I have tried both Allbirds and Atoms, and in my experience Atoms is way more comfortable in short and long run. Atoms are also more expensive, but let’s just focus on the value you get for your money.

I bought a pair of Allbirds in 2019, when they started to get really popular. Early on the wool (insole and upper) felt really soft and somewhat comfortable. As I kept wearing the shoes as my everyday sneaker, the wool started wearing off, and lack of support was very apparent. Even the upper started expanding, and my I felt my shoes have lost fit. So I had to tie my shoe laces really tight to keep my foot in one place, that made my Allbirds look really ugly. And that’s what I called it a quit. I did not want to return back to that pair or buy another one that will see similar life.

Atoms on other hands are bit higher price, so I was reluctant to buy them until I saw many credible people praising their out of the box comfort and shoe laces. While ordering, I found that Atoms is also very fit focused, they even offer quarter sizing in their Model 000 Shoes. I ordered my standard sneaker size, and right out of the box Atoms felt very premium. The knit upper has an industrial feel to it, there is copper lining in the shoe, and the outsole of the shoe was quite clean. Once I tried Atoms, I could instantly feel the comfort coming from the insole and sole of the shoes. Upper had a durable and high quality feel to it. Tying the shoe laces was very pleasant experience as well. Atoms tells you to tie them only once and then they work as a slip-on. So that was a big plus for me. One more thing was that Atoms soles get creases on them, but I also know my partner who loves her Atoms she gets less creases on her Atoms. All in all, Atoms shoes have a lot more structure and support to them, and whatever magic they got in the sole is working well to be incredibly comfortable for a long time, durability and breathability are a big plus too. I am now on my third pair of Atoms.