For droplaced sneakers limited releases, the choice often isn't about which shoe is objectively better - it's which one actually fits your feet, your routine, and your budget. Here you have two very different New with box options: a Mens Size 12 Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzles in Purple Gray at USD 39.99 and a Womens Size 9 Nike DownShifter 10 in Black/White-Black at USD 52.00. One leans into wool comfort and weather-ready versatility, the other into a traditional running silhouette built for walking, running, and jogging.
Quick verdict
If you wear a Mens 12 and want a softer, wool-based everyday runner with multiple closure options, the Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzles is the more affordable pick at USD 39.99. If you wear a Womens 9 and want a classic low-top athletic shoe with straightforward lace-up support for regular walks and jogs, the Nike DownShifter 10 justifies its USD 52.00 listed price with its focused performance design.
At a glance
| Detail | Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzles Mens Size 12 Purple Gray Running Shoes Sneakers | NIB Nike DownShifter 10 Running C19984-003 Athletic Shoes Sneakers Womens Size 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 39.99 | USD 52.00 |
| Color | Purple | Black |
| Closure | Lace Up, Pull On, Slip On, Tie | Lace Up |
| Shaft style | - | Low Top |
| Intended activity | Shoes, Sneakers | Running & Jogging, Walking |
| Condition | New with box | New with box |
| Country of Origin | Vietnam | China |
Where each pair wins
Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzles Mens Size 12 Purple Gray Running Shoes Sneakers wins for:
- Lower listed price - USD 39.99 is USD 12.01 below the Nike option, which matters if you're shopping droplaced sneakers limited releases on a tighter budget.
- Wool construction implied by the Wool Dasher Mizzles name and Rubber Cleat Type, paired with a Purple Gray palette that works beyond the gym.
- Closure versatility listed as Lace Up, Pull On, Slip On, Tie, giving you more ways to get in and out quickly.
- Mens sizing at Size 12 / EU 45, which is the only option here for that foot size.
NIB Nike DownShifter 10 Running C19984-003 Athletic Shoes Sneakers Womens Size 9 wins for:
- Purpose-built athletic design - described as sleek and comfortable with support for walking, running, and jogging.
- Classic Nike Downshifter lineage and Black/White-Black colorway that pairs easily with athletic wear.
- Low Top profile with a traditional Lace Up closure for a secure, familiar fit.
- Womens Size 9 availability, making it the direct match if that's your size - the Allbirds is listed only as Mens 12.
Product notes
Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzles Mens Size 12 Purple Gray Running Shoes Sneakers
This pair stands out for its wool-based Dasher Mizzles identity and Purple colorway, positioned as Shoes, Sneakers with a Rubber Cleat Type. At USD 39.99 it is the lower-priced of the two, and it lists Department as Men with Country of Origin Vietnam. The closure is unusually broad - Lace Up, Pull On, Slip On, Tie - which suggests easy on-off wear alongside a tied fit when you want it. A good reason to choose it is the combination of wool comfort and that flexible closure at the lowest listed price in this comparison. A limitation is sizing specificity: it is listed only as Mens Size 12 / EU 45 in Purple Gray, so if you need a different size or prefer a Black athletic shoe, this exact listing won't match.
NIB Nike DownShifter 10 Running C19984-003 Athletic Shoes Sneakers Womens Size 9
This is the classic athletic pick, listed at USD 52.00 as New with box in Black with Manufacturer Color Black/White-Black. The description highlights a sleek low-top design with lace-up closure and Nike branding, made in China as part of the Nike Downshifter product line. Performance/Activity is called out as Running & Jogging, Walking, and Department is listed as Unisex Adults though the title specifies Womens Size 9. Choose this one if you want a straightforward running and walking shoe with a proven athletic theme and low-top support. Its limitation is the higher listed price and narrower closure - Lace Up only - plus the single listed size and color, so there is less versatility in how you wear it day-to-day compared to the multi-closure Allbirds.
Final choice by use case
Pick the Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzles if: you wear Mens 12, you like wool for everyday comfort, you want Purple Gray styling that works off the track, and you prefer paying USD 39.99.
Pick the Nike DownShifter 10 if: you wear Womens 9, you want a dedicated low-top runner for walking, running, and jogging with classic Nike Downshifter support, and you prefer the Black/White-Black look at USD 52.00.
Both are New with box, so condition is equal. Let your size and how you plan to use them decide - the USD 12.01 spread is secondary to getting the right fit for droplaced sneakers limited releases.
