Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 Review (2025)

Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 Review
By Matthew Klein

The original Puma ForeverRun Nitro was a conundrum. It was an exciting addition to the stability category in a time when that category was shrinking. It provided several unique guidance components, including a slightly elevated medial 1st MTP joint, a slight elevation in the insole to act as a mild metatarsal lift, a guidance line in the outsole and a medial sidewall. However, a clunky heel, a challenging fit and what ended being a shoe better for forefoot strikers felt like an incomplete package. Fortunately, Puma put some serious work into the newest version, which returns an almost completely different and far better shoe. A far smoother heel transition, a new stability design and a far more comfortable upper takes the ForeverRun Nitro serious from a speed bump to a front line contender among stability shoes. 

On Cloudsurfer Next Review (2025)

On Cloudsurfer Next Review
By David Salas and Andrea Myers

When On initially came onto the footwear scene, many people dismissed their footwear as athleisure shoes. Though aesthetically pleasing for many, On has continued to push forward and pump out many run specific models. One of the recent lines of shoes that many grew to enjoy is the Surfer line. The Cloudsurfer uses a midsole that they call Cloudtec Phase, which does not use the traditional Speedboard seen in On running shoes. The On Cloudsurfer is categorized as a daily training shoe, while the On Cloudsurfer Next is a lighter training shoe that gives versatility for workouts and long runs.  

This or That? Comparing the Best Max Cushion and Super Shoes Available Now | DOR Podcast #230

 

This or That? Comparing the Best Max Cushion and Super Shoes Available Now
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 230

Supplements areeverywhere these days, from ads to influencers, to athletes. Andrea is joined by returning guest Jenn Giles (MS, RDN, CSSD) to sort through the myriad of supplements available to runners. Jenn gives us valuable insight on how to find safe and true-to-the-label supplements, which is harder than it may seem. They take a look at the performance benefits (and risks) of things like caffeine, protein powder, and vitamin D, and explore newly popular possible performance enhancers like ketones and sodium bicarbonate.

The Best Stable Neutral Running Shoes (2025)

When we put together our Guide to Stability, we also helped define a segment of running shoes that we felt existed, but wasn't amplified. We ended up coining the term "stable neutral" to help put a name to the trend. Stable neutral shoes have steadily become a growing part of the industry in recent years. Especially as maximal cushioning as gone from a corner of running to the norm, companies have been working to balance these tall stack heights with a variety of design features to create stable platforms. In this feature, we further define stable neutral shoes and offer our current favorites in the market today.

Brooks Launch 11 Review (2025)

Brooks Running Launch 11 Review
By David Salas and Andrea Myers

As a company, Brooks has always done a good job of having a shoe at a price point that will work for nearly all consumers. The entry level lines have traditionally been the Brooks Launch and Revel. The Revel has focused on easy efforts, while the Launch focuses on having a more lively feel to it. The newest iteration of the Launch uses DNA Flash, a supercritical midsole, as the main base. The forefoot has a touch of DNA Flash V2 for some additional bounce and snappiness. The Launch is an entry level speed day shoe or lightweight trainer. 

Monday Shakeout: Best Racing Shoes that Can Handle Orthotics?

The Monday Shakeout: Best Racing Shoes that Can Handle Orthotics?
By Matthew Klein

This week we talk about whether super racing shoes and orthotics mix. While most do not (we explain why below), there are still some options out there for those that feel most comfortable or prefer to run with their orthotics. We want to remind you that racing shoes are not typically designed with orthotics in mind but as always we will try to provide some guidance on finding a solution. 

From Caffeine to Vitamins: Which Supplements are Best for Runners? | DOR Podcast #229

  

 

From Caffeine to Vitamins: Which Supplements are Best for Runners?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 229

Supplements areeverywhere these days, from ads to influencers, to athletes. Andrea is joined by returning guest Jenn Giles (MS, RDN, CSSD) to sort through the myriad of supplements available to runners. Jenn gives us valuable insight on how to find safe and true-to-the-label supplements, which is harder than it may seem. They take a look at the performance benefits (and risks) of things like caffeine, protein powder, and vitamin D, and explore newly popular possible performance enhancers like ketones and sodium bicarbonate.

A Guide to Running Shoe Terminology

A Guide to Running Shoe Terminology
By Matthew Klein

This week we have decided to define several terms that we use frequently but have begun to realize are not common language. As a group of clinicians and educators, our goal is to help people understand what they are putting on their feet or how they are training. This can include terms and jargon that we may take our understanding of for granted, so to help you along this journey of knowledge, we have laid out several below that we commonly use. This list will likely evolve and we may even move this to a more official page. For now, we hope this helps clarify our language!

Nike Pegasus Premium Review (2025)

Nike Pegasus Premium Review
By Matthew Klein

The Nike Pegasus is the oldest running shoe series currently on the market. There have been a few variations over the 40+ years this shoe including the Pegasus Turbo, Pegasus Trail and most recently the Pegasus Plus. A new move by Nike will now bring us three levels of each of their trainers (Pegasus, Vomero and Structure) including a plus version, the inline version and a premium version.  The Pegasus Premium is the first super stack Pegasus with a superfoam ZoomX top layer, full-length Zoom Air, and a bottom layer of ReactX. This makes for a unique shoe that will also work for a unique runner. 

On Cloudboom Strike Review (2024): Their Bounciest Super Shoe Yet

On Cloudboom Strike Review
By David, Salas, Nathan Brown and Andrea Myers

Due to some recent success from some of their major athletes, such as Helen Obiri, On Running has had a lot more eyes looking at their super shoes. On decided to continue pushing innovation towards a more unique super shoe offering in the Cloudboom Strike by creating what they call a bounce board in the sock liner. This creates a softer and more plush loading experience through toe off on the carbon plate. Was it a hit for the team? Find out below.  

NEW: 100 Mile Review of the On Cloudboom Strike

Mailbag! Best Shoes for Shin Splints? The Role of Flexibility in Shoes? Best Ultramarathon Shoes? | DOR Podcast #228

 

 

Mailbag! Best Shoes for Shin Splints? The Role of Flexibility in Shoes? Best Ultramarathon Shoes?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 228

We're back with a new mailbag episode! The team answers your running and running shoe questions. In this edition, the team discusses shin splints and the best shoes that we'd look for in dealing with them. They also break down their favorite walking shoes and discuss some of our favorite options for ultramarathons. Got a question for our next mailbag? Send it over to doctorsofrunning@gmail.com!

ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 Review (2025)

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 Review
By Matthew Klein

The ASICS Nimbus series is one of the longest running premium daily training shoes on the market. When I worked in running stores (long ago), this was the shoe that was requested for those wanting the most or the softest cushioning. This shoe has kept this even in the face of massive changes to the industry, being one of the first shoes in its category to move above 40mm of stack height in the heel. Version 27 continues the trend of increasing the stack height but makes some unique changes that are a first for the series that not only provides a cushioned ride, but a smooth one as well. 

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.

Which to Choose? Breaking Down Saucony’s Running Shoe Lineup | Podcast #227

 

 

Which to Choose? Breaking Down Saucony’s Running Shoe Lineup
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 227

In this edition of the pod, Matt and David dive deep into the world of Saucony running shoes. They discuss the brand's popular daily trainers, like the Ride and Triumph, known for their comfort and versatility. Next, they explore stability models, such as the Guide and Hurricane. Then the reach for speed with the Endorphin line, featuring the Trainer, Speed, Pro, and Elite (and Sinister, though not technically an "Endorphin" shoe). Finally, Matt and David discuss a few of their trail offerings for when you're ready for some off-road action. What's your favorite Saucony shoe? Let us know at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com!

Saucony Endorphin Trainer Review (2025)

Saucony Endorphin Trainer Review
By Matthew Klein and Andrea Myers

While the Saucony Pro and Speed series have had clear distinctions within the Endorphin line, the last shoe has always had a popular but slightly odd placement. While the Endorphin Shift series was incredibly popular, so much so that we and consumers are still looking for a true replacement, it was slightly out of place in the Endorphin line given the lack of a plate and a full EVA midsole. When the Shift was discontinued, the Kinvara Pro sounded like a replacement with a carbon plate, a top layer of PWRRUN PB and being labeled a trainer for many or a racer for recreational runners. While public confusion around the name may have hampered it continuing (to be fair, the story behind the name did make sense), the Saucony Endorphin Trainer now serves as a much improved replacement that finally rounds out the Endorphin series. Featuring a top layer of the new IncrediRun foam with a 3/4 carbon plate and some outsole rubber, the Endorphin Trainer greatly improves on the Kinvara Pro for those that want a shoe that excels at training, workout paces and even racing for the recreational runner.