The RW Takeaway: A re-shaped sole helps smooth the ride for this eco-friendly running shoe.
- The new outsole has better grip than the previous version
- A stretchy knit upper is comfortable on your foot
- SweetFoam midsole performs well on single-digit mileage runs
Price: $135
Type: Road
Weight: 10.3 oz (men’s 9)
Drop: 11.4 mm (M)
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Two years ago, when Allbirds released the first Dasher, I called it “a legit running shoe,” but noted that it was a bit heavy and the heel a bit clunky. That review prompted a “challenge accepted” email from co-founder Tim Brown: “There are a number of areas of improvement and the purpose of writing today is to make it clear we will continue to go after these with a relentless desire to show the world that sustainability and performance are not mutually exclusive.”
Nearly every company is taking strides to incorporate some level of sustainability into their running shoes, but none so much yet as Allbirds. And, while we’re seeing some promising results in what is being used, nothing yet rivals materials made from dinosaur carcasses.
The Dasher 2, however, is an incremental step forward and continues the trajectory Allbirds needs to demonstrate that it’s serious about creating performance running shoes. They’re basically following the path we saw Skechers take to earn the trust of runners a decade ago. Like Allbirds, that company didn’t have any experience in endurance sports, but it improved its shoes with each update, to the point that they are winning awards and making some of our favorite models.
Like the original Dasher, this update is still too heavy. But the fact that it’s 0.3 ounces lighter is surprising, considering all the extra rubber underfoot. This update gets a grippy outsole with a bunch of little nubs of rubber—the first version was flat-soled, with oblong cutouts. Some of the weight savings surely comes from slight shape changes to the sole: The ground contact patch is just a bit narrower in this version, especially under the arch and heel, which are both nearly 1⁄4 inch narrower. Plus, the heel has slightly more bevel and an angular shape that helps better smooth out heel strikes.
The Dasher 2 still uses SweetFoam, as Allbirds calls it, which is made from sugarcane instead of petroleum products and is surprisingly capable of absorbing impact. It feels reasonably soft on daily jogs and recovery runs, but testers wanted a bit more comfort, especially under the forefoot, when runs got up near double-digit mileage.
Testers universally loved the fit. The heel padding has been reconfigured, so it now extends further around the sides of the shoe and isn’t as tall. The change wraps and holds your heel bone better. The heel padding of the original served more like a pillow to soften what you felt at the back of the shoe, but the new shape encapsulates your foot, with a horseshoe shape that minimizes heel slip.
Tester’s Take
Tim C. | Age 41
Average Pace: 7:45
Footstrike: Midfoot
“I loved the fit and comfort. With the minimal material, there were none of those awkward spots where your toes or heel rub against it causing irritation. At first, I was intrigued to find out how the surroundings of the heel would be, as they appeared to be a padded wool material. I have never had something like that and it caught me off guard. I did, however, enjoy it and it provided an even more comfortable fit. I have also concluded that I am a fan of the tongue-less shoe. It always bothers me when I have a pair of shoes where the tongue moves all around, or is too small. I liked that feature in the Allbirds.”
Jeff is Runner-in-Chief for Runner’s World and the director of product testing. He has tested and reviewed running shoes, GPS watches, headphones, apparel, and more for nearly two decades. He regularly tests more than 100 pairs of shoes each year, and once had a 257-day streak running in different models. Jeff can usually be found on the roads, racing anything from the mile to a marathon, but he also enjoys racing up mountains and on snowshoes. When he’s not running, you’ll probably find him hanging from a ladder making repairs and renovations to his house (he’s also director of product testing for Popular Mechanics).
