Rad Running Shoes Guide: UFO, Synth, and Malow Compared

Introduction

Rad Running is a small, global team with a simple philosophy: build shoes that combine feel, performance, and aesthetics so well that you actually look forward to putting them on. The brand’s design and development team sits in Portland, with team members spread from Santa Monica to the UK, and every shoe is judged on all three fronts. If it performs but does not look good, it gets thrown out.

Their current lineup covers three clear use cases: a premium long-distance super trainer, a quick everyday speed trainer, and a maximally cushioned daily trainer built to take abuse. Here is how they compare.

Rad UFO: The Premium Super Trainer

The UFO is Rad’s top-of-the-line premium trainer, priced at $200. It is a dual-density super foam long-distance shoe built around one goal: feeling good at every pace, for as long as you want to go. The focus is fatigue reduction, from the softness of the foam to the shape of the midsole.

The geometry is a big part of that. There is no flat midfoot section at all, which is intentional. Wherever your foot lands, the rocker profile keeps you moving smoothly through the transition. Stack height is 42mm in the heel with an 8mm drop, giving it a plush, protective ride for long days on your feet.

One more point worth noting: this shoe lasts. One runner put 1,300 miles on a first pair, which is unusual for a super foam trainer at this level of cushioning.

Rad Synth: The Stripped-Back Speed Trainer

The Synth takes the opposite approach: strip everything down and get out of the athlete’s way. At $145, it uses a super critical EVA foam rather than a premium super foam, so you get energy return and some softness, but the ride sits on the firmer side.

The geometry borrows the same ideas as the UFO but tunes them for speed. Stack height is 38mm with a 6mm drop, and while there is a fast rocker on the forefoot, the midfoot has a more stable, flat section with a relatively short heel bevel. The rocker profile is steeper and faster than the UFO’s, even lower to the ground, giving quicker toe-off and faster turnover.

If you want a no-nonsense daily trainer that leans toward tempo days, this is the one in the lineup aimed at that feel.

Rad Malow: The Max-Cushioned Everyday Trainer

The Malow is the everyday trainer of the family, priced at $145 alongside the Synth. Its midsole is an EVA and TPE blend, and it is not trying to be a fast shoe. This is a maximally cushioned trainer built for comfort and consistency.

Stability in the midfoot is a priority, so you can stand comfortably during slower paces, yet the shoe still offers a surprisingly quick toe-off. It is designed for the stance phase at everyday paces rather than race-day turnover.

Durability You Can Actually Bank On

The Malow’s standout trait is toughness. These are shoes you can beat up, take into the mud and the weather, and they will not die quickly. One runner got 2,000 miles out of a single pair, which is an exceptional result, even if not one most people should expect to replicate.

The UFO has proven durable too, with 1,300 miles logged on a first pair. If long-term value matters to you as much as ride quality, Rad’s lineup holds up well on that front.

Which Rad Shoe Should You Buy?

Choose the UFO if you want the most cushioned, fatigue-reducing ride for long distances and are happy to pay $200 for the flagship experience. Choose the Synth if you prefer a firmer, quicker-feeling daily trainer at $145. Choose the Malow if maximum cushioning and bombproof durability for everyday mileage matter most, also at $145.

Conclusion

Rad Running’s first three shoes cover distinct needs without overlapping: a premium rocker-driven super trainer, a fast and basic EVA speed trainer, and a maximally cushioned daily workhorse. With an emotional design philosophy backing them and real-world mileage results behind at least two models, the lineup is worth a close look for runners who want something a little different from the big-brand norm.