First look: I’ve been training with the R.A.D One V2 cross training shoe, and here’s my verdict

I wear the R.A.D One cross training shoe to many of my CrossFit classes, and given I’m lucky enough to test and own a lot of pairs of training shoes, that’s saying something.

Disruptive footwear and apparel brand R.A.D quickly shot to success as a firm favorite amongst the CrossFit community, starting with the OG R.A.D One cross training shoe. Any follow-up performance shoe released would always have big shoes to fill to beat the soaring popularity of the first iteration.

But my first look at the R.A.D One V2 so far squashed any fears I had that the V2 wouldn’t live up to its predecessor.

Ahead of the official release, I’ve been squeezing in a few gym sessions in them to get a feel for what we can expect from the next generation of R.A.D gym shoes. Here are my thoughts so far, and whether or not I rank the V2s as a pair of best cross training shoes around.

R.A.D One V2: Price and availability

Launching January 24th, the R.A.D One V2 lands as part of a “Tuned for Training” campaign, redesigning and redefining the first-ever iconic R.A.D One shoe since its launch in 2022.

R.A.D plans to release a new colorway each month during 2025, exclusively available at R.A.D Global and retailing at $150 / £130.

R.A.D One V2: Design and fit

The idea behind the re-design is to enhance what already exists with the R.A.D One performance shoe while maintaining its streetwear look and feel (which I love because I can head straight out after I finish training).

The R.A.D footwear and apparel brand lives and breathes functional, but that doesn’t mean the shoe can’t look good, and this shoe certainly hits the brief. We’ll take a look at the specific upgrades to the design below, but it seems like durability, flexibility and style were at the forefront during the development process.

If you’re wondering what size to buy, I found the V2s came up tight for me, so I’d recommend even half-sizing up to be safe, especially if you, like me, wear sports socks. That said, after a few wears, they are starting to break in and already feel more pliable and spacious around the forefoot.

Upper

Key changes to the upper include more cushioning around the collar and tongue and an anatomical sock liner. Performance power mesh adds breathability, and R.A.D added Japanese microfiber for “old school luxury” while enhancing durability and stability to the sides of the shoe. Don’t worry, they’re still lightweight.

The V2 certainly feels plusher around the collar, adding more stability around the ankle. However, the shoe feels stiff during the first few wears and more snug. R.A.D says the shoe requires zero break-ins, but I disagree. That said, even after the first wear, they're starting to feel more comfortable.

Unlike the consistent thick rubber wrap that runs around the R.A.D One shoe, the V2 features a wave-like wrap, which I prefer from an aesthetics perspective. And this still provides enough grip for rope climbs. There’s also a slightly more prominent toe guard for exercises like burpees and toes-to-bar where the shoe is likely to scuff otherwise.

I’m not convinced the suede strip will age well, but it looks good. Overall, I think the new look is more suited to streetwear than its predecessor, but I guess it depends on what you think looks good.

Midsole

R.A.D says the SwellFoam BIO EVA midsole is the “biggest overhaul yet,” reinforced with a durable rubber outsole to increase the shoe’s cushioning, comfort and durability capabilities.

I noticed this most at the forefoot during toe-off, and even just walking in the R.A.D One versus the R.A.D One V2 feels completely different, so the upgraded cushioning definitely makes a difference to bounciness and improves responsiveness.

Outsole

Grip has never been a problem with either iteration of the R.A.D One, but I’m a big fan of the tried-and-tested herringbone tread pattern, regardless.

The re-imagined TPU heel clip helps lock my heels in place during training sessions, and combined with the new wave wrap, provides even more stability. I think the heel re-design (while subtle) is one of my favorite things about this shoe.

If you slide your finger along the upper heel of both versions, the V2 heel clip is much softer and harder, which supports the slide you need for handstand push-ups without losing the compliance around the heel for jump rope and plyometrics.

Sometimes brands go a little too dense on the heel, and that firmness can limit how well you can handle other types of movement, but I don't get that here.

R.A.D One V2: Performance

My goals for 2025 are gymnastics-focused, so features like the rope guard, heel clip and toe guard matter most to me, and the V2 nails it for support, stability and durability in this field. Given that R.A.D emphasizes the focus on athletes during design (they have athletes, particularly in the CrossFit sector, test them), I think these are well-thought-out additions.

That said, CrossFit classes always promise diversity. One minute you're smashing barbell lifts, next you're panting through burpee reps, or hanging off a bar. So I’ve been able to already test this shoe across calorie ergs, technical lifts and plyometrics.

The R.A.D team promises the V2 training shoe is lightweight and flexible, and it is, but I still think other brands pip the shoe to the post. Take the re-designed Reebok Nano X5, for example, which you can scrunch up in your hand without impacting the heel stability, and the super flexible upper and midsole of the Puma Fuse 2.0, which also has a slightly wider toe box and foot-floor grounding for toe splay (although far less plush cushioning).

Thankfully, the cushioned midsole doesn’t create too much compression during heavier lifts, so you get the benefits of improved cushioning without losing responsiveness. And the shoe holds my feet well, so it gets a big tick for stability, too.

I have some concerns about the slightly heavier feel of the V2, which came in at 294g by my assessment, versus 281g for the R.A.D One and Puma Fuse 2.0. I guess I’ll need to evaluate whether it’s an issue for me over time. It’s not a deciding factor right now, and won't stop me from slipping the shoe on for workouts that feature shuttle runs or box jumps.

R.A.D One V2 Verdict

If you’re looking for the foot-ground connection of the Reebok Nano X4 or Nike Metcon series for lifting, I’m not sure you’d find it here, but the V2 promises a cushioned, stable ride that is truly versatile, with the athlete at the forefront.

I’d choose the R.A.D One or the R.A.D One V2 over Metcons or the earlier iterations of the Nano series for most cross training sessions. And yes, you can definitely lift in this shoe.

Overall, R.A.D improves durability by adding the rubber-wave design around the midfoot, reinforcing stability with the heel clip and toe guard and enhancing midsole cushioning. And the foot-ground connection for lifting is definitely there.

Aside from the suede streak along the midsole, I have a feeling the V2 can take some absolute WOD beatings for years to come. Besides, the shoe looks darn good.