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It’s 2024 and I’m standing by my statement that the RAD ONE and STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer are two of my favorite training shoes on the market, especially when you put them against the newer Nike Metcons.
Both of these cross-training shoes deliver well-rounded performances for CrossFit, in the gym, and for athletic-focused training. Plus, they look good for casual wear which is a nice perk.
The RAD ONE training shoes do a great job of providing you with stability during heavy sessions and durability for the demands of CrossFit workouts.
The Haze Trainer is phenomenal for giving you a highly maneuverable feel with ample ground feedback and stability. With both shoes being well-rounded, which should you go with?
Haze Trainer Vs RAD ONE In a Glance
The RAD ONE and Haze Trainer are both built with multi-functionality in mind. The RAD ONE gets its inspiration from streetwear shoes while the Haze Trainer draws inspiration from “intelligent minimalism.”
For CrossFit, both of these shoes have been strong performers. The RAD ONE tends to be a little more durable long-term while the Haze Trainer has a wider toe box and highly flexible sole.
I think if you want a shoe for primarily CrossFit and cross-training, then you can’t go wrong with the RAD ONE — assuming they don’t run too narrow for you. If your main focus is on lifting and casual use, then you’ll want to opt for the Haze Trainer.
- Heel-to-Toe Drops: RAD ONE: 6mm / Haze Trainer: 4mm
- Removable Insoles: Yes
- Widths: RAD ONE: Narrow/Regular / Haze Trainer: Regular/Slightly Wide
- Best for CrossFit: RAD ONE
- Best for Lifting: Haze Trainer
- Best for Running: RAD ONE
- Best for Casual Wear: Haze Trainer
Haze Trainer
RAD ONE
Looking for new cross-training shoes? Check out my TF2 Cross-Training Shoe Finder. This calculator takes the best shoes that I’ve reviewed and matches them with the context of your training wants and needs.
STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer Vs R.A.D ONE Performance
To discuss performance in the RAD ONE and STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer, I’m going to break down how these shoes perform in a variety of contexts. If you want further details on these shoes’ performances, I would highly suggest checking out my individual written and video reviews for both of these shoes.
RAD ONE Vs Haze Trainer for CrossFit and Lifting
If there’s one area where both the RAD ONE and Haze Trainer excel, it’s for lifting and CrossFit. Both of these shoes come with midsoles that provide a nice amount of stability while also giving you a nice level of versatility and ground feedback.
Regarding lifting, both shoes provided ample stability and when deadlifting over 500 lbs I never had issues with stability or midsole compression.
I like the Haze Trainer’s outsole a bit more for lower body days and that’s due to its maneuverability and ability to articulate while tackling different lower body exercises.
More specifically, for unilateral work where you’re getting a lot of flex in the toe box, the Haze Trainer does a really good job of providing you with a lot of ground feedback.
In the context of CrossFit, the RAD ONE does an exceptional job and serves as a really good “all-in-one” style CrossFit shoe. The durability of this model is really good and the outsole and midsole wrap do a good job at supporting rope climbs and long-term durability from toe-dragging movement like rope climbs.
I don’t think you can go wrong with either model for CrossFit and lifting. Both shoes provide plenty of stability and have midsoles that also give you a nice level of ground feedback so you don’t feel overly beat up after your training sessions.
Winner: Tie. However, I do personally like the RAD ONE a tad bit more for CrossFit-specific work and the Haze Trainer for lower body days.
R.A.D ONE
$150
Pros
- Well-rounded performance
- Midsole is responsive
- Great travel-friendly shoe
Cons
- Toe box can feel snug
- Upper can run hot
- Availability can be a struggle
Best For
- Lifting
- CrossFit
- HIIT
- Versatility
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6mm |
| Weight | 12.7 oz |
| Width | Medium |
| Lifting Threshold | ~550 lbs |
| Mileage Threshold | <1-2 Miles |
RAD ONE Vs Haze Trainer for Classes, HIIT Workouts, and Versatile Training
On top of being good shoes for lifting and CrossFit, the RAD ONE and Haze Trainer can also hold their own with more versatile training. These shoes are both designed to give you a nice level of ground feedback when tackling plyometrics and multi-directional exercises so I do think they’ll work well for most lifters and athletes who plan to tackle more versatile training in them.
The RAD ONE’s outsole and midsole wrap are awesome for providing durability and traction when doing multi-directional exercises and this model is a really good option for those wanting to train outdoors a lot.
Conversely, the Haze Trainer’s wider toe box and “minimalist” feel give you a lot of ground feedback when training explosively. This also explains why many parkour athletes like to wear STR/KE MVMNT shoes for their training.
That said, I think you’ll enjoy both of these models for versatile training. The Haze Trainer provides a bit more ground feedback compared to the RAD ONE and has a slightly wider toe box.
However, the RAD ONE does perform well regarding its long-term durability and its outsole traction is great for anyone wanting to tackle WODs outdoors.
Winner: Haze Trainer
STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer
$150
Pros
- Great for those who love minimalist-feeling trainers.
- Casual look and vibe are great for daily wear.
- Upper breathes well and promotes security while training.
Cons
- Toe box can rip from tough abrasion.
- Outsole can fade with high-volume concrete use.
- High insteps may find these tight.
Best For
- Heavy Lifting
- Cross-Training Workouts
- Athletic-Focused Sessions
- Shorter Runs (<3 miles)
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 4mm |
| Weight | 11.2 oz |
| Width | Medium/Wide(ish) |
| Lifting Threshold | 545 lbs |
| Mileage Threshold | <1 mile |
RAD ONE Vs Haze Trainer for Running and Daily Wear
If you’re tackling short runs that are about 1-3 miles in length or tackling runs programmed in WODs, then you should enjoy the feel and performance of both the RAD ONE and Haze Trainer. If you like having a bit more midsole and a higher heel-to-toe drop when running, then the RAD ONE will be your best bet.
The Haze Trainer has a much more minimalist feel to it when running which could be a big positive for anyone that loves regularly running in low-to-the-ground shoes or barefoot.
For day-to-day wear, both of these shoes are good and will work. I think for casual wear a lot will be based on the colorway you go with because both models have solid casual-style colorways for rocking out and about without looking overly like gym shoes.
Winner: Tie.
STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer Vs R.A.D ONE Construction
To break down and assess the construction of the Haze Tainer and RAD ONE, I’m going to discuss the various construction elements that go into these shoes. This will hopefully help synthesize each shoe’s construction and make this section more digestible.
Outsole
The outsole constructions on both the Haze Trainer and RAD ONE seem to be put together with a nice level of thought and intent. The Haze Trainer has a Cross-Platform Outsole which is STR/KE MVMNT’s proprietary outsole tech that gives this shoe its maneuverable and durable construction.
The RAD ONE features a full rubber outsole that extends the entirety of the shoe and wraps over the midsole. The medial and lateral sides of the shoe have additional outsole support for assisting with rope climbs.
Both of these shoes’ outsoles grip different surfaces well and should provide you with adequate traction in most training settings. The rubber on the RAD ONE does have a slightly stickier feel which could help make them a better model for outdoor sessions.
Midsole
The midsoles used in each of these shoes help set them apart from other cross-training and CrossFit shoes on the market. The Haze Trainer is built with a Cush50 midsole which is composed of a blend of EVA and EPE foam which gives this shoe a medium-density feeling that provides a nice blend of stability and versatility.
The RAD ONE features a Swell Foam midsole which is RAD’s proprietary midsole construction. This midsole is partially comprised of sugar cane, which is really cool for the element of being more responsibly sourced, and similar to the Haze’s Cush50 midsole the Swell Foam gives this a great blend of stability and versatility.
When it comes to midsoles, I think the Haze Trainer and RAD ONE both have some of the strongest midsoles in the game when it comes to matching serious training demands.
Upper
The upper constructions in these shoes are very different and they both have varying degrees of breathability. The Haze Trainer features a 3D jacquard knit that wraps the entirety of the shoe. This material gives this shoe a lightweight and breathable feeling and it does a fairly good job with long-term durability.
In the RAD ONE, you have a synthetic and layered purposely built for the demands of CrossFit-style training. The upper in this shoe has reinforced areas where abrasion and breakdown happen most cross-training and tackling CrossFit workouts.
Both shoe’s uppers are really solid, but the Haze Trainer does have a slight edge for breathability while the RAD ONE has a tiny edge for abrasion resistance.
Laces and Tongue
The Haze Trainer tongue is one of the cooler and more subtle features of this model. This shoe has a perforated tongue with STR/KE MVMNT Branding and a tongue pouch for tucking the laces. If you like tucking the laces away when you train, then this is a nice feature to have and it doesn’t add a ton of bulk to the shoe.
This model features six core eyelets with a seventh for lace-lock and you never really run into issues with the tongue sliding while training. The RAD ONE has a perforated tongue as well with RAD branding and five core eyelets.
Despite being very different, I like both of these shoes’ midfoot constructions and the tongue doesn’t slide a ton in either model which is nice for multi-directional activities.
Insole
The Haze Trainer and RAD ONE both feature removable insoles. The Haze Trainer’s insole is slightly thicker in nature which I personally like because it makes this model more comfortable for daily wear.
The RAD ONE’s insole is slightly thinner, however, you still get a good amount of comfort in this shoe due to its midsole being slightly thicker than the Haze Trainer and providing a comfortable and supportive ride.
Weight and Heel-to-Toe Drop
The weight and heel-to-toe drops both vary slightly in the Haze Trainer and RAD ONE. For my size 10 models, the weight of the Haze Trainer came out to 12.1 oz while the weight of the RAD ONE sits at 12.7 oz.
When it comes to heel-to-toe drop, the Haze Trainer has a 4mm heel-to-toe drop and the RAD ONE has a 6mm heel-to-toe drop.
- Haze Trainer: 4mm heel-to-toe drop
- RAD ONE: 6mm heel-to-toe drop
I like both of these drops for cross-training and feel as though they work for a majority of lifters and athletes who like having some drop in their training shoes.
STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer Vs R.A.D ONE Sizing
The sizing and fit of the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer and R.A.D ONE are both fairly different. For review purposes, I went with my true-to-size size in both shoes to see feel and fit differences, and despite R.A.D suggesting to size up in their shoes.
I wanted to know how much I should have sized up so I could draw more context from other shoes.
The STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer’s size is more true and has a length that fits true accompanied by a fair amount of width in their toe box. The R.A.D ONE has what I would describe as a neutral width and their length runs short, so it’s a good idea to size up .5-1 size or to reach out to R.A.D for sizing recommendations.
- STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer Sizing Thoughts: Go true-to-size.
- R.A.D ONE Sizing Thoughts: Size up .5-1 size.
The one caveat to the Haze Trainer’s sizing is that the volume of the toe box may feel snug when first putting it on. Generally, the upper breaks in after a few sessions so most won’t have a huge issue here.
Conversely, if you have thicker custom orthotics, then you may want to find a model that better accommodates the volume you need.
If you have additional sizing and fit questions on the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer and R.A.D ONE shoes, drop a comment below and I can try to help you out accordingly.
STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer Vs R.A.D ONE Durability
Durability is an area in that I feel both the R.A.D ONE and STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer excel. Each of these shoes has construction features designed to promote their ability to avoid durability issues and breakdown in lifting, CrossFit, and versatile training settings.
The star players for durability in the Haze Trainer are the 3D jacquard knit upper and cross-platform outsole. In the R.A.D ONE, we have a rubber/TPU wrap that protects and encloses the midsole and a layered synthetic upper for abrasion resistance. I have yet to have any durability issues with either model when training in the gym.
If I had to give a subtle edge to one of these shoes in regard to long-term durability, then I do think the R.A.D ONE may do a slightly better job in a couple of specific contexts. When it comes to outdoor training and long-term rope climbing durability, I think the R.A.D ONE’s midsole and outsole wrap may be a better call for durability if these are settings you’re constantly training in.
Overall though, both of these cross-training shoes are plenty durable and I don’t think you’ll run into issues in either model if you’re using them in the gym for CrossFit, lifting, and versatile training.
Price Comparison
For the R.A.D ONE and STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer, you can expect to pay $150 USD. Compared to other cross-training shoes, these are definitely two of the more expensive shoes on the market.
- R.A.D ONE: $150 USD
- STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer: $150 USD
Personally, I think these models are worth their price due to their ability to be strong performers in so many different settings. However, if you are trying to save a little bit of money, then you can definitely shop around and find a solid pair of cross-training shoes for $130 USD or less.
Takeaway Thoughts
I don’t think you can go wrong with the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer and R.A.D ONE. Both of these shoes are some of the most well-rounded cross-training shoes on the market right now so they’ll perform really well in a variety of training contexts.
I think if you like having a more “minimalist” style training shoe for your training sessions, then the Haze Trainer will be your best bet, and if you like having a more traditional training shoe fit and feel for CrossFit sessions, then the RAD ONE will be a good pick for you.
If you have any additional questions on the Haze Trainer or RAD ONE, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly).
Larry Player
These two trainers are my top pick when it comes to training, as I use them both equally but differently. The Haze Trainer I use for Deadlifts, RDL, Lunges, & Plyos. The R.A.D’s I use for Squats, Plyos, Rope Climbs, C2 Rowing. Both are great for Box Jumps, Lateral Movement, giving a nice foot grip for Bench Press. The only problem now that I have is I need a fresh pair of both of them.
Haha, I have the same problem, too. Thanks for sharing how you use them — hopefully this can help others, too!
Mark P
I were a size 12 2E in Brooks running shoes will the Rad One work for me
I would pass on them! I think they’ll be way too narrow for your feet.
G
Jake,
Which would you recommend for workouts like Murph or others were you are running with a vest? Is that the same recommendation as for more typical CrossFit style metcon with box jumps and heavy cleans?
Both should work well in both contexts! If you can grab a pair, I’d go RAD, but they can be tough to get ahold of!
G
Thank you. I was not sure if the RAD swell foam being so caged would be cushioned enough for my old knees. I appreciate the reco. Keep the reviews and info coming.
I think you’ll be fine with them, IMO. Thank you for checking out the content!
C.K.
So pretty funny, I’m in the market for a new pair of lifting shoes/cross trainers, but also have gotten in to pickle ball here lately. My old training shoes are shot, and have been playing outdoor pickle ball in running shoes which has been a disaster (I’ve got my basketball shoes for indoor pickle ball and basketball, but I don’t dare wear them outside). I was thinking to myself that it would be awesome if I could find a lifting shoe that could also fill the void for some pickle ball. Well then I came across your views and you actually mention a lot of the things I am looking for in the R.A.D One and Court Trainer. That said, I am looking at the No Bull Court Trainer, R.A.D One, and the Haze Trainer. The Haze Trainer’s tread doesn’t look as aggressive as the others. Just curious about your thoughts on it for pickle ball and which shoe do you think is the best for all around recreational sports and lifting. Also just thought I would mention that R.A.D. has now updated all their sizes up 1/2 size so they say they are true to fit now.
That’s fantastic! I play pickle often in cross-training shoes here in Denver. If a large ask from these shoes is pickle play, then I’d go Court. That’s my go-to trainer for pickle. I think the RAD ONE is stronger in the gym and it works for pickle, but for pure pickle play with a small training bias, I’d say go Court. DO NOT go Haze for pickle. I tore the crap out of my toe box in one of my models going for a dig outdoors so I had to order another pair (arriving Monday, ironically!).
If you’re ever in Denver, hit me up and let’ game!
Evan
I don’t know if something has changed since this review, but Strike Haze runs almost a size small. I’m going on round three of ordering and am up to a full size up from my usual size that all ten of my kgbef shoes are.
They have their measurements for sizing on the website which I should have consulted, and it also confirms this when comparing to other brands.
Evan
Holy phone typo batman. Meant to say my OTHER shoes. No idea what happened there.
Hey Evan — they may have, but not to my knowledge. I reached out to STR/KE’s CEO after seeing your comment to get a confirmation here because they’ve never run notably short in the Haze. They have in other models, but the Haze is typically TTS, if not up a half size in the rare occasion for those that want more upper volume.
Let me see what feedback I receive and follow up with you! Will make updates accordingly.
Evan
Very strange. They were wonderful to work with, so I fully endorse them. But yeah, I wear a 10.5 in every shoe ever almost. All my running shoes from Altra, Karhu, Saucony, all 10.5. Been at Crossfit for 12yrs, all my Nanos, Metcons, Solstice, etc all 10.5. The Haze Trainers I ended up keeping are 11.5 and fit perfectly. Love them, but yeah, it was three rounds of returns to get there.
Stoked you got the sizing right, though! Feel like with the Haze Trainer it can be so variable due to their last construction and how the upper fits.
Michael
Thanks for this! I was wondering why Haze is reported to be TTS. Haze size chart says 11.5 = 28.5 cm (htt length), which is weird as in almost all other brands it’s 10.5 = 28.5 cm. So, yes, a full size up!
Yeah, the Haze’s fit can be weird at times and it’s annoying that companies use different measurements. I’m team “let’s all use universal sizing dimensions” lol. Appreciate you checking out the content!