Utility You Can Feel: Allbirds’ Tougher Tree Runner Go Utility

We’ve been fans of Allbirds for a while now. While they do have a few running-focused models, their real sweet spot — at least for us — is casual footwear that can handle a little bit of everything that makes living in the PNW so great: hikes, urban exploring, quick trail adventures, and capping it all off at one of the hundreds of local breweries or activies going on.

Another thing we love about Allbirds is their commitment to sustainability. They’ve really been at the forefront when it comes to using eco-friendly materials, like TENCEL Lyocell (a tree fiber blend), sugarcane-based green EVA, and castor bean oil-based insole foam. It’s not just talk — they’re actually putting better materials into practice.

New this year, Allbirds has made a small — but meaningful — upgrade to two of their staple running models, bringing even more versatility and ruggedness to the table.

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We have actually reviewed the Tree Runner Go before, so we encourage you to head there for a full review. We will highlight a few key takeaways here:

With a cushioned and soft midsole and an extremely breathable upper, the Tree Runner Go is an excellent choice for travel or simply for days when you want a break from your running shoes. They’re compact and lightweight, making them a convenient addition to your luggage.

I recently brought these along on a family trip to Orlando, and they proved to be the perfect packable option for exploring the Disney parks all day in comfort. They kept my feet cool in some hellaciously-humid days, and handled miles and miles of walking each day with ease and as much comfort as would be expected on a Disney day.

This is the UTILITY version of the Allbirds Tree Runner Go — meaning they’ve taken the original and given it some thoughtful upgrades. What does that mean exactly? In short: added durability and better traction.

There’s now a TPU overlay that helps protect the shoes from outdoor elements — which, speaking from experience here in the PNW, we definitely have plenty of. They also updated the full-length outsole to improve grip in those wet and unpredictable conditions. Honestly, it feels like Allbirds spent a rainy week in Oregon and thought, “Yeah, we should probably toughen these up.”

The original Tree Runner Go was more of a casual, everyday shoe, and while that vibe is still there, the Utility version can handle a bit more. Think of it as ready for those casual-but-a-little-rugged walks — like an impromptu stroll along the Wildwood Trail — that might have been a stretch for the original.

And if you’re worried about the mess that comes with exploring, no stress: the insoles are removable and the whole shoe is machine washable. Easy upkeep. Lovely!

The Utility upgrade has also been added to the Tree Dasher as well!