I’m a jogger: Albeit not a professional one. I jog for my health! I like to go out once a week and take a nice 10 minute jog in the park. I’ve been jogging for about three years now and fell in love with it. It has really increased my endurance, stamina and heart health. But before I could start, I needed a good pair of running shoes I could rely on to get the job done! As someone who was new to jogging, and an environmentalist, it was important for me to find something comfortable without harming the planet. Enter Allbird’s Tree Dashers! I snagged these and I’m so glad I did. As someone who absolutely hates an uncomfortable shoe, these are a gem. Allbirds is my favorite shoe brand EVER (more on why later). Here’s my full Allbirds review of the women’s Tree Dasher!
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Allbirds Review: My Full Thoughts On Their Tree Dashers As a Jogger
What’s wrong with conventional running shoes?
Conventional running shoes are often made from materials that are sourced unethically and unsustainably. Sneakers are made up of various components, making them hard to repair and nearly impossible to recycle.
Most sneakers are made from synthetic virgin materials like nylon, polyester and synthetic rubber to name a few. Virgin materials (let alone ones made from synthetic materials that never break down) have a higher impact on the environment. In fact, plastic recycling saves between 30% and 80% of the carbon emissions associated with virgin plastic.
Here’s an excerpt from Trail Runner Magazine I feel really sums things up: “If the sneaker industry were a country it would be the 17th largest polluter in the world each year. Additionally, because of the complex ways performance running shoes are constructed, they are nearly impossible to recycle. And we all know how infamously short the lifespan of a pair of running shoes can be if you rack up a lot of mileage. So after serving your feet for a short period of time, they go on to clog up landfills or float down waterways for hundreds of years before decomposing.”
In other words, it’s really important we choose running shoes that are made from sustainable materials. Even better yet if they’re from a brand that offers a take-back program of some kind.
Enter, Allbirds! Here’s why I love this sustainable shoe brand:
- They utilize sustainable, regenerative + recycled materials in their shoes + apparel
- Allbirds Rerun program lets you shop gently used/slightly imperfect products at a discount
- At participating Allbirds storefronts, people can trade in gently used shoes for a credit, giving someone else a chance to put them to use and keeping shoes out of landfills. While not all trade-ins meet ReRun standards for resale, they will accept any Allbirds shoe–regardless of condition–and responsibly process it, through recycling or donation to their non-profit partner, Soles4Souls.
- They’re B Corp certified, meaning they care about people and planet (not just profit).
- On track to meet their climate goals by 2030, such as 100% renewable energy in their facilities.
Now that you have a general overview of their company, what about their tree dashers? Lets take a look at what makes them stand out from the crowd.
Here’s what Allbirds Tree Dashers are made from:
- FSC-certified TENCEL Lyocell (eucalyptus tree fiber) upper
- SweetFoam midsole made with sugarcane-based green EVA
- FSC-certified natural rubber outsole
- Bio-based nylon eyelets
- Shoe laces made from recycled plastic bottles
- Castor bean oil-based insole foam
- ZQ merino wool heel lining
My experience with Allbirds shoes
Okay, so now that you get why I wanted to avoid conventional running shoes, let’s get personal and focus on my individual experience with this brand. Here’s my full Allbirds review!
What did you try?
I’ve tried several of Allbirds’ shoes before, but this particular review highlights their women’s Tree Dasher running shoes in the size W7. I paired it with their ankle socks.
I was gifted these last Christmas because I desperately needed new running sneakers!
Honestly, if my mom didn’t get them for me, I definitely would’ve gotten them for myself because I’ve been a reoccurring customer of Allbirds for years.
On a side note, some of the other styles I’ve tried (and loved) are their flats, trail runners (for hiking!), and their everyday shoes. All of which I’ve fallen in love with and highly recommend! They’re practically all I wear!
And, my husband also loves his men’s every day tree runners! He wears them…well…literally every day.
Note: Please be advised Tree Dashers are not considered vegan-friendly because the heel lining is made with ZQ merino wool.
What did you think?
Now here’s the part you’re most curious about: My thoughts.
First and foremost: I am not a professional runner. I am a jogger who can sustain a 10 minute jog outside, and a 20 minute jog on an indoor treadmill. I’ve never done a 5k before, nor jogged on a trail.
However, I have jogged on hills, asphalt, sidewalks, dry leaves, and light snow using these tree dashers. And I gotta say…they’ve held up beautifully. I think if you’re new to jogging, or just want to do it as a way to stay fit like me instead of compete, these are perfect.
I’ve never tripped or slipped using these. Nor have I injured my foot or leg in any way because of the shoe itself. One time I hurt myself jogging but it’s because I was quite literally overexerting myself when I should have known better. So I cannot blame that on the shoe.
Also, most importantly, these are SO freaking comfortable!! If you know me, you know I am UBER picky about my footwear. Allbirds in general is the only sneaker brand I have ever found to leave me free of blisters and shoe bites. I swear, every other sneaker does this to me. But not Allbirds.
That is why I cannot stress this enough: It’s like jogging/walking on a cloud. And FYI, yes, these shoes also double as AMAZING walking shoes! If I know I’ll be doing a lot of walking (maybe a day in the city, or running errands) I will reach for these first.
Sustainability wise, these win out too. Tree Dashers are made using materials that are consciously sourced and crafted (more on that above).
The ankle socks I paired it with also never budged while I was jogging. Talk about a win! Nothing is more distracting than a sock falling off mid-run! Plus, their ankle socks are made from a sustainable blend of organic cotton and TENCEL.
Bonus points:
The packaging was completely plastic-free! It all came delivered in a cardboard box – not even the inside of the shoe was stuffed with plastic.
Rating: 10/10
So, what do you think of this Allbirds review? Are there any other shoes you’d like me to review from Allbirds? Let me know in the comments!
For all things slow fashion, check out this mega-list of sustainable clothing brands I adore.
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