Our verdict

The Allbirds Tree Dasher 2.0 seamlessly blends lifestyle appeal with sports functionality, emerging as a standout carbon-neutral choice. In our lab testing, we found it to be the perfect daily trainer for those who value sustainability without compromising on comfort. Its breathable knit upper and stable ride really impressed us, exceeding our expectations. On top of that, this shoe excels as both a walking and gym training partner, truly embodying the spirit of an eco-friendly, do-it-all workhorse. However, we found the midsole might be too firm for some, and it falls short for those seeking high energy return and performance, particularly on long runs.

Pros

  • Comfortable and breathable upper
  • Constructed with sustainable materials
  • Carbon neutral
  • Significant enhancements over v1
  • Provides a stable ride
  • Suitable for walking and gym training
  • Excellent lockdown
  • Spacious enough for really wide feet

Cons

  • Might be excessively firm
  • Overly spacious for those with narrow feet
  • Pricey considering its performance

Audience verdict

88
Great!

Who should buy

We believe the Allbirds Tree Dasher 2.0 is a great pick for individuals who:

  • Are looking for a road running shoe that puts comfort and eco-friendly features at the forefront.
  • Need a stable shoe for casual runs and relaxed jogs.
  • Want a versatile, do-it-all shoe with a strong focus on sustainability.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2

Who should NOT buy

If outsole durability is a must for you, especially if you're hard on your shoe's rubber because you're a heel striker, the Tree Dasher 2 might not be the best choice. Instead, we suggest the Adidas Ultraboost 1.0. It features a long-lasting Continental outsole and a similar sock-like, knit upper.

Also, if you're looking for a versatile shoe that can handle both easy trail and gravel road runs, the Tree Dasher 2 falls short. In this case, we recommend the Hoka Challenger 7.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 parts

While it's not as eco-friendly and comfortable, it offers a more durable outsole and a superior midsole, making it a better overall shoe for such conditions.

Cushioning

Heel stack

One of the welcome updates from the previous version is that the Tree Dasher 2 has more cushioning, measuring 31.6 mm, which is 2.2 mm more than in the first version.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2

This increase is particularly noticeable for heel strikers, making the shoe now feel more like a proper daily trainer in this aspect.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Heel stack
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 31.6 mm
Average 34.0 mm
Compared to 362 running shoes
Number of shoes
7.6 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot offers just 22.3 mm of cushioning, falling below the average and possibly insufficient for forefoot strikers aiming for medium-to-long distances in this shoe. Yet, due to its firm midsole, the likelihood of bottoming out in the shoe seems minimal.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Forefoot stack
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 22.3 mm
Average 25.4 mm
Compared to 362 running shoes
Number of shoes
7.6 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

After taking both measurements, we calculated a 9.3-mm drop. This puts the shoe in the daily trainer category, though it tends to favor heel strikers.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Drop
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 9.3 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 362 running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The SweetFoam midsole will appeal mainly to fans of firm cushioning, registering at 27.0 HA on our durometer. Our test runs also confirm that the shoe leans towards the firmer side.

However, for many runners, this could be a small trade-off for a midsole derived from sugarcane, prioritizing sustainability above all else.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Midsole softness
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 27.0 HA
Average 21.1 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 290 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
49.0 HA

Midsole softness in cold

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

To see if the underfoot feel changed in cold temperatures, we put the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes and tested again.

In this colder scenario, the shoe turned out to be slightly firmer, measuring 33.0 HA.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Midsole softness in cold
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 33.0 HA
Average 26.2 HA
Compared to 289 running shoes
Number of shoes
11.1 HA
Midsole softness in cold (soft to firm)
59.5 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

The difference between the two measurements is 22.2%, a change most runners won't notice.

Regardless, we don't recommend this shoe for freezing temperatures due to its incredible airflow. And if you do decide to use it in colder conditions, pairing it with thick, wool socks would be a good idea.

Test results
Tree Dasher 2 22%
Average 26%
Compared to 289 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Midsole softness in cold
100%

Insole thickness

In our lab, we found the insole to be slightly thicker than usual at 4.9 mm, but we experienced no issues with it. Additionally, it's worth noting that it's crafted from castor bean oil—another eco-friendly feature!

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Insole thickness
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 4.9 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 358 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 is slightly small (119 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

Small True to size Large
Compared to 287 running shoes
Number of shoes
Small
True to size
Large

Toebox width - widest part

If you're searching for a comfortable shoe with ample space inside, this is it.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 upper

This Allbirds model boasts a generous 103.6 mm at the widest part of the upper, which is fantastic news for those with wider-than-average feet or even for those with regular-width feet who prefer a roomier fit.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 103.6 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 363 running shoes
Number of shoes
89.5 mm
Toebox width - widest part
109.1 mm

Toebox width - big toe

Transitioning from the wide measurement, the big toe area certainly didn't let us down.

Taking this measurement is crucial because some shoes, while wide in the midfoot, suddenly taper significantly, leaving little room for your toes. That's not an issue here, as it measured a roomy 81.0 mm.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 81.0 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 237 running shoes
Number of shoes
60.4 mm
Toebox width - big toe
92.5 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Some might assume that because this shoe leans towards a casual style, it won't provide a stable ride.

If that's your thought, we're here to say that assumption is off the mark. The Tree Dasher 2 actually offers a remarkably supportive ride!

Torsional rigidity

However, this stability doesn't stem from rigidity (2/5), because the shoe is quite flexible torsionally—as you'd expect from an all-purpose shoe that's great for both running and grocery shopping.

Test results
Tree Dasher 2 2
Average 3.3
Compared to 341 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The heel counter's flexibility also earned a solid 2/5, perfectly suiting those who prefer a more flexible approach in this area.

We found it extremely comfortable for both walking and running, and it boasts a decent amount of wool-based padding too.

Test results
Tree Dasher 2 2
Average 2.9
Compared to 325 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

Here's what makes the Tree Dasher 2 both stable and a bit heavy. It has a huge midsole, which we precisely measured at 119.8 mm in the forefoot area.

This size, combined with the firm foam, really contributes to the shoe's stability.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 119.8 mm
Average 114.0 mm
Compared to 363 running shoes
Number of shoes
100.5 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
127.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

Yet, it's the heel area that impressed us the most. It's similar in width to shoes specifically designed for stability, boasting a substantial 98.9 mm!

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 98.9 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 363 running shoes
Number of shoes
74.9 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

Now, let's conduct our classic 90-degree bend test to check the flexibility of the Tree Dasher 2. Being a non-plated, all-purpose shoe, it's expected to show lower flexibility.

Fortunately, that's exactly what we found. We only needed to apply 19.5N of force to bend it to 90 degrees. That's a good sign!

Test results
Tree Dasher 2 19.5N
Average 28.4N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 345 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Stiffness
94.4N

Stiffness in cold

We conducted another 20-minute nap in the freezer and re-tested the shoe to gauge the stiffness in harsh winter conditions.

Given its incredible breathability, wearing this shoe in freezing temperatures might not be the best idea. Nevertheless, after the test, it only required 23.5N of force for us to bend the shoe.

Test results
Tree Dasher 2 23.5N
Average 36.8N
Compared to 345 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.5N
Stiffness in cold
110.2N

Stiffness in cold (%)

That's just a minor 20.6% increase, which is actually a better performance compared to most shoes on the market.

Test results
Tree Dasher 2 21%
Average 34%
Compared to 345 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Stiffness in cold
148%

Weight

A major complaint about the first-gen Tree Dasher was its hefty 10.6-oz weight.

While Allbirds has trimmed down the v2 to 10.3 oz (291g), it's still not quite there for us. We'd really like to see it drop below the 10-oz mark, and as we said before, a better, lighter outsole is the way to go.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Weight
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 10.26 oz (291g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 363 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.26 oz (149g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

At first glance, the Tree Dasher's upper appeared thick and not super breathable to us, but it also caught our eye with its big ventilation holes throughout the eucalyptus-based toebox. We were super curious about the results of our smoke test, given the uncertainty.

After conducting the test, we were absolutely floored. The shoe's performance was terrific, earning a perfect score of 5/5 from us. We've tested a ton of shoes in the lab, and there are only a handful that can boast better ventilation.

It's key to note that this top-notch ventilation is primarily in the toebox area—the rest of the shoe packs more knit and extra layers for enhanced stability. Our light test made this pretty obvious.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 microscope

Under the microscope, we observed a robust knit that Allbirds combined with large ventilation holes.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 knit

When we examined the upper by hand, we noticed it's quite stretchy and comfortable, pretty similar to one of the all-time favorite knit-based models, the Ultraboost.

Yet, the Tree Dasher 2 stands out as it's fully eco-friendly, going beyond mere surface-level green features.

Test results
Tree Dasher 2 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 292 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

As we pointed out in our guide on running shoe uppers, a common downside of knit is their durability. Typically, the cozier knit wears out faster than the tougher, synthetic engineered mesh.

But, the Tree Dasher 2 is a total game-changer, defying all expectations and scoring a stellar 5/5 again. This outstanding result also took us by surprise!

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Toebox durability
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 5
Average 2.5
Compared to 226 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Shifting our focus to the heel area, our expectations were through the roof.

And once again, Allbirds delivered an comfortable-yet-durable fabric in the heel, getting a 4/5 rating that easily surpasses the average shoe.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Heel padding durability
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 222 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

After our first successful tests, we turned our attention to the outsole.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 outsole
The outsole bears a striking resemblance to the Nike Pegasus Turbo, featuring similar cutouts in both the forefoot and rearfoot, along with exposed foam in the midfoot area.

We discovered a 80.4-HC rubber that's about average in terms of hardness, which we think should offer decent durability. But will it really hold up? Let's see...

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Outsole hardness
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 80.4 HC
Average 80.0 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 343 running shoes
Number of shoes
52.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

Sadly, the outsole durability test resulted in one of the poorest performances we've seen in the lab.

Following the Dremel test, we noted a significant 2.0-mm indentation in the outsole, suggesting it will wear out quicker than most other shoes.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Outsole durability
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 2.0 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 204 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Allbirds surely knew that their FSC-certified natural rubber outsole wears out quickly. Their solution was to add more rubber to enhance durability, a simple strategy, but it contributes to increase the weight.

Thus, improving the outsole should be a top priority for the next Tree Dasher. Perhaps they could collaborate with Vibram to develop an eco-friendly version of Megagrip?

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Outsole thickness
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 4.7 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 362 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.6 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

Most running shoes skip the reflective stuff, probably because it saves brands a few pennies per pair. But Allbirds included them, and all we can say is... thanks!

Test results
Tree Dasher 2 Yes

Tongue padding

Since this shoe tips the scales on the heavier side, they've opted for a thin, 2.8-mm tongue, which could compromise comfort during a run.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2
The laces are crafted from recycled plastic bottles!

We advise being extra careful when tightening the laces to avoid discomfort.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Tongue padding
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 2.8 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 360 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The Tree Dasher 2 features a sock-like tongue, which we find slightly less suitable for daily running.

However, it works wonders in providing a comfortable lockdown for everyday activities. Considering this shoe needs to perform in various situations, we think this approach is valid.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 Sock like

Heel tab

Although the TD2 appears to have a pull tab, it's actually glued to the shoe.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Heel tab
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 None

Removable insole

You can remove the insole of the Tree Dasher 2 if you wish and replace it with a custom one. Just keep in mind that the shoe is quite wide, so you'll need to find a replacement that fits properly.

Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Removable insole
Test results
Tree Dasher 2 Yes