Rabbit Enters Footwear With Dream Chaser Running Shoe

Run in Rabbit

In the past couple years, it’s become apparent that running footwear isn’t just for the big guns anymore. Sure, you’re always gonna have your Brooks Ghost and Nike Pegasus, but the breadth and depth of running shoe choices is at an all-time high. Whether that’s small shoe start-ups like Norda and Atreyu, or apparel brands spreading their wings (i.e. Tracksmith), there’s surely something that will fit your individual preference.

Rabbit, a California-based run apparel brand, has been making high-level gear for the everyday runner since 2016, from the ultrasoft EZ Tee to the Summit Chasers shorts. This is also a good time to point out that the High Country button-up western tee is one of the greatest running shirts ever made.

But we’re not here to talk about apparel, we’re talking about Rabbit’s foray into footwear with the all-new Dream Chaser. With associated costs and logistics, it’s a risky move for anyone to move into the footwear category, let’s see if it’ll pay off for Rabbit.

Our pairs are on the way, but we’ll give you all the details for its upcoming release. According to Rabbit, the Dream Chaser is “an everyday trainer designed with the best innovative technology, fit and materials. If you’ve worn Rabbit, you know that they’re known for their comfort. Somehow, they’ve found the softest materials known to man and incorporated them into their run apparel. If you know, you know. 

Of course, you never ruin a good thing, so Rabbit took that comfort and put it into a premium engineered knit upper made from minimal layers of polyester. Perforations throughout provide ventilation. A Blumaka insole (made from 85% recycled ETPU) sits inside the shoe, providing extra cushion and energy return.

According to Rabbit, the midsole is “game-changing.” It’s made from Flowstate Foam, Rabbit’s own superior ETPU foam that seeks to provide balanced cushioning in a lightweight design. Beneath the shoe, you’ll find a “cutting-edge placement and application of carbon fiber.” Essentially, you have two carbon fiber pieces on both the medial and lateral sides of the midfoot that are designed to adapt to every runner, centering and energizing their ride while providing stability.

Different fits will accommodate both men and women, though we’re not sure exactly what those differences are.

Our Thoughts

We’re always rooting for smaller brands to spread their wings. In fact, we were one of the first review sites to give Rabbit a chance back when founder Monica DeVreese was getting it off the ground. Same with Atreyu and other lifestyle brands like Veja. So we definitely want Rabbit to succeed in the shoe segment. 

On paper, the shoe looks pretty solid. Blumaka makes great insoles, so it’s smart to team up with them. A comfortable insole goes a long way at little cost in providing an extra level of comfort, which can also help to make up for a less premium midsole. Tracksmith knows this, as does On, which is why they go max comfort with their insoles. 

The ETPU midsole is interesting, and as long as the durometer is dialed in right, it should provide a balanced return. Not too soft, not too firm, just a nice and responsive ride. Interested to see how breathable the upper is, but we can guarantee that it’ll be comfortable.

Moving to the outsole, we’re struggling to see the purpose of the Carbon Trax. Stability-wise it makes sense, but performance-wise it won’t really do anything in terms of energy return. Also, not a huge fan of exposed carbon fiber so close to the ground because of its penchant for chipping on rocks. The placement kinda reminds me of Soap Shoes.  But we’ll give it a chance.

In terms of value, $160 is kind of in the middle of running shoes these days. But that also means it’ll be going up against some really solid shoes, including the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, Hoka Clifton 9, and Adidas Boston 12. Performance-wise, that’s a tall task. But if you want that double-down shoe that works for both fashion and fun, then you may find that it’s worth it.

The Dream Chaser weighs 8.7 oz for women and 10.2 oz for men, and features a 32 mm stack height in the heel, a 27 mm stack height in the forefoot, and 5mm drop; the insole height will be 5.4 mm throughout with a taper at the toe.

In celebration of the World Major marathon, the Dream Chaser will debut at Rabbit’s Boston Pop-Up Shop on April 12, 2024 at 301 Newbury St. The Dream Chaser will debut in a limited-edition colorway in celebration of Boston. More colorways will be released on Global Running Day, June 5th, 2024. A limited quantity of the Dream Chaser will be available for purchase at the rabbit Boston-Pop Up Shop from April 12 through April 16, 2024, and a limited supply will also be available at runinrabbit.com.