Our Thoughts on the R.A.D UFO After 100 Miles
The R.A.D UFO is one of the most surprising running shoes of 2025. The simple dual-foam PEBA midsole strikes an impressive balance—never too soft, yet comfortable enough for longer runs without feeling aggressive or overly firm. There’s an extra layer of pep and assistance here that elevates it beyond a standard daily trainer. Here we will provide an overview of the R.A.D UFO and let you know our thoughts on the ride, comfort, performance, and durability after 100 miles, as well as provide some comparisons of other popular performance running shoes on the market.
R.A.D earned our pick for Best New Running Brand of 2025, and the UFO is a big reason why. Launching a competitive running shoe as a new brand is incredibly difficult, yet R.A.D has done it with confidence and clarity. We tend to vote with our miles, and the UFO has become an easy, instinctive reach in the rotation. It has quickly established itself as a go-to option for slightly faster daily miles, often sharing that role with the Nike Vomero Plus. Below we share five reasons why we are so impressed by the UFO as well as provide some thoughts on who should not get this shoe, as well as some alternatives.
What We've Enjoyed About the R.A.D UFO
R.A.D UFO
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Comfort
Comfort is a major highlight of the UFO. The upper is exceptionally comfortable with a fit that feels dialed in from the first run. There’s generous padding throughout, particularly around the collar and tongue, without ever feeling bulky. The thick, substantial tongue and high-quality laces contribute to a secure and premium feel, while the insole adds another layer of step-in comfort. Overall, the shoe feels thoughtfully designed as a true daily trainer, with a light, soft upper that reinforces its premium build quality.
Fun
The UFO is simply a joy to run in. It’s a beautiful product that feels carefully crafted, combining impressive specs with a ride and aesthetic that feel top tier. This is the kind of shoe you want to lace up—it makes the decision easy on days when you’re unsure what to run in. Purpose-built for enjoyment, it excels at turning ordinary runs into something more engaging. If you’re looking for a shoe that helps get you out the door during the winter months, the UFO is an excellent motivator.
Speed
The ride is defined by a high-stack feel with an energetic bounce that makes every run feel easy and fun. It feels like a more evolved, faster version of the Vomero Plus. The geometry is especially well executed, naturally guiding you onto your mid-foot or forefoot, delivering excellent pop, bounce, and speed assistance. While it shines during slightly faster daily miles, it’s also more than capable of handling intervals and speed sessions. The ride reinforces efficient running mechanics and feels quick and lively off the ground. There’s a floating sensation to it—like you’re hovering just above the surface as you move forward.
Versatility
The UFO handles a wide range of runs with ease. It’s a reliable option for consistent daily mileage and an easy pick for afternoon doubles, longer efforts, hill sprints, and even recovery runs. It’s the kind of shoe that doesn’t require explanation or justification—it just works. No matter the run on the schedule, the UFO feels like a natural choice.
Durability
The durability has been impressive so far. At least one tester on the R.A.D team has reportedly taken their pair all the way to 2,000 miles. At the 100-mile mark, our outsole shows little to no visible wear, and the rubber is holding up extremely well. Just as importantly, the midsole still feels as fun, responsive, and bouncy as it did on day one, with no noticeable loss of energy return.
One Quirk About the UFO: The Mid-Foot Bump
The main quirk of the UFO is a noticeable mid-foot bump, created by having more foam in the mid-foot than in the rear. This design works exceptionally well for speed assistance and forefoot-focused running, but heel strikers may find it takes some adjustment. It can feel slightly awkward when walking or standing, and some runners may feel like they have to work over the mid-foot to transition smoothly.
For Yowana's full 100-mile video review of the UFO, check out the Supwell channel on YouTube:
Comparisons
Adidas Evo SL
The Evo SL wins on price at $150 compared to the UFO’s $200. That said, the UFO justifies its premium with superior comfort, a more enjoyable ride, thoughtful design details, and the appeal of a newer, smaller brand pushing innovation.
Adidas Adizero Evo SL Woven
Nike Vomero Plus
The Vomero Plus feels more like a max-stack cruiser, offering less speed assistance and a less aggressive ride. It leans more toward a lifestyle-running crossover, while the UFO feels like a true performance-oriented running shoe.
Nike Vomero Plus
Puma MagMax 2
Compared to the MagMax 2, Brooks Glycerin Max 2, and ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28, the UFO delivers a more responsive, fun, and bouncy ride. Those models excel at pure recovery miles, whereas the UFO is better suited for slightly more uptempo daily efforts.
Puma MagMax Nitro 2
ASICS Megablast
The UFO features a better upper, greater comfort, a softer and more forgiving ride, and an overall better vibe. While the Megablast takes the edge for pure speed and performance, the UFO is simply more fun—and it comes in $25 cheaper.
ASICS Megablast
TYR Maverick V-1 Runner
The Maverick is a straightforward, no-frills option at a more budget-friendly price. The UFO, however, offers a superior foam feel, increased comfort, and a more refined overall experience.
TYR Maverick-V1 Runner
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