Did an Upstart California Running Brand Just Nail the Trail Super Shoe Right Out the Gate?

Santa Barbara-based Rabbit’s first-ever off-road running sneaker is one grippy, cushy, carbon-powered beauty.

Published June 27, 2025

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The story of Rabbit is one of those casually inspiring journeys you forget can still happen in America.

The brand’s history dates back to 2013, when former D1 college runner Jill Deering reached out to her ultramarathoning, running store-owning friend Monica DeVreese to ask why it’s so hard to find good-looking, great-fitting running shorts.

rabbit high country pair — Rabbit’s first-ever trail shoe comes in any colorway you want as long as it’s this one.

The duo’s quest to solve that conundrum has since evolved into an ever-growing line of premium apparel and footwear that, not unlike Bandit here on the East Coast, has developed a cult following among runners who appreciate a brand that gets it.

The latest project for the Santa Barbara-based upstart? Following up its Dream Chaser road kicks with a top-notch trail shoe.

rabbit high country hero — Hoka-like? Sure. Cool, comfortable and high-performance in its own unique way? Oh yeah, that too.

While it doesn’t ship till early next month, the High Country already has the makings of an off-road champ. Let’s look at what makes it special from the inside out.

Inside moves

One significant feature of the inside of the shoe is the incredibly named “Blumaka Non-Slip Konnect insole with Zonal Grip tech.”

The idea here is an especially locked-in footbed that keeps your feet from slipping around in the shoe.

rabbit high country insole detail — The High Country’s special insole is specifically designed to reduce slippage.

It’s notable for the fact that few brands think this deeply about the insole, and it’s worth noting that Rabbit throws in an additional standard EVA insole if all that grip is too much for you.

A second equally important element here is the thing that makes the High Country a super shoe.

rabbit high country layers — This handy diagram shows exactly what the High Country is made of. Note the cushy midsole and carbon plates.

Sandwiched in a protective midsole cavity are Carbon Trax plates that lend adaptive support and energy return, helping you bound over hills and dales.

Rounding the interior out are a cushioned collar and super-cushy Flowstate Foam midsole — the part that (along with the general aesthetics) recalls Hoka, which is not really a bad thing.

Outside game

While the outside is perhaps not so feature-laden, it does boast a few compelling aspects.

rabbit high country lugs — Seven testers ran 42 miles (with 11,000 feet of elevation) back and forth across the Grand Canyon to make sure these outsoles were grippy enough.

First and foremost is that Rabbit calls a proprietary 360 Grip outsole, complete with substantial lugs to provide traction on all kinds of wet and dry surfaces.

The upper, meanwhile, is a quick-drying sleeve made of 60 percent recycled mesh that is generously perforated for breathability.

Lastly, a gusseted tongue and reinforced forefoot help to keep your doggies blissfully clear of rocks and dirt out on the trail.

rabbit high country rear view — Nothing to see here — just a cool little back-of-shoe detail.

Oh, and for those keeping score at home, the High Country weighs ~11.1 ounces and has a 5mm drop.

Availability and pricing

The Rabbit High Country is available for pre-order now in both women’s and men’s options for $180. First drop ships July 7.

Rabbit High Country

$180 at Rabbit

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.