RAD ONE V2 Review: Upgrade In the Gym Or Nah?

Narrow Width Foot Thoughts

• Go true to size.

These should feel spacious without feeling like too much space. I don’t think the toe box or midfoot will feel “too wide” for narrow feet and the upper volume is low enough with its thicker insole to help with security.

Medium Width Foot Thoughts

• Go true to size.

The RAD ONE V2 will feel best for medium to slightly wider feet (E/EE) widths. Similar to narrow feet, these should hug well without feeling too spacious or snug.

Wide Foot Thoughts

• Go true to size…for the most part.

I think the V2s will work for potentially up to a 3E foot width. However, you may notice the toe box taper a little more if you’re pushing a 3E+ foot width and have a blockier forefoot. These also have a bit of arch, so keep that in mind if you have flatter feet.

One tip to get more space in this shoe is to swap out its insole for a thinner insole. This can give you more upper volume and give them a “wider” feeling if you find they’re on the brim of feeling just a little too snug.

Performance Assessment

For my RAD ONE V2 testing, I held this shoe to a high standard due to their price point being here and for the V1 being such a strong shoe. I tested this model in multiple strength/hypertrophy sessions, CrossFit WODs, athletic-focused workouts, and short runs with daily wear.

Stronger Than the V1 for Lifting

Wait, didn’t you say the midsole is softer in this model? How are they better for lifting? Hear me out because even though this model runs softer, I still think it’s a better shoe overall for lifting asks. From a stability point of view, I don’t see the softer midsole being a problem for most in the gym.

I have yet to have issues with this model when deadlifting 450 lbs plus or squatting north of 300 lbs. Unless you’re pushing heavy heavy weight, like I’m talking 600+ lb lifts, then I think you’ll be fine in these. They’ve also been solid for my hypertrophy sessions, where I’m doing more machine work and exercises like lunges and split squats. They move well, feel planted, and have a good grip.

The outsole tread is one of my low-key favorite things about this shoe. One thing that I have always loved about the V1, and that is similar to the V2, is the grip of this shoe. The herringbone tread pattern and the rubber compound that RAD uses is super solid for promoting traction on different surfaces. You never really have slip issues on wooden platforms, machine platforms, rubber gym floors, and turf.

I briefly touched on this above, but I also appreciate that this shoe has a little less toe spring. I think this component blended with the wider platform gives this model a much more lifting-friendly feeling. They feel more “planted” when squatting and catching cleans, and I don’t feel like there’s as much forward pitch as I felt in certain movements with the V1. That all said, for lifting, I think the V2 has seen a buff in performance.

My only complaint about this shoe for the lifting-focused individual is its warmth. If you just want a shoe for lifting and like doing longer gym sessions, then you may want to explore similar stable options that breathe better. For example, the Adidas Dropset 3 could be a good option to look into if your only concerns are stability and a great gripping outsole for lifting.

One of the Top Dogs for CrossFit (and Cross-Training)

Hands down, the RAD ONE V2 is going to be a top three shoe for the CrossFit-focused athlete. It’s too well-rounded and dialed for that style of training not to hold one of the top spots, especially when you compare it to the market filled with generalists and CrossFit-focused shoes with “meh” constructions like huge TPU plated heels…*coughs* Nike Metcon 9.

I think the softer midsole in this shoe has made them a lot more forgiving and comfortable for workouts with a lot of double-unders and box jumps programmed. The forefoot feels lively, and these break in considerably fast, which is a subtle perk. The TPU layer in the heel doesn’t feel like it’s too much either and does a pretty good job with wall slide.

Here’s where we get a little into the weeds. From a performance point of view, the wave construction has done a really good job thus far with stability and general grip for things like rope climbs. I do have a little hesitation with the ends of the rubber wave parts, though, and with clipping.

One of mine is starting to lip ever so slightly, but I’m hoping I’m a one-off and rare case. I’m also curious if this is due to me wearing these for daily wear and having them on during a damper day. I could see there is an issue with that rubber and its adhesive and that suede upper material if you’re also wearing these a lot in damper climates. Again, though, I’m writing this with more curiosity than saying it’s going to be an “all-the-time problem” because the quality of these shoes does feel solid.

From a cross-training perspective, this model can be a good bet for anyone who cross-trains frequently but also likes to do CrossFit and lift every week. These wouldn’t necessarily be my go-to pick for the class and HIIT-focused individual. However, they’ll tick a lot of boxes for cross-training without necessarily being only built for that.

The upper security, midsole responsiveness, and outsole grip are all reasons why I like these for cross-training. They also have a nice platform to train and jump from, so if you’re doing a lot of single-leg hops and exercises, then I think you’ll enjoy the stability and balance you feel from these compared to higher stack height models like the Nitro Squared from Puma.

I think my only concerns with this shoe for cross-training revolve around its warmer upper, which I talked about above, and that this shoe has a bit of bulk to it. It’s not going to feel as lightweight as other models designed to be a little more minimalistic in design for cross-training, like the Nike Flex Control 4 and the Adidas RapidMove.

Okay for Short Runs and Hit Or Miss for Daily Wear

When I reference short runs, I’m talking about bouts of running that range from one mile and down. I think if you’re using these for short interval runs that range from 400-1,200 meters programmed in WODs or cross-training workouts, then you’ll be fine with them.

In the landscape of CrossFit and lifting-focused cross-training shoes, I’d put the RAD ONE V2 towards the “more forgiving” side of trainers. The V1 was a little dense for some lifters, and I’d agree with that statement for the most part, but the V2 feels better. For athletes who want that trainer for running 1+ miles at any given time in a workout, then I’d look into more hybrid-focused shoes like the F-Fly from Inov8.

For daily wear, I’m torn on this shoe due to its comfort and appearance. There’s no faulting that this shoe is comfortable from a straight up feel on the feet context. The SwellFoam doesn’t feel overly dense and you can walk long distances in them without feeling beat up. They do a little too much like a basketball shoe for me for true casual wear at times, but I also see where this could be a benefit for some.

The warmer upper can be a hinderance for all-day wear if you live in warmer climates. I also have concerns with that outsole lip in warm, damp climates. I put some feelers out on Instagram about it and have had some experience with similar things, but we’re keeping an eye on it and trying to draw conclusions as to “why” that may be happening.

Construction Details

From a physical touch context, the RAD ONE V2 feels solid and you can’t fault that it’s a well-built shoe. I know that doesn’t necessarily help you as a consumer, but this shoe doesn’t feel “cheap” by any means.

Outsole

• Full rubber outsole
• Herringbone tread pattern
• Medial/lateral wave outsole wraps
• Extended outsole wrap over the toe/heel bevel

Midsole

• SwellFoam midsole (medium-density foam)
• 6mm heel-to-toe drop
• TPU piece at the end of the heel above the midsole
• Foam removable insole

Upper

• Mesh upper through the forefoot into the midfoot
• Padded mesh heel/boot with lip for security
• Suede overlays cover the forefoot and midfoot

• RAD branding on lateral heel upper
• External heel tab to help push the shoe on
• Synthetix/textile overlays around the midfoot

Laces and Midfoot

• 5 core eyelets, 4 loop eyelets and 1 traditional eyelet
• Padded mesh tongue with a gusset
• RAD branding on the top of the tongue

Final Verdict: Would I Buy Again?

I would, but in a different colorway.

I don’t love the wave construction, and they’re no longer a training shoe that I’ll bring on travel trips where I just want one shoe for training in and dressing up casually. Hence, why I’d buy a more toned-down colorway for this ask.

From a performance point of view, the RAD ONE V2 has done a great job, and you can’t fault how they do for lifting, CrossFit, and cross-training sessions. They have a better platform for lifting, and the reworked midsole gives them a more versatile feel.

I do wish RAD brought over the new platform/midsole feel into their old outsole wrap/design. I think we’d be cooking with gas, then. It would look sick and be more versatile and wider-fitting. However, that’s coming from someone who has no drip (I’m okay admitting that, lol) and doesn’t love how loud the waves feel at times.

If you have additional questions or feedback about the V2, drop a comment below or hit me on Instagram!