Mizuno Wave Sky 6 Review (2022)

Mizuno Wave Sky 6 Review: Keeping Steady
By Matthew Klein, Bach Pham, David Salas

Premium daily training shoes are an incredibly variable bunch. While all bring high-quality uppers, midsoles and durability, how those are executed specifically vary a great deal. While many are becoming borderline lightweight trainers, others are staying true as high-mileage, high-performing workhorses. The Mizuno Wave Sky 6 fits into the second category, balancing out the integration of some newer foams while still being a solid shoe for easy and recovery miles. While updates have been made, this shoe continues on at a consistent pace similar to the one that feels best while running in it. 

Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 280 Review (2022)

 

Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G280: New Midsole!
By Chief Editor Matthew Klein

Newer technologies in road shoes often take some time to reach the trail scene. It is not until recently that we have begun to see newer foams begin to make an appearance on the dirt. Inov-8 is known for having unique footwear, particularly in the areas of fit and function. Many of their shoes are light, anatomically inspired and have interesting special purposes. The Trailfly Ultra G 280 is another one of those series. Featuring a wider anatomic toe box (rare for a shoe with an 8mm drop or greater) and a new midsole foam (FLYSPEED), Inov-8 is hoping to break into the market with the lure of an incredible new material to rival the super foams seen in road racing shoes. How the FLYSPEED foam actually performs is a slightly different story. 

Mizuno Infinity Running Apparel Review (2022)

 

Mizuno Infinity Apparel Review: Softer, Fast, Stronger, and More Sustainable
A Doctors of Running Team Editorial

Last year, Mizuno launched Alpha Eco, their first major leap into sustainable running clothes. This year they've returned with an even more eco-friendly design with the Infinity series. The apparel seen in this collection features even more recycled materials than before. Our team takes an in-depth look at each piece to give our thoughts on what worked for us and what missed.

Masters Running: The Art of Running Over 40 | DOR Podcast #111

 

DOR Podcast #111: "Mastering" the Art of Running Over 40

In this episode, Matt and Andrea talk all about the art and science of running after 40. They dig into research and their experience working with Masters runners, and provide insight on how to what older runners can do to maintain their running prowess. They cover strategies and tips for strength training, nutrition, workouts, recovery, and more.

Mizuno Wave Rider 26 Review (2022)

Mizuno Wave Rider 26: Tradition!
By Matthew Klein, David Salas, and Andrea Myers

The Mizuno Wave Rider has provided a long lineage in the daily training market. The Wave Rider 26 continues upon this lineage with some updates in the outsole and midsole design. The ride is a little less flexible and a little more snappy in the forefoot while still providing the Mizuno Enerzy cushioning. The high-drop daily trainer is still going and gives some positive resemblance of some models of old. 

Altra Vanish Tempo Review (2022)

 

Altra Vanish Tempo: Zero Drop, Non-Plated Performance
By Chief Editor Matthew Klein

Despite its huge following, Altra has taken its time with faster/racing shoes. We reviewed the Escalante Racer many years ago, which despite being a great shoe received little attention. As one of the only zero drop, wide toe box racing shoes, the EGO foam was bouncy and balanced out the lower sole. However, the trends in footwear design left that shoe far behind. Early in 2022, Altra released two racing shoes. The Vanish Tempo and the Vanish Carbon. Providing both a plated and non-plated option, Altra has started doing their homework. Although there is room to grow, those dedicated to zero drop finally have an option if they are looking for a higher stack height, anatomic uptempo shoe.

Body Weight Support Running: Benefits and Uses

Body Weight Support Running: Benefits and Uses
By Global Brand Manager, Nathan Brown PT, DPT, OCS

Running has become one of the more popular forms of exercise over the last 30 years. Given this increase, we are also seeing a rise in the number of people injured while running. While there is a lot of debate around the leading causes of injury, there is some consensus. The first is that the highest risk for a future injury is a previous injury in the last 12 months. Other potential causes include training errors, such as changing your training volume too quickly, high running mileage (>40 miles/week), and cumulative stress placed on the body in areas of weakness or limited mobility. Given the main finding that the most predictable risk of future injury is an injury in the past 12 months, the utmost care and attention should be given to the recovery process from an injury and how you go about returning to running. There are many factors that go into being a healthy runner regardless of if you are just starting out, have never had an injury, or are returning from injury. Today we want to discuss just one tool to support runners in their pursuit of being healthy: body weight support. 

Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Review (2022)

 

Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Review: Steady as She Goes
By Chief Editor Matthew Klein, Contributor Andrea Myers

While plated racing shoes have been increasing at a steady rate, plated training shoes have begun to follow. Advertised as a combination of racing and training shoe, many of these plated performance trainers can perform both. How well they can do each one varies. While the first version of the Puma Deviate Nitro was a mixed bag for us, the second version returns completely redone. Featuring several upgrades, including the addition of Nitro Elite foam.

Tips, Tricks, and Treats to Shopping in Run Retail | DOR Podcast #110

 

 

DOR Podcast #110: Tips, Tricks, and Treats to Shopping in Run Retail | Solo Adventures with Matt Klein

Looking for your first running shoe can be intimidating with so many options avilable, and sometimes it can be hard to find the help you need at a running store. DOR Founder Matt Klein takes from his years of experience working in running stores to give you tips & tricks to finding your first pairs of running shoes. He'll also share some red flags and warning signs to avoid when shopping for shoes.

ASICS Magic Speed 2 Review (2022)

 

ASICS Magic Speed 2: Affordable Magic?
By Chief Editor/Founder Matthew Klein and Andrea Myers

The current trend in racing shoes has been toward higher stack heights and softer foams. This has left the majority of these shoes being fairly large in volume. While some are able to maintain their light weight, others can often feel a bit bulky. There are few nimble and simple racing shoes. The ASICS Magic Speed 2 brings the tradition of simplicity from Japan and combines it with a carbon fiber plate This creates a mix of some of the newer technologies from today with the older style of lighter and nimble racing shoes. 

What Heel Counters Actually Do for Runners | DOR Podcast #109

 

 

DOR Podcast #109: What Heel Counters Actually Do for Runners

Heel counters are often overlooked when choosing a shoe, but their design can make or break a shoe for runners. Heel comfort is critical to the ability to run in a shoe. They're also often touted to promote stability and biomechanical benefits, but what do they actually accomplish? Nate, DJ, and Matt dive into the design, research, and evidence surrounding heel counters. We're also excited to give this month to Club West Track in Santa Barbara, CA.

On Cloudgo Review (2022)

 

On Cloudgo: Continuing On the Right Path
By Matthew Klein, David Salas and Bach Pham

The On Cloudgo marks a bit of a transition for the Swiss running company. Pinned as their new benchmark beginner shoe, it features one of the softer rides in the company's arsenal and an accommodating, almost fully recyclable upper. It's a bit of a convergence of two goals they seem to be working towards this year, softening their historically firmer rides both here and with the introduction of their new Cloudmonster, while also blending in subtly their push towards sustainability.

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2 Review (2022)

 

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2: One of Us Actually Likes It
By Contributor Andrea Myers

The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 2 is a premium daily trainer with a bouncy, cushioned ride from its thick ZoomX midsole and unique geometry. It has a distinctive look thanks to its wide rearfoot and forefoot sole flare in combination with a heavily rockered sole. It is mostly unchanged from the original version, with some updates to the laces and upper. I was interested to find out what this much ZoomX would feel like without a plate; I found a bouncy, responsive shoe that I have greatly enjoyed for easy runs.

Xtep 160x 3.0 PRO Review (2022)

Xtep 160x 3.0 PRO Review: A True Dark Horse
By Senior Contributor David Salas and Chief Editor/Founder Matthew Klein

During the super shoe race amongst companies, Xtep is rarely brought up. They have been in the shadows to some degree with the development of a performance shoe that can stack up with some of the big players. The 160X PRO 3.0 certainly closes the gap quite a bit. Similar to other super shoes it uses a full-length PEBA-based midsole and carbon plate. The shoe carries a tad more weight but has a lot of responsiveness to show for it. The term "super shoe" gets thrown around far more than it should, but the Xtep 160x 3.0 PRO is actually deserving of that title as a incredibly bouncy shoe worth noticing.

Skechers GOrun Razor 4 Review (2022)

Skechers GOrun Razor 4 Review: Changes
By Senior Contributor David Salas and Chief Editor/Founder Matthew Klein

Following the immensely popular Skechers Razor 3 comes the 4th iteration of the line. The Razor 4 brings in a few updates. The shoe is now using Hyberburst Pro, a TPU-based midsole. The shoe also features a forefoot carbon-infused plate. There have also been some additions to the stack height and platform. The ride has changed a little but much of the DNA is the same. The Razor is still a fast-moving performance trainer.

Mailbag Episode! Running Goals Between Races, Best Shoes for 4+ Hour Marathons, and More | DOR Podcast #108

 

DOR Podcast #108: Mailbag Episode! Running Goals Between Races, Best Shoes for 4+ Hour Marathons, Best Beer Mile Shoe and More

It's time for a mailbag episode! We gathered up as many of your questions as we could answer in an hour's time. Nate, Matt, and DJ tackle a broad range of subjects such as orthotics, training, recovery, and, of course, shoes. Be sure to stick around 'til the end to get DJ's take on the best shoe for a beer mile.

Saucony Triumph 20 Review (2022)

Saucony Triumph 20: Quite Triumphant
By David Salas, Bach Pham, and Matthew Klein

The Saucony Triumph series is a long-standing premium daily trainer line that features plush materials and a softer ride. The Triumph series continues its lineage with some big updates. The 20th iteration loses a lot of weight and provides a fun and bouncy ride that sustains itself well for miles.  

September 2022 Round-Up at Doctors of Running

 

It's finally spooky season! For many runners, October doesn't just mean pumpkin carving and candy-eating season. The Fall Marathon season is upon us, with Berlin and today London in the books, the spotlight is moving West with New York, Chicago, and more gearing up in the weeks ahead. This month we explored a variety of content dedicated to the season, from footwear to hydration. Check out our start of marathon season coverage with a look back at September.

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 Review (2022)

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4: Stable Max Cushioning!
By Matthew Klein, David Salas, and Andrea Myers

While Hoka may have made the concept of maximal stack running shoes more mainstream, other brands are catching up. The New Balance Fresh Foam More series has been a significant standout in the maximal shoe world just on size alone. Its prior designs were somewhat clunky and never quite attained the traction necessary for many people to talk about. The Fresh Foam X More v4 turns that completely around with a complete overhaul that creates an incredible maximal shoe that is highly cushioned, smoothed, runs lighter than expected, and is extremely comfortable. Unlike previous versions, the More v4 is one that MORE people should be talking about.