R.A.D One V2 review: a workout shoe I can finally do it all in

When I received the news that R.A.D was releasing the R.A.D One V2, my initial reaction was “buzzing”, but this was also quickly met by a nervous “hang on a minute…”.

The thing is, the R.A.D One has become my all-time favourite workout shoe. They are amazing for heavy lifts and plyometrics, are super comfy and look fresh AF. They are pretty much perfect (the only thing I wouldn’t use them for is running). So, it left me questioning, what was R.A.D planning to change? Hopefully not too much.

I was one of the first lucky few to test the V2 and, to my relief, it turned out to be better than I imagined. There were elements I wasn’t completely convinced by at the start— like the new wavy midsole wrap— but, performance-wise, these shoes top their impressive predecessor. Are they my new favorites? Without a doubt. Read on for my full review.

R.A.D One V2 review: Price and availability

The R.A.D One V2 isn't available to buy just yet. It's set to go on sale at RAD US on 23rd Janurary at 8AM PST and on the 24th January at 11AM GMT on RAD UK. It will be available from these dates in five colourways: Sunny Lime, Baby Lav, Dust Orange, Black Tint and Coral.

R.A.D One V2 review: Design and construction

When I first laid eyes on the V2, I wasn’t completely sold on their appearance. It’s not that they didn’t look good, but it’s probably because I like the style of the V1 so much and feel that they have a more versatile look to wear outside the gym.

As you can see from the picture above, the V2 and the V1 have a few distinctive differences, but one key thing R.A.D. worked to improve is the shoe’s durability. This is evident with the unmissable wavy rubber wrapping around the midsole. R.A.D. says this works with the newly engineered TPU heel clip, which offers 360-degree stability and protection from abrasion during rope climbs.

It also shields the SwellFoam midsole, which has a lot more cushioning than the V1. According to R.A.D, it’s the “biggest overhaul” to the shoe. I agree (you’ll be able to read more about this below). The reinforced toe bumper also adds extra protection during contract movements, like burpees or toes to bar.

The upper has received some fresh upgrades too. The majority of it is now crafted from ‘power mesh’, a flexible and durable mesh material that offers better breathability, while the shoe’s tongue and collar have been injected with more foam for better comfort.

I’m not sure if the toe box has been made slightly wider too, but it feels like there’s a little more wriggle room than in the V1, which can only be a good thing as its predecessor was quite narrow.

The infamous herringbone tread remains intact for unparalleled grip. The only difference (which you’ll see from the picture above) is a couple of splits in the sole. Also, a minor detail, but I feel like the lace quality is better. With the V1 they were always undoing, but the V2 laces feel more bitty and grippy.

R.A.D One V2 review: Workout performance

I tested the R.A.D V2 throughout my weekly strength training and conditioning sessions. I don’t want to go on too much about how good the V2s are for heavy because I thought the Ones were brilliant for this and with the upgrades R.A.D has made— the improved TPU heel clip, midsole wrap and slightly roomier toe box— they perform even better.

The area that I think the shoe excels in, better than it did before, is during runs. I didn't think the V1 sucked for this but, personally, there wasn’t enough energy return for me. They felt just a little too flat and hard beneath foot, so I’d always swap over to my running shoes. The V2, however, is a different story.

Moving into 600-metre intervals from kettlebell swings and barbell thrusters felt fantastic in these and I bounced along very comfortably. In fact, I felt my running in these was just as good as it is in my regular running shoes, thanks to the plushy soles. I may be tempted to swap to a running shoe for anything further than a kilometre (as I’m not the best runner in the world), but the main takeaway here is that if you weren’t keen on running in the V1, that should (hopefully) be resolved with the V2.

R.A.D One V2 review: verdict

Despite how much I loved the V1, I struggled to stand behind it 100% as the ‘do it all’ workout shoe. I sat more at 95%, because of the lack of energy return when I used them for runs. But, with more cushioning added into the sole of the V2, I can confidently say this is the workout shoe you can do it all in— heavy lifts, Olympic lifts, plyometrics and runs. Performance-wise, it excels.

Design-wise, I think the wavy midsole makes the shoe a little marmite and slightly diminishes its versatile aesthetic for wearing everyday as well as on the gym floor. That being said, I think the shoe’s performance makes you easily forgo this and, after all, function over aesthetics when it comes to workout shoes, right?

R.A.D One V2 review: also consider

While there are plenty of other brilliant cross-training shoes on the market, I still don't think they match up to that of the V2. However, if you're still a little unsure about R.A.D, with it being new in the game and all, then Nike's Metcon or the Reebok Nano franchise has a longstanding reputation in the world of cross-training shoes.

We reviewed the Metcon 9 and gave it a prestigious five stars. It has a much roomier toe box than the V2, making it ideal for wide-foot folk and it's great for heavy lifts, but it lacks cushioning to make runs feel comfortable. The Nano X4, however, is more comfortable for runs and good for lifts, but its appearance, like the V2, is a bit marmite.