Rabbit, the California-based brand famous for its “soft as a cloud” running apparel, made a bold leap into the footwear world with the Rabbit Dream Chaser. As the brand’s first-ever shoe, it aims to translate that signature apparel comfort to the pavement. It’s a neutral daily trainer designed for the “everyday” miles—prioritizing vibration dampening and a secure fit over the aggressive, carbon-plated snap of a racing shoe.
In this review, we look at whether this maiden voyage from the female-owned brand holds its own against the industry giants, or if it’s better suited for the post-run coffee shop.
Model and Purpose
The Dream Chaser is engineered as a reliable, protective workhorse for runners who value stability and comfort during easy or rhythmic distance efforts.
- Neutral Daily Training: Best for recovery days and steady-state road miles.
- Dual-Purpose Aesthetic: Stylish enough to transition seamlessly into casual wear.
- Eco-Conscious Build: Features recycled materials in the upper, insole, and outsole.
Specs and Measurements
- Weight (Spec): 10.2 oz (Men) / 8.7 oz (Women)
- Weight (Measured): 10.35 oz / 293g (Women’s Size 8.5 US)
- Stack Height: 32mm heel / 27mm forefoot (some reports cite 33mm/24mm)
- Drop: 5mm to 9mm (varies by production batch/source)
- Price: $160 (originally, however the Dream Chaser 2.0 is now out, so this shoe can be foudn for $80-$100 on other webistes)
Key Features
1. Double-Layer Recycled Polyester Upper
The upper is incredibly soft and plush, providing a “360-degree comfort” experience. It features a snug midfoot embrace and a spacious toe box. However, the density of the knit makes it run exceptionally warm, often described as a “foot sauna” in hot weather, though it makes for an excellent winter trainer.
2. Flowstate Foam Midsole
Rabbit’s proprietary ETPU (Expanded Thermoplastic Polyurethane) foam is designed for resilience. It provides excellent vibration dampening and a “grounded” feel. While it is protective for the joints, it leans toward a firmer, steady ride rather than a “cloud-like” or “bouncy” sensation.
3. Carbon Trax™ Technology
Unlike a full-length carbon plate meant for speed, Carbon Trax consists of small carbon fiber strips embedded in the midfoot. These provide subtle guidance and centering, giving the shoe a level of stability that rivals some dedicated overpronation shoes without the rigid feel.
4. Blumaka Insole
In a nod to durability and sustainability, the contoured insole is made of 85% recycled ETPU. Rabbit is so confident in its resilience that they guarantee the insole’s performance for up to 1,000 miles.
5. Recycled Rubber Outsole
The outsole features a 15% recycled rubber compound. While early “Boston” editions were noted for a “grinding” sound on concrete, the full release features a multi-textured pattern that offers solid traction on wet roads.
On-Foot Running Experience
The Dream Chaser is a “serious clunker” in the best way possible for those who want to feel secure. On the road, the ride is smooth and seamless but lacks “technical prowess.” It isn’t a shoe that wants to go fast; at over 10 oz for a standard women’s 8.5, the weight is noticeable when you try to pick up the pace.
The 5mm-9mm drop (depending on the version) combined with the Flowstate foam creates a reliable crash pad for heel strikers. It excels at plodding recovery runs where the goal is consistency and protection rather than energy return. The “snug” midfoot lock ensures you feel centered over the Carbon Trax strips, providing a guided, stable transition from heel to toe.
Comparisons: While it shares some DNA with the HOKA Clifton or ASICS Gel-Nimbus, it feels more “lifestyle-adjacent” and warmer than its competitors.
Final Verdict
Choose this shoe if:
- You want a high-quality, stable trainer for easy miles in cool or cold weather.
- You value sustainability and a long-lasting insole (1,000-mile guarantee).
- You prefer a shoe that looks as good with jeans as it does with running tights.
Stick with a specialized trainer if:
- You frequently run in hot, humid climates (the upper will likely overheat).
- You want a “bouncy” or “fun” ride; the Dream Chaser is more “reliable” than “responsive.”
- You are sensitive to shoe weight for daily training.
