I tried the new CrossFit shoes from the Camp R.A.D drop – here’s why I’m obsessed

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If there’s one thing R.A.D knows how to do, it’s make training look (and feel) cool.

A functional fitness icon with its training shoes gracing the feet of almost everyone in my CrossFit classes, the brand has surely solidified itself as the performance wear brand of fitness lovers worldwide.

And now, to the delight of CrossFitters, HYROXers and hybrid athletes alike, R.A.D has just dropped its most striking campaign yet – and, spoiler alert, it’s making us want to lace up and hit the gym (for me, not always an easy feat).

Set in California’s otherworldly Joshua Tree, Camp R.A.D marks the launch of the brand’s first-ever performance apparel range and five new colourways of its fan-favourite R.A.D® One V2 trainers – which I’ve been putting to the test.

This limited release allows athletes to train head to toe in R.A.D for their winter workouts, with the new apparel range spanning everything from shorts and leggings to hoodies and hats.

And of course, in true R.A.D fashion, everything looks unreal.

Sleek, stylish and made to perform, every piece in the Camp R.A.D drop oozes effortless athletic wearability – whether you’re dressing for the gym or heading out on daily errands.

The Supeknit™ High-Rise Training Short 6” Black have instantly become a staple in my workout rotation, while I’d be amiss to say that the Long Sleeve Metal Crop Tee, which features a metal-inspired logo to the back, wasn’t at the top of my wish list.

But arguably most excitingly for the R.A.D enthusiasts among us, five new Fall/Winter colourways of the iconic R.A.D ONE V2 have also dropped in this unmissable collection – and they as bold and unique as you could hope for.

Available in Cinder Purple, Cinder Pink, Mint Bone, Twilight, Coral Abyss and Black Mint, these standout workout shoes offer something for everyone – especially those that love something eye-catching.

But beyond the slick campaign visuals and moody Joshua Tree backdrop, Camp R.A.D is all about performance – and that’s exactly where the new R.A.D One V2s shine.

Designed for athletes who want one shoe that can do it all – from heavy squats to interval runs – they promise the stability of a lifter, the comfort of a runner, and the durability to handle any workout you throw at them.

Naturally, I had to see if they lived up to the hype.

My thoughts:

I was able to get my hands on a pair of the R.A.D ONE V2 shoes in the Cinder Pink colourway and wow. These shoes look unreal – truly unlike any workout shoes I’ve had in the past.

Bright and bold yet utterly wearable, these shoes are the blueprint for gym to brunch vibes, looking sleek paired with my workout leggings as well as my jeans. The pop of colour? I am obsessed.

And while the design is made for total functionality, I truly admire R.A.D’s ability to blend style and function to bring you something different in a world of same-same styles.

Perfect for weightlifting and strength training days, the V2s are stable as anything, featuring a flat bottom with a herringbone tread, providing optimal grip and traction for all your movements in the gym.

They’ve also got a sleek wave pattern that works in harmony with the TPU heel clip (mine are bright pink – what’s not to love?) to create a tripod of stability for lifting, keeping me anchored throughout everything from front squats to wallballs.

This doesn’t make them too rigid though, as the clever shoes also have a midfoot wave that tapers into the forefoot flex zone, enhancing flexibility during dynamic movements like box jumps with zero break-in required.

And yes, the training shoes are extremely comfortable – the first thing I need when I’m sweating it out in a class or attempting my next PB. They fit like a dream to size, don’t leave my arches aching and ensure my ankles are nicely supported.

In short, you’ll forget you’re wearing anything on your feet at all – a huge plus.

This is all thanks to the elevated SwellFoam™ BIO EVA midsoles, which offer improved rebound, cushioning and flexibility, ideal for high-impact movements, long training sessions and even all-day wear.

And, unlike other training shoes I’ve tried, there’s no tight toe box – instead my feet have ample room to spread out for total stability. No bare foot shoes in sight.

And while the R.A.D ONE V2s aren’t the shoe I reach for when I’m heading out on a run (but the brand has just dropped their new UFO runners, check them out), their build makes them ideal for workouts that combine short runs and functional exercises – and they’re more than comfy enough for your walk home.

After a few weeks of training in the R.A.D ONE V2s, I get the hype. They’re functional, flattering and built to perform — and somehow manage to make every workout feel a little cooler (especially paired with my R.A.D socks… superfan over here).

Whether you’re a CrossFitter, HYROXer or just someone who loves a seriously good-looking pair of gym shoes, these are well worth the investment.

With Camp R.A.D, the brand continues to prove that performance and style don’t have to exist in separate worlds. Ready to explore the collection for yourself? We’ve rounded up a few of our top picks below.

Camp R.A.D: Our top picks

Training just got a whole lot RADDER…

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