👟 THE R.A.D RUNNING LINE-UP
SYNTH - THE PACEY, VERSATILE ONE
Best for: Daily running | 5Ks | shorter runs | gym-to-run | runners who don't want loads of shoe
Think of the SYNTH as the most traditional and grounded of the three.
It's lighter and lower than the UFO, with less of that big, soft, bouncy feeling. It's been measured at around 231g with a 6mm drop and described as easy to turn over, controlled and suited to pacier sessions and quicker running.
"I want a lightweight everyday running shoe, but I don't like massive chunky shoes." or ''I want a shoe that I can wear to the gym for classes, hiit sessions and cardio'' - Either of those sound like you? Then the Synth is your answer!
→ SYNTH.
Feel: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Cushion: ☁️☁️
Bounce: 🚀🚀
Stability/grounded feel: ★★★★
Best distance: Everyday 5K/10K miles, tempo sessions and gym sessions with cardio intertwined.
Fit: More dialled-in/snug rather than roomy. If you're between sizes or like more toe room, we'd encourage trying the full-size up rather than your usual size.
MALLOW - THE RELAXED, EASY ONE
Best for: Easy runs | recovery runs | everyday mileage | comfort seekers | long slow runs
This is your comfort shoe.
The Mallow has a big 42mm/34mm stack and a broad, stable platform, but its character is much more relaxed than the UFO. It's smooth, soft and protective rather than aggressively bouncy.
So although Mallow and UFO both have lots of cushioning, we'd describe them differently:
Mallow = plush cushioning
UFO = responsive cushioning
"I just want something really comfortable for my easy miles."
→ MALLOW.
Feel: ⚡⚡
Cushion: ☁️☁️☁️☁️
Bounce: 🚀🚀
Stability: ★★★★
Best distance: Easy 5Ks right through to long, steady mileage.
Fit: Go at least half a size up to your every day shoe size, most of our team wear a full size up though.
"Your Sunday easy-run shoe."
UFO - THE FUN ONE 🛸
Best for: Long runs | steady/tempo running | high mileage | runners wanting bounce | one-shoe rotations
This is the hero shoe of the R.A.D line-up.
The UFO uses R.A.D's dual-layer PEBA-based SUPEFOAM and combines a huge amount of cushioning with surprisingly low weight and a pronounced rocker. That's why it can feel comfortable at easy pace but come alive when you pick the pace up.
And importantly: there's no plate.
To us, it's a really exciting super-trainer, not a racing snake, but definitely capable of speed sessions.
"I want maximum cushioning, but I don't want a slow, heavy-feeling shoe." or ''I want a shoe that does it all.''
→ UFO.
Feel: ⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡
Cushion: ☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️
Bounce: 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀
Versatility: ★★★★★
Best distance: Anything from everyday mileage through to long runs and faster steady sessions.
Fit: A fairly accommodating forefoot, go up at least half a size compared to your everyday shoe size, but most of our team will go up at a full size.
The REALLY simple comparison
| SYNTH | MALLOW | UFO | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Lightweight daily | Cushioned daily | Super-trainer |
| Cushioning | ★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Softness | ★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Bounce | ★★ | ★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Speed | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★ |
| Easy running | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Long runs | ★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Faster running | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★ |
| Ground feel | Most | Middle | Least |
| Fit | Dialled-in | Snuggest | Most accommodating |
| I'd choose it if… | I want simple & light | I want comfort | I want bouncy FUN |
Want easy everyday? Mallow. Want bounce and fun? UFO. Want ground feel? Synth.