Kara Goucher on Living with Dystonia, the Nike Oregon Project and Protecting Female Athletes | DOR Podcast 184

 

Kara Goucher on Living with Dystonia, the Nike Oregon Project and Protecting Female Athletes
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 184

On this episode, Matt & Andrea have the privilege of interviewing Olympian Kara Goucher. Kara's just released her book, the Longest Race, Inside the Secret World of Abuse, Doping, and Deception on Nike's Elite Running Team. They cover many facets of Kara's story, from her current struggles with runner's dystonia to her integral part in exposing the Nike Oregon Project and Alberto Salazar. They also discuss how excel at any fitness level, finding joy in running by feel, and encouraging female runners of all ages.

Guide to Brooks Running Shoes (2024)

Welcome to our guide to Brooks Running footwear! Brooks has been a leader among specialty running for years thanks to their focus on the recreational runner and step-in comfort. Their technology focuses on maximizing the runner's unique movement path, providing semi-customized cushioning and a variety of fits for each runner's individual needs. They have a vast road line with variations on the same shoe for different fits and levels of stability. Brooks continues to have the most extensive line of stability shoes on the market from faster shoes up to motion control shoes, which is rare in today's footwear landscape. Being a Seattle-based company, they also have a strong focus on sustainability and keep the environment in mind with the development of their footwear. In this feature, we will cover Brooks's history, unique technology, and their current running shoe lineup.

Altra Mont Blanc Carbon Review (2024)

Altra Mont Blanc Carbon Review
By Matthew Klein

While the road super shoe market has become saturated, the trail super shoe market is just beginning to take off. Several companies have made attempts at combining superfoams, plates and maximal geometries for offroad and unstable surfaces. While the first few have been interesting, there is a clear need for continued development. Ahead of many footwear companies, Altra has taken the popular Mont Blanc and turned it into a super shoe, adding a Carbitex plate and full-length EGO PRO. The result is the only zero drop, anatomic super trail shoe on the market.

Brooks Ghost 16 Review (2024)

Brooks Ghost 16 Review
By Matthew Klein and David Salas

The Brooks Ghost is one of the long standing daily trainers that most runners can name off of the top of their head. The shoe has always had a classic ride and profile. The shoe features a high drop heel to toe ratio and a neutral ride. The Ghost 16 receives some updates, with the big update being a new midsole. 

Monday Shakeout: Do We Adapt to Shoes or Do Shoes Adapt to Us?

The Monday Shakeout: Do We Adapt to Shoes or Do Shoes Adapt to Us?
By  Matthew Klein

In this week's Monday Shakeout, Matt shares a late night thought he had about footwear and whether it is about us breaking into the shoe or the shoe breaking-in to the runner. He looks at both sides of the coin in this feature and talks about adaptation. Check out all of our Monday Shakeouts at the end for more think pieces from the team!

Running Science! Breaking Down Three Studies on Running-Related Injuries | DOR Podcast 183

 

Running Science! Breaking Down Three Studies on Running-Related Injuries
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 183

We’re excited to launch the first episode in our running research series! We want to share with runners important studies related to running and hope this series is a good way to dip into the research that stands out to our team.  In today’s podcast, Nathan talks about the science of running injuries. He breaks down three different studies looking at the science behind injuries, their risk factors, and more. If you're looking for a science-backed approach to reducing your injury risk and optimizing your training, tune in!

Best Shoes for People with Haglund's Deformity (Shoes without Rigid Heel Counters)

 

Running Shoes for People with Haglund's Deformity
Or, the Shoes without Rigid Heel Counters List

Heel counters are one of the many footwear components that are commented on here at Doctors of Running. Heel counters are (usually) a rigid piece of material embedded in or molded around the upper of the rearfoot. The purpose is to provide structure to this part of the shoe and potentially stabilize the heel. There are now several variations, going from ones that wrap completely around the heel, to split heel counters (a piece left out at the rearmost portion) and even super thin heel counters just to keep the upper from collapsing. While many people do well with these stiffening agents, some with sensitivities at or around their heel sometimes do not.

Hylo Athletics Impact Review (2024)

Hylo Athletics Impact Review
By Bach Pham and Matthew Klein

There is increasing talk about sustainability in the footwear world. As the realization has come regarding the excessive waste that occurs with the production and disposal of shoes, particularly running shoes. A few companies have debuted bio-based shoes, but most did not completely push into the performance realm. Hylo Athletics came onto the scene in 2022 with a fully green, bio-based shoe that was a learning experience. It was a firm, thin-soled shoe that served as a proof of concept for the company. The Hylo Impact is a completely different, serious performance running shoe. Featuring a large amount of nitrogen-infused sugarcane-based midsole with a competitive daily training weight and a comfortable fit, the Hylo Impact certainly lives up to its name.

Monday Shakeout: Research on Finding Optimal Shoes and the RUN-CAT

The Monday Shakeout: Research on Finding Optimal Shoes and the RUN-CAT
By Matthew Klein

We've talked about RUN-CAT a few times at Doctors of Running. Matt provides a full overview in this week's Shakeout to discuss why it is such a powerful tool for selecting shoes.

How Much Faster are Super Spikes? Weight vs. Stack Height, and Super Shoe Benefits for Elites vs. Non-Elites | DOR Podcast 182

 

How Much Faster are Super Spikes? Weight vs. Stack Height, and Super Shoe Benefits for Elites vs. Non-Elites
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 182

Our own David Salas is heading into a season of track racing and that got Matt Klein and him wondering...what's better for track racing: super shoes or super spikes? From there they spin off into debating whether our bodies plateau in their adaptation to super shoes, how super shoe adaptation may be effecting elite marathoners, and what this all means for the recreational runner.

Best Carbon Plated Running Shoes (2024)

Carbon Plated Running Shoe Resource Page

The current trend in racing shoes has been toward super foams and carbon fiber plates. Although plates have been used in the past, their popularity has surged. A new age of fast shoes has come about and now a variety of companies have released their products (some in small batches). For the first time (almost ever) there is an interest from the general public (and not just the competitive runners) in finding the fastest shoe to get them across the finish line. We at Doctors of Running thought it would be helpful to have a guide to all the current models to help you choose if and which one may be right for you.

Altra Rivera 4 Review (2024)

Altra Rivera 4 Review: An Altra Shoe for the Narrow Footed Runner
By Andrea Myers & David Salas

The Altra Rivera 4 is a neutral daily usage shoe aimed at giving the user versatility to wear it how they want to. The goal for the shoe is to have the ability to be used from daily walking upwards of daily running and even speedwork. The Rivera series is a mild-to-moderate cushioned neutral shoe that gives you a very natural feel underfoot. 

Monday Shakeout: What is Proprioception and Best Shoes for Ground Feel

The Monday Shakeout: What Do We Mean When We Talk About Proprioception?
By DOR Editorial Team

In this edition of the Monday Shakeout, we're doing a bit of a round-up of sorts on a topic we've talked a lot about: proprioception. Pulling together some selected pieces our team has wrote about proprioception, we hope this piece helps readers get a better understanding of why it can be important to runners when looking for a shoe.

How to Train and Adapt to Super Shoes, Calf Strain Management, and Thoughts on the Metaspeed Edge and Sky | DOR Podcast #181

How to Train and Adapt to Super Shoes, Calf Strain Management, and Thoughts on the Metaspeed Edge and Sky

Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 181

As super shoes become more widespread and accessible, more runners are using them for the bulk of their training. We're often asked about the safety & implications of this, so that's what Matt, David, and Nathan dive right into. They take a look at the biomechanical and training impacts of training in super shoes over the long term, as well as how they could impact your performance. They also give their first thoughts on the newest entries to the super shoe market: the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris and Edge Paris. Finally, they wrap up with a look at calf strains, how to diagnose, manage, and rehab from them.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 7 Review (2024)

Mizuno Wave Horizon 7 Review
By Bach Pham and Matthew Klein

While not the lightest shoe on the market, the Mizuno Wave Horizon series has been a favorite premium high-stability shoe at Doctors of Running. Its early use of guidance principles with a well-integrated medial post has made it an excellent shoe for those wanting more cushioning and a stable ride. Version 6 was unique in today's market as it reintegrated a medial post, upon which version 7 continues to build from. In addition to maintaining the medial post and an updated stretch-woven upper, the Mizuno Wave Horizon 7 adds more stack height, making it tallest and heaviest of this class of shoes. How that performs is worth discussing. 

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 Review (2024)

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 Review: A Super Shoe for Everyone?
By Matthew Klein

The New Balance SC Elite series has been a favorite among recreational runners starting with version two. Although not the fastest shoe, it has continued to be one of the more comfortable super shoes on the market. Part of this has been the lack of aggressiveness due to a non-PEBA foam, an incredibly soft foam and a little extra upper room that often all translated to additional comfort over long miles. The newest version changes some of this with a complete redesign including a new PEBA-based midsole and a redesigned upper. Despite the changes, it still remains one of the most comfortable and less aggressive super shoes on the market. So while not the fastest shoe, it may be one of the more accessible for the majority of the population. 

ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris Review (2024)

ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris Review: Lightest Super Shoe in the Market!?
By Matthew Klein & David Salas

The ASICS Metaspeed Edge is a late bloomer. The original version paled in comparison to the Sky Tokyo and was not even in the conversation of super shoes. The Edge Plus was a massive improvement and superior to the Sky Plus (in my opinion) due to the better transition and stack height but still seemed like it was missing something. The Edge Paris not only improves on the prior Edges but the entire Metaspeed series. It now sits as the lightest super shoe on the market along with the Metaspeed Sky Paris (185g and 183g respectively), featuring an incredible PEBA midsole and a geometry that makes you want to run fast. From something barely worth mentioning to a stand-out racer clearly in the running for the best super shoe of 2024, the Edge Paris steals the show and is worth considering if it matches your needs and mechanics.

Salomon Ultra Flow Review (2024)

Salomon Ultra Flow Review: Well-Priced Road-to-Trail
By David Salas

The Salmon Ultra Flow is a trail running shoe that is designed to do some running on the road as well. The shoe has cushioning and varying terrain in mind. The midsole cushioning and lug pattern are designed to run through both hard road surfaces as well as trail terrain. This hybrid shoe is also at a juicy price point of $119.95. 

Guava Family Roam Stroller Review (2024)

Guava Family Roam Stroller Review: For Running Families
By Chief Editor Matt Klein 

Although my daughter is now 6 months old, I began looking into running strollers long before she even came into this world. My wife and I have spent our entire relationship training together, so being able to continue that important time together with a child was important to us. I scoured the internet looking for reviews on different running strollers. I saw things I liked and others that scared me (like tires popping or deflating). Finally after seeing Neely Gracy break the women's world stroller mile record in this stroller with airless tires, I decided to give the Guava Roam Stroller a try. 650 miles of stroller running later, I can confidently say this is one of the best purchases I have ever made.

Mailbag! Best Racing Shoes for Runners with Ankle and Calf Injuries, Debating the Importance of Cadence, and More | DOR Podcast #180

 

Mailbag! Best Racing Shoes for Runners with Ankle and Calf Injuries, Debating the Importance of Cadence, and More
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 180

Time to answer more of your questions! On this episode, Nathan and David tackle listener questions about marathon training, trail shoes, biomechanics and more. Tune in for their take on strategies for nailing a net downhill marathon, running with hip displaysia, and matching shoes to biomechanics. Finally hear their take on who they'd pick if they were forced to choose one shoe brand to build a rotation with!

ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris Review (2024)

 

ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris Review
By Matthew Klein & David Salas

The original ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo was fantastic. Despite some sizing issues, it was one of the first times a brand other than Nike debuted a truly bouncy super shoe. Version two, the "plus" was actually a minus. While the upper finally fit true to size, the midsole felt firm, not responsive and disappointing. My focus went to the Edge Plus and I did not get more miles on the Sky Plus. Seeing prototypes with the special forefoot stripe had my hopes up that something special was coming. After some clear lessons from the Plus, the Sky Paris moves back toward the magic of the original. A flat plate and FF Turbo+ PEBA midsole give it a distinct ride from the Edge Paris that may be best for those who land farther forward and run faster speeds. 

Reebok Floatzig 1 Review (2024)

Reebok Floatzig 1 Review: Classic Meets Modern
By Andrea Myers

The Reebok Floatzig 1 is an innovative take on a classic daily trainer. The eye catching design, which is reminiscent of my 80s and 90s childhood, fits in perfectly with the today's 90s nostalgia. I have gotten more comments on the design of this shoe as compared to most shoes I've tested (mostly from others who grew up in the 80s and 90s). The midsole features Reebok's Floatride Energy foam in a "zig" shape, which helps reduce weight and potentially add some compliance to the ride.