Buy or Sell: Super Shoes for 4+ HR Runners, HR Monitors, Non-Carbon Plated Shoes, and More! | DOR Podcast #176

Buy or Sell: Super Shoes for 4+ HR Runners, HR Monitors, Non-Carbon Plated Shoes, and More! | DOR Podcast #176
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 176

We've got another edition of what has become the official Doctors or Running game show, Buy or Sell, with Matt Klein and Andrea Myers as your hosts. They cover a bevy of topics ranging from racing shoes for 4 hour marathoners, hear rate monitors, super shoes for 5Ks and more. Be sure to listen to the end to catch Matt & Andrea's differing views on Nike's Alphafly versions 1 and 3!

Monday Shakeout: Challenges with Large Toe Spring Angles

The Monday Shakeout: Challenges with Large Toe Spring Angles
By Matthew Klein

This week we talk about toe spring angles and some of the challenges associated with higher angles. Many people confuse toe spring, forefoot rockers and other terms that refer to the front of the shoe and how they may impact biomechanics of the foot, ankle and lower extremity. We hope to clear that up and help people figure out what will and will not work for them when it comes to the front of the shoe.

How Soft You Say? We Rank Shoes by Softness and How it Can Differ from Runner to Runner | DOR Podcast #175

How Soft You Say? We Rank Shoes by Softness and How it Can Differ from Runner to Runner
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 175

If you're in the running shoe world at all, you know cushion and softness are the name of the game. Every shoe brand claims that each new version of their shoes is softer than the last, but what does it even mean for a shoe to be "soft"? How do you compare the softness of one shoe to another? In this episode, Nathan, Matt, and David do just that. They take a list of 10 of our favorite shoes from the past year or two (like the Brooks Hyperion Max, Asics Novablast 4, Nike Alphafly 3, and more) and see how their cushioning stacks up. No spoilers here, so you'll have to tune to see how the rankings turned out!

Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 Review (2024)

 

Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 Review: Streamlined
By Matthew Klein & Bach Pham

As stability shoe numbers have dwindled, only a handful of them exist that reach the 20 year mark. The Mizuno Wave Inspire finally hits it, holding steady providing stability for two decades. A great deal has changed over that time. Once one of the lighter stability shoes, the Inspire saw some changes that made it heavier and clunkier. The previous iteration, version 19, finally saw an improvement in heel bevel design that allowed some of the relatively newer foams Mizuno was working with to shine a bit brighter. Known for their consistency, the Mizuno wave plate continued its tradition of providing stability in a non-post-like fashion. Version 20 carefully builds off version 19 with a new upper and new plate, which slightly changes the fit and ride. Read on to find out what that may mean for you.

Best New Balance Running Shoes: Buyer's Guide (2024)

Beacon v3, Peanut-Approved

Welcome to our Guide to New Balance footwear! New Balance running is unique in many ways, from their naming system to unique history in the running space. In recent years, they've become not only tremendously popular through their major advances in running, but also a powerhouse professional running brand thanks to a host of incredible athletes that have catapulted American track and road in ways never seen before. In this feature we cover New Balance's history, unique technology, and explore their current running shoe lineup.

ASICS Novablast 4 Review (2023)

ASICS Novablast 4 Review: Sustainable Changes
By Matthew Klein, David Salas, and Andrea Myers

The Novablast series has become incredibly popular over its relatively short lifespan. Debuting as a highly cushioned, lighter training shoe, it has continued on that trajectory. The weight has continued to drop and the stack height has continued to increase. Now, with the addition of some additional bouncy geometry, the newest Novablast adds an edge of performance, further progressing this series.

Altra Timp 5 Review (2024)

Altra Timp 5: Zero Drop Trail Running
By Matthew Klein

The Timp series from Altra has always sat in an interesting space. A longer trail running shoe with a moderate-to-high stack height that wasn't as max as the Olympus or as traditional as the Lone Peak. A weight that definitely steered it to longer rather than any uptempo efforts further added to that. Billed as a trail shoe that could handle any surface, it lacked the versatility to move quicker over those long miles. Version 5 comes in almost an ounce lighter to fill that gap. The same versatile longer-distance trail shoe now comes with a sub 10 oz weight and a Vibram outsole, providing security and nimbleness that almost makes for a brand-new ride. 

Monday Shakeout: The Phases of Running Gait, An Introduction

The Monday Shakeout: The Phases of Running Gait, An Introduction
By Matthew Klein

This week Matt talks about the different phases of running gait. We recognize that we often use these terms extensively in our content. To ensure our audience understands us, Matt has put together a brief introduction to the basics of running gait.

Deckers X-SCAPE NBK 2.0 Review (2024)

Deckers X Lab X-SCAPE NBK 2.0 Review: Lighter Comfort
By David Salas and Andrea Myers

We've been big fans of Deckers X Lab and their innovation team. The brand has focused on creating new, highly comfortable street stylings. We've reviewed a lot of their designs in the past, but over 2023 they've shifted more into the innovation front with limited release footwear. The NBK 2.0, however, is a throwback to their original designs, providing a comfortable sneaker design that is a little less dramatic and just plain comfortable. David and Andrea offer their brief thoughts on the latest out of Deckers X Lab.

Mailbag! Racing Shoes for Wide Feet, Stability Shoes for Flat Feet, Stable Shoes for Wide, Flat Feet and the Ideal Long Run Shoe | DOR Podcast #174

Mailbag! Racing Shoes for Wide Feet, Stability Shoes for Flat Feet, Stable Shoes for Wide, Flat Feet and the Ideal Long Run Shoe
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 174

Here at DOR we love answering your questions! Matt Klein and David Salas are here to do just that. Tune in for tips on picking the ideal long run shoe, stable neutral shoes for flat feet, stable training & racing shoes, and more. They tackle some tricky shoe suggestions for dealing with nerve pain, achilles tendinopathy, and other pathologies. We're always open to your questions, so send us a message on Instagram or email us at doctorsofrunningpodcast@gmail.com!

Altra Lone Peak 8 Review (2024)

Altra Lone Peak 8 Review: Almost Natural
By David Salas

The Altra Lone Peak has been a fan favorite for trail running for some time now. The shoe is normally looked at as being a moderately cushioned trail running shoe that can tackle technical terrain. Since the Lone Peak is decently nimble and protective, it has decent range to it in the trail running shoe offerings.

Guide to Mizuno Running Shoes (2024)

 

Welcome to our Guide to Mizuno Running Shoes! While Mizuno originally started as a company focused on baseball, they quickly expanded to nearly every sport and became a leader in the running shoe world in the 1980s with their sponsorship of a number of Olympians. Their popular high drop daily trainer, the Wave Rider, is on its 27th iteration. More recently, Mizuno has shaken up the super shoe world with its unique Wave Rebellion Pro series, which has one of the most aggressive heel bevels on the market. 2024 also brings the release of the Wave Rebellion Flash 2, which will be a competitor to other nylon plated performance trainers. It's an exciting time for Mizuno shoes! Read on to learn more about the brand and their road and trail offerings.

Monday Shakeout: Can People With Flat Feet Run In Super Shoes?

The Monday Shakeout: Can People With Flat Feet Run in Super Shoes
By Matthew Klein

In this week's Monday Shakeout, Matt answers a reader question we received about flat feet and super shoes. Can one run in them? What should I check out if I do? He also breaks down flat feet in general and some myths around arch support.

How Should Running Shoes Fit? Beginner (length) to Advanced (Matching Pathologies) | DOR Podcast #173

 

Questions on Shoe Fit from Beginner to Advanced: Impact of Length, Insoles, and Matching Pathologies
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 173

Happy New Year runners! While we're excited for 2024, we still have lots about 2023 to talk about with this week's podcast. Senior Contributor Nathan Brown shares his favorite shoes of the past year (along with those that didn't quite work out) and discusses working through an injury that's greatly slowed his running journey as of late. Learn how he's dealt with the injury and get a few tips on how he came to choose the best footwear for him based on his needs.

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 Review (2024)

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2: Even Bouncier
By Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

As super racing shoes have begun to max out foam types and stack heights, new geometries to either reduce weight, facilitate motion or get around stack height rules have begun to appear. The original Rebellion Pro was a unique example of this. It featured large central cut-outs of the midsole and one of the most extreme heel bevels we had seen (outside of the Wave Duel Pro which was never available in the US). The apex of the bevel was in a spot that still worked for heel/midfoot strikers and made for an interesting/fast ride. The Wave Rebellion Pro 2 takes that even further with a bevel design that works almost exclusively for mid and forefoot strikers. Combined with a bouncier midsole, this super shoe continues the 2024 super racing shoe trend toward increased aggressiveness Whether that translates to faster times will depend on the individual. 

Hoka Mafate Three2 Review (2024)

Hoka Mafate Three2 Review: Trail Walking for the Streets (Street Walking for the Trails??)
By Matthew Klein

Although our name is "Doctors of Running", we are increasingly looking at shoes that can be used for walking and standing. Part of this comes from the fact that the majority of running shoes can also be used for casual purposes. The other part comes from that fact that most running shoe purchases in the United States are actually for walking and standing. Using running shoes for this purpose is great because the quality is often far higher than normal casual shoes, the cushioning is far better and the shoes are designed far more anatomically (not always, but sometimes). Many companies have taken this and repurposed older models into walking shoes, including ASICS, Nike, Saucony and many more. Hoka is clearly following this trend with the release of the Hoka Mafate Three2.  A combination of midsole and upper from the third and second versions, the Hoka Mafate Three2 brings a high level of trail shoe quality into a shoe meant for casual wear but still packs enough tech to be used as a running shoe if you choose.

Best Salomon Running Shoes | Buyer's Guide (2024)

When you think about Salomon, you think about trails - at least I did before getting to know Salomon in 2023. The brand is much more than just being a leader in trail shoes and gear though, with plenty of road offerings and active gear for just about any outdoor activity. In this guide to Salomon, we're focusing on the running side of things, exploring the brand's history in the running space, their technology, and of course their running shoe line-up.

Monday Shakeout: Can Running Shoes Reduce Injuries?

The Monday Shakeout: Can Running Shoes Reduce Injuries?
By Matthew Klein 

In this week's Monday Shakeout, Matt discusses some research on whether shoes play a role in injury or reducing injury.

How Injury Played a Role in Shaping Nathan's Favorite Shoes of 2023 | DOR Podcast #172

 

How Injury Played a Role in Shaping Nathan's Favorite Shoes of 2023
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 172

Happy New Year runners! While we're excited for 2024, we still have lots about 2023 to talk about with this week's podcast. Senior Contributor Nathan Brown shares his favorite shoes of the past year (along with those that didn't quite work out) and discusses working through an injury that's greatly slowed his running journey as of late. Learn how he's dealt with the injury and get a few tips on how he came to choose the best footwear for him based on his needs.

Path Projects Apparel Review (2024)

Path Projects Review: Crafting the Perfect Running Clothes
A Doctors of Running Team Editorial

Path Projects is a premium apparel company that aims to provide quality running clothing for any terrain. The clothing is made with runners in mind, placing an emphasis making clothing that is light, moisture-wicking, durable, and protective. Their fabrics feature a lot of stretch for comfort, without overstretching the material, which goes back to the durability and long term use. We tested several of their line to learn more about the brand and offer some of our thoughts on the growing apparel brand.

Nike Alphafly 3 Review (2024)

Nike Alphafly 3 Review: Back in Business
By Andrea Myers, Matthew Klein, & David Salas

The original Nike Alphafly hit the market with a bang. The Sub2 marathon project was essentially a massive advertising campaign around it, with the original Vaporfly just missing and the Alphafly managing to finally get under the mark (Ok, really it was Kipchoge that did that, not the shoes). Regardless of advertising campaigns, it was a shoe that clearly broke the mold that only a few, if any, companies have been able to get a product out that is even remotely close to (even to this day). Version two was a fangless version of the original, featuring a less aggressive, heavier and more public-friendly ride that did not have the same magic. The Alphafly 3 clearly makes up for that, coming in lighter than the original, more aggressive and faster. Those who were frustrated with version two should know the newest version is worth the wait and takes back the top spot as one of the ultimate distance racing shoes.

Editor's note: Is it Alphafly Next% 3? Alphafly ZoomX Next% 3? We're not going to worry about it. In fact, #ShorterNamesforShoes is our new 2024 campaign. Join the revolution!

Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 10 Review (2023)

Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 10: Energy Rods 2.0
By Matthew Klein

It has been almost 10 years since I first reviewed the Adidas Takumi Sen 2 on this website. It was a shoe that I instantly fell in love with and raced every distance from the mile to the half marathon in (I was not running full marathons and was still running sub-15 min 5ks at that time). It was a snappy and fast shoe, featuring a torsion system that extended all the way into the forefoot that I loved running fast in. I still have a pair that I have kept in pristine condition. The arrival of the Takumi Sen 10 made me grab my originals to try on for comparison. Despite sharing the same name and lineage, the two shoes could not feel more different. Regardless of the dissimilarities, the Takumi Sen remains as one of the longest-running racing shoe series (besides the Adios series). The newest Takumi Sen, despite some major changes from the original, comes with mild changes in this version. Featuring redesigned Energy Rods, a slightly different upper, and the same dual layer of Lightstrike Pro, The Takumi Sen 10 remains fairly consistent to the last two versions.

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2 Review (2024)

 

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2: Second Times the Charm
By Matthew Klein, David Salas, and Andrea Myers

The original Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash was a bit of an anomaly. Despite having a higher stack height, it was one of the firmest shoes many of us had tried in years. In an era of super soft, cushioned shoes, the Flash stood out as a snappy firm one. This wasn't a surprise coming from Mizuno, who traditionally for years put out firmer shoes until recently. The Rebellion Flash 2 moves away from that with a design inspired by the Rebellion Pro series. A top layer of super foam (Enerzy Lite+), a bottom layer of non-super foam (Enerzy) and a glass fiber plate bring this new shoe into direct competition with the increasing number of new-age, super shoe-inspired performance trainers.

Monday Shakeout: The Best Shoes of 2023, Highly Specific Reasons Edition

The Monday Shakeout: The Best Shoes of 2023, Highly Specific Reasons Edition
By Bach Pham

For our last best of 2023, we're covering a few shoes that came out in the past year that really caught our eye and went on to be a bit unnoticed, despite either being innovative, useful for a specific reason, or just being interesting for what it is. PS: We've had an incredible time in 2023 bringing you over 175 written features, 200+ videos, and 51 podcasts. We're excited to do it again in 2024! Thanks so much for being a friend.