoes
Admittedly, I usually resort to Allbirds for the way they feel as opposed to the way they look. I was immediately drawn to the Vista Racer’s chunky and oversized midsole with unique geometric detailing that didn’t make the shoe look too bulky. They feature a similar silhouette to the ever-popular New Balance 327 that taper slightly at the toe box for a sleek and elongating look. I felt very high fashion in the Vista Racers, which I can’t say for a lot of sneakers.
A breeze to take on and off
Next: The ability to slide into the sock collar without undoing the laces is an absolute godsend for this pregnant person nearing her final trimester. The less time I can spend crouched down, the better for my back and baby. You don’t have to be pregnant to benefit, however: Folks with hip or knee issues, those with chronic pain or who have recently undergone surgery or elderly individuals with limited mobility and stability could certainly benefit from a feature like this.
Facilitating on and off even further are dual pull tabs at both the rear and front. A front pull tab integrated seamlessly into the design is something I never knew I needed but now refuse to settle for without. Not only did the front pull tab assist with getting the shoe on, but it helped customize the fit of the flexible collar ever so slightly, allowing me to pull it up as far as it would go.
Cushioned comfort for your feet
Now, for the way they performed. Taking shoes on a several-mile walk without so much as a few break-in steps around the house is a huge risk, but I wanted to see how these fared right out of the box. While the oversized midsole might feel daunting for some, I prefer that extra foam as a bridge between my foot and the firm pavement. It reduces pressure on both my feet and joints, adds a cushioned and contoured sensation for a walking-on-clouds feel and offers some much-needed lift to my short frame. The midsole isn’t just gratuitously thick; it’s curved enough to propel me forward with less effort in each step, akin to something you’d find in a cushion-heavy running shoe from brands like Hoka or Saucony.
You can’t talk about something called a Vista Racer without turning up the speed limit a little bit. On a run on the treadmill (or more like the fastest jog I can muster given my situation), I found the sneakers to feel cushiony enough to reduce impact while allowing for a more efficient stride.
As a certified personal trainer, I hesitate to recommend such a plush and cushioned shoe for something like weight or resistance training where you’ll want to feel more grounded in your stance. I took these for a spin at the gym anyway and found that, while I struggled to firmly plant my feet on the ground during the likes of deadlifts and rows, thanks to the oversized foam midsole, they were the perfect cheat code in helping me launch my (now heavier) frame off the ground during plyometric movements like jump lunges, jumping jacks and lateral skater hops. If you were looking to take some pressure off your knees during load-bearing movements like squats or lunges, these might just be your ticket to reaching new (literal) heights in the gym — pain-free.
What we didn’t like about it
While I consider the Vista Racer a near-perfect shoe, it featured certain elements that gave me pause. Firstly, for a shoe to feel secure on my feet, I prefer the laces and eyelets to start higher up closer to my ankle. These began farther down, forcing my ankle to do some of the actual legwork to steady myself. I don’t mind using my stabilizer muscles occasionally to prop myself up — after all, strengthening your stabilizers is linked to better posture and overall alignment — but those with ankle weakness might find that the Vista Racers lack some much-needed support.
While the flexible knit sock collar accommodated for some swelling after all those miles logged — ideal not just for pregnant folks but for those who spend hours on their feet at work or during their travels — it could have benefited from additional features like a firmer collar lining or heel counter for extended wear at such high intensities.
A testament to their rubber outsole with next-level traction and grip was the seriously squeaky sound they made against wooden and tile flooring. I imagine this will subside with wear over time, but definitely steer clear of sleeping babies or libraries during your first few wears.
While these attributes obviously don’t hinder performance, the raised seam at the vamp and oversized eyelets at the laces are on the distracting side. More toned-down details might give these sneakers wider appeal.
Bottom line
If you’re on the hunt for a shoe that does it all — makes you look cool while helping your feet stay pain-free during everything from long walks to cardio sessions — I don’t hesitate to recommend the Vista Racers wholeheartedly. Not only do they boast sustainable features that take some of the sting out of conspicuously consuming shoes (for many of us, the compulsion to shoe shop is incredibly real!), but they make for a practical sneaker option that transitions seamlessly from the coffee shop to CrossFit while being as easy to slide into as your favorite pair of slippers.