ActiveRunningR.A.D. R-1 review: a stride in the right directionRAD’s first running trainer is exciting – but is it good enough to take on top-selling shoes from big-ticket brands?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictThe R.A.D. R-1 is a decent running trainer from a sustainably-minded company performance footwear company most well-known for its workout shoes. The shoe won’t shake up the industry completely, but the R-1 is certainly a stride in the right direction from R.A.D.Reasons to buy+Comfortable, roomy upper+Chunky foam underfoot provides decent bounce+Exciting new running shoe concept from an up-and-coming brand+Plenty of colour options to choose from+Emphasis on sustainabilityReasons to avoid-Not quite as sexy as it thinks it is-Not peppy enough for faster sessionsWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
ActiveRunningR.A.D. R-1 review: a stride in the right directionRAD’s first running trainer is exciting – but is it good enough to take on top-selling shoes from big-ticket brands?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictThe R.A.D. R-1 is a decent running trainer from a sustainably-minded company performance footwear company most well-known for its workout shoes. The shoe won’t shake up the industry completely, but the R-1 is certainly a stride in the right direction from R.A.D.Reasons to buy+Comfortable, roomy upper+Chunky foam underfoot provides decent bounce+Exciting new running shoe concept from an up-and-coming brand+Plenty of colour options to choose from+Emphasis on sustainabilityReasons to avoid-Not quite as sexy as it thinks it is-Not peppy enough for faster sessionsWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
RAD’s first running trainer is exciting – but is it good enough to take on top-selling shoes from big-ticket brands?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictThe R.A.D. R-1 is a decent running trainer from a sustainably-minded company performance footwear company most well-known for its workout shoes. The shoe won’t shake up the industry completely, but the R-1 is certainly a stride in the right direction from R.A.D.Reasons to buy+Comfortable, roomy upper+Chunky foam underfoot provides decent bounce+Exciting new running shoe concept from an up-and-coming brand+Plenty of colour options to choose from+Emphasis on sustainabilityReasons to avoid-Not quite as sexy as it thinks it is-Not peppy enough for faster sessions
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
T3 VerdictThe R.A.D. R-1 is a decent running trainer from a sustainably-minded company performance footwear company most well-known for its workout shoes. The shoe won’t shake up the industry completely, but the R-1 is certainly a stride in the right direction from R.A.D.Reasons to buy+Comfortable, roomy upper+Chunky foam underfoot provides decent bounce+Exciting new running shoe concept from an up-and-coming brand+Plenty of colour options to choose from+Emphasis on sustainabilityReasons to avoid-Not quite as sexy as it thinks it is-Not peppy enough for faster sessions
T3 VerdictThe R.A.D. R-1 is a decent running trainer from a sustainably-minded company performance footwear company most well-known for its workout shoes. The shoe won’t shake up the industry completely, but the R-1 is certainly a stride in the right direction from R.A.D.
T3 Verdict
The R.A.D. R-1 is a decent running trainer from a sustainably-minded company performance footwear company most well-known for its workout shoes. The shoe won’t shake up the industry completely, but the R-1 is certainly a stride in the right direction from R.A.D.
Reasons to buy+Comfortable, roomy upper+Chunky foam underfoot provides decent bounce+Exciting new running shoe concept from an up-and-coming brand+Plenty of colour options to choose from+Emphasis on sustainabilityReasons to avoid-Not quite as sexy as it thinks it is-Not peppy enough for faster sessions
Reasons to buy+Comfortable, roomy upper+Chunky foam underfoot provides decent bounce+Exciting new running shoe concept from an up-and-coming brand+Plenty of colour options to choose from+Emphasis on sustainability
Comfortable, roomy upper
Chunky foam underfoot provides decent bounce
Exciting new running shoe concept from an up-and-coming brand
Plenty of colour options to choose from
Emphasis on sustainability
Reasons to avoid-Not quite as sexy as it thinks it is-Not peppy enough for faster sessions
Not quite as sexy as it thinks it is
Not peppy enough for faster sessions
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Jump to category:Price and availabilitySpecificationsDesign and build qualityPerformance and comfortVerdictAlso consider
Jump to category:Price and availabilitySpecificationsDesign and build qualityPerformance and comfortVerdictAlso consider
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Therunning shoemarket is highly saturated, to say the least. Big-ticket brands, from Adidas and Asics to New Balance and Nike, have more than enough shoes to fill gaps in the market we didn’t know existed (see also:what are super trainers), which is why it’s exciting when an up-and-coming brand like R.A.D. decides to challenge the status quo with a brand-new concept, the RAD R-1.
I’ve been using the RAD R-1, the company’s first running shoe, for a month, and I must confess, it’s not half bad. It’s not like I expected it to be terrible, but even top-tier running brands sometimes get it wrong the first time. And although the R-1 isn’t perfect, it’s a good enough trainer coming from a brand predominantly known for itsworkout shoes.
[First reviewed December 2023]
R.A.D. R-1 review
R.A.D. R-1 review: price and availbility
The R.A.D. R-1 was launched in July 2023 and is available now atRAD UKandRAD USfor a recommended retail price of £150/ $160 (approx. AU$ 234.91)—AU price and availability TBC. The shoes are currently available in seven colourways: Black Gum, Tungsten, Black Pearl (tested), Green Gum, Clay, Sand Mid Gum, and Black. The RAD R-1 has a unisex sizing, ranging from 4 to 13.
R.A.D. R-1 review: specifications
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
R.A.D. R-1 review: design and build quality
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
The standout feature, and the one that caught my eye, is the SwellFoam N2 ‘supercritical’ foam midsole technology. It uses a 50/50 cane/fossil composition, a 20% bio increase from the SwellFoam in RAD’s cross-training shoe.
The company claims that the supercritical foaming process allows them to utilise a higher bio content while maintaining the performance attributes needed for running.
(As a side note, RAD appears to be an environmentally-conscious company, proudly displaying its ‘1% for the Planet’ badge on its website. The brand also says it produces its shoes in very limited runs and only produces as many as we think it can sell to reduce waste. Seeing a small company trying to make footwear production more sustainable is nice.)
The RAD R-1 has traditional lacing, a well-padded heel collar and a puffy tongue. Overall, the shoes feel well-put together and durable, although I’ve yet to put more than 30-40 miles in them, so stay tuned for info on this.
R.A.D. R-1 review: performance and comfort
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
The RAD R-1 provides what the brand calls ‘Bubble Tech Energy Return’ cushioning. It’s said to give back enough energy to boost when you need it. I found the RAD R-1 okay for long runs, and the energy return was certainly good but not mind-blowing.
The running dynamics of the R-1 reminded me of theAllbirds Tree Flyer 2, also using a bio-based foam. I wouldn’t use either for tempo sessions, but for daily training and recovery runs, they are excellent.
The synthetic Air Mesh upper is airy and roomy, allowing your feet to expand as it gets warmer. It’s reinforced around the edges and other key areas. It’s not quite Altra-levels of roominess, but my wide feet didn’t feel too restricted in the RAD R-1 – pretty good.
There is plenty of padding around the ankles, and the heels are held firmly in the shoes. The RAD R-1 is a neutral shoe and offers only a little support, so if you’re a pronator, you’re better off with something like theAsics Gel-Kayano 30.
R.A.D. R-1 review: verdict
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
The R-1 is an exciting first running shoe from RAD. It’s a decent daily trainer from a company that not only tries to scale up its production more sustainably but also branches out into new categories. It’s not an easy position to be in, especially considering the fierce competition, but from what I can tell, the company is ready to take on the challenge.
I look forward to seeing the agility RAD keeps mentioning in its ethos manifesting in the brand’s running shoes in the future. Will RAD be able to create a genuinely sustainable performance running shoe that’s good for the planet and the runners? Hopefully, we’ll find out soon enough. Until then, the RAD R-1 should keep more runners entertained.
R.A.D. R-1 review: also consider
Already in its 13th iteration, New Balance’s 1080 franchise is the ultimate running trainer for cushioning. It’s soft but responsive, comfortable but supportive, letting you do whatever you want in them, whether it’s walking, jogging or running. You might even want to give them a try for racing. Highly recommended. Read my fullNew Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 review.
On’s Cloudmonster is so popular that the Swiss brand didn’t launch a new iteration this year, as the original is doing so well still. It features the most amount of Cloud elements ever to be found in On shoes, combined with the springy Speedboard, making the shoe an excellent choice for 10K+ runs. Read my fullOn Cloudmonster review.
R.A.D. R-1: Price Comparison
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