Saucony Peregrine 14 Review (2024)

Saucony Peregrine 14 Review: A Different Bird
By Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

The Saucony Peregrine series has long been a staple trail shoe. Released at a similar time to the Kinvara and Kinvara Trail, the Peregrine has maintained a good combination of having a lower drop, being a bit lighter but still being durable enough for a variety of trails. The Saucony Peregrine 13 was a favorite and was one of the times the series felt like a trail racing shoe. A slightly snug, nimble ride felt great for a variety of trail runs and even when picking up the pace. Despite having similar designs and materials to version 13, version 14 is different. A slightly wider fit, slightly softer ride, a higher stack height and a little more weight make version 14 a more relaxed, easier and longer-effort trail shoe compared to prior versions. 

Monday Shakeout: How Much Does Doctors of Running Make? Report #6

 

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 sixth report, we recap our biggest six month period ever. This report is a bit late because we've been trying to sort some info out these months, but before we got to mid-2024, we wanted to get this out so we could share a bit about what's been going on for the team.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 Analysis: Differing Opinions! | DOR Podcast #188

 

 

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 Analysis: Differing Opinions! and Customizing Review Searches for Optimal Running Performance
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 188

If you've been following Doctors of Running for a while, you know we don't always agree on shoes we test. Today Matt & Andrea host a special episode to discuss their differing opinions on Saucony's latest racer, the Endorphin Pro 4. Andrea loves it at 5K/10K pace while Matt enjoys it most at marathon/tempo paces. They dig into what make their experiences different, how biomechanics influence our perception of shoes (especially super shoes), and how to find the best racing shoe for you.

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

 

Formed around 2010 and launched in 2012, the Swiss company centers their running around a technology known as CloudTec which aims to deliver "soft landings" and "firm and stable push off." In this guide, we talk about the brand and discuss the running shoes offered by On. We also provide a few recommendations for those interested in trying their unique offerings.

On Cloudsurfer Trail Review (2024)

On Cloudsurfer Trail Review
By Matthew Klein

The On Cloudsurfer 7 was one of the first well-cushioned On models. Since that time, their models have been continually refined, improved and closing in on their "running on clouds" tagline. Unexpectedly, On has decided to release a trail version, although this is not uncommon among popular companies. Although often fairly good shoes, this is always surprising coming from companies that have excellent trail shoes. What is most surprising is that the On Cloudsurfer Trail is almost a better road shoe than its road counterpart. A hybrid road/trail shoe that leans more road than trail, the Cloudsurfer trail is for those who run mostly run with an occasional venture onto softer, well-groomed surfaces.

Brooks Caldera 7 Review (2024)

Brooks Caldera 7 Review
By David Salas

The Brooks Caldera is the highly cushioned trail running shoe for the company. The shoe has always been characterized by having large amounts of foam, decent traction, and no rock plate. The shoe continues its lineage with a few tweaks in the midsole and fit. 

Salomon Index.03 Review (2024)

Salomon Index.03 Review
By David Salas and Bach Pham

The Index series from Salomon was created as part of Salomon's major sustainability initiative to try and create a fully recyclable shoe that performed. The project focuses on designing a model that could both serve the original purpose and find a new afterlife rather than going straight to the trash yard. The Salmon Index.03 is the third in the line, designed to be repurposed into ski boots for a second life.

Monday Shakeout: What Happens to Midsoles As They Wear Out?

The Monday Shakeout: What Happens to Midsoles As They Wear Out?
By Matthew Klein

This week Matt takes a look at the life of a midsole, and what happens as they are run in over time. We release a Shakeout each Monday focusing on a new topic from the team. Have an idea for us? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com

Matt's Masters Runners Research, In-Depth | DOR Podcast #187

 

 

Matt's Masters Runners Research, In-Depth
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 187

Our very own Matt Klein is approaching the finish line on his dissertation research on masters runners. On this episode he and Nathan break down his findings! Matt's research takes a look at biomechanical changes in masters runners and the prevalence of Achilles and calf injuries. Matt explains the methodology of his two studies and what conclusions can be drawn from them. They also explore how the average runner can maximize their longevity and performance as they age.

Best Shoes for People with Posterior Tibial Tendinopathy (Shoes with Medial Support)

Running Shoes for Posterior Tibial Tendon Problems
(shoes with stability and medial guidance)

Our perspective on stability and guidance are one of the many things that make Doctors of Running unique. I, Matt Klein, generally need at least mild stability in my footwear. Like many of our readers, I have continued to navigate and understand what a stability shoe is, what options there are out there, what actually provides stability/guidance and who stability actually works best for. Recent research has suggested that stability shoes tend to benefit those with a history of pronation-related injuries or who are unable to control the natural pronation motion during gait (Malisoux et al., 2016; Williems et al., 2021). One of the primary muscles responsible for controlling and that can be injured with poor control of pronation is the posterior tibialis. Those who experience pathology in this muscle/tendon often find relief and comfort with stability shoes and we have put together a guide on shoes that may help those who struggle with injuries or problems with this tissue.

Guide to Saucony Running Shoes (2024)

Welcome to our guide to Saucony footwear! In recent years, Saucony has made a surge to being a leading brand given its variety of options, integration of foam technology into footwear, and ability to democratize high-performance materials in packages appropriate for all runners. They offer a vast array of footwear both for the road and the trails. In this feature we will cover Saucony’s history, unique technology, and their current running shoe lineup.  

On Cloudmonster Hyper Review (2024)

On Cloudmonster Hyper Review
By David Salas and Andrea Myers

The On Cloudmonster Hyper is a maximum cushioned training shoe that is meant to tackle everything from daily mileage to long runs and workouts. The shoe introduces Helion HF, the midsole from the CloudBoom Echo 3, into a training shoe that is encapsulated and surrounded by their traditional CloudTec foam. An interesting expansion from the Cloudmonster line that is quite different and an obvious entry into the Super Trainer category, the On Cloudmonster Hyper is something new while still being classically On.  

Altra Vanish Carbon 2 Review (2024)

Altra Vanish Carbon 2 Review
By Matthew Klein, Andrea Myers, and David Salas

I have mixed feelings about the original Vanish Carbon. As someone who loves an anatomic toe box, I was so excited to experience a zero drop, anatomic super shoe. Although it was still a fun shoe, there were a few draw backs. Durability was one as I ripped the posterior lateral outsole off within 15 miles. The other issue was that the foam, despite being fun and supposedly PEBAX, did not feel super. It was a great shoe that I continued to train in, but the above reasons never made me consider it for a race. The second time is the charm in this case, as much of that has been fixed in the Altra Vanish Carbon 2. Despite still having "EGO PRO" foam, the material looks, feels and smells like PEBAX. The fit is still amazing, the outsole has improved a little and now we finally have a zero-drop, anatomic super racing shoe on the market. 

Monday Shakeout: Do Super Shoes Reduce Muscle Soreness?

The Monday Shakeout: Do Super Shoes Reduce Muscle Soreness? 
By Matthew Klein

In this week's Shakeout, Matt explores a question runners have reported on and off since super shoes have been in the market: do super shoes actually reduce muscle soreness, allowing us to run more? Matt looks at a recent study that helps provide some considerations.

Mailbag! Best Daily Trainers of 2024 So Far, Rehabbing Bone Stress Injuries, and Flat Foot Pain | DOR Podcast 186

 

Mailbag! Best Daily Trainers of 2024 So Far, Rehabbing Bone Stress Injuries, and Flat Foot Pain
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 186

It's another DOR mailbag: time to answer more of your questions. Nathan, David, and Matt tackle your questions about bone stress injuries, rehabbing from them, youth athletics, flat feet, and more. We want to hear from you! Let us know what your favorite daily trainer this year has been. Have more mailbag questions for us? Email us at doctorsofrunningpodcast@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram.

Brooks Catamount 3 Review (2024)

Brooks Catamount 3 Review
By Matthew Klein

With the continued trend of maximal stack heights and the recent injection of super foams onto the trail scene, finding moderate stack height, lighter trail shoes has been challenging. Most shoes are either minimal and extremely light or high stack with super foams. The Catamount series has stayed consistent over the last few years in weight and design, sticking to a moderate stack height and a mid-9 oz weight. Version 3 looks similar to Version 2, but boasts some upper updates that greatly improve the fit of the shoe. Brooks clearly thinks they have a winner and have attempted to carefully refine the shoe to not disappoint those who have run in prior versions. 

Brooks Glycerin 21 Review (2024)

Brooks Glycerin 21 Review
By David Salas

The Brooks Glycerin series receives a new DNA Loft V3 midsole aimed at creating a more plush and comfortable experience. The upper has also been altered to allow for a more streamlined fit without sacrificing the plush nature of the shoe and breathability. The Glycerin is the premium neutral trainer for the company. It also features a counterpart in the Glycerin GTS 21, which is the premium stability trainer of the duo.

For Matt's Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 Review, visit Page 2

Topo Ultrafly 5 Review (2024)

Topo Ultrafly 5 Review
By Matthew Klein

The Topo Ultrafly series has been a favorite clinical suggestion of mine for years. The wider anatomic toe box, mild medial post, good stability integration and moderate to lower drop fit the bill for many different pathologies, but primarily for walking and standing. The firmer ride made it slightly challenging to suggest as a running shoe except for those who want the additional firmness, which can add to the inherently stable ride. Version 5 fixes this issue with a taller stack height and a slightly softer ride This dramatically improves the shoe on the run, which may make this Ultrafly as popular as it deserves to be. 

Monday Shakeout: Are Wrist-Based Heart Rate Monitors as Good as Chest Straps?

The Monday Shakeout: Are Wrist-Based Heart Rate Monitors as Good as Chest Straps?
By  Andrea Myers

In this week's Monday Shakeout, Andrea talks about a much-debated subject in the running world - that of watch-based vs. chest strap heart rate monitor. What's best? Are wrist-based accurate? Andrea looks to research in today's article to see what the science says.

How is it Stable? Breaking Down the Parts of the Shoe that Create Stability | DOR Podcast 185

 

 

How is it Stable? Breaking Down the Parts of the Shoe that Create Stability
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 185

If you know anything about Doctors of Running, you know we care a lot about stability and helping you find the best shoe for you. On this episode, Matt Klein breaks down stability, both in shoes and in biomechanics. He also breaks down different methods brand use to add stability to their shoes. Ever been told you need a stability shoe? Ever wondered what sidewalls or sole flair are? This is the episode for you.

Brooks Anthem 6 Review (2024)

 

Brooks Anthem 6 Review
By Bach Pham

There's no question that the price for shoes today is high. The market has shifted each year higher and higher than the last, with shoe costs between $120-$180 for the most popular training models. To find a quality budget running shoe new in the market today is quite difficult. Almost every major company has a line of running footwear in the budget category today, ones that you can find at most box stores in the US. The quality of this category is incredibly wide ranging though, and can be hard to navigate. A perfect example of this is today's shoe, the Brooks Anthem 6 - their $85 trainer.

inov8 Trailfly Review (2024)

inov8 Trailfly Review
By Matthew Klein 

Inov8 has been making some big changes recently. From the debut of a maximalist shoe (Ultra G 280) to some updated TPU foams, the company traditionally known for being more minimalist was clearly trying some other things. The only weird part about a more minimally/naturally inspired company is that the toe boxes were not the most anatomic and the shoes often ran on the narrow side. Beyond this company, wide-footed trail runners have always struggled given that most trail shoes tend to be narrow and snug. Outside of Altra and Topo, wide-toe box trail shoes are rare, making it challenging for wide-footed runners to find their Goldilocks fit. Two new options for them have now entered the market from Inov8. The Trailfly and Trailfly Speed both come in wide options, providing not only anatomic toe box but a ample fit throughout to accommodate those with wider feet or those who experience swelling over a variety of distances. 

Hoka Mach 6 Review (2024)

Hoka Mach 6 Review
By Matthew Klein & David Salas

The Mach series has taken over Clifton's spot as Hoka's main shoe with a cult following. An extremely popular model for the combination of lightness and cushioning, it changed from its original few confusing models to something consistently good in Versions 4 and 5. The Mach 6 makes some drastic changes, dropping some weight, adding a solid amount of responsiveness, revamping the geometry and completely changing the upper. It is always a bit scary to dedicated consumers of a popular shoe when it is changed. While its overall function has remained, whose feet it will fit may be a different story. 

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 Review (2024)

 

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 Review
By Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

Since version 2, the Saucony Endorphin Pro series has undergone major changes. Part of that is the company switching to two-year cycles, allowing for greater development time. Version 3 was a drastic change that finally brought an incredibly bouncy midsole to this series. Although said to still be PWRRUN PB, the mixture was clearly different. Some liked the snug fit and bouncy ride, while others were torn. What was challenging was the similar specs to the Endorphin Elite, despite the two shoes being different. The Endorphin Pro 4 changes the entire shoe while keeping some elements around. A new geometry, a top layer of PWRRUN HG, and a brand new upper with more volume are just some of the changes to Saucony's most recent version of its original super racer. 

Monday Shakeout: Everything Is Becoming Maximalist and Super

The Monday Shakeout: Everything is Becoming Maximalist and Super
By Matthew Klein

In this week's Monday Shakeout, Matt discusses the latest trend in running shoes that we're seeing from companies. What happens when everything becomes a mini-super shoe? Matt provides an answer to a common question we get around training in super footwear.