Stable for Who? We Rank Shoes By Stability and How it Varies for Runner | DOR Podcast 162

Stable for Who? We Rank Shoes By Stability and How it Varies for Runners
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 162

If you've been a follow of Doctors of Running for a while, you know we like discussing stability in our shoes. As we've talked about at length, stability is not a monolithic term, but something that will vary between shoes and runners; everyone's experience of a shoe's stability will be different. On this episode, Matt and David rank ten different shoes from least to most stable. You'll get an inside look at how they judge the stability of different shoes. Have you run in any of these shoes? What shoes are less or more stable for you? Send us an email at doctorsofrunningpodcast@gmail.com!

On Cloudflow 4 Review (2023)

On Cloudflow 4 Review: A Super-Inspired Overhaul
By David Salas and Matthew Klein

The On Cloudflow line can be viewed as the lightweight training/performance shoe for the company. The shoe has always had a relatively low-profile design and versatile build. The Cloudflow 4 continues upon this tradition with a few updates. This new model has a lot more toe spring in the forefoot to help with maintaining a forward-rolling sensation while maintaining the classic low profile the lineage has had. The Cloudflow 4 pulls some inspiration in part from the Cloudboom Echo 3 with a training focus.
 

New Balance Fresh Foam X Vongo v6 Review (2023)

New Balance Fresh Foam X Vongo v6 Review: Not Your Average Vongo Anymore
By Matthew Klein and Bach Pham

In a stability landscape that has drastically changed over the last several years, the Vongo series had remained a unique option that had all but disappeared. Featuring a soft, medial wedge design integrated into the midsole, it provided a moderate to higher level of stability while maintaining a soft, comfortable ride. An alternative to medial posts, wedges were designed to keep the medial side of the foot higher than the lateral side. This was a group option for those with positional faults or those who needed a higher level of support. As mentioned, the Vongo was a unique option on the market. Although the Vongo v6, which changes to more of a guidance-based mild stability shoe, is drastically different than the prior versions, it remains a very distinctive option with the new transition. Who it will work for is the question. 

Monday Shakeout: Unique Things Brands are Doing that We're Excited About (That Others Maybe Should Too)

The Monday Shakeout: Unique Things Brands are Doing that We're Excited About
By Bach Pham

In this week's shakeout, Bach explores some niche things running brands have started doing that could be a big benefit for all runners. Each Monday we share a new shakeout piece on things that have been on our mind. Send us ideas at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com today and you might see your idea in our next shakeout!

Altra Torin 7 Review (2023)

 

Altra Torin 7 Review: Their Moderately High Cushioned Neutral Trainer
By Andrea Myers

Altra started back in 2009 with the purpose to build around zero drop, anatomically wide toe box shoes. The company's name was modeled after the Latin word for Altera - "to fix or mend something that is broken." The Torin 7 is a bit deceptive, as the shoe has been around for a full decade (Altra used to use a .5 model yearly model update system to indicate how the size of the changes biannually). The Torin first dropped in 2013 as lightweight, cushioned model that for a long time acted as their highest cushion shoe until the recent Olympus release dethroned the Torin. The new Altra Torin 7 is no slouch though, now joining the 30mm+ stack club and gaining 2mm of Altra EGO MAX midsole foam over the previous version.

Altra Paradigm 7 Review (2023)

Altra Paradigm 7: Zero Drop Stability
By Matt Klein and Bach Pham

The Altra Paradigm 7 has held the unique spot of THE moderate stability zero drop daily training shoe. While the majority of higher-level stability shoes have an 8-12mm heel drop (Horizon, Kayano, Adrenaline, etc), the Paradigm series serves as the only one of the group to be zero drop. It fits in more now as more of this group have moved away from traditional posts and have gone toward guidance-based stability. The sidewalls in the Paradigm are less unique given their integration into mainstream shoes like the Kayano. However, it still holds a special place in the market for a specific population looking for this combination of features.

Altra Escalante 3 Review (Updated)

Altra Escalante 3: The Best One Yet?
By Contributor Andrea Myers and David Salas

The Altra Escalante is a popular zero drop, road-running daily trainer thanks to its anatomical toe box, soft and accommodating upper, and lightweight cushioning. The Escalante 2 and 2.5 quickly became my favorite daily trainers as I got back into running a few years ago, but as I increased my mileage, my feet wanted a little more cushion, upper stability, and protection than the shoes provided. With a firmer midsole and more structured upper, the Escalante 3 sounded like an update I would like. I bought a pair at my local running store and was excited to put them to the test.

Editor's Note: David Salas review added 10/19/23

Mailbag! Do Super Shoes Cause Hip Issues? Tapering 101 and More | DOR Podcast

Mailbag! Do Super Shoes Cause Hip Issues? Tapering 101 and Could Kiptum Run Sub 2 in the Adidas $500 Shoe?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 161

Mailbag show means it's all about your questions. At DOR we love hearing from you! On this episode, Nathan and David tackle your shoe, training, and injury questions. They take a look at comparing daily trainers and super shoes. They give some tips on how to taper for different lengths of races, and explore strength-training and injuries like proximal hamstring tendinopathy and hip impingements. We're always open to questions, so send us emails at doctorsofrunningpodcast@gmail.com.

AltraFWD Experience Review (2023)

AltraFWD Experience Review: A Step FWD
By David Salas, Andrea Myers, and Matthew Klein

For as long as anyone can remember Altra has always been the zero drop company with a wide toe box. With the Altra FWD Experience, they shake things up. The FWD Experience is the first Altra shoe to incorporate a drop ratio north of 0mm at 4mm to include a larger variety of runners that can comfortably run in their product. The shoe is a lightweight trainer aiming to compete with shoes in the likes of the HOKA Clifton, On Cloudgo, and ASICS Novablast.

Monday Shakeout: Why Heel Bevels are Natural

The Monday Shakeout: Why Heel Bevels Are Natural
By Matthew Klein

This week Matt explains why he frequently discusses the presence and design of heel bevels in running footwear based on the relationship to the shape of the heel bone.

Topo Athletic ST-5 Review (2023)

Topo Athletic ST-5: Minimal, Yet Familiar
By Matthew Klein and Bach Pham

While a small number of companies have continued to provide zero-drop shoes to the market, many of them have continued to gain weight and stack height. Finding a low stack height, lightweight, zero drop shoe is actually somewhat difficult, especially if you don't want it to be absolutely bare bones against the ground. The ST-5 is one of the few shoes that maintains a lighter weight while having enough cushioning to keep the edge off the road. Functioning either as a minimally cushioned extremely light trainer or potentially as a traditionally cushioned, wide-toe boxed racing flat, the Topo Athletic ST-5 maintains its unique place in the market. 

The Science of Bone Health for Runners ft. Rich Willy | DOR Podcast #160

The Science of Bone Health for Runners ft. Rich Willy, DPT, PhD
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 160

Bone injuries such as stress reactions and fractures plague many a runner. It's often a challenge to find their source and rehab can be long. Matt is joined by Rich Willy to discuss his research and work in bone health and injuries in runner (particularly ultra-runners). Rich's insights will help you better understand the cause of common bone stress in the foot, lower or upper leg, hip, etc. He and Matt discuss the critical role food and fueling play in our bone health. Rich also gives some practical exercises to try to reduce your injury risk. Finally, what role do shoes play in bone injuries? Not as much as you may think. Tune in and be sure to check out Rich's work!

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 Review (2023)

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 Review: Fresher than Fresh
By Matthew Klein and Andrea Myers

Premium, highly cushioned neutral shoes have been around for a long time. They are typically characterized as being more expensive due to having softer/more cushioned soles with higher-quality uppers. In the past, that usually meant heavier shoes where lightness was sacrificed for protection and comfort (supposedly). The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 flips this concept, bringing a highly cushioned premium shoe to market with an astoundingly low weight for this category. Not only is it one of the softest shoes in its category, but it is also (currently) the lightest premium neutral training shoe on the market. It is even lighter or as light as many of the more in-line daily trainers, making it a shoe certainly worth talking about.

Best Electrolyte and Recovery Drinks for Runners (12+ Products Reviewed)

 
Guide to Hydration Products for Runners
A Review of 10+ Running Hydration Products

If you are a runner looking for a fueling product to use before or during your runs there are a few things to consider. You want to decide what form (or combination of forms) you would like to use during training. Some runners like to take in their fuel in liquid form (sports drinks) while others like solid (sports bars). A gel sits somewhere in the middle. You may like some kind of a combination of the three or it may depend on the training session, distance, duration etc. In this guide, we'll be taking a look at the hydrating side of things - from Nuun to Osmo to Maurten, Skratch, and much more - to help you sort through the various options in the market and find the right product for you.

Do Heavier Runners Need Different Shoes from Lighter Runners? | Monday Shakeout

The Monday Shakeout: Do Heavier Runners Need Different Shoes Compared to Lighter Runners?
By Matthew Klein

This week Matt attempts to answer one of the more frequent inquiries we receive. Those who write us often ask if they need a different or specialized type of shoe because they may be taller, have a larger body mass, etc. With a decent amount of evidence, he answers this question with some answers that may not be expected....

This or That? Best 5k/10k Racer, Stiff vs. Flexible Shoes. Liquid or Gels, Stride vs. Cadence and More! | DOR Podcast #159

This or That?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 159

Andrea & Megan host a fun Q&A episode–This or That? They take your this-or-that questions and help you find the answers! Stiff or flexible shoes for sprinting? Foam rolling or massage guns for recovery? Liquid nutrition or gels for fuel? Not to mention, of course, a bevy of shoe comparisons. And, because it's an Andrea episode, a New Balance Beacon question.

Reebok Floatride Energy 5 Adventure Review (2023)

Reebok Floatride Energy 5 Adventure Review: Adventure Time
By Matthew Klein & David Salas

The category of all-terrain shoes has been growing over the last few years. The Floatride Energy Adventure series essentially covers this category for those who love the road running version but want some more versatility with footing. This neutral riding shoe has added a few trail specific components to give you confidence running on a little bit of everything from road-to-trail.

Brooks Divide 4 Review (2023)

Brooks Divide 4: Budgeted Improvements
By Matthew Klein

In an age of fancy foams and super stack heights, finding a simple, do it all shoe that can handle almost whatever life throws at you without breaking the bank is pretty tough. Do it all shoes are often expensive, making it challenging to access as a new runner trying to figure out what they like. The Brooks Divide 4 is a solid solution to these issues. An update from version three, the upper is the main thing that changes, providing a more secure fit up top while retaining just enough room in the toe box. Although supposedly similar, the ride is slightly softer but just as quick, continuing to provide comfort on a variety of surfaces that you may choose to explore. Continuing to be moderate in all parts except price, the Brooks Divide 4 improves accessibility to trails by being a budget shoe with a surprising amount of performance. 

Monday Shakeout: A Deep Dive on the Importance of Toe Box Width

The Monday Shakeout: The Importance of Toe Box Width 
By Andrea Myers

In this week's shakeout, Andrea aessess research to discuss why generous toe box widths are so valuable for many runners.

Buy or Sell: $500 Racing Shoes, Foam Rolling, Pace Tuned Shoes, and Can Lebron Run a BQ? | DOR Podcast #158

 

Buy or Sell: $500 Racing Shoes, Foam Rolling, Pace Tuned Shoes, and Can Lebron Run a BQ?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 158

Get ready for our second installment of Buy or Sell where we debate news, trends, and topics in the running world! Nate, Matt, and David argue about shoes and recovery. Are super shoes the reason for all the broken world records? Is a pair of $500 worth it? How do foam rolling and strength training contribute to injury prevention? Things get HEATED on this one!