Hoka Stinson 7 Review (2023)

 

Hoka Stinson 7 Review: Run Anywhere, Comfortably
By Matthew Klein and David Salas

The HOKA Stinson 7 is the one-stop shop for beating up mileage. The shoe aims at being a maximum cushioned daily training shoe that can tackle both roads and trails. The Stinson has a few updates to its geometry and upper to make it a little more stable throughout. It runs on the heavier side, though is a nice addition to the maximum cushioning category. 

Puma Magnify Nitro 2 Review (2023)

Puma Magnify Nitro 2 Review: More of Everything
By David Salas

The Magnify line for Puma is relatively new. The original Magnify was the maximum cushioning training shoe for the company and used full NITRO foam throughout. The aim of the shoe is to provide maximum comfort for logging daily miles. The second version continues the legacy of the shoe by adding more NITRO foam and some durable rubber spots. 

Monday Shakeout: Differences Between Low vs. High Heel Drop Shoes

The Monday Shakeout: Breaking Down Low vs. High Heel Drops
By Matt Klein

A question we often get is about heel-to-toe drops. What does a low drop shoe do? What does a high heel drop shoe do? What's the best drop for me? It can be further confused when including things like rockers to the shoe. In this edition of the Monday Shakeout, we rounded up our editorials on drops to help you better understand the effects that each have on runners.

Bloodwork, Biomarkers, and Vitamins for Runners | Doctors of Running Podcast

 

 

Bloodwork, Biomarkers, and Vitamins for Runners
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 153

Bloodwork, vitamin levels, and other biomarkers can be confusing, so on this episode Andrea is joined by Dr. Liz Herman, ND and Dr. Jared Pistoia, ND to break down the science of our blood. They explore how getting our bloodwork done as athletes can differ from the average person. They take a look at creatine kinase, blood glucose, anemia and more. They also dive into the critical role of vitamins (D, B12) and minerals like iron and calcium. Finally, they discuss the differing hormone changes both women and men experience as they age, and how to address those changes. If you've ever wanted to learn more about your blood, tune in!

Nike InfinityRN 4 Review (2023)

 

Nike InfinityRN 4: What is This Again?
By Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

The Nike Infinity series has an odd history. During its debut, it was advertised as a shoe that would reduce injury thanks to a small (poorly run) study comparing injury rates in neutral runners using it compared to the Nike Structure (which previously was not a shoe for neutral runners). I (Matt) have discussed the issues with this extensively so I will not continue to hammer away. What the Infinity series really came out as was a highly rockered daily training shoe with a heel clip that provided some mild guidance in the back. Version 3 was finally the one that both Andrea and I actually enjoyed. The rocker was just right, the fit improved and the midsole was right where it needed to be. Of course, Nike decided to change everything and now we have the completely new Nike InfinityRN 4 (Infinity Run?). The RN 4 brings the Infinity series to the fully maximal realm. A new knit upper provides the space we asked for while a TON of ReactX sits underfoot provides a cushioned and rockered ride for mileage. Despite the changes, it maintains some of its original purpose.

Brooks Running Women's Apparel Review (2023)

Brooks Women's Apparel Review
By Andrea Myers and Megan Flynn

Brooks Running is not just known for their running shoes. Their running gear is known for being light, bright (when needed) and filled with a large array of size options for every runner. In today's review, Andrea and Megan take a look at a few of Brook's latest apparel for women.

ASICS GT-2000 12 Review (2023)

ASICS GT-2000 12: Consistently Improving
By Matthew Klein

The ASICS GT-2000 series has been a quite staple among runners wanting a moderate stability daily training shoe. The last several versions have seen some major changes, which is odd coming from a company that used to be so consistent and boring. ASICS has been anything but boring recently as the company has made huge strides in performance, stability and comfort. The ASICS GT-2000 12 sees further changes in all of these areas with a design that looks to be inspired by the Kayano and Kayano Lite series. A wider base, sidewalls, internal stable geometry, upgraded foam and more moves the GT-2000 series forward as a moderate stability daily training shoe that remains relevant in today's footwear landscape.

Saucony Triumph RFG Review (2023)

 

Saucony Triumph RFG: Some Mighty Fine Corn
By Bach Pham and Nathan Brown

The Saucony Triumph RFG is the brand's introduction to Run For Good, their new sustainability standard. The idea is that the brand is investing in a future focused on sustainability while meeting performance. The shoe is their first foray into the space, providing a splashy new foam that offers a surprisingly solid ride underfoot for a shoe that blends 55% corn into the midsole. In this review, we take a look at all the regular features of the shoe and discuss what the release of this shoe may mean for the industry.

HOKA Cielo Road Review (2023)

HOKA Cielo Road Review: 5k Time
By David Salas, Matthew Klein, and Andrea Myers

Drawing inspiration from the HOKA Cielo track spike and other lower profile super shoes the Cielo RD enters the scene. The HOKA Cielo Road is a moderate stack height racing shoe using a PEBA-based midsole without a plate. The combination of ingredients in this model make it a short distance racer that will be on the radar for a lot of people. 

Runner's Essentials: The Ten Doctors of Running Videos You Should Watch

 

We have made hundreds of videos over the past several years at Doctors of Running, but there's a handful that we keep coming back to as new runners and followers get to know our work. We gathered our eight essential videos to help you better get to know our perspective on things. There are plenty more videos we have in mind as well, which you can find here at our YouTube Channel.

New Balance SC Trainer v2 Review (2023)

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 2: Rare Changes
By Andrea Myers, David Salas

The New Balance SC Trainer was a fan favorite for many runners last year. The footwear line continues with the SC Trainer 2. The shoe is still in the maximum cushioning category, though comes with some changes. The changes to note are a lowered stack height and a more snug fitting upper. The SC Trainer is still a max cushioning training shoe for logging long miles. 

Mailbag! Your Hamstring Questions, Answered | DOR Podcast #152

 

 

DOR Podcast #152: The Truth about Hamstrings

This episode is all about the hamstrings. Often a source of pain and frustration for many a runner, Nathan & David take a deep dive on one of the most important muscle groups in the running cycle. After an overview of the anatomy and common injuries of the hamstrings, they answer your questions covering subjects such as proximal hamstring tendinopathy, the effect of zero drop and carbon plated shoes, stretching, and more. Finally they offer strategies to avoid injury and maintain strong, healthy hamstrings.

How Brands are Using Your Running Data! | DOR Podcast #151

 

DOR Podcast #151: How Brands are Using Data to Shape the Future of Running

On today's episode, Matt is joined by Dr. Jeff Moreno, physical therapist and co-founder of DashLX. DashLX is pioneering how running activity data can be gathered and analyzed to enhance the training and overall well-being of athletes. Jeff has a unique opportunity to work not only with individual athletes, many of them among the elites, but also directly with some of the biggest running brands on the scene (Brooks, Saucony, Puma, and more). Matt & Jeff discuss how running data from our watches and phones can be used to assess biomechanics, injury risk, and even shoe choice. Get an inside look at how some of the biggest running footwear brands are using data in partnership with DashLX to inform their design choices and product strategies. Jeff also lends his medical expertise to give practical advice to runners of all levels on how to better use their own activity data to stay strong and healthy.

Salomon DRX Bliss Review (2023)

Salomon DRX Bliss: Salomon's Take on Stability
By Matthew Klein

While Salomon is known to be a trail company (at least in regard to running footwear), it has only recently made a decent effort onto the road. A variety of shoes have been released, from racing shoes to daily trainers to even a few maximal shoes. What has been missing that is classic for companies ensuring all their bases are covered (other than a super racing shoe) is a stability shoe. The DRX Bliss is their first true attempt at a guidance/stability shoe. Featuring newer concepts in guidance, the DRX Bliss is a decent first attempt in this category, although some modifications may need to be made in future versions. 

New Balance SuperComp Trail Review (2023)

New Balance SuperComp Trail Review: Well-Rounded
By David Salas

The New Balance SC Trail takes FuelCell to a new arena. The SC Trail is a super shoe for the trails and delivers the classic soft and rockered ride New Balance has delivered in other SC models. The shoe offers a lightweight package with a few trail specific modifications to make the SC Trail a dirt friendly member of the family. 

Salomon Phantasm 2 Review (2023)

 

Salomon Phantasm 2: Was This, Now That
By Matthew Klein & David Salas

The Phantasm line has experienced a significant amount of change over its short life. The original S/Lab Phantasm was a light minimal racing shoe, the Phantasm 1 was a lightweight trainer/racing shoe and now the Phantasm 2 is a performance trainer (the Phantasm 3 will of course be an 11.4 oz road ultramarathon shoe, just kidding). Featuring a taller stack height and a thicker upper, version 2 fixes quite a few of the issues from the prior version, including an overly aggressive rocker, blisters at the toes from the upper and greatly improved flexibility. While it has strayed from its origins, the newest Phantasm becomes a decent plated trainer that can pick up the pace and has a clear place within the Salomon road line. 

Monday Shakeout: The Best Running Scenes, Part 2

 

The Monday Shakeout: The Best Running Scenes of All-Time, Part 2
By Bach Pham, Content Manager

Last week (read Part 1 here) we discussed some of the most popular running scenes of all-time. In Part 2, we're visiting some lesser known scenes involving running. Cinema and running have a long relationship, creating some of the most iconic moments onscreen. In the following movies, we explore a variety of scenes where subtlety helps make the moment feel more lifted.

Matt Shares His Research on Masters Runners, and Andrea’s Top Five Shoes of 2023

 

DOR Podcast #150: Matt Shares His Research on Masters Runners, and Andrea’s Top Five Shoes of 2023

This 150th episode of the DOR Podcast is a special combo! First off Andrea shares her top 5 shoes of the year so far. She wasn't able to join the rest of the crew and Connor a few weeks ago, but we knew the people needed to hear from her. How has our resident New Balance Beacon devotee survived the disappearance of her favorite daily trainer? What's her choice when she toes the starting line of races later this year? Tune in to find out. In part two, Matt gives an inside look into his recently published systematic review: Changes in running biomechanics in master runners over age 50. See how much work and time goes into academic research and learn more about how our bodies change as we age.

Brooks Running Hyperion GTS and Hyperion Review (2023)

 

Brooks Hyperion GTS: Sub 8oz Stability Trainer!?
By Bach Pham and Matt Klein

Welcome to our two part review of Brooks new Hyperion series! For our review of the regular Hyperion, jump to page two here.

Stability shoes have changed drastically over the last few years. They have also decreased in number, especially the faster and lighter mild stability shoes. With the Saucony Fastwitch and Asics DS Trainer series discontinued, all of the low and sub-8 oz stability lightweight trainers and racers have disappeared. In fact, the loss of those shoes meant a complete elimination of this category. Fortunately, those mourning can dry up those tears as a single shoe has revived this category. Enter the Brooks Hyperion GTS, the only truly lightweight mild stability racer/workout shoe/lightweight trainer. While it is a great deal of work for a single shoe to hold up a category, the Hyperion GTS does an excellent job in its first iteration doing so. 

Salomon Aero Volt Review (2023)

Salomon Aero Volt Review: Everything Shoe
By David Salas

When I think of the company Salomon I don't normally think of lightweight trainers for the road. The Salomon Aero Volt is a highly versatile shoe that keeps a lightweight profile for the road but offers some versatility to off road conditions. 

Nike Ultrafly Review (2023)

Nike Ultrafly: ZoomX for the Trails
By Matthew Klein 

As road shoe technology has progressed and with the advancements from super racing shoes coming to trainers, it has now extended into the trail running world. While plates were already present in various forms as rock plates, new combinations of plates and super foams for Trail have been hitting the market. The Nike Zegama was one of Nike's early trail shoes to use ZoomX foam but it functioned as a training and long-distance shoe rather than a racing one. Meanwhile, Saucony and the North Face have had their super trail racing shoe models (Endorphin Edge and Summit Vectiv Pro) out for some time for enough people to test and see what happens when super racing shoe technology hits softer surfaces. The company known for its racing shoes has not-so-quietly been waiting and demoing its newest trail super shoe at a variety of elite ultramarathon competitions. The Nike Ultrafly is finally coming to market after being seen under the surface for so long. A true ultramarathon trail super shoe rather than a short-distance one, the Ultrafly is a unique niche shoe that blends super foam and plate for both long-distance training and racing.