As Americans, most of us can say we own one, if not multiple pairs of shoes. For Tim Brown, founder of Allbirds shoe company and former professional soccer player, an over-abundance of shoes prompted his desire for a change in the shoe industry. As Brown progressed in his soccer career, he realized that the numerous shoes he received from his sponsor were “completely unnecessary.” Due to Brown’s experience with an over-abundance of shoes as a soccer player, he let this drive his vision for the Allbirds shoe company. Brown envisioned a shoe that would innovate in reverse. Instead of choosing to add to already technical and detailed shoe designs, he chose to “strip back the shoe and create something simple and natural.” The foundation for Brown’s Allbirds company was one that innovated in reverse. Not only did Brown aim to create a minimalist shoe, but he furthered his efforts by committing to sustainability. Brown continued this vision of minimalism as he chose to use renewable, sustainable resources to build his shoes. For example, Brown and Zwillinger (engineer and renewables expert), crafted a shoe which incorporates eucalyptus fibers containing cooling properties. This creates a running shoe which naturally cools your sweaty feet. Below is a picture of these shoes made from eucalyptus trees.

“Allbirds: Tree Runners”

EVERY part of these shoes are comprised from renewable resources. The laces are crafted from consumer plastics, the insole of the shoe is made from castor bean oil which emits less carbon than petroleum based foam, the mid-sole is made of sugarcane from Brazil, and the upper is made from the eucalyptus tree fiber.

The royal crown of Allbirds consists of their use of marino wool shoe material. In continuing with their mantra of sustainability, Allbirds uses marino sheep wool as the majority of their shoe material. In New Zealand, where the company is based and Brown’s home, sheep outnumber humans 6:1. Using sheep wool reduces the use of energy by 60% compared to that of most shoes on the market.

One of the entrepreneurial traits that Brown exudes is passion. It was quite evident through my research of this company that Brown has a profound passion for protecting our earth yet providing style in a simple way. I love how he thought creatively about the simplifying of shoes rather than trying to add to an already very complex shoe industry. By stripping down the shoe to its basic function and fashion, Brown was able to create a product which people thoroughly enjoy due to its performance and contribution to our plant.

“Mother Nature is our muse. Building on her handiwork, we’re finding new uses for materials that exist right in front of us. Like wool from merino sheep, who have the best hair in nature.” – Tim Brown