Rabbit, a brand best known for its high-quality running apparel, has been making waves in the running community with its foray into footwear. Known for its eco-conscious approach and performance-driven designs, Rabbit brings the same philosophy to its shoes, combining sustainability with functionality. The Dream Chaser, their debut running shoe, was a solid first attempt, but with the Dream Chaser 2, Rabbit has refined the formula for an even better experience.
The first Dream Chaser was designed as a comfortable, easy-mile shoe with a soft midsole and a breathable upper. Reviewers appreciated its plush cushioning but noted some quirks like the exposed carbon fiber strips on the outsole that made an audible “clicking” sound while running. While it excelled as a relaxed daily trainer, some runners found it too soft for longer distances or faster efforts. Still, it was an impressive first effort from a brand primarily known for clothing.
Key specifications:
Brand: Rabbit
Model: Dream Chaser 2
Weight: 10.5 oz. (298 g) for US 9 model
Heel: 37mm
Toe: 32mm
Heel drop: 5mm
Carbon plate: No plate
Price: $160 USD
Cushioning & Ride
Amount of cushioning: Medium cushioned
Purpose: Daily Trainer
What’s New in the Dream Chaser 2?
Rabbit listened to feedback and made thoughtful upgrades to the Dream Chaser 2, improving fit, breathability, and versatility. Key updates include:
Lighter, More Breathable Upper – Made from 100% recycled polyester, the new upper is thinner and features additional perforations for better airflow.
Improved Fit & Lockdown – Reduced stretch in the upper provides a more secure fit, while a molded memory foam heel enhances stability.
Refined Carbon Trax™ Technology – The carbon fiber strips are now fully covered with rubber, eliminating the clicking sound and improving durability.
Better Responsiveness – The Flowstate Foam midsole has been tuned to feel slightly firmer, making the shoe more versatile for different paces.
These changes make the Dream Chaser 2 a more polished and well-rounded shoe than its previous version.
Upper: Cooler, lighter, more secure
The original Dream Chaser had a roomy, stretchy upper that some runners found too spacious. The 2nd version tightens things up with a less stretchy knit for better foot lockdown, especially in the midfoot. The toe box remains accommodating but no longer feels overly wide. Rabbit also added more ventilation, perforations along the toe box and side panels keep feet cooler, a big plus for warm-weather runs. The molded memory foam heel is another welcome upgrade, cradling the foot securely without adding bulk.
Midsole: Soft yet supportive
The Flowstate Foam midsole remains the star of the show, offering plush cushioning without feeling mushy. Compared to the first version, the foam feels slightly firmer, which helps with energy return on longer runs.
The Blumaka insole (made from 85% recycled ETPU) adds an extra layer of comfort and durability, Rabbit claims it lasts 1,000 miles, far longer than standard insoles.
The Carbon Trax™ strips (now rubber-covered) provide subtle stability and a touch of propulsion, though this isn’t a “speed shoe.” Instead, they help smooth out transitions, making the Dream Chaser 2 feel more efficient than before.
Outsole: Durable & Grippy
The outsole uses slip-resistant rubber with 15% recycled content, offering solid traction on roads and light trails. The original Dream Chaser had exposed carbon fiber strips, but the version 2 covers them fully, improving durability and eliminating the odd clicking noise some users reported.
Who is this shoe for?
The Dream Chaser 2 is ideal for:
Daily runners who want a soft, comfortable trainer for easy to moderate-paced miles.
Eco-conscious athletes looking for sustainable materials without sacrificing performance.
Those who liked the original but wanted better lockdown & versatility, the version 2 fixes the fit issues while adding a touch more responsiveness. It’s not a speedster or a max-cushion shoe, think of it as a more refined New Balance 1080v14 or a softer PUMA Velocity Nitro 3.
Verdict
The Dream Chaser 2 takes everything that worked in the original, soft cushioning, a breathable upper, and eco-friendly materials and improves on the weaknesses. The fit is more secure, the ride is slightly snappier, and the carbon fiber strips no longer sound like tap shoes on pavement.
For a brand’s second-ever running shoe, this is an impressive effort. If you’re after a sustainable, comfortable daily trainer that can handle everything from recovery jogs to long runs, the Dream Chaser 2 is a fantastic choice. It may not dethrone the top daily trainers from Nike or Saucony, but it proves Rabbit is serious about making great running shoes and not just great apparel.