The R.A.D UFO is a versatile, high-stack uptempo trainer that blends max cushioning with a lively, non-plated ride, and it wears its name well: its design is so distinctive it could probably be spotted from space. Built around a dual-density, PEBA-based midsole with a softer top layer plus a firmer bottom layer, it delivers a protective, energetic feel underfoot while encouraging a smooth, rolling transition thanks to its pronounced rocker. A broad, flared platform helps the tall, soft midsole feel more planted, and the breathable mesh upper is paired with a generously padded tongue and collar. As a brand best known for its CrossFit roots, R.A.D makes its first serious push into road running with the UFO, and the result feels surprisingly complete: a versatile, genuinely unique trainer that delivers premium bounce without the rigid sensation of a plate.
Our Verdict
The R.A.D UFO is a good option for marathon training and even race day for runners who want a highly cushioned, energetic ride without the rigid feel of a plated super shoe. Its tall stack and excellent protection keep your legs fresher over long efforts, and the foam's lively rebound helps it feel more dynamic than a typical max-cushion trainer. The trade-off is that, due to its high weight and bulky build, it lacks the efficiency of modern super shoes, so it suits runners who prioritize comfort over top racing performance.
Excellent cushioning that stays protective in both the heel and forefoot.
Lively midsole.
Unplated design.
Not a lightweight shoe.
The R.A.D UFO isn't the ideal choice for 5K and 10K efforts, working best for runners who want a bouncy trainer that can handle faster workouts. It has enough snap from its firmer forefoot tuning and strong rebound to feel at home when you pick up the pace, but it does not deliver the truly explosive, race-focused punch you get from lighter, plated options. If you want one shoe to cover tempo sessions and the occasional short race, it fits the bill, but it is not the most specialized tool for all-out speed.
Lively midsole.
Unplated design.
Toe-off isn't the snappiest when you are running fast.
Not a lightweight shoe.
The R.A.D UFO offers great energy return, with a lively, springy feel that makes picking up the pace slightly less demanding. The rebound is especially strong up front, so it rewards runners who load the forefoot, making it well-suited to progression long runs and tempo sessions where you want to balance energy return and comfort. Since it is unplated and the weight is substantial, the sensation is more bouncy than truly propulsive.
Lively midsole.
The R.A.D UFO delivers excellent cushioning that feels protective in both the heel and forefoot, making it especially well-suited for daily mileage and long runs where impact absorption matters most. It gives you a deep buffer from the road and stays comfortable as the run progresses, which is exactly what you want from a high-stack trainer. That said, the generous cushion reduces ground feel, so runners who prefer a more direct connection to the pavement may find it a bit too padded.
Excellent cushioning that stays protective in both the heel and forefoot.
The R.A.D UFO offers good lateral stability for a high-stack, soft-foamed shoe, largely thanks to its wide footprint and geometry that helps keep you centered. Even without a plate, this results in a ride that feels more planted than many super trainers, also helped by the fully-gusseted tongue. The main limitation is that the heel is quite soft, so heel strikers will notice some give that can cause slight imbalances in your stride.
Very wide platform helps the ride feel more planted.
Fully gusseted tongue.
Unplated design.
Soft heel can feel a bit wobbly.
Performance Usages
Changelog
- Updated Mar 25, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.10, adding a new set of fit tests to the Design section and an overall fit performance usage. Check out the details in our changelog.
- Updated Mar 10, 2026: Review published.
- Updated Mar 02, 2026: Early access published.
- Updated Feb 16, 2026: Our testers have started testing this product.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We bought and tested the R.A.D UFO in men's U.S. size 9, as noted on the label for our pair. The pair we purchased is the Highlighter Pink colorway, but you can also buy the shoe in a selection of other funky colorways, such as Acid Green, Space White, Racing Blue, and more. This model isn't sold in wide or narrow fits, and it's only available in select regional markets. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other sizes and gender variants to perform similarly.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The R.A.D UFO is a high-stack, lively trainer built to cover daily mileage, long runs, and uptempo sessions thanks to its modern midsole feel. It sits in that space a lot of brands are chasing right now: the "unplated super trainer", a label that can mean almost anything depending on the marketing. In the broader market, it's R.A.D’s attempt to play in the same versatility lane as some of the category's heavy hitters like the adidas Adizero Evo SL and ASICS MEGABLAST. Commendably, on its first try, the brand manages to deliver a cohesive product rather than a trend-chasing experiment. The ride lands in a Goldilocks zone for many runners, sitting between the softer feel of the MEGABLAST or Saucony Endorphin Azura and the firmer, snappier feel of the adidas Adizero Evo SL, making it easy to use across a wider range of paces without feeling either too mushy or too harsh. Compared to those alternatives, though, it's heavier, so it doesn't quite sit in the true fast-trainer tier, and it ends up bridging the gap between true uptempo trainers and the newer wave of fun, bouncy daily-mileage shoes like the Nike Vomero Plus and PUMA MagMax NITRO 2. Another standout element is the upper, which is more comfort-forward than most in this category thanks to its premium padding.
Within R.A.D’s lineup, the UFO is the brand's first proper road running shoe, standing apart from its training and CrossFit-rooted models that are primarily built for gym work and mixed training rather than high-mileage road running. If you're looking for more shoes from other brands, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, the best long-distance running shoes, and the best shoes for running a marathon.
The R.A.D UFO and ASICS MEGABLAST are both high-stack, highly cushioned, unplated trainers with a similar overall geometry, but they differ on a few key elements. The ASICS MEGABLAST comes in lighter and feels more protective over long miles, with a softer midsole that creates a more pillowy, more sink-in sensation underfoot. The R.A.D UFO feels more stable laterally, and its midsole tuning comes across as more balanced in firmness, which helps it feel less unpredictable as you move through the stride. They also differ up top: the R.A.D uses a more substantial, structured upper that adds to the secure feel, while the ASICS leans more performance-oriented with a lighter, more minimal upper.
The R.A.D UFO and adidas Adizero Evo SL are both marketed as versatile trainers, but what does that translate to in practice? The adidas Adizero Evo SL leans into pure responsiveness, using a partial plastic shank paired with Lightstrike Pro to create a stiff, propulsive feel that's best when you're running steady to fast, but it can feel a bit firm on true recovery days. The R.A.D UFO takes the versatility angle through cushioning, staying fully unplated and offering a more forgiving, comfort-forward ride that's easier to settle into for long runs and easy mileage alike. Despite its higher stack, the R.A.D feels more laterally stable thanks to its broader platform, while the adidas feels more nimble and workout-ready when you want a crisp toe-off.
The R.A.D UFO and Mizuno Neo Zen are two high-stack trainers with lively foams, but they approach that energetic feel differently. The R.A.D UFO leans more toward cushioning and bounce, delivering a softer, more bouncy ride that feels especially plush underfoot. The Mizuno Neo Zen is the lighter option, offering a more agile feel, though it doesn't feel quite as deeply cushioned. Also, the Mizuno features a lower drop, resulting in a more effective stack in the forefoot. The uppers also contrast strongly: the R.A.D uses a more substantial construction with generous padding and a gusseted tongue that adds structure and comfort, while the Mizuno opts for a minimal mesh, sock-like upper that feels more minimal.
We buy and test running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes so team members can log in miles. This real-world testing is conducted at various paces and conditions, across different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
