RAD Synth First Run Review: A Firm, Lightweight Daily Trainer at a Friendly Price

Introduction

The RAD Synth is the follow-up to the RAD UFO, one of the more memorable super trainers of recent months. Where the UFO focused on fun with a soft, bouncy, energetic midsole, the Synth is positioned as the brand’s more affordable daily shoe, costing £120 or $140. It is built to handle everything from easy runs through to faster training sessions, and it does so without a plate, without a big stack of bouncy foam, and without a premium price.

Key Specs

The RAD Synth weighs 248 grams (8.7 ounces) for men in a size 8 and has a 6 millimeter drop. The midsole uses Swell Foam, a supercritical blend of TPE with 40% bio-based EVA, designed to balance cushioning, responsiveness and durability for consistent daily mileage. The outsole carries a herringbone traction pattern in a sticky textured rubber compound for grip across different surfaces, and the engineered mesh upper targets low weight, durability and ventilation.

First Impressions

Out of the box, comfort is good. The uppers wrap the foot in a slipper-like way, disappearing onto the foot and making the shoe easy to slip on and run in straight away. The overall feel is lightweight and natural, with a smooth turnover that makes steady running genuinely easy.

The ride is firmer than average, though. There is mild cushioning, more in the heel than under the forefoot, and a good amount of ground feel coming up through the front of the shoe. It is not firm to the point of harshness, but it is immediate and controlled rather than soft and springy. This is a traditional-feeling trainer, not a bouncy one, and it relies a little on the runner doing the work.

Ride and Handling

The Synth rewards quicker running. When the pace drops and foot turnover increases, the firmer foam gives a snappy, slightly springy response under the forefoot, and the shoe feels light enough to clip along at tempo. The firmness also makes the platform naturally stable, which helps on uneven ground and even light trails.

At easier paces it stays smooth, consistent and reliable rather than exciting. It will not deliver big energy return, and it is not the softest under the heel, but it looks after you well. Several testers noted the foam softened noticeably within the first 45 minutes of running, so the ride may ease up further with more miles.

The outsole is a strong point, with a good amount of thick rubber that appears to offer more extended durability than some comparable trainers. Grip was fine on pavements and roads in dry conditions, and the sturdy midsole should need little protection.

Fit and Sizing

Fit feedback was the most divided area. Several testers found their normal running shoe size worked well, with good toe room, secure heel and midfoot hold, a thin wrapping tongue with a lace bump to avoid lace pinch, and just enough padding at the heel collar.

One tester found the fit snug, particularly in the toe box and midfoot, and suggested going up half a size, noting the shoe may feel tight for wider feet. Another tester who found the forefoot less roomy than most UK size 8 shoes still advised staying at your normal size, since half a size up left too much room, though the forefoot does feel somewhat shallow with toes sitting close to the upper. One runner had to re-tie the laces mid-run, possibly related to the firmer tongue material.

The practical takeaway: stick with your usual running shoe size first, but if you have wider feet or like room in the toe box, consider trying half a size up.

How It Compares

Against the RAD UFO, the Synth is cheaper and firmer, with a different foam and a much more middle-of-the-road, classic trainer feel. It was mentioned alongside shoes like the Adidas SL, Saucony Kinvara, Saucony Ride, Hoka Mach 7, Puma Velocity Nitro 4 and the New Balance line as a steady daily option, though some of those rivals felt more impressive straight out of the box.

The honest assessment is that it is a solid daily trainer without a standout ride. Nothing is wrong with it, but at this price point the market offers some genuinely exciting alternatives, and the Synth is unlikely to convert runners from more established brands on feel alone. Its outlandish design may be the initial draw.

Early Verdict

The RAD Synth is a solid, stable, lightweight daily trainer at an affordable price. It suits beginner and general runners who want a comfortable, sturdy shoe for daily miles, easy runs and steady efforts, without paying a premium. It is also a good crossover option for the gym, and the firmer foam makes it a reasonable choice for tempo sessions if you prefer a controlled, grounded ride over bounce.

If you want maximum cushioning, energy return or versatility at the extremes of pace, look elsewhere. If you want a dependable, good-looking daily shoe that will last and does not cost a fortune, the Synth ticks a lot of boxes.

Conclusion

The RAD Synth does what an affordable daily trainer should: it is light, stable, comfortable and built with durable outsole rubber for consistent mileage. It is not the most exciting ride available at its price, and the firmer midsole will not suit everyone, but as RAD’s cost-effective option in its running range it delivers a pretty solid, reliable experience. Final verdict awaits longer-term testing, but first runs suggest a dependable shoe for everyday runners rather than a head-turner.