Ideal Gifts for Runners, by Runners (2024)

PRACTICAL GIFTS FOR RUNNERS
DOCTORS OF RUNNING STAFF ROUNDUP

Welcome to our Gift Guide for Runners! We think about running 24/7 and tried our best to give a good range of non-shoe related gifts for both the holiday season and year-round, because while shoes are fun, it's also the stuff that we go to time and time again before, during, and after the run that can make a run as well.

Monday Shakeout: ChatGPT Reviews, Volume 2

The Monday Shakeout: AI Wrote this Shoe Review, Volume 2
By ChatGPT, with some help from Content Manager Bach Pham

Bach: When ChatGPT started becoming popular, we tested the waters to see what it could do with the early version (find Volume 1 here). While the results weren't impressive then, many generations of the robot later we wanted to revisit to see how the program has evolved. In this week's Monday Shakeout, ChatGPT reviews the Nike Pegasus 40. I follow up with some thoughts about its performance and where things are in the running world with AI.

Mailbag! How Long Do Shoes Last? How Do I Stay Healthy During Marathon Training? and the Best Stability Shoes for Race Day | DOR Podcast 166

 

Mailbag! How Long Do Shoes Last? How Do I Stay Healthy During Marathon Training? and the Best Stability Shoes for Race Day
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 166

On this episode we Nate, David, and Matt answer more of your questions! They cover the life of midsoles and foams over miles and time, overuse injury prevention, the most stable marathon shoes, and more. We always love fielding your questions, so let us know what you want answered on our next mailbag show by emailing doctorsofrunningpodcast@gmail.com!

FitVille Footwear Review (2023) - Cloud Wanderer v7, JetCore, Explorer

 

FitVille Review: Trying Footwear Made for All-Day Comfort
A Doctors of Running Team Editorial

Recently FitVille reached out to Doctors of Running for a review of their products. The brand aims to provide more comfort through a wider toe-box design. The products are In this feature, Andrea Myers and Matt Klein offer some insights into a few models we received to provide some initial thoughts about the brand and provide some feedback on the designs. Let's dig in!

Monday Shakeout: How Forefoot Rockers Help with Big Toe Mobility

The Monday Shakeout: Hallux Mobility and Forefoot Rockers
By Matthew Klein

In this week's Monday Shakeout, Matt talks all about shoe characteristics for those with limited toe mobility.

The Runner's Guide to Achilles Tendinopathy | DOR Podcast 165

The Anatomy, Function, and Rehab of the Achilles Tendon: Lessons from Matt’s PhD Dissertation
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 165

Achilles tendon injuries plague many a runner, but Matt is here with findings from his PhD dissertation to help us understand what's going on and find the path to recovery. Matt dives into the anatomy and function of the Achilles in the gait cycle. Then he explains tendinopathy, the most common injury to that tendon, and what puts runners at a higher injury risk. Finally, he gives rehab and strength-building tips and strategies to get you on the road to running at full strength again. If you or a fellow runner have ever suffered from Achilles pain, this is the episode for you!

Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2 Review (2023)

 

Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2: Can Their First Super Shoe Hit the Mark?
By Matthew Klein

Salomon has made several attempts over the last couple years to get into the road running scene. The majority of their shoes have been a little behind, firmer and not the most exciting, an incredible contrast to their excellent trail line. Their first racing shoe, the S/Lab Phantasm, was shockingly behind as it was more in line with the minimal racers a decade ago rather than featuring the super foams and plates of current day performers. The S/Lab Phantasm CF was much better but again fell short due to lacking a super foam and a carbon plate (they used a composite fiber). Finally, Salomon decided to launch a true super shoe with the early and brief release of the S/Lab Phantasm 2. Featuring a PEBAX midsole, a full-length carbon fiber plate, a maximal stack height and the rare higher drop, Salomon finally has a true super shoe. Before you get excited, there are a few things that need to be discussed in regards to whether this shoe will FIT your needs.

PEBAX Shoes and Carbon Fiber Plates: What We Know Now (Updated Literature Review)

The Science of PEBAX Shoes and Carbon Fiber Plates: What We Know Now
Review by Chief Editor and Founder Matthew Klein

In April of 2020, we posted a critical review diving into the research and evidence around the quickly emerging carbon fiber-plated and/or PEBAX-based footwear. We discussed several things including early thoughts on carbon plates, newer foams, geometries, interactions between them, and most importantly how much we do not know about what was truly going on. In a short two years, there has been a large amount of research into these topics. While there are still significant holes in our understanding due to research being so far behind current industry trends and development, we decided to create an update to address this new information. As this is an update, those wanting the original research should check out the original article HERE so we can focus on all the new research since that time.

Nike Vomero 17 Review (2023)

Nike Vomero 17 Review: Excitingly Predictable
By Matthew Klein, David Salas, and Andrea Myers

The Nike Vomero 17 has always been the premium daily trainer for the company for many years. It has not always been a consistent shoe, with massive changes, swings, ups and downs over the years. There was even a time when we were concerned that the Vomero line had been continued. Like the mileage and endurance shoe that it is, despite everything, the Vomero continues on stronger than ever. As it really returns to the market, Nike has made some big updates in the 17. The Vomero now uses a top layer of Zoom X midsole to give a bouncy and cushioned ride, providing a more premium shoe than any prior Vomero. 

Altra VIA Olympus 2 Review (2023)

Altra VIA Olympus 2 Review: Mt. Cozy
By David Salas, Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

The Altra VIA Olympus 2 continues upon the max cushion offering aimed at bringing improved comfort to each step. The shoe uses EGO MAX midsole and an updated footbed to give a softer step in experience, as well as a little more cushion upon loading the shoe. The shoe uses the ORIGINAL FOOTSHAPE design from Altra and their classic 0mm drop platform.

Monday Shakeout: The Science of Running with Backpacks

 

The Monday Shakeout: The Science of Running with... Backpacks?
By Matt Klein

We have written a lot of DPTs here at Doctors of Running. One that stood out as a bit unique was this discussion on backpacks and running a few years ago by our founder Matt Klein.

Altra Vanish Carbon Review (2023)

 

Altra Vanish Carbon: Can it Withstand Matt Miles?
By Matthew Klein and David Salas

While there have been an increasing number of high stack height, plated racers, only one shoe has managed to combine that with a more natural foot position and fit. The Altra Vanish Carbon has been out for some time but still remains the solo "natural" higher stack-plated racer. The Vanish Carbon has torn me more than any shoe this year. While not a true super shoe, it blends elements extremely well to create a moderately bouncy, fast shoe for workouts and races that also happens to feature a wide toe box and a zero-drop midsole. However, its price tag and lack of durability have challenged me a great deal. Whether this shoe will match you and your needs is something you should carefully consider as you read this review.

The Science of Cardiac Health for Runners, with Dr. Tamanna Singh | DOR Podcast 164

 

The Science of Cardiac Health for Runners, with Dr. Tamanna Singh
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 164

Heart health is complicated and can be scary, even for runners. Andrea is joined by Dr. Tamanna Singh, MD to unravel the mysteries of cardiac health for endurance athletes. They discuss the biological benefits that running provides the heart, and how we as runners can expect our hearts to change as we train. Dr. Singh gives advice on what to do if you start experiencing cardiac issues, and how to find the right physician for your unique needs as an athlete.

Monday Shakeout: How Much Does Doctors of Running Make? | Report #5

 

Happy Monday runners! Each year since 2022 we try to release two reports a year to share how much the team is making. We believe in transparency and want to highlight where our sources of income are coming from. In our fifth report, we're keep it simple with a quick update on our midyear growth. If you'd like to check out our previous report, find it here.

“Great, but when can I Run Again?” Breaking Down Various Injury Timeframes for Returning to Running | DOR Podcast 163

“Great, but when can I Run Again?” Breaking Down Various Injury Timeframes for Returning to Running
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 163

The majority of runners will get injured every year, and the first question we often find ourselves asking is, "how long until I can run again?" In this episode, Matt & Nathan broadly explore the healing timeframes for a variety of common injury types. They give an insight into what's happening at a cellular level when we get injured and then heal over time. Then they dive into how long it takes common tissue types (muscles, tendons, bones) to heal from differing severities of injuries. Finally they give you some practical tips and tests to asses your own healing process from their hands-on experience as PTs.

Beginner's Guide to Nutrition and Hydration for Runners

 

Beginner's Guide to Nutrition and
Hydration for Runners
By Guest Writer Jennifer Giles (MS, RDN, CSSD)

All runners, from new to experienced, have to fuel. Learning to balance your nutrition is essential for engaging in any sport, allowing you to perform at your very best. We're excited to welcome guest writer Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist Jennifer Giles to Doctors of Running to help provide some basics to think about on the subject of fueling for your daily running, races, and more. In this beginner's guide, Jennifer covers the "why" on learning how to fuel, and discusses some basics for you to keep in mind as you think about your own nutrition needs.

Best Running Shoes for Walking (2024)

Beginner's Guide to Walking,
and the Best Running Shoes for Walking

By DOR Editorial Team

While this website is called "Doctors of Running," we spend a great time personally either walking in the shoes we test or clinically treating/working with people who are having issues walking. Running usually takes only an hour or two of our day. The rest of the time is spent standing, sitting and walking. Running shoes have become extremely popular for everyday use outside of running due to their comfort. With that in mind, we decided to pull together a guide for those coming here looking for great running shoes specifically for walking or standing. The following guide provides a general overview of walking along with some guidelines you should keep in mind. At the very end you can find a list of recommendations for specific shoes we have found excellent for walking and through personal experience using all-day through our clinical work.