New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer Review

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer: A New 5k/10k Challenger
By Contributor Andrea Myers

The New Balance Fuel Cell SC Pacer is New Balance's addition to the rapidly expanding 5k/10k racing shoe market. With the release of the Adidas Takumi Sen 8 and the Nike Streakfly over the past several months, the Pacer gives runners another option for shorter races and interval days. The Pacer features a FuelCell midsole, which is the same foam as the RC Elite. After testing the Streakfly, I was excited to test the Pacer for comparison. I found two very different shoes that are designed for the same purpose. 

Reebok's Push Towards a [Ree]Newable Future | DOR Sustainability Project, Vol. 1

Reebok's Push Towards a [Ree]Newable Future
Doctors of Running Sustainability Project, Volume 1

By Bach Pham, Social Media Manager

Welcome to the first edition of our Sustainability Project at Doctors of Running! In this long term series, we'll be talking with companies, researchers, and forward-thinkers on the subject of footwear sustainability. In 2019, it was found that over two billion running shoes were purchased in the calendar year. With running shoes as popular as ever, they bring a unique problem as far as waste is concerned. While clothing tends to have ways to breath new life through repair and reuse, footwear currently has a fairly definitive end-of-life. Sustainability, however, has quickly become the focus of footwear brands in the past two years as more and more new materials and technology have entered the market in an effort to tackle the issue.

All About Trail Shoes | DOR Podcast #85

DOR Podcast #85: All About Trail Shoes

Matt & David take a deep dive into trail shoes today. They take a look at different types of trail shoe offerings (hybrid, racing, technical, etc.), different types of terrain, and more. They also explore stability & support features in trail shoes. Finally, they review the Hoka Speedgoat 5.

Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite Review (2022)

Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite Review: Future of Fast
By Chief Editor Matt Klein & Senior Contributor David Salas

Puma has recently made a comeback into the serious running shoe game with a whole line of successful footwear. Despite some supply issues, their first true racer of the line, the Deviate Nitro Elite, has been a consistent success as one of the more comfortable super shoes. In a clear attempt to challenge the status quo of super shoe design, Puma has been debuting some interesting-looking shoes, with the Fast-R being at the forefront. Despite the crazy look, this shoe has been developed over an extensive period with input from several high-level biomechanists. While not a shoe for everyone, this elite racing shoe not only feels fast but creates a large number of questions regarding the future of footwear design. 

On Cloudmonster Review (2022 Release)

 

On Cloudmonster Review: Finally Running on Clouds
By Chief Editor Matt Klein and Senior Taco Contributor David Salas

On running shoes are typically known to be firm despite the "Cloud" cushioning marketing. Their rockered and "cloud tec" based footwear has seen a dramatic rise in popularity, especially among those looking for casual or daily wear shoes. The On Cloudmonster is one of their first shoes that deviates from this stereotype. Featuring larger clouds and a more maximal stack height, On finally delivers a softer, max cushioned running shoe that deserves the "Cloud" cushioning title.  The On Cloudmonster joins the recent footwear from On demonstrating significant leaps forward in design from the company, which makes us extremely excited to review this shoe and prepare for what they have coming soon.

New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 Review

New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 Review: Is Bigger Better?
By Senior Contributor David Salas

High stack rockered shoes have been gaining a lot of popularity in recent years. In the trail world, this has been a design usually reserved for ultra marathons. The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 aims to balance ultra marathon usage with daily training usage. The weight and ride of the shoe certainly gives this model good appeal for versatile usage, even with road to trail potential.

Midsole Foams - History, Properties, and Differences Between EVA, TPU, and PEBA | DOR Podcast #84

 

DOR Podcast #84: Midsole Foams - History, Properties, and Differences Between EVA, TPU, and PEBA | Part 2

In the second of a two part podcast, Nate & Matt discuss the makeup of shoe foams with physiologist and researcher Dr. Geoff Burns. Dr. Burns takes us on a deep dive into the history, properties, and durability of common running shoe midole foams. Ever wondered what the difference between EVA, TPU, and PEBA is? Dr. Burns has the answers.

Skechers GORun Razor Excess 2 Review (2022 Release)

Skechers GORun Razor Excess 2: Put a Plate in It
By Chief Editor Matt Klein and Senior Contributor Nathan Brown

The Skechers Razor Excess was built off the successful Razor series using a higher stack height and stiffer rocker while maintaining the low weight characteristic of a lightweight performance trainer. The original was a solid shoe during uptempo efforts for those not wanting a plate and had a range that could possibly reach into road ultras. The current version returns with a forefoot plate (a common characteristic of Skechers shoes recently) and some other unique features that, unlike many shoes today, make the Razor Excess 2 far more than "just" an upper update.

Xero Shoes HFS Review | As Minimal As You Can Get

Xero Shoes HFS Review: As Close to Barefoot as You Can Get?
By Contributor Andrea Myers and Chief Editor Matt Klein

Xero was started by a husband and wife team who were inspired by Born to Run. They began making running sandals and have since expanded to a full line of zero drop, minimalist shoes for running, hiking, and casual wear. The HFS is Xero's road-specific running shoe. It has a 24-month warranty and an unbelievable 5000-mile sole warranty. With a highly flexible sole that can be rolled into a ball and an ultra-low, 8.5mm stack height, the HFS feels as close as you can get to barefoot running while still having the underfoot protection of a rubber sole.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v12 Review (2022 Release)

 

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v12: The Classic Beginner's Shoe
By Contributor Ryan Flugaur

In a time where carbon plates, rockered soles, and fancy foams seem to be dominating the shoe market, the 880v12 returns without all those fancy bells and whistles. Rather it sports a more traditional look and feel like those of the Mizuno Wave Rider, Saucony Ride, and Reebok Floatride Energy. However, this does not discount the 880 from being a good shoe and may just go to show that sometimes less is more.

Reebok Floatride Energy X Shoe Review (2022 Release)

Reebok Floatride Energy X Review: Entering the Plated Game
By Chief Editor Matt Klein and Social Media Manager Bach Pham

For the past few years, Reebok has shown glimpses of what it could be capable of in the running industry. The Floatride Energy series has become a fan favorite for both price point and performance. The Run Fast, especially it's early iterations, garnered a cult following for it's blend of lightness and performance. The Run Fast Pro put a sleek, ultralight sub-4 oz racing shoe in the market in the face of the growing super shoe trend. While these were successes in their own right, Reebok has been teetering on the edge of greatness due to a lack of a plated super shoe.

The Floatride Energy X presents their first big step towards that next level, offering a performance trainer with a carbon plated forefoot alongside the highest stack of Floatride Energy foam yet. Is this review, we explore the purpose of the Energy X and dive into whether or not this new entry is enough to lift Reebok into the competitive marathon racing game.

How Running Shoes Affect Our Biomechanics (ft Geoff Burns) | DOR Podcast #83

 

DOR Podcast #83: How Running Shoes Affect Our Biomechanics (ft Geoff Burns) | Part 1

In the first of a two part podcast, Nate & Matt discuss shoe foams and biomechanics with physiologist and researcher Dr. Geoff Burns. In this first part, Geoff educates us about the effects of different shoe properties on our biomechanics. He also explains how biomechanics change while running at different paces.

Topo Cyclone Review (2021 Release)

 

Topo Cyclone Review: Best Kept Secret?
By Contributor Andrea Myers

The Topo Cyclone is a hidden gem in the running shoe world. Lightweight, lower drop, a wide toe box, and a natural ride make the Cyclone a great non-plated option for interval days and easy runs. Topo is best known for its zero drop shoes, but the 5mm drop Cyclone is a great option for runners looking for a shoe with a wider toe box but some heel-forefoot drop.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12 Review (2022 Release)

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12 Review: Everything at a Premium
By Senior Contributor Nathan Brown

Many running shoe companies create lines of shoes to meet various running needs. This many times includes a traditional daily trainer with minimal rocker and moderate cushioning, a premium trainer option that is typically a bit more cushioned/softer, a lighter performance trainer, and then a racing option. The NB 1080v12 is one of those popular premium trainers that offers higher cushioning, a bit of rocker shaping, quality materials for the upper, and sits a bit on the heavier side but is meant for eating up miles. My first experience (and most recent till now) with the 1080 was in version 6 when training for my first marathon, and I ended up having to return them because the reinforced cage in the midfoot would cut my foot each run. Version 12 is a very different animal than my first time, existing as a premium trainer option that is somewhat unique to other comparable models from other brands. Let's look at why.

Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Running Shoe Review

 
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Review: Future Forward
By Social Media Manager Bach Pham

Reebok's Floatride Energy series has always had a special place in my heart. The first version was an absolute blast and a standout for the time, offering an incredibly fun, responsive foam for an outstanding $100 value. Last year's Floatride Energy got a major remodel, softening the Floatride Energy foam and redialing the shoe into a sleek, borderline performance trainer with a streamlined upper. Reebok continues to push the mold into what a budget shoe can offer, this year incorporating sustainable elements into the shoe while still keeping the price relatively low - albeit a touch higher at $110.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 Review

Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 Review: Stability with Full-Length Enerzy
By Chief Editor Matt Klein and Contributor Ryan Flugaur

The Mizuno Wave Inspire sits with the Brooks Adrenaline as two of the few high heel drop, moderate stability daily training shoes on the market. While the market has swung to more moderate heel drop, maximalist shoes, the Inspire has continued to maintain its higher heel drop and unique stability system. A full-length new ENERZY foam is one of the many updates that demonstrate that this shoe still has a place while continuing to carefully update itself and remaining true to those who love the Inspire.

The Science of Nutrition and Training for Women (ft. Selene Yeager and Jennifer Giles) | DOR Podcast #82

Selene Yeager

DOR Podcast #82: The Science of Nutrition and Training for Women (ft. Selene Yeager and Jennifer Giles)

Today Doctors of Running contributors Andrea Myers and Megan Flynn host two very special guests, Selene Yeager and Jennifer O’Donnell-Giles MS RD CSSD. They discuss a broad range of topics surrounding women's health & training–nutrition, hydration, the menstrual cycle, strength training, and more!  

Nike ZoomX Streakfly Review

 

Nike Streakfly Review: ZoomX for the 5k/10k?
By Contributor Andrea Myers

2022 may be the year of the 5k/10k super shoe - with the Adidas Takumi Sen 8 (released December 2021), Nike ZoomX Streakfly, and soon to be released New Balance Pacer SC all making their debuts. Many runners find the high stack super shoes to be too much shoe for shorter distance races and prefer something closer to the ground and with more forefoot flexibility. Would the 6.0 oz Streakfly, with ZoomX foam and a midfoot shank, feel like a supercharged racing flat, a lower stack super shoe, or something else? I couldn’t wait to receive my pair to find out.

On Cloudvista Review

On Cloudvista Review: Lightweight Hybrid Trainer
By Chief Editor Matt Klein & Senior Taco Contributor David Salas

Despite the tagline "running on clouds", On Running shoes have typically been firmer with an excellent ground feel. Featuring frequently well-rockered soles and fantastic uppers, a majority of their shoes are excellent for walking but only great for runners who enjoy firmer rides. The On Cloudvista signals the beginning of a shift in this. The Cloudvista is a unique shoe that sits between the heavy-duty Cloudventure series and the super light and minimal Cloudventure Peak (REVIEW) as a relatively lighter trail shoe with door to trail capacity. While the typical high quality On upper sits up top, the clouds actually provide some cushioning. So for once, will we get that "running on clouds" feeling?

March 2022 Round-Up at Doctors of Running

 

The air is getting a little warmer by the day as spring is on us. For runners, that means it's time to dust off the shorts and shirts and get ready for some of the best running weather of the year ahead. For running shoe enthusiasts, it means ALL the shoes are coming out soon, which makes for busy times here at Doctors of Running. We had a busy month at the site with a RECORD 14 reviews this month along with four podcasts. Whew! Let's dive in.