Outdoor Brands You Might Not Know, But You Should: rabbit
Inside rabbit Running: Performance Apparel Designed by Runners
Words by Michele Underwood | Photos by rabbit.
I love quality, well-made products. Working in advertising as a creative, from the giant agencies to the boutiques, has given me a unique perspective. It's not always about the big names you know; sometimes, it's the ones you don't that capture your eye.
Now, stepping away from agency life with Overland Girl, I'm spotlighting the brands that ignite my passion and confidence. With my creative roots and a career that's crossed paths with both the well-known and the obscure, I'm excited to share the brands that stand out—not just for their products but for their stories, commitment, and undeniable spirit. This blog is part of a series where I highlight some of the most unique and inspiring outdoor brands.
Let’s dive into the world of these hidden gems, exploring what makes them tick and, perhaps, finding the one that speaks to you. You might already know these brands; if so, that’s great: Mammut, Black Crows, Wild Rye, Stio, Snow Peak, Dragon Alliance, Big Agnes, Mountain Gazette, Wild Sam, HipCamp, Rumpl, Rovr Coolers, and RUX.
Today, I’m excited to focus on rabbit, a Santa Barbara–based running apparel brand building performance-driven gear designed by runners, for runners—lightweight fabrics, smart storage, and pieces that feel as good at mile one as they do at mile fifteen.
rabbit logo—runner-founded performance apparel brand based in Santa Barbara.
About rabbit
rabbit was founded in 2016 by runners who believed performance apparel could feel better—softer, more considered, and more intentional—without sacrificing technical function.
The name comes from racing. The “rabbit” is the pacer who sets the early tempo and pulls the field forward. It’s a subtle reference to performance, but the brand itself feels approachable. Not loud. Not overbuilt. Just focused.
rabbit running apparel on trail—designed for real miles, not just race day.
Based in Santa Barbara, California, rabbit keeps design close to its roots. The result is apparel that feels purpose-built rather than mass-produced.
What rabbit Does Well
rabbit leans heavily into fabric and fit.
Their materials are soft but technical. Breathable without feeling thin. Structured without feeling stiff. You notice it the first time you put something on—it doesn’t feel like plastic performance gear.
Details matter here:
Waistbands that stay in place
Storage that feels integrated instead of bulky
Athletic cuts without restriction
Clean design without oversized logos
It feels like gear made by people who log real miles.
Top rabbit Running Apparel Picks: Shorts, Tees, and Tights
If you’re researching rabbit running apparel, these are the categories that consistently stand out.
rabbit Running Shorts
rabbit groups their running tights and half tights within the “shorts” category, so you’ll see both looser leggy styles and compressive fits listed together. Their running shorts—especially the leggy styles—are known for thoughtful pocket placement and secure waistbands. The more compressive running tights (often called half tights) offer added support and storage while still technically living inside the shorts lineup.
Integrated waistband storage in rabbit running tights—room for gels, nutrition, and essentials without a vest.
If you prefer not to wear a vest but still need to carry fuel or a phone, rabbit running shorts are one of the brand’s strongest offerings.
rabbit Performance Running Tees
rabbit EZ Tee in a lightweight performance fabric—soft, breathable, and built for everyday miles.
rabbit performance tees are lightweight, breathable, and soft enough to wear beyond your run. They don’t cling in warm weather, and they hold their shape after repeated washes, which matters if you’re logging consistent weekly miles.
I love their EZ Tee. I picked one up recently at REI, originally looking for the perfect shirt to wear mountain biking. I found it. It’s incredibly soft, lightweight, and comfortable without feeling flimsy. I’ve worn it riding and hiking, and it performs in both settings. I’ve already ordered more.
Where rabbit Fits in the Outdoor Space
rabbit occupies a focused lane.
It isn’t trying to be a fashion-forward athleisure label, and it isn’t chasing massive global dominance. It feels more like a technical niche brand—similar in spirit to Mammut in skiing—but centered on running.
It’s for people who pay attention to how their gear feels during repetitive movement. The way it breathes. The way it moves. The way it holds up after wash cycles.
rabbit Running Shoes: How Do They Compare to Bigger Brands?
rabbit is best known for apparel, but the brand has recently entered the running shoe market with both road and trail models. Because rabbit footwear is new, there aren’t as many long-term reviews or comparison stories yet—which creates an interesting moment for early adopters.
Are rabbit Running Shoes Good?
Early feedback on rabbit running shoes points to comfort-first design. Cushioning is soft and balanced, built more for daily training miles than race-day speed. The fit follows the same philosophy as their apparel—athletic, considered, and runner-focused.
If you’re comparing rabbit running shoes to bigger brands like Nike, Brooks, Hoka, ASICS, or New Balance, here’s the reality:
rabbit running apparel and running shoes on trail at golden hour—lightweight layers built for real miles.
Larger brands have decades of footwear-specific research and development.
They offer deeper performance categories—carbon-plated racers, stability models, max-cushion trainers, and elite trail options.
rabbit is still building its footwear identity.
That said, rabbit shoes aren’t trying to out-tech the giants. They sit more in the daily trainer and approachable trail category—comfortable, versatile, and built for consistent miles rather than podium finishes.
Who Should Consider rabbit Running Shoes?
Runners who already like the brand’s apparel and want a cohesive kit
Daily mileage runners looking for comfort over aggressive performance tech
Trail runners who prioritize stability and durability over ultra-light racing builds
As the footwear line grows, this is a space worth watching. For a relatively new entry into running shoes, rabbit is building thoughtfully rather than rushing to compete across every category at once.
Is rabbit Worth It?
If you run regularly and care about thoughtful construction and performance fabrics, yes.
If you’re looking for the lowest price point, there are cheaper options.
rabbit sits in the quality lane. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t shout. But once you wear it for consistent miles, the difference becomes clear. But I really do love their EZ Tee.
Check Out More Great Brands in This Series
If you like finding under-the-radar gear brands, explore more in the outdoor brands you might not know, but you should.
Michele Underwood writes Overland Girl, where she shares gear she uses on real trips—from the Northwoods of Wisconsin to the Ozarks. She values quality and craftsmanship in everything she buys—from outdoor gear to everyday clothes and furniture. Her choices may seem expensive to some, but she believes in buying less and buying better. Longevity matters, both in terms of function and style.
Some of the links in this review are affiliate links, which means she may earn a small commission if you buy through them. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps support her work. She only recommends gear she’d bring herself.