First Look: The New R.A.D One V2 Cross-Training Shoe
If the original R.A.D One cross-training shoe was about disruption, its successor – the new R.A.D One V2 – represents order and elevation.
The brainchild of Ben Massey, a former CrossFit Games athlete with a background in skateboarding and street fashion, R.A.D's first performance shoe epitomised a brand willing to interrupt the status quo of training footwear and to do things differently.
The result, as Massey himself puts it, was 'a shoe that sparked a movement'. Taking a performance-first approach without compromising on aesthetics, the V1 has become a fixture of gyms across the country.
The V2 now signals a new chapter for the disrupters behind R.A.D. Years in the making – such is the lead time on manufacturing, not to mention the arduous process of shoe design and testing – work on the V2 began the day after the first model launched, Massey told MH last year.
As any upgrade should, the result is a shoe that retains the distinct shape and aesthetic of the original, while opening the door to new features and design tweaks. The R.A.D One V2 welcomes a reimagined, wave-shaped TPU outsole, reinforced upper, a wider toe guard, and a new cushioned interior.
'With the R.A.D One V2, we haven't just evolved the shoe — we've redefined it,' says Tom Berend, R.A.D's head of footwear design and a former employee of Nike and Adidas. 'The V2 pushes boundaries, balancing performance, comfort, and style. It’s designed to meet the demands of serious athletes while looking just as good off the gym floor.'
Ahead of the launch of the R.A.D One V2, we got our hands on a pair to check out the new features and find out how it compares to the original.
One V2 Cross-Training Shoe
Midsole and Outsole
A durable rubber outsole wraps around the shoe, with new wave-shaped ridges that protect the midsole and provide durability for rope climbs. The outsole features the same rubber, herringbone-style tread as the V1, providing traction during dynamic movements and stability for lifts.
The new SwellFoam™ BIO EVA midsole, which is now exposed in certain areas, gives the shoe its cushioning, flexibility and comfort. On the heel, there's a TPU heel clip, which R.A.D says forms 'a tripod of stability' when lifting, while also providing extra durability and hardness, so it can be worn for short running burst and plyometrics.
Upper
Moving to the upper, the microfibre suede, which was a main fixture of the V1, has been pared back, now featuring only on the sides and back sections of the shoe.
Up top, the V2 now features a single-piece air mesh that gives the shoe its breathability. At the front, reinforced toe and metatarsal guards now give the upper extra durability and protection against abrasion, while there's also more foam around the collar.
Inside
A new foam package lines the inside of the shoe, which is said to help provide optimal foot containment and boost comfort. The insole has also been made more lightweight and resilient to add more durability.
R.A.D One V2 – Initial Thoughts
Out of the box, the V2 looks and feels more substantial than the V1. The new wave ridges on the outsole give it a more of a stable feel, while still retaining a degree of flexibility and pliability.
The new metatarsal guards on the outside toes and reinforced toe guard up front add extra protection for dynamic movements and lifts, which was lacking with the microfibre suede used in the V1. The upper of the shoe also feels more padded and supportive around the laces thanks to the redesigned rope guards.
With these additions, a compromise has been made on weight. On my digital scales, the V1 in men's size 11 weighed in at roughly 402g per shoe, while the V2 weighs 440g per shoe. That's a definite step-up, but on foot that appears to translate to extra steadiness and protection rather than an overall more bulky feel.
The traction and grip of the shoe is apparent from the outset, with the V2 featuring a slightly tweaked version of the same herringbone patterned tread as used in the V1. You also get the same locked-in feel as the V1, but with a noticeably more comfortable fit thanks to the new full-length comfort knit lining in the interior.
Looks-wise, the microfiber suede on the upper – which had a tendency to discolour on the v1 – has been dialled down and replaced on the front of the shoe, now only featuring on the back and side. I'd say the V2 looks a little less lifestyle and has a more performance-first feel as a result. Nevertheless, it still remains a good-looking shoe.
The R.A.D One V2 will be available in five colourways at uk.rad-global.com from 11am on 24 January 2025
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