Product Overview and Materials
The Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher Relay is a lightweight running shoe designed with a knit upper made from eucalyptus tree fiber. The model uses SweetFoam™ soles derived from sugarcane and features a merino wool insole for temperature regulation. The shoe weighs approximately 7.5 ounces in a US women's size 8, positioning it as a low-carbon alternative to traditional petroleum-based running shoes. Allbirds publishes a product carbon footprint label on each shoe, with the Tree Dasher Relay rated at approximately 7.4 kg CO2e per pair according to the company's lifecycle assessment data. For more on the brand's material sourcing, see Allbirds' sustainability page here.
The Tree Dasher Relay uses a single-layer eucalyptus mesh upper with a seamless knit construction to reduce material waste. The midsole relies on a dual-density SweetFoam™ compound for cushioning, while the outsole uses a natural rubber blend for traction on roads and treadmills. The shoe's design follows a standard running shoe last with a 10mm heel-to-toe drop. The upper colorways are typically limited to neutral tones, and the shoe is available in US women's sizes 5 through 12. The retail price is set at $148 USD as of the latest publicly listed price on the Allbirds website.
Performance and Fit
Independent reviews from runners note that the Tree Dasher Relay provides a snug, sock-like fit with moderate arch support. The eucalyptus knit upper conforms to the foot without a break-in period, and the SweetFoam™ midsole delivers responsive cushioning for daily training runs. The shoe is classified as a neutral cushioned trainer suitable for distances from 5 kilometers to half-marathon pace. The outsole rubber coverage is concentrated in high-wear areas to balance grip and weight savings. For a broader market comparison, see Runner's World shoe ratings here.
The Tree Dasher Relay does not include aggressive road-plate technology or carbon-fiber inserts, distinguishing it from premium race-day shoes. The outsole pattern uses a continuous curve design for heel-to-toe transition. Testers report that the shoe maintains its cushioning integrity over 300 to 400 miles of use under standard running conditions. The shoe's breathability is rated high due to the open-knit eucalyptus mesh, making it suitable for warm-weather training. The shoe is machine washable on a gentle cycle, according to Allbirds' care instructions.
Market Position and Sustainability Claims
Allbirds positions the Tree Dasher Relay within the sustainable athletic footwear segment, competing with brands like Adidas, Nike, and New Balance that have launched low-carbon shoe lines. The company's public filings note a shift toward direct-to-consumer sales, with e-commerce representing the majority of revenue in recent fiscal periods. Allbirds' market valuation has fluctuated based on investor sentiment around sustainable consumer goods and the company's path to profitability. The company has faced scrutiny from short sellers and financial analysts regarding its unit economics and inventory management. For the company's latest financial disclosures, see the SEC filings page here.
The Tree Dasher Relay uses materials certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for its eucalyptus fiber and the sugarcane-based SweetFoam™ is partially bio-based. Allbirds states that the shoe's carbon footprint is calculated using the ISO