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Almost three years ago, Allbirds launched its first running shoe, the Tree Dasher, and it was a game changer for the brand. When its successor was released, we knew we’d have to check out Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 to see what it has that the first one lacked. Not only did it prove that Allbirds was much more than just a casual shoe trend, it also used all of the brand’s sustainable practices.
The Tree Dasher 2 continues to improve on what we loved in our previous Allbirds Reviews. In this evolution, the brand uses eco-friendly materials, including eucalyptus tree fiber in the shoe upper, sugarcane-based SweetFoam midsoles, merino wool heel liners, recycled plastic laces, oil-based insoles castor and natural rubber soles.
Furthermore, Allbirds managed to improve the Tree Dasher’s sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint to 10.7kg by making the shoe lighter, which also improved its performance.
In addition to being a lighter overall shoe, the Tree Dasher 2 It features SweetFoam midsoles with more cushioning, an updated outsole design for better traction, and an angled heel for better energy absorption while you run.
The angled heel helps better absorb energy, making them easier on a runner’s feet.
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For its initial release, the Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 It’s available in four colorways for men and women: Natural Black, Blizzard, and limited-edition versions of Rad Rust and Hazy Cocoa. Many more versions have appeared in Medium Gray, Calm Teal, Calm Cargo, Hazy Indigo, Bloom Pink, Clarity Pink, Pure Azure, Buoyant Blue, and Thrive Teal.
What is it like to wear the Tree Dasher 2 shoe
I love that Allbirds is taking performance footwear more seriously. While Allbirds casual shoes are almost always guaranteed to be a hit, they are almost never my top choice because I find running shoes more comfortable (even for casual wear) and I don’t mind spending the extra money on them.
However the Tree Dasher 2 it has more than enough performance technology to appeal to premium comfort seekers like me and practicing runners. SweetFoam midsoles feel lighter and more responsive than ever. Compared to other Allbirds that feel a bit flat and low to the ground, the Tree Dasher 2 feels bouncy and has a shape that propels you forward.
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Knit uppers are made to be super breathable and only feature merino wool on the interior heel pads. The thick rope laces have 3M reflective details, which is a thoughtful touch for night runners. Also, they look great.
size and fit
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It’s worth noting that the Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 comes in medium sizes, compared to other Allbirds shoes (like the original Wool Runner) that only come in large sizes. The decision to offer half sizes is important because runners need shoes that fit their feet exactly.
I’m typically a size 8.5 in sock shoes, so I’ve had to go up to a size 9 on most Allbirds releases. I also went with a size 9 for the Tree Dasher 2, but a size 8.5 would have eliminated the little extra space in the toe box for me. I recommend choosing your actual size.
The bottom line
He Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 takes an already great shoe and makes it better. It’s comfortable, lightweight, more responsive and more sustainable.
At $135, the Tree Dasher 2 may be a bit more expensive than most other Allbirds shoes, but compared to running shoes with similar features from other brands, they’re a solid deal.
In addition to value, Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 reviews state that they are one of the best running shoes you can buy if sustainability is one of your main concerns. Allbirds isn’t the only brand that implements sustainable materials and green manufacturing techniques, but it is by far the most transparent.
