# Sustainable Wool Hiking Sneakers The New Allbirds Trail Runner is Made From Sugar, Wool, and Trees By Niko Pajkovic | Published 2021-10-14 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allbirds-trail-runner References: [gearpatrol](https://www.gearpatrol.com/outdoors/a37949550/allbirds-trail-runner-swt-review/) & [allbirds](https://www.allbirds.com/collections/trail-runners-swt) Allbirds, a New Zealand-based brand specializing in [sustainable footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allbirds-m00nshot-zero), has officially released the '[Allbirds Trail Runner](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allbirds-remix) SWT,' an [eco-friendly hiking sneaker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/targhee-apex) built to tackle tough trails. The "SWT" in the shoe's title stands for 'Sugar,' 'Wool,' and 'Tree' -- three key materials utilized in its sustainable design. While the majority of Allbird's sneakers present an entire merino wool upper construction, the 'Allbirds Trail Runner SWT' also uses recycled polyester for improved durability. In addition, the inner sock is crafted from FSC certified eucalyptus tree fiber and, again, merino wool. The sneakers upper is water-resistance, using a flat knit to help slow the ingress of water and dirt, while the entire exterior is treated fluorine-free water repellent coating. Image Credit: Allbirds ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sustainable Footwear:** There is an opportunity for footwear companies to create similar products that incorporate sustainable materials to reduce their carbon footprint. - **Eco-friendly Hiking Gear:** Outdoor gear companies should focus on eco-friendly materials to reduce the negative impact on the environment and attract more environmentally conscious customers. - **Water-resistant Wearable Tech:** Tech companies should explore the use of water-resistant materials for their wearables, ensuring that they are durable and functional even in harsh conditions. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Footwear:** Footwear companies need to invest in eco-friendly materials that reduce their carbon footprint and attract customers who are environmentally conscious. - **Outdoor Gear:** Outdoor gear companies can explore the use of eco-friendly materials to reduce environmental impact and improve sustainability, attracting customers who prioritize ethical and sustainable practices. - **Wearable Tech:** Tech companies designing wearables for outdoor activities should look into incorporating water-resistant materials to achieve durability and functionality in harsh conditions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainable Running Shoe Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/supernatural-runner.md) - [Textile-to-Textile Recycled Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allbirds-remix.md) - [Bio-Circular Trail Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/norda-001a.md) - [Sustainable Single-Piece Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/on-cloudboom-strike-ls.md) - [Net Zero Carbon Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allbirds-m00nshot-zero.md) - [Stealthy Technical Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hierro-v8-trail.md) - [Eco-Conscious Hybrid Sneaker Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoka-hopara-2.md) - [All-Natural Canvas Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canvas-piper.md) - [Recyclable Material Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salomon-xt-pure-advanced.md)