In October 2024, Allbirds released the M0.0nshot Zero—a sneaker that claims to produce zero greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing. It's a bold claim in an industry where the average shoe has a carbon footprint of 13.6 kg CO2e.
We got our hands on a pair to test whether zero-carbon actually means better—or if it's just marketing.
What Makes It Zero-Carbon?
Allbirds achieved zero emissions through several innovations:
- Regenerative fibers: Merino wool from farms using regenerative agriculture (which sequesters carbon)
- Bio-based materials: Sugarcane-based SweetFoam, castor bean oil insole
- Renewable energy: Manufacturing powered by 100% renewable energy
- Carbon offsets: Any remaining emissions are offset through verified carbon credits
- No petroleum-based materials: Eliminated all synthetic materials derived from fossil fuels
They also released their "RecipeB0.0k"—a detailed guide showing how they achieved zero-carbon production, allowing other companies to replicate the process.
The First Impressions
Right out of the box, the M0.0nshot looks different from other Allbirds shoes. It has a more technical, performance-oriented design while maintaining the brand's minimalist aesthetic. The upper uses a blend of regenerative merino wool and bio-based materials.
The first wear felt familiar—like other Allbirds shoes, they're comfortable from day one. But there's something different: they feel slightly more structured, more substantial.
Allbirds M0.0nshot Zero
The World's First Zero-Carbon Sneaker Made with Regenerative Materials
Shop NowComfort and Performance
After two months of regular wear, here's what we found:
Comfort: 9/10
The M0.0nshot is incredibly comfortable. The regenerative merino wool upper is soft and breathable, and the bio-based SweetFoam midsole provides excellent cushioning. They feel premium—comparable to Allbirds' other high-end models.
Durability: 8/10
After 200+ miles of wear, the shoes show minimal signs of wear. The upper is holding up well, and the outsole shows normal scuffing. They seem as durable as other Allbirds models.
Performance: 7/10
They're great for walking and casual wear, but not designed for serious running or athletic performance. They lack the technical features of dedicated athletic shoes.
The Sustainability Question
Is zero-carbon actually better? Here's the honest answer:
Yes, for the environment: Zero emissions during manufacturing is genuinely impressive and better for the planet than traditional shoes.
But: The shoes still have an environmental impact. Transportation, packaging, and end-of-life disposal all create emissions. And the regenerative agriculture practices, while good, aren't unique to Allbirds—many wool producers use similar practices.
The real question: Is the M0.0nshot meaningfully more sustainable than regular Allbirds (which have a 7.6 kg CO2e footprint)? The answer is yes, but the difference might be smaller than the marketing suggests when you consider the full lifecycle.
The Price: Is Zero-Carbon Worth It?
The M0.0nshot retails for $98—the same price as regular Wool Runners. This is impressive: Allbirds didn't charge a premium for zero-carbon production.
For comparison, other "sustainable" shoes often cost $20-50 more than their conventional counterparts. Allbirds kept the price the same, which makes the M0.0nshot accessible.
The Verdict
The M0.0nshot Zero is a genuine achievement in sustainable footwear. It proves that zero-carbon manufacturing is possible without sacrificing comfort, quality, or affordability.
Should you buy it?
Yes, if:
- Sustainability is a top priority
- You want to support innovation in eco-friendly manufacturing
- You're looking for comfortable, versatile casual shoes
- You appreciate Allbirds' minimalist aesthetic
Maybe not, if:
- You need performance athletic shoes
- You're on a tight budget (though $98 is reasonable)
- You prefer more style-forward designs
The bottom line: The M0.0nshot Zero is a step in the right direction for the footwear industry. It's comfortable, well-made, and genuinely more sustainable than almost any other shoe on the market. Whether zero-carbon vs. low-carbon matters to you is a personal choice, but the fact that Allbirds achieved it without charging a premium is commendable.
If you're going to buy Allbirds anyway, the M0.0nshot is the obvious choice. It's the same price, same comfort, and better for the environment. What's not to like?
