Tree Dasher Relay vs Tree Dasher 2: Which Allbirds to Buy

Quick answer

Choose the Tree Dasher Relay if you want a laceless slip-on made from leftover stock yarns and you like the idea of a pair that looks slightly one-of-a-kind. Choose the Tree Dasher 2 if you want the more responsive foam, extra grip, and improved fit of Allbirds' everyday active shoe. Both are women's styles with size options, so the decision comes down to lacing, materials, and how you plan to use them.

Laceless vs laced: the daily difference

The Tree Dasher Relay is laceless, so you slip it on and go. That makes it a natural pick for errands, travel days, and any routine where you want to get out the door without stopping to tie anything. The Tree Dasher 2 uses a traditional laced build, which lets you fine-tune how snug the shoe feels across the midfoot before you head out.

This is the clearest practical split between the two. If you have ever kicked off a shoe at airport security or juggled a bag while bending down to tie a lace, the Relay's design will feel like a small daily upgrade. If you prefer to dial in tightness for a run or a long walk, the Dasher 2 gives you that adjustment.

Materials and the one-of-a-kind factor

The Relay is made from earth-friendly materials like leftover stock yarns, and each pair features slight variations in color. That means no two pairs look exactly alike, which is a genuine plus if you want something a little different from everyone else's sneakers. It also means the pair you receive may not match the product photo down to the last thread.

The Tree Dasher 2 uses a more standard build and is positioned as the next evolution of Allbirds' everyday active shoe. If you would rather have a predictable, consistent look and a shoe that is designed around performance updates, the Dasher 2 is the more straightforward choice.

Price and value

The Relay is listed at USD 83.70 against a comparison price of USD 135.00, while the Tree Dasher 2 is listed at USD 96.60 against a comparison price of USD 140.00. Both carry meaningful discounts, but the Relay comes in lower on both the current and comparison price.

If budget is the deciding factor, the Relay wins on price alone. If you are comparing what you get for the difference, the Dasher 2's responsive foam, extra grip, and improved fit are the features you are paying for. Neither is a bad deal; they just put your money in different places.

How to decide in one minute

Ask yourself two questions. First, do you want to tie laces or not? Second, do you care more about a unique look or about performance updates? If you answered no laces and unique look, go with the Relay. If you answered laces and performance, go with the Dasher 2.

If you are still stuck, think about your most common use. A shoe you wear for quick trips, commuting, and travel rewards the Relay's slip-on design. A shoe you wear for workouts, longer walks, and active days rewards the Dasher 2's fit and grip.

The trade-offs at a glance

• Convenience vs adjustability: The Relay is laceless and slips on instantly. The Dasher 2 is laced, so you can tighten or loosen the fit. Pick the Relay for speed and ease; pick the Dasher 2 if you want to tune the fit.
• Unique look vs consistent look: The Relay's leftover stock yarns create slight color variations, so each pair is a little different. The Dasher 2 has a more uniform build. Choose the Relay if you like one-of-a-kind; choose the Dasher 2 if you want predictable color.
• Lower price vs performance updates: The Relay is listed at USD 83.70 (comparison USD 135.00). The Dasher 2 is listed at USD 96.60 (comparison USD 140.00) and adds responsive foam, extra grip, and an improved fit. Save with the Relay or spend a little more for the Dasher 2's active-shoe updates.

Product facts

• Women's Tree Dasher Relay - Natural Black (Natural Black Sole): Laceless running shoe made from earth-friendly materials, including leftover stock yarns, with slight color variations in each pair. You get a slip-on that is easy to wear and visually one-of-a-kind, but the exact color may differ slightly from the photo.
• Women's Tree Dasher 2 - Natural Black (Blizzard Sole): Everyday active shoe with more responsive foam, extra grip, and an improved fit compared with the previous version. These updates matter most if you use your shoes for workouts or long active days rather than quick errands.

Which one is right for you?

Best for

• Anyone who wants a laceless slip-on for errands, travel, and everyday wear
• Shoppers who like the idea of a pair with slight, one-of-a-kind color variations
• Buyers watching their budget who still want an earth-friendly running shoe

Not for

• Runners who want to adjust laces for a snug, dialed-in fit
• Shoppers who need the exact color shown in the product photo every time
• Anyone who prioritizes the most responsive foam and extra grip in this lineup