The tech-backed company that makes 'the world's most comfortable shoes' is releasing a brand-new style

Made from eucalyptus tree fibers, the Runners are the biggest departure yet from the company's signature style made from a novel Merino wool blend.

Allbirds, the footwear-maker of choice among tech workers in Silicon Valley, is releasing the successor to a plain wool sneaker that's been called the "world's most comfortable shoe."

On Thursday, Allbirds launched a new style of sneaker that's made from eucalyptus trees. The shoes have a simple, low-top profile that's like the running sneaker meets the boat shoe.

According to Allbirds founders Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger, the Tree Runners shoe is the most environmentally -friendly style the company has made since its founding in 2014. Fiber gets stripped from eucalyptus trees that grow in South Africa and is woven into a yarn using a 3D-knitting machine. The shoes are lightweight, comfy, and silky to the touch.

have been singing the praises

The company had a "very successful year" following the release of the Wool Runners in 2016, Brown, a former professional soccer player from New Zealand, told Business Insider. Allbirds would not disclose revenue, but said fbeat

Allbirds' charmed run has not been without difficulties. In 2017, a writer at Yahoo Finance reported that Silicon Valley's favorite sneaker has "a wear-and-tear problem." Half a dozen people who own the shoes told Yahoo Finance that the shoes fall apart when worn on a regular basis, and some buyers on the internet agreed that the $95 shoes aren't made to last.

Brown and Zwillinger told Business Insider that the new Tree Runners were designed for durability. The 3D-knitting machine uses more yarn around the toe and sides of the shoe to prevent stretching. The process also creates less waste because only the materials used are "printed."

I tested out a review pair of the Tree Runners at the South by Southwest tech conference last weekend. I also own several wool sneakers from Allbirds.

Being on my feet during 17-hour days was tolerable in the soft cradle of Allbirds' new kicks. The Tree Runners have gaps in the knit that made them breathable on a 90-degree day in Texas. The shoes provided the support of a traditional sneaker with the cool looks of a skipper.

The biggest annoyance was the shoelaces, which are now made from recycled water bottles. The laces came undone constantly, which I attributed to their smooth texture.

But overall, the new shoes should not disappoint fans.

The Tree Runners style sells for $95 and is available now in Allbirds stores and online.

The tech-backed company that makes 'the world's most comfortable shoes' is releasing a brand-new style

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