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The R.A.D UFO is one of the more unusual-looking cushioned shoes we’ve tested over the past few months, but underneath that bold design is a seriously performance-focused daily trainer.
Built around a large slab of dual-layer super foam, the UFO aims to deliver a highly cushioned, energetic ride for long runs, steady efforts, and progression sessions. But with a £180 price tag and a relatively unknown brand behind it, it’s going up against some very strong competition.
After testing the shoe across a mix of runs, here’s how it stacks up.
Design & Key Stats
- Price: £180 / $200
- Weight: 247g/8.7oz, (Men’s UK 8)
- Drop: 8mm
- Stack height: 42mm/34mm
- Upper: Textile, Synthetic
- Midsole: Dual-layer PEBA blend
- Outsole: Rubber
R.A.D UFO review
How’s The Fit
There’s a good amount of space in the toe box, with a fairly accommodating forefoot that should suit most runners with average-width feet. It’s not a narrow shoe, and there’s enough room on either side of the foot without feeling sloppy.
The upper is heavily padded, especially around the tongue and ankle collar. That padding adds to the overall comfort, although it does feel slightly overbuilt in places, particularly the tongue, which could probably lose a bit of weight.
Lockdown is solid through the midfoot and heel, with no major issues during testing. Overall, it’s a very comfortable, plush-fitting shoe that leans towards the “max cushion cruiser” feel.
Check out more of the best cushioned running shoes.
The Run Test: Likes
The standout feature of the R.A.D UFO is its midsole. The foam delivers a highly bouncy, energetic ride that feels great from the first run and maintains that performance over longer distances.
Even on long runs, the cushioning doesn’t lose its bounce, making it a very enjoyable option for any distance.
Despite its size, the shoe is relatively lightweight and feels surprisingly versatile. It handles easy runs exceptionally well, providing a soft, protective ride that makes ticking off miles feel effortless.
There’s also enough performance in the shoe to pick up the pace. It works well for progression runs and steady tempo efforts, offering a smooth rocker that helps keep transitions fluid and efficient.
Stability is another strong point. The wide base, particularly in the forefoot, gives the shoe a planted, secure feel, which is reassuring during longer runs when fatigue starts to set in.
Overall, it’s a highly versatile daily trainer that can handle a wide range of runs, from relaxed easy miles through to sustained efforts at faster paces.
The Run Test: Dislikes
The most obvious drawback for some people may be the design. It’s a very bold, bulky-looking shoe that won’t appeal to everyone.
There are also some concerns around weight distribution and upper construction. While the overall weight is fairly competitive, there are areas, specifically the tongue and forefoot, where the shoe feels a bit overbuilt and could be streamlined.
The midsole, while impressively bouncy, isn’t the most responsive when it comes to faster efforts. It works well for steady pacing, but for intervals, sprints, or track sessions, it lacks the quick rebound you’d want from a dedicated speed shoe.
Durability could also be a concern. Early signs of wear on the outsole and exposed midsole foam suggest it may not be the most hard-wearing option over time.
Finally, the price is a significant factor. At £180 in the UK, it’s competing with some of the best cushioned shoes on the market from more established brands, many of which offer similar, or better, all-round performance.
Verdict And Alternatives
The R.A.D UFO is a surprisingly impressive daily trainer that delivers a genuinely fun and highly cushioned running experience.
The dual-layer foam is the highlight, offering a soft, bouncy ride that works brilliantly for easy runs and longer, steady efforts. It’s also more versatile than it first appears, handling progression runs and tempo sessions reasonably well.
However, it’s not a complete all-rounder. It lacks the responsiveness needed for faster sessions, and the high price makes it a tougher sell given the strength of the competition.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, bouncy shoe for long runs and steady training, the RAD UFO absolutely delivers. But if you want a more versatile option there are other shoes out there that edge it.
Other shoes that are worth looking at if you want a bouncy and energetic shoe include the Asics Megablast, which we would say offers more versality when it comes to speed, but is less of an easy day shoe.
The Asics Superblast 3 is a very similar shoe in a lot of ways. Both cover runs from easy sessions up to longer efforts and they both have a lively, soft foam. For us, the R.A.D is just a bit better when it comes to tempo sessions due to a more balanced ride.
There’s also the excellent and significantly cheaper Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo which offers a similar level of versatility but skews more to the tempo end of the spectrum than easy runs.