R.A.D
UFO
R.A.D's first running shoe is a plateless super trainer with a 42 mm stack of dual-density PEBA blend foam, softer on top and firmer underneath. Testers found it soft, bouncy and great fun, though the soft heel can feel unstable and the price is high for a shoe without a plate.
About the UFO
R.A.D's debut running shoe, launched in October 2025, is a plateless road super trainer that the brand designs for long runs, progression runs and threshold sessions, describing it as built to develop speed across distance. The later Synth is the brand's lower, lighter daily trainer and the Mallow its cushioned EVA-based option, leaving the UFO as the performance model of the trio.
Its midsole is SUPEFOAM, a dual-layer PEBA-blend foam with a softer top layer for cushioning and a firmer bottom layer for energy return, a pairing R.A.D calls a catch and release system. The brand cites Heeluxe testing in which the foam kept its rebound after 300 miles. A flowing rocker and sculpted heel bevel shape a 42 mm heel stack with an 8 mm drop. Above, a zonal upper is designed to improve airflow over the toes, with an adaptive lacing system for adjusting tension.
Specs and features from rad-global.com, wellworthy.com, rtings.com and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.
Video reviews
Watch R.A.D UFO reviewsOpens YouTubeWhat the critics say
93/100 review score
- Road Trail Run 9.6/10
The reviews in briefThe R.A.D UFO won over Road Trail Run's Peter Stuart, Ben David and Sam Winebaum with its soft, bouncy ride and premium upper, though they found it less stable at easy paces. Believe in the Run's Meaghan Murray and Thomas Neuberger agreed, but Caryn Just found it too soft, and all questioned the price.
- Positive: Soft, bouncy and energetic ride
- Positive: Comfortable, secure upper with a gusseted tongue
- Positive: Grippy outsole on wet and dry roads
- Mixed: Too soft for some testers at very slow or very fast paces
- Mixed: Toe box felt low to some testers but roomy to others
- Negative: Expensive for a shoe without a plate
- Negative: Soft heel and high stack can feel wobbly on corners
Paraphrased from published reviews. Read them in full:
The numbers
- Super trainer
- Type
- 249 g
- Weight
- 42 mm
- Heel stack
- 8 mm
- Drop
- No plate
- Plate
- Neutral
- Support
Weight for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5.
What it feels like
Fit
True to size
Testers found it true to size with a secure hold; Road Trail Run's Sam Winebaum found the toe box a little low and pointy and RTINGS measured a low toe box, though Believe in the Run's testers found plenty of width.
What Reddit runners say
Runners on Reddit don't hold back. Jump straight into the conversations about the UFO.
On TikTok
UFO on TikTokShort reviews and wear tests from runnersWhere to buy the UFO
RRP around £180. Tap through for today's price.
R.A.D UFO
In short
Worth a look if you want a soft, bouncy, plateless super trainer for daily miles and steady long runs that feels fun. If you need a stable heel or a snappy race-day toe-off, look elsewhere.
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