Ina Garten Swears by These Cult-Favorite Walking Shoes, So I Decided to See What the Fuss Is About

Name: Comfy Even on Broken Pavement
Brand: allbirds
Price: 70 USD

If it’s good enough for Ina it’s good enough for me

By Marissa Wu

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Published Oct 28, 2025

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allbirds wool runners review Universal 2 pw100

original photos by marissa wu

Aesthetics: 18/20
Design: 17/20
Comfort: 17/20
Durability: 18/20
Value: 19/20

Total: 89/100

The PureWow100 is a scale our editors use to vet new products and services, so you know what's worth the spend—and what's total hype. Learn more about our process here.

If I learned one thing from watching Food Network as a kid, it’s that Ina Garten can do no wrong. Her recipes are legendary. Her home is gorgeous. Lately, though, the septuagenarian culinary doyenne has proved she’s also got the fashion chops. During last year’s Olympic games, PureWow editors couldn’t get enough of Garten’s Today Show outfit, which notably included a pair of comfy sneakers. We soon pinned them as the Allbirds Wool Runners (was $100, now $70). Naturally, I was curious. After a month of wearing these sneakers all over NYC, here are my thoughts on the Barefoot Contessa’s favorite shoe.

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allbirds

What I Like

slimmer profile
sturdy sole great for uneven pavement
can be worn to the gym

What I Don't Like

limited size range

allbirds

Fast Facts

Machine Washable: yes
Size Range: US 5 to 11
Colors: 7
Material: merino wool, sugarcane-based SweetFoam

~~$100~~; $70 at Allbirds

How I Tested the Allbirds Wool Runners

Over the course of a month, I’ve been wearing the Wool Runners all over New York City. I’ve worn them on my work commute (which consists of 2.5 miles of walking), in my weight training class, and on walks in the neighborhood and around town on all manner of surfaces, from cobblestones to broken sidewalks. While testing, I evaluated the shoes on the PureWow100 scale for the following qualities: aesthetics, design, comfort, durability and value.

original photo by marissa wu

Warm But Breathable

allbirds

When it came to the design of these shoes, I wasn’t sure how they would hold up in cooler temps. I’ve had a pair of the Tree Runners (was $100, now $68) for several years and loved them for their breathability. However, the porous material therefore meant that wind would get in, so they were not super optimal for colder weather.

The Wool Runners are much more insulated—though don’t mistake that for stuffy. Merino wool stays true to its reputation of being temperature regulating and moisture wicking, so my feet stayed at a comfortable temperature and didn’t get sweaty, even when they felt warm. However, they are NOT waterproof—a walk to the subway after it had rained left the tops of my toes damp.

A (Welcome) Slimmer Profile

My Tree Runners have a wide sole. It’s great for stability, but bulky both visually and when packing. Allbirds’s Wool Runners have a much slimmer profile, though not at the expense of stability. The footbed is still generous and stable, whether I’m walking down uneven pavement or at the gym. I’m excited to pack them for my holiday travels, when I’ll be hiking and playing sports with my family. Since I only pack a carry-on, I’m happy to economize some suitcase space.

original photo by marissa wu

Comfy Even on Broken Pavement

allbirds

When Garten wore the Wool Runners in Paris, she was on to something. Paris, beautiful, eternal city that it is, is, well…old. That means lots of narrowed, cobbled lanes and plenty of construction. (I know—I used to live there.) Even walking around New York in them, I’m getting a similar taste as I navigate endless uneven pavement, slippery subway steps and bumpy, narrow SoHo streets.

The only thing I wished this shoe had was a little more arch support. I have flat feet, so any footbed that contours to the foot is greatly appreciated. While the Wool Runners are supportive, I have worn shoes with better arches, at least for the flat-footed among us.

The Bottom Line

Allbirds’s Wool Runner is a nice compromise between a lifestyle shoe and athletic wear. I loved its slimmer profile, wool fabric that combined breathability with warmth and sturdy sole. After taking everything into account, I’ve scored the shoes 89/100 on the PureWow100 scale. If you’re looking for a comfortable everyday sneaker that feels versatile and timeless while still offering good support, take a page from the Barefoot Contessa and get these on your feet.

Marissa Wu

Editor, SEO and Audience Development

Writes across all verticals, including beauty, fashion, wellness, travel and entertainment, with a focus on SEO and evergreen content
Has previously worked at Popular Photography and Southern Living, with words in Martha Stewart and Forbes Vetted
Has a B.S. in journalism from Boston University

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