RAD UFO Review: A Max-Cushion Super Trainer That Punches Above Its Weight

Introduction

The RAD UFO is the first super trainer from RAD, a UK running brand with roots in the CrossFit world. It is a max-cushion daily trainer built around dual-density PEBA foam, a high stack, and a wide stable platform, and for a young brand it lands remarkably close to established favorites in this category.

If you liked shoes like the Nike Invincible or the Nike Vomero Plus, this one sits squarely in that territory, with a bouncy underfoot feel and a ride that stays composed even when you pick up the pace.

Upper and Fit

The upper uses zonal breathable mesh with airy spots over the top of the foot and along the sides, plus a nicely padded collar and tongue. Fit is true to size, and it accommodated both narrow and wide feet well with no hot spots. The laces hold a knot without issue, and the tongue is gusseted so it stays put through the run.

One detail worth knowing: the insole is fixed and does not come out. Reflective material runs around the shoe, which makes it a genuinely good pick for dusk or early-morning runners who want to be seen. The bright colorways, including pink, orange and off-white, and white and off-white, are hard to miss in daylight too.

Midsole: Dual-Density PEBA Foam

Underfoot you get two densities of PEBA foam, branded Super Foam, with a noticeable line between the layers. There is no plate in there; the structure comes purely from the foam pairing and the platform shape. The result is a bouncy, energetic feel that is unusual to find in a shoe at this stage of a brand’s life.

The stack measures 42 mm in the heel and 34 mm in the forefoot, an 8 mm drop. With that much foam, instability is often the trade-off, but the very wide platform keeps this shoe feeling planted without dulling the bounce.

Ride and Performance

This is the part where the UFO earns its keep. It behaves like a true daily trainer, but it also responds when you push the pace, in the spirit of shoes like the ASICS Super Blast. Easy miles, recovery runs, long runs, and speed work all feel at home here, and easy pace can feel quicker than usual thanks to the energy return.

Compared with the Nike Invincible, it feels more stable on the same wide-platform formula. Weight is competitive too: about 7.5 oz (210 g) in a women’s US 7.5 and 9.5 oz (270 g) in a men’s US 10.5, which is light for this much cushioning.

Durability and Outsole

The outsole carries a lot of rubber, and testing showed no abrasions on the exposed PEBA foam. Beyond the creasing you expect from this foam type, wear has been minimal. The build quality genuinely does not feel like a second release from a new company; it feels sturdy enough to sit alongside much bigger brands.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The asking price is the main sticking point. At around $200, this is a hefty price for a daily trainer with no plate, though it lands roughly between the price points of the Nike Vomero Plus and Vomero Premium. Aesthetics are also divisive: the bulbous shape drew mixed first impressions, and the look may not be for everyone, even if it grew on us over time. Scoring 12 out of 15 overall is a strong result for a first super trainer, with fit earning a perfect five.

Buying Advice

Choose the RAD UFO if you want one shoe to handle nearly everything: daily miles, long runs, recovery jogs, and occasional speed work, all with max cushioning that stays stable. If you prefer a more understated look or want to spend less on a daily trainer, rivals in this category may suit you better. Runners who liked the Invincible or Vomero Plus but found them wobbly or heavy are the clearest candidates.

Conclusion

The RAD UFO is an impressive first super trainer: bouncy, stable, light for its stack, and comfortable enough to wear all day. The bold design and premium price are the hurdles, but the performance underneath makes it one of the more interesting max-cushion trainers to arrive recently.