Top 5 Shoes from Lesser-Known Running Shoe Brands
Below we are giving you the details on the 5 performance running shoes that we think you should be aware of, but aren't getting the hype they deserve because they are from lesser-known or upcoming brands. We'll take a look at the R.A.D. UFO, Skechers Aero Burst, Diadora Gara Carbon 2, TYR Maverick-V1 Runner, and the Speedland RX:FPY.
Lesser-known brands are quietly dropping some of the most exciting shoes in running right now. This lineup brings real innovation from brands most runners still overlook, from R.A.D’s UFO dual-foam cruiser to TYR’s Maverick Runner V1 pushing legit supertrainer energy. Sketchers and Diadora continue to surprise with performance-first builds, while Speedland shows how premium materials can change the daily run game entirely. These shoes prove the best stuff isn’t always coming from the big players.
#1 - R.A.D. UFO
Weight: 8.8 oz. / 249 grams
Stack: 42mm heel, 8mm drop
Foam: PEBA
Fit: True-To-Size
Characteristics: Responsive, Bouncy, Cushioned
R.A.D has put themselves on the map with the UFO, a shoe that combines the best qualities of the EVO SL and Vomero Plus. This is one of the best executions of this type of shoe—a dual-foam, non-plated trainer— that we have seen yet.
R.A.D UFO
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#2 - TYR Maverick V-1 Runner
Weight: 7.7 oz. / 218 grams
Stack: 44mm heel, 8mm drop
Foam: FLIGHTTIME
Fit: True-To-Size
Characteristics: Responsive, Smooth, Cushioned
TYR is still relatively unknown in mainstream running culture, but their recently-released Maverick V1 is one of the best daily trainers of the year. With a bouncy, fun midsole that combines speed and protection, the Maverick excels as a smooth, peppy daily trainer for Zone 3 miles.
TYR Maverick-V1 Runner
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#3 - Skechers Aero Burst
Weight: 10.9 oz. / 309 grams
Stack: 42mm heel, 6mm drop
Foam: Supercritical TPU
Fit: True-To-Size
Characteristics: Responsive, Smooth, Cushioned
Those outside of the shoe sicko community likely don’t know about the bangers Skechers has been cooking up this year in the performance running scene. The Aero Burst is in the upper echelon of 2025’s best do-it-all max cushion shoes.
Skechers Aero Burst
#4 - Diadora Gara Carbon 2
Weight: 8.1 oz. / 230 grams
Stack: 40mm heel, 5mm drop
Foam: Supercritical PEBA
Fit: True-To-Size
Characteristics: Soft, Smooth, Stable
The Gara Carbon 2 is a lesser-known race shoe that offers soft, coddling comfort for long efforts, an accommodating geometry that works for all footstrikes, and excellent build quality.
Diadora Gara Carbon 2
#5 - Speedland RX:FPY
Weight: 8.5 oz. / 240 grams
Stack: 40mm heel, 7mm drop
Foam: ATPU
Fit: True-To-Size
Characteristics: Bouncy, Smooth, Cushioned
One of the most niche and unique shoes on the market, the Speedland RX:FPY is designed to handle both training runs and racing efforts thanks to its removable carbon fiber plate. It’s pricey, but we can’t complain too much since its from a smaller, independent brand.
Speedland RX:FPY
If you enjoyed this Top 5 list, check out our Top 5 Recent Running Shoes Released in 2025.
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