I was unbelievably excited to try the rabbit Dream Chaser shoe. The Dream Chaser marks rabbit’s debut in the running shoe market. If you are unfamiliar, rabbit has made apparel for several years now, and it’s been fun to watch them grow (my first rabbit piece was in 2017… wow!).
The Dream Chaser was launched during the 2024 Boston race weekend in the Boston colorway, and on June 20th, they came out with a new color. When I first saw a photo of the rabbit Dream Chaser on Instagram back in April, I thought I had missed their April Fool’s joke. But then I quickly realized the Dream Chaser shoe was real!
Did you know the brand rabbit is just “rabbit”? All lowercase. It’s not “run in rabbit,” just rabbit. Anyway, onto the Dream Chaser shoe. Before trying the rabbit Dream Chaser shoe, I had a few questions:
Does the rabbit Dream Chaser fit true to size?
Mostly yes, although some might find it a bit narrow. I haven’t had an issue with it feeling uncomfortable.
What kind of running shoe is the rabbit Dream Chaser?
It’s a daily trainer made for daily runs. It’s not designed as a “speed work shoe” but a shoe made for the daily grind of training.
Is the rabbit Dream Chaser good?
Yes!! I’m already a huge fan and have put over 100 miles on mine with no signs of slowing down.
rabbit Dream Chaser Quick Facts
- Weight: 9.3 oz
- Stack Height: 5 mm drop
- Price: $160
rabbit Dream Chaser Fit
The Dream Chaser features a knit upper made from 100% recycled polyester, which I appreciate. I’m a huge fan of brands using recycled materials, and the Dream Chaser upper fits and feels nice. (I’ve found some other sustainable options sacrifice quality to use recycled materials, but that’s not the case here). The upper is breathable and can handle the Mojave Desert summer. Any shoe that isn’t breathable these days gets put into the winter running bin.
Unlike most running brands, rabbit actually created a different heel for each gender. I found it hugged my heel without feeling too tight. Some might find the heel collar a bit high, but I didn’t have any issues with rubbing, blisters, or irritation.
The midfoot is fairly secure and the laces are comfortable. In fact, the laces are some of thickest of any running shoe I’ve tried. The best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and I haven’t had any issues with blisters, rubbing, or chafing on any part of the shoe.
As far as fit, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I found the size 11 to fit the best and had no issues. If you have a wide or double wide foot, you will likely appreciate going up a half size.
rabbit Dream Chaser Ride
The midsole of the Dream Chaser features an 85% recycled ETPU insole. This insole is also known for its vibration-dampening properties. I’ve found that the more recycled materials a shoe uses, the firmer it is. I have yet to find a super soft shoe that uses recycled materials. While the rabbit Dream Chaser is firm, it’s not the firmest shoe I’ve ever tried. The main midsole also includes ETPU foam combined with Carbon Trax technology, visible as two flat strips from the outsole.
The rabbit Dream Chaser is around 9 oz, which is generally fairly heavy in the running industry for a trainer, but it doesn’t feel too bulky or clunky. The shoe feels lighter underfoot, but its actual weight is noticeable. The Carbon Trax strips provide stability but can make the midfoot feel rigid, especially during longer runs. For shorter runs, the midsole offers sufficient comfort and support.
Where does the rabbit Dream Chaser fall into my rotation? It’s designed for daily running, and that’s exactly what I’ve used it for. I find it harder to pick up the pace. I’ve tried a couple of longer workouts, but for the most part, it stays as an easy run shoe. If I want to pick up the pace at the end of a run, it’s not impossible, but there are many other better options for dedicated speed workouts. I appreciate that it’s not super firm like many other shoes that use recycled materials. In all, I’m a fan.
Outsole
The outsole is made from 15% recycled rubber and is slip-resistant. There are rubber strips across the Carbon Trax to protect the carbon plate and add durability. I’ve used the rabbit Dream Chaser in inclement and rainy weather as well as on the sandy trails (literally almost all of the miles come from the easy sandy trails), and I haven’t had any issues with sliding around. I expect the rabbit Dream Chaser to last the full 400 miles.
Conclusion
The Dream Chaser offers a smooth ride with its midsole and carbon fiber rod technology. It’s a great daily trainer that can handle easy and daily grinds. In all, the Dream Chaser is a great debut shoe from rabbit, and I’m looking forward to seeing what else they have up their sleeve.
Who should purchase the rabbit Dream Chaser?
Those wanting a shoe that is durable and designed for daily training.
Who should not purchase the rabbit Dream Chaser?
If you’re looking for a running shoe for speed workouts or if you have a very wide foot, the rabbit Dream Chaser would not be my first choice.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: rabbit Dream Chasher, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, , ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Hoka Cielo X1, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro , Nike Vaporfly 3 , ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
What is your favorite daily trainer?
Have you tried rabbit before?