With drizzly spring days on the horizon, Allbirds' newest pair of running shoes couldn't have come at a better time. The Mid-Dasher Mizzle, an all-climate, all-season running shoe, follows up the brand's first performance shoe, which launched last April. Like the Dasher, this water-resistant version is an ideal, versatile sneaker to bring on trips, as well suited to jogs as it is days filled with lots of walking.
As someone who runs a few times a week and plans vacations around half marathons, I was eager to test the new iteration out. The shoe is built to withstand rainy days-and kept my feet and ankles dry while splashing through puddles in Central Park-with a high knit ankle, water-repellant treatment (what Allbirds calls its PuddleGuard technology), and a water-resistant layer made with natural products and none of the harmful chemicals that often come with that kind of coating.
I thought the knit sock collar might be irritating on my skin, but with a standard running sock-the kind with a touch of padding at the ankle-it didn't bother me at all, and the extra coverage was nice to keep warm on a chilly day. For anyone who runs in 7/8-length leggings, it'll cover that in-between space, and the merino wool upper is solidly itch-proof. (Not into the look of the high-top? The Dasher Mizzle offers the same PuddleGuard tech and improved traction, with a lower ankle.)
Since rainy days come with less visibility, Allbirds added a reflective logo on the heel and in the laces' yarn, too. Another nice touch: Extra traction from specially-designed natural rubber treads on the outsole.
The Mid-Dasher Mizzles, currently available in black or mist, a soft gray, will be the pair I grab on rainy or snowy days ahead, and the ones I bring when traveling to any rainy cities. But if you live somewhere mostly sunny, the classic Dasher might be a better pick. Last spring, I road-tested a pair on a few three-mile runs around my neighborhood. Like Allbirds' other shoes, the Dashers are immediately comfortable, without any real wear-in time needed. The top portion of the shoe is stretchy, so if you have wide feet, they may be more comfortable than a more structured shoe (they come in half sizes, and run slightly small, so I'd recommend going up a half size in any of the Dasher styles). I found them to have a slightly flatter sole than my usual pair (Brooks' Levitate), but they are a solid running shoe, with a stable, thick bottom and a decent amount of springiness. They're also light, and the eucalyptus-based knit is super malleable, meaning they'll pack down well-and won't take up too much room-in a suitcase.
What makes Allbirds' running shoes stand out, however, is that they fill a niche need: runners no longer have to pack multiple pairs of sneakers on vacation. If you're someone who likes to go for a run around town when you get to a new place (or if you're planning on fitting in an exercise class or hotel workout while traveling), you'll need a pair of proper running shoes, but those shoes usually aren't the same kind of comfortable sneaker you'll want to walk around all day in. The Dashers offer a solution-they look more like Allbirds' classic Tree Runners or water-resistant Wool Runner Mizzles than a standard running shoe, meaning you can pair them with joggers, jumpsuits, or even casual dresses, like you would, say, a pair of Adidas slip-ons, as well as your exercise gear. After starting with four limited-edition colors, there are now more than a dozen hues to choose from, all with minimal branding (no swooshes or stripes in sight).
And while running shoe preferences differ from person to person, Allbirds had more than 50 amateur and professional runners weigh in during the production process, noting pros like a cool design, breathability, and a good balance between lightness and support, the brand says. The castor bean foam insole helps to make them comfortable, and to support your foot, thanks to the curved arch and slight lift in the heel, while the natural rubber sole keeps the outside durable.
© Condé Nast Traveler Traveler readers went wild for Allbirds' first running shoe when it debuted in April. Share the wealth of comfortable kicks this holiday season-they now come in more than a dozen colors, are lightweight and pack down well, and look sufficiently non-sporty enough to wear throughout a trip, not just while exercising. $125, Allbirds (Women's sizes). Get it now! Allbirds Tree Dashers
$125.00, Allbirds (Women's sizes)
BUY NOW The other pro of the $125 shoe, along with the rest of Allbirds' line-up, is its materials, including a sugarcane sole, renewable eucalyptus, and superfine merino wool. As of last year, Allbirds has begun labeling each product produced with its carbon footprint. The average athletic sneaker, usually made with rubber and plastic, emits around 12.5 kg of carbon during production; the Dasher clocks in at 9 kg, and the Mid-Dasher Mizzles at 11 kg, though that is offset to zero through Allbirds' carbon fund. Those materials also mean they are easy to clean: throw the shoes directly in the wash when you return from a trip, or when they need a good scrub. Consider that along with the added bonus of a lighter suitcase due to fewer sneakers, and your trip just got much more sustainable.
This article was originally published in April 2020. It has been updated with new information.