Two minute exam
Allbirds is well known for its durable and comfortable everyday sneakers, so can it do as well in the running shoe market? Our conclusion is yes. The design of the Tree Dasher is very attractive, with a knit material that covers the shoe, soles and eyelets with a striking design, which keep your laces firmly in place. The branding on the shoe is not obvious and can be found on the inside and back of the shoe, giving it an understated feel.
(Image credit: Sarah Finley) Showing that you can use durable materials while still offering great support for runners, the shoe's midsole is made from sugarcane (a material Allbirds calls SweetFoam), which is just Stiff for support, yet flexible enough that you don't feel constricting when you do so. run. The foot is supported and comfortable from ankle to toe, with no feeling of suffocation, and the extra room to the toes is welcome. The wool material on the inside, which wraps around the sides of the foot and ankle, is very comfortable for the most part, but has been slightly rubbed down on the back of the ankle. The shoe also has a good level of arch support, without making them feel uncomfortable. Though we did love how much the material stretched over the top of our foot as we moved, giving us support and flexibility.
Allbirds Tree Dasher Price and Release Date
The Allbirds Tree Dasher launched in early 2020 and is available direct from Allbirds. Its price is € 125 / € 120 (around AU € 160).
Allbirds Tree Dasher Design
The Tree Dasher has a woven upper, made from FSC-certified eucalyptus trees, giving it a unique, lightweight feel. The tongue of the shoe is also integrated into the material, with the iconic Allbirds eyelets woven into the material so that the laces can go through. We loved the eyelet design, but it gave us less control over how tight our laces were. We liked the stretch of the material, even though it was comfortable around the toes and supported the front of the ankle, but it also meant there was room for our feet to breathe.
(Image credit: Sarah Finley) The shoe's chunky midsole is made from a material called dual-density SweetFoam, which is made from sugarcane and, according to Allbirds, is designed to provide additional stability and cushioning. We found this to be true when we ran; Unlike other shoes, we felt well supported when our feet hit the ground. We also liked the unique design of the sole, which juts out at an angle from the shoe. Inside the shoe you'll find Allbirds signature ZQ merino wool along the heel, which once again was great for support. The design means that there is a difference of approximately 1 cm between the wool and the elastic upper. It looks amazing, but we found the back of our ankle rubbed up while running. The Tree Dasher is available in 16 colors, from bright green to basic colors like black and white.
Unsurprisingly, this is the first time we've worn a shoe with a cane sole, but it absorbs shock well, with a firm yet flexible feel. The material means the Tree Dasher isn't the lightest shoe we've ever used and it was quite heavy. You feel the cushioning the most in the heel and midsole, with the sole tapering towards the toes, giving flexibility and a bit of spring as you naturally move down the foot.
(Image credit: Sarah Finley) One of the shoe's best features is its arch support: for runners who have flatter feet and tend to injure easily, it distributes pressure evenly when you hit the ground for that does not receive the full impact on the sole of the foot or heel. We loved the spot our toes had on the Dasher tree; They felt well supported as we ran, and the rolling bean-based sock lining and outer material kept our feet comfortable and breathing throughout the run. When we used the shoe in dry conditions it worked well, but in wetter weather there was no grip - the base of the shoe has small grip-shaped holes, but it doesn't seem to do much for slippery conditions like wet grass.
(Image credit: Sarah Finley) Our test runs used to be under 10km, but we think the heavier nature of natural soles may make them more uncomfortable for longer runs or marathon training. The sneakers are also larger than most brands, although sometimes going as much as half a size for running shoes, it's best to stick to your usual size here.
Buy it if
You like sustainable products
The Dasher tree is made from sugar cane and eucalyptus, and the company prides itself on having a low carbon footprint. Do you need arch support?
For many of those with flat feet or arches, we need support, so when we're running, Tree Dashers have just the right amount of support. You want a running shoe that provides support and breathability
The natural materials in the shoes allow the feet to breathe while also providing support.
Even if you don't buy it
You are training for a half marathon
The sole makes them heavy on the feet, so they are not perfect for more than medium distance runs. Looking for shoes with good grip
We found ourselves slipping while using them in wet conditions. You want a light shoe
The sturdy outsole means that the spectacle absorbs shock well, but it also means that the shoe is considerably heavier than other brands.