Is This The Best Gym Shoe Ever?

R.A.D. ONE Training Shoe

The R.A.D. ONE training shoe has been making waves in the performance footwear space, particularly among functional fitness athletes and those looking for a versatile training shoe that can handle everything from Olympic lifts to agility drills. But does it live up to the hype? And more importantly, is it the best training shoe available today?

Design & Aesthetics

The R.A.D. ONE stands out immediately with its clean, minimalist design. The shoe balances retro aesthetics with modern performance features, making it equally suitable for the gym and casual wear. It’s available in a range of neutral and bold colorways, catering to different style preferences.

The upper is made from high-quality, breathable materials that provide durability while maintaining a lightweight feel. The overall construction feels premium, and attention to detail is evident throughout, from the stitching to the subtle branding.

Fit & Comfort

One of the biggest selling points of the R.A.D. ONE is its comfort. The shoe has a well-structured yet flexible feel, which allows it to be comfortable for all-day wear while still being stable enough for heavy lifting. The fit is relatively true to size, though some users may find it slightly snug if they have wider feet.

The padded heel collar and tongue provide additional comfort, while the midfoot support system keeps your foot locked in without feeling restrictive. Compared to other leading training shoes, it strikes an excellent balance between stability and flexibility.

Performance & Versatility

Weightlifting

The R.A.D. ONE features a dense, responsive midsole that provides a stable base for lifting. While it doesn’t have the extreme heel elevation of dedicated weightlifting shoes, the slight heel-to-toe drop (6mm) is enough to offer solid support for squats, deadlifts, and Olympic lifts. The outsole grip is exceptional, ensuring a firm footing even under heavy loads.

Cross-Training & Functional Workouts

This is where the shoe truly excels. Whether you’re jumping, sprinting, or doing plyometric movements, the R.A.D. ONE offers a great blend of responsiveness and cushioning. The midsole is not too soft to sap power from your movements, but it also isn’t overly firm, which makes it comfortable for dynamic workouts.

Running & Agility Work

While the R.A.D. ONE is primarily a training shoe, it handles short-distance running reasonably well. It doesn’t have the plush cushioning of a dedicated running shoe, but for 400m sprints, shuttle runs, and agility drills, it holds its own. The outsole pattern provides good traction, even on wet surfaces.

Durability

Durability is one of the most critical aspects of a training shoe, and the R.A.D. ONE holds up exceptionally well. The upper materials are abrasion-resistant, the midsole retains its structure even after months of heavy use, and the outsole shows minimal signs of wear, even after repeated rope climbs and high-impact movements. Compared to other top-tier training shoes like the Nike Metcon 9 , the R.A.D. ONE matches up well, if not better, in terms of long-term durability.

Priced around £140.00, which places the ONE in the premium training shoe category. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, its durability, versatility, and performance make it a worthwhile investment. Many other shoes in this price range tend to favor one aspect of training over another, but the R.A.D. ONE manages to be a true all-rounder.

Is It the Best Training Shoe on the Market?

This depends on what you’re looking for. If you need a versatile, well-balanced training shoe that can handle everything from heavy lifting to functional training, the R.A.D. ONE is a top contender. It bridges the gap between a weightlifting shoe and an all-around cross-training shoe better than most competitors. However, if you have very specific needs, such as a shoe designed explicitly for max squats and deadlifts, you might be better off with a dedicated lifting shoe. Likewise, if you’re primarily a long-distance runner, you’ll want a more cushioned option.

Final Verdict: 9/10

For most people, the R.A.D. ONE is one of the best—if not the best—training shoes on the market right now. Its blend of stability, comfort, durability, and style makes it a standout option, particularly for those who want a high-performance shoe that can do it all.

Would we recommend it? Absolutely.

From £140.00, Available Uk.rad-global.com

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