Allbirds, a listed sustainability-focused footwear and apparel company, has launched its first plant-based leather sneaker called the “Plant Pacer” in partnership with Natural Fiber Welding (NFW), a technology company that develops textiles using recycled plants and natural fibers. 

Allbirds is launching a canvas version (made from organic cotton) and a plant-based version of the Plant Pacer. The plant-based version of the Plant Pacer uses NFWs Mirum, a synthetic material made by combining and curing natural materials such as rubber, plant oils, and agricultural byproducts such as rice hulls and citrus peels. The shoe also uses Tencel, a cellulosic fiber-based material, for the lining and Allbirds’ Sweetfoam, a sugarcane-based foam, for the midsole. 

The shoes are available to purchase online and will be priced at GBP 120 (~USD 138) and GBP 110 (~USD 127) for the plant-based and canvas versions respectively.

Allbirds had initially planned to launch the Plant Pacer following its USD 2 million investment in NFW in February 2021 . However, there reportedly had been delays in launching the shoe given that the companies were working on ensuring the shoe meets durability and comfort standards for market launch.

Analyst QuickTake: The Plant Pacer is Allbirds’ third bio-based shoe in its portfolio after its Wool Runners (a machine washable wool-based sneaker), and Tree Dasher (a eucalyptus wood pulp-based running shoe). As of date, the company’s products are available across 35 countries including the US, China, and Japan.