Saucony Ride 17 Review (2023)

Saucony Ride 17: New but Familiar
By Matthew Klein, David Salas, and Andrea Myers

The Ride series has been a flagship neutral training shoe from Saucony for years. For the longest time, it held its place with gradual changes that kept a similar formula to continually produce a lighter than average training shoe that maintained the versatility to handle both easy and faster runs. This was maintained with a somewhat firmer but snappy EVA midsole and a secure upper. While version 17 maintains the comfort in its upper with a new mesh, the midsole and outsole have seen complete overhauls. Now featuring full-length PWRRUN+ in the midsole similar to the Triumph 21, the new update provides a lot more bounce with a little more weight. While still maintaining the essence of the Ride 17, some of the changes certainly alter the shoe in ways that take this series in a new direction. 

Saucony Guide 17 Review (2023)

Saucony Guide 17: True Guidance
By Matthew Klein and Bach Pham

For years, the Saucony Guide series has had a fairly standard stability shoe design. A medial post or medial plastic piece has been a core part of this series as a medial stability-based shoe. Version 17 is a complete redesign that involved a new geometry both externally and internally without the use of traditional medial-based stability methods. Pulling from current concepts in guidance, Saucony has embraced a new Center Path Technology, which aims to keep the foot and the runners lower extremity moving through a central path unique to the runner. A new maximal geometry adds to the smoothest riding Guide yet, signaling a new era for this series. 

Best Running Shoes of 2023, Part 2: Racing and Trail Shoes | DOR Podcast #171

 

Best Running Shoes of 2023, Part 2: Racing and Trail Shoes
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 171

2023 is quickly coming to a close, so it's time to pick our favorite shoes from the past year. Matt, Andrea, and David get together to share their picks for the best shoes. Tune in to hear their choices for long distance (half marathon/marathon) racing shoes, short distance (5K/10K) racing shoes, and trail shoes. This is our last episode of the year and we can't thank each of you enough for the support al year long! We want to hear from you: what are your favorite shoes of the year? Message us on Instagram or email us at ⁠doctorsofrunningpodcast@gmail.com⁠.

Best Running Shoes of 2023, Part 1: Daily Trainers, Stability Shoes, and Performance Trainers | DOR Podcast #170

Best Running Shoes of 2023, Part 1: Daily Trainers, Stability Shoes, and Performance Trainers
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 170

2023 is quickly coming to a close, so it's time to pick our favorite shoes from the past year. Matt, Andrea, and David get together to share their picks for the best shoes. Tune in to hear their choices for daily trainers, stability/stable neutral shoes, and performance trainers. And get ready for the next episode where they'll share their favorite racing shoes! We want to hear from you: what are your favorite shoes of the year? Message us on Instagram or email us at doctorsofrunningpodcast@gmail.com.

Nike Structure 25 Review (2023)

Nike Structure 25: Not Dead Yet
By Matthew Klein, Bach Pham and David Salas

The Nike Structure series has been through a ton. Once one of the staple stability training shoes, it began to gain weight and then seemed to disappear from the market. Many of us assumed it had been discontinued until new versions would randomly show up, then disappear again. Version 24 was its first somewhat noticeable return in a while, but it had strayed from the 10 oz, somewhat versatile structure of the long past. Instead of the stability shoe we once knew, it was a stable neutral shoe/mild stability shoe that while able to tolerate daily miles, was still a bit heavy/dead. The Structure 25 stands as a return for the series as the stability increases and the weight SLOWLY begins to come down. The improved guidance/stability, firmer but bouncier ride and classically lugged outsole signal a breath of life into a series we thought might have passed on. How exactly that breath of life takes form is what we need to talk about.

Xero Shoes Glenn Review (2023)

 

Xero Shoes Glenn: Minimalism Meets Oxfords
By Matthew Klein

With the fantastic progress in the footwear industry, as runners we have been spoiled by the number of products that match a variety of needs. From super shoes to zero drop/minimal shoes, there is something for everyone. While the running industry has progressed forward quickly, other parts of the footwear industry have stayed fairly traditional. Dress shoes are one such area, where until the last few years, options were limited to narrow, pointed, uncomfortable that many people were forced to tolerate due to work place dress codes. Fortunately, many people took notice of the comfort experienced from more anatomic, minimalist shoes and there has been a dramatic increase in the number of dress shoes that feature wide toe boxes, natural soles and lower stack heights. The Xero Shoes Glenn is an example of such a shoe, carrying over the designs seen from their running and active shoes into a full leather, Oxford-style men's shoe that doubles as a casual or dress shoe. 

Should I Buy Orthotics For My Running Shoes?

Should I Buy Orthotics For My Running Shoes?

By Nathan Brown, Senior Contributor & Chief Editor Matthew Klein

A question we are frequently asked is "what is the value of orthotics, custom inserts, or 'upgraded' insoles?" The root of this question may come from various experiences. Some are due to having custom fabricated insoles created by a podiatrist or physical therapist after a specific injury or for a specific condition. Some may be from people who have been to running shoe stores and have been told to pair their new pair of shoes with a nicer insole to maximize the shoe. Some are from those looking to prevent injury and fend off things like plantar fasciopathy, "shin splints", or posterior tibialis pain. Regardless of the reasoning, the literature does provide some insight into these questions. As you may expect, it isn't crystal clear and will depend on the circumstances. However, the large majority of people do not have a need for custom (created specifically for the runner) or prefabricated (mass-produced without specific individual model) inserts to pair with their running shoes. Let's talk about why.

Monday Shakeout: Andrea's Favorite Shoes of 2023

The Monday Shakeout: My Favorite Shoes of 2023 for Training and Racing
By Andrea Myers

One of the great things about testing shoes for DOR is that I try shoes that I would probably never have tried on my own accord. 2023 was a year not only being surprised by shoes that weren't on my radar, but also finding a some new favorites that I wouldn't have otherwise. I have run 2800 miles this year, a number I could have only dreamed of a few years ago when I made the switch from cycling to running. Nearly 900 of those miles have been on one model, which definitely was not on my radar. I would encourage everyone to be open to shoes that you wouldn't normally consider - you might end up finding a new favorite, just as I have this year.

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 Review (2023)

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 Review: Better Fit, Better Grip!?
By Matthew Klein & David Salas

The ASICS Gel-Nimbus series has always been a stand-out premium cushioned daily trainer. For years it remained fairly consistent until Version 25 came along. This shifted the series away from traditional footwear designs to current maximal stack height, rockered design trends. A rockered heel was a welcome change (at least for me) but with all the changes, the series remained a premium cushioned, daily training shoe. Version 26 continues with the changes of Version 25 with a few updates to refine the upper and outsole for a better fit and grip. While this does result in some minor weight gain, it is well-worth the improved comfort. Especially for a shoe meant for long and easy mileage.

Topo Athletic MT-5 Review (2024)

Topo Athletic MT-5: Versatile Trailin'
By Matthew Klein

While David may be known for taking road shoes on trail, I have been known to take trail shoes on road. Having shoes that are versatile enough to handle a variety of surfaces is important in the area I live, where transitions between road and trail are common if you want to do interesting routes. The majority of surfaces are road here in Monrovia, CA, but the trails can get quickly technical depending on recent rainstorms. Thus, my favorite shoes recently for transitioning been these surfaces have been Road/Trail Hybrid shoes. This unique class of shoes typically features additional upper reinforcements, sturdy outsoles and lugs. However, the lugs are often smaller to handle road. The Topo Athletic MT-5 is a solid example of this, with a vibram outsole, smaller lugs and good reinforcements throughout an anatomic upper. Several updates bring this shoe a little closer to mainstream footwear concepts, while a more traditional stack height helps this shoe stand out as something different among the towering shoe stack heights commonly seen today.

Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 Review (2024)

Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2: Wild Territory
By Matthew Klein

The first Puma Fast-R was (is) an incredibly unique racing shoe. Its geometry was completely different than standard shoe design with two completely separate and different midsoles locked together by a visible carbon plate. A slab of bio-based Nitro Elite foam sat in the front, providing a fast bouncy ride while an EVA heel created a firmer, quick and somewhat abrupt transition in the back. Although designed as a long-distance racing shoe, the DOR team found that it worked better as a shorter-distance racer as it seemed to work better for faster and shorter efforts that got you more onto your toes. This was the opposite to the Deviate Nitro Elite, which still could move quickly but had versatility across a variety of footstrikes and distances. The similarity in shorter distance use between the Fast-R and the Fast-FWD may have motivated Puma to move the Fast-R 2 in a different direction. It now returns as a completely different shoe despite sharing some similar visuals to the original. A taller stack height, softer and homogenous cushioning in both the rear and forefoot, lower volume but wider upper and an extended and an extended plate make for another unique addition to the super distance racing shoe category.

Monday Shakeout: David's Favorite Shoes of 2023

 

The Monday Shakeout: My Favorite Shoes of 2023 for Training and Racing
By David Salas

2023 was an awesome year! In some ways we had progressions of the classics and in other ways some completely new models and concepts. Every company brought the heat and gave me some new favorites. 

Mailbag! The Role of Plates in Shoes, Matching Super Shoes to Your Own Mechanics, the Best Shoes for Bunions and More

 

Mailbag! The Role of Plates in Shoes, Matching Super Shoes to Your Own Mechanics, the Best Shoes for Bunions and More
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 169

This week's episode is all about your questions! We love hearing from you and fielding your questiosn, so Nate and Matt are here to answer more. They discuss the role of plates, foams, and more in super shoes, and the possible efficiency of the Nike Alphafly's Zoom Air Pods. They give tips for finding comfortable shoes when dealing with bunions, training your body for shoes with different heel drops, and much more. Keep the questions coming by hitting us up on Instagram or at doctorsofrunningpodcast@gmail.com!

Best Running Socks for Winter and Summer, Editor Picks (2023)

Farm to Feet Greensboro

Socks are one of the most underrated things a runner can do to help reduce things like blisters. There are a variety of qualities that socks can bring: whether it's adding grip so you aren't slipping and sliding in the shoe, providing warmth for winter runs, improving fit when the volume is larger than normal for you or sometimes add more cushioning depending on the thickness and material of the sock. A good running sock can also bring really great durability and odor control. Socks can also be overwhelming because there are a million and one choices available to runners today. In this feature, our team's testers share their favorite socks for winter and summer running to help narrow down your choices so you can find the best sock for your needs.

Best Topo Athletic Running Shoes | Buyer's Guide (2024)

Topo Cyclone 2

Topo Athletic is a brand that's quietly grown since its inception in 2013. Known for their low drop, wider fitting footwear, they've garnered a following for their comfort. In recent years, they've also been expanding their line into the performance trainer forum, releasing some exciting new shoes that have elevated the brand into the future. With their focus on fit, natural running shoes to "move better," and newfound interest in competitive midsole foams, it's an exciting time to get to know Topo.

Adidas Supernova Rise Review (2023)

Adidas Supernova Rise: The Next Step in Adidas Footwear
By Matthew Klein

While Adidas is known for its speedy/race-ready Adizero line, its road training lines have been fairly quiet for years. Various lines have been present, like the Solar and Adistar series, but all have suffered from being incredibly heavy, clunky and certainly not versatile. While once the top training line for Adidas, the Supernova series appeared to be delegated to budget trainers. That now looks to completely change with the introduction of the first shoe in a new series of high-level Supernova training shoes, the Supernova Rise. With a new midsole material and lightweight design, Adidas has finally returned to creating high-performance daily training shoes and it looks like they may be just getting started.

Monday Shakeout: Matt's Favorite Shoes of 2023

 

The Monday Shakeout: My Favorite Training and Racing Shoes of 2023
By Matt Klein

2023 has been an interesting and challenging year for me. I started the year out with a toe fracture (unrelated to running, I tripped on my barbell while carrying my cat), supported my wife through pregnancy and the birth of our daughter, progressed through the methods and data collection of my PhD (almost done!!) and redid three courses from scratch as a brand new professor. Fortunately, this did not slow down my shoe testing despite having to readjust my training. So I was still able to enjoy the many unique shoes that came out this year. Several companies refined their shoes to make them even better, while many others either debuted new ones or completely redid shoes for the better. Stability shoes finally saw some massive progressions and even a new addition. Several companies finally debuted true super shoes into the market (some good, some needing some adjustments). With 2024 just around the corner (which we are all extremely excited for), 2023 had some incredible shoes that are still worth talking about. 

What Runners Should Do IMMEDIATELY Post-Marathon to Kickstart Their Recovery | DOR Podcast 168

 

What Runners Should Do IMMEDIATELY Post-Marathon to Kickstart Their Recovery
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 168

This episode is your quick guide to post-race recovery after a season of training and racing with Andrea and Megan (who are fresh off marathons themselves). From immediate post-race steps to nutrition, hydration, and mental recovery strategies, Andrea & Megan share valuable insights. Get tips on travel, changing training, and downtime activities. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a beginner, this episode covers adjusting nutrition, building a base training phase, and its ideal duration.

Topo Athletic Magnifly 5 Review (2023)

Topo Athletic Magnifly 5 Review: 0 Drop, 0 Problems
By David Salas and Andrea Myers

The Topo Athletic Magnifly has always been the moderately cushioned zero drop trainer from the company. The shoe maintains a very neutral profile and a no nonsense build. The Magnifly also uses the traditional anatomic fit that Topo Athletic is known for, having a streamlined heel and midfoot with a wider forefoot and toe box. Updates to this model include the engineered mesh upper. 

Altra Provision 8 Review (2023)

 

Altra Provision 8 Review: Easy Going
By Bach Pham

Altra is a company known for their zero drop footwear and wide toe box shoes. These signature elements have been the foundation of their running lineup until the recently released FWD Experience. The Provision is a long running model in their lineup, providing a support option alongside the Paradigm. In this review, we take a look at their latest model and where it sits in the Altra lineup.

On Cloudeclipse Review (2023)

On Cloudeclipse: The Most Stacked On Yet
By Matthew Klein

On has been making some solid progress. The On Cloudmonster, which debuted in 2022, signaled a change from the brand. It was actually cushioned and finally showed what the Cloudtec could do when utilized appropriately. As per On's style though, it was still a little firmer and snappier than other shoes in its category. The On Cloudsurfer came next, with an even taller stack height, softer ride, and lighter weight. The lessons from both of these have clearly resulted in the On Cloudeclipse, On's first above 40mm stack height shoe. Maintaining a similar weight to the Monster with 10mm more of stack height, it seems On is finally understanding how to utilize their clouds in order to provide a high level of cushioning while increasing stack height. The first truly maximal shoe from the brand, the On Cloudeclipse continues to give us a glimpse into what the future holds for this company. 

The Monday Shakeout: My Favorite Shoes of 2023 for Flat Feet

 

The Monday Shakeout: My Favorite Shoes of 2023 for Flat Feet
By Bach Pham

As we get into our end of year specials, I'm kicking things off with an update on my favorite flat feet options for runners in 2023! With a shift to more guidance/geometry based stability options, it was a really fun year of testing stability-oriented options from all brands. If you have not checked out my Shakeout about the do's and don'ts to flat feet shoes, check that out first before reading on!

All Your Strength Training Questions Answered, with Dr. Victoria Sekely | DOR Podcast 167

 

All Your Strength Training Questions Answered, with Dr. Victoria Sekely
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 167

This episode is all about strength training. Some runners love it, most runners avoid it, but almost everyone knows they should be doing some of it. Nathan's joined by Victoria Sekely, DPT to answer all your strength questions. How do you best integrate it with your training? Where do you get started with lifting heavy? What are some generally beneficial exercises? What shoes should you wear? Tune in for answers to these and more.

ROKA Review: Prescription Glasses for Athletes

 

ROKA Prescription Review: I can see clearly now
By Nathan Brown

In my current stage of life, most of my running occurs in the wee hours of the morning right after rolling out of bed. I've used glasses and contacts daily since I was in 7th grade, and until recently have done all of my running in contacts. For the past 6 months, I've been testing two pairs of ROKA prescription glasses, and here are my thoughts on their performance and how they've changed my habits.