R.A.D
Synth
A light, plateless daily trainer with a 38 mm stack of R.A.D's SwellFoam, a supercritical EVA and TPEE blend. Testers praised its low weight, stable platform and polished upper, but found the ride firm and not very bouncy, especially at easy paces.
About the Synth
Launched in April 2026 as R.A.D's second running shoe, the Synth is a plateless daily trainer for the full span of training, from easy mileage to harder sessions. It complements the debut UFO super trainer with a lower, lighter build, and launch coverage frames it as a more practical entry point to the brand than the UFO. The higher-stacked Mallow followed it as the line's cushioned option.
The midsole is SwellFoam, a supercritical foam containing 40% bio-based EVA, built to a 38 mm heel stack with a 6 mm drop. Underneath, a herringbone pattern of R.A.D's sticky rubber provides the grip, and a breathable mesh upper sits on top. The shoe is neutral, with no features designed to correct the stride, and comes in a single standard width. Where the UFO is pitched at competition and threshold work, the Synth is intended for the everyday runs in between.
Specs and features from wellworthy.com, insider.fitt.co and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.
Video reviews
Watch R.A.D Synth reviewsOpens YouTubeWhat the critics say
87/100 review score
- Road Trail Run 9.0/10
The reviews in briefRoad Trail Run's Sam Winebaum and Peter Stuart rated the R.A.D Synth a light, stable and polished daily trainer, though both found it firm at slow paces and Sam thought it ran a little short. RTINGS' testers agreed it suits workouts but found little bounce, a shallow toe box and comfort fading on longer runs.
- Positive: Very light for a daily trainer
- Positive: Comfortable, secure upper
- Positive: Stable, responsive ride that suits workouts
- Mixed: Comfort fades on longer runs for some testers
- Mixed: Toe box is short, shallow and a bit pointy
- Negative: Firm and not very bouncy at slower paces
Paraphrased from published reviews. Read them in full:
The numbers
- Daily trainer
- Type
- 232 g
- Weight
- 38 mm
- Heel stack
- 6 mm
- Drop
- No plate
- Plate
- Inherently stable
- Support
Weight for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5.
What it feels like
Fit
True to size
Most testers found it true to size, but one Road Trail Run tester found it a little short and RTINGS measured a shallow toe box, so wide or high-volume feet may want half a size up.
What Reddit runners say
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On TikTok
Synth on TikTokShort reviews and wear tests from runnersWhere to buy the Synth
RRP around £120. Tap through for today's price.
R.A.D Synth
In short
A good pick if you want a light, stable daily trainer that is happy with tempo runs and workouts at a fair price. If you want a soft, bouncy ride for slow easy miles, look elsewhere.
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