Tech workers in Silicon Valley are singing the praises of Allbirds, a startup in San Francisco that makes the "world's most comfortable shoes," according to investors, founders, and the company itself.
Founded in 2014, Allbirds makes super-soft sneakers constructed from a proprietary Merino wool blend. They come in two styles: a version with laces, called the runner, and a slip-on, known as the lounger.
The sneaker in general has undergone a sort of fashion baptism in recent years. As dress codes go lax and designers turn their attention to the "athleisure" market, men and women have more stylish, workplace-appropriate options than ever. Allbirds is pioneering the trend with its slipper-like kicks.
Some expect Allbirds to become a quintessential part of the venture capitalist dress code, in the same way that a hoodie and a T-shirt have made up the startup uniform for years. The company raised $17.5 million in a Series B round of venture funding in September, and has plans to open additional stores and launch a kids' line later this year.
We took to social media to find Allbirds' biggest fans in Silicon Valley.
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Larry Page, cofounder of Google, rocks a pair of Allbirds according to the shoemaker.
Source: The New York Times
Dick Costolo left Twitter last year to launch a group-fitness startup, Chorus. It's only fitting that the budding fitness-guru wears soft, supportive shoes like Allbirds on his feet.
Source: The New York Times
Ben Horowitz, a titan of tech and a cofounder of venture firm Andreessen Horowitz, has a pair.
Source: The New York Times
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