We Rank Our Top 5 COMFORTABLE Running Shoes | DOR Podcast #240

 

 

 

We Rank Our Top 5 COMFORTABLE Running Shoes
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 240

Sometimes it feels like the running world is always in search of the BEST or the FASTEST shoe, but what about comfort? David, Matt, and Nathan rank their five most comfortable shoes and tell you why, and some of the picks are sure to surprise! They also talk about why shoe comfort is so important and how to judge if/why a shoe will be comfortable for you. Let us know what your most comfy shoes are by leaving a comment or emailing us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.

Nike Vaporfly 4 Review (2025): Midfoot and Heel Striker Perspectives

Nike Vaporfly 4 Review
By Matthew Klein and Andrea Myers

Since the debut of the original industry-changing Vaporfly OG, the series has mostly gone through small changes. The stack height slowly increased from the original, which only sat at 31 mm / 21 mm. The weight fluctuated from 6.5 oz to the 7 oz range briefly and then back down to the mid-6 oz range. The upper is what has changed most often, but it has always been easy to spot a Vaporfly regardless of its upper. It has been a standout shoe, the lightest on the market until many recently began to pass it. With the Alphafly series gaining traction for distance runners, something was needed to separate the new Vaporfly series from the rest of the pack. The Vaporfly 4 is it, changing almost everything from prior versions. The lightest weight, the lowest volume fit and the firmest midsole of any Vaporfly thus far, the Vaporfly 4 brings a whole new level of aggressiveness to the series.

Monday Shakeout: How Do I Know If I Need A Stability Shoe?

The Monday Shakeout: How Do I Know If I Need A Stability Shoe?
By Matthew Klein

This week, Matt provides more clarity on a commonly asked question: How do I know if I need a Stability Shoe? He summarizes the current research on this subject, addresses some myths and outlines a simple process for figuring this out.

The Science of Short Distance Racing: Biological Impact, Training, and Shoe Recommendations | DOR Podcast #239

 

 

The Science of Short Distance Racing: Biological Impact, Training, and Shoe Recommendations
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 239

These days the marathon seems to get all the hype, but let's not forget the shorter stuff! David and Andrea team up to talk all things shorter distance training & racing. Lately Andrea's been focusing on middle distance races & David's high school & collegiate career ranged from the 800 to the 5k. They dive into the physiology of speed and endurance, explore training methods, talk shoes, and much more.

Best Running Shoes for Beginners (2025)

The Best Running Shoes for Beginners:
In-depth Guide to Choosing Your First Running Shoe
By the Doctors of Running Editorial Team

At Doctors of Running, we frequently get questions from new runners or those who are interested in starting running about footwear. There are so many companies and shoes that looking for a place to start can be overwhelming. Additionally, the amount of marketing jargon and advertising that is immediately thrown at any new runners can either lead to decision paralysis or choosing an inappropriate shoe that causes the person to end up in one of our offices.

Topo Athletic Phantom 4 Review (2025)

Topo Athletic Phantom 4 Review
By Andrea Myers & David Salas

Topo Athletic has a similar design for most of their shoes. Traditionally they use an atomic fit, a slightly more grounded experience, and a relatively lower drop ratio that ranges from 0mm to 5mm. In recent years they have been expanding their shoes to have some offerings with a little more cushion and rocker. The Phantom 4 is a neutral daily training shoe that provides good cushioning underfoot with a balanced rocker for eating daily mileage. 

Monday Shakeout: Spring 2025 Trail Shoe Round-Up

 

Trail Season: Spring 2025 Trail Shoe Round-Up
By David Salas

In this week's Monday Shakeout David shares a round-up of several trail shoes that have released this year and discuss their pros, cons, and our favorite uses for them. We're excited to talk about some of the companies that we don't see as often!

We Share Our Running Injuries and How We Have Managed Them | DOR Podcast #238

 

 

We Share Our Running Injuries and How We Have Managed Them
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 238

No runner's immune to injury, and that goes for our crew too. Matt, David, and Nathan get together to share their recent running and injury struggles. They discuss what led them to injury, how they've adjusted their running to cope, and strategies they've used to rehab and get back to it. We hope our stories can help you can glean some useful tips on dealing with your own ailments. We'd love to hear your stories too! Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram.

Best Running Shoes for Walking (2025)

Beginner's Guide to Walking,
and the Best Running Shoes for Walking

By DOR Editorial Team

While this website is called "Doctors of Running," we spend a great time personally either walking in the shoes we test or clinically treating/working with people who are having issues walking. Running usually takes only an hour or two of our day. The rest of the time is spent standing, sitting and walking. Running shoes have become extremely popular for everyday use outside of running due to their comfort. With that in mind, we decided to pull together a guide for those coming here looking for great running shoes specifically for walking or standing. The following guide provides a general overview of walking along with some guidelines you should keep in mind. At the very end you can find a list of recommendations for specific shoes we have found excellent for walking and through personal experience using all-day through our clinical work. 

Nike Vomero 18 Review (2025)

Nike Vomero 18 Review
By Matthew Klein

The Nike Vomero series has had a variety of personalities over its lifetime. Meant as a premium training shoe compared to the more standard Pegasus, it has switched from being a highly cushioned model to at times being firmer and more responsive than its standard sibling. Version 17 blended all this history together well with a ZoomX top layer, a durable outsole and a one of the lower weights in the shoes history. It was a favorite of the DOR team in 2024. The Nike Vomero 18 takes a different approach by following the maximal trend. A massive stack height, a better upper fit, a more rockered geometry and a heavier weight return this shoe to its premium, higher cushioned and daily training category. Whether all these changes are good should be discussed. 

Best Stable Running Shoes for Racing (2025)

Best Stable Racing Shoes For Those With Stability Needs
By Matt Klein

In this feature, Matt Klein shares his experience trying to find stable racing shoes in a super stack, less stable footwear landscape. He outlines the current status of stability and super shoes, alternatives and a few hopes for the future. While there are no true super racing shoes on the market and technically only 1 mild stability shoe meant for faster efforts, there are a few stable neutral options that may work for those with mild to moderate stability/guidance needs. 

Monday Shakeout: Do Super Shoes Really Impact Running Economy? | Article Review

The Monday Shakeout: Do Super Shoes Really Impact Running Economy? | Article Review
By Matthew Klein 

This week Matt does a research article review on a recent publication in Footwear Science analyzing what components of super shoes really impact running economy and how they do so. This is part of an ongoing series where we attempt to share and disseminate the current peer-reviewed literature relevant to shoes so consumers and developers can make more evidence-informed decisions. 

Top Diadora Shoes to Try + Insight into Their Shoe Design Process | DOR Podcast #237

 

 

Made in Italy: Diadora Shares Insight into Their Shoe Design Process
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 237

Over the past couple of years, Diadora has been making strides in the American marketplace with a unique set of shoes. On this episode, Matt is joined by Bryan Poerner, CEO of Diadora USA to take a look at what makes Diadora special. Bryan discusses the hands-on, small-team approach they take in designing and developing shoes, quite literally hand made all in Italy from the upper to the outsole. They also share their common history of D3 running, a love of music, and more. Tune in for a look at a truly boutique approach to running shoes!

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Review (2025): A Real Contender

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Review
By Matthew Klein

Salomon, a company typically known for its high performing trail running and outdoor gear, has been slowly making its way onto the road running scene. Their first road line, the Sonic series, was interesting, particularly with a unique and early take on guidance. The ride and foams used were not quite up to par with the rest of the industry but attempts were being made. Next came the Aero series with the Aero Glide being the most noticeable. A decent stack height and a relatively lower weight may it a solid shoe, but it was still hampered by some insole issues and an average midsole material. After a few tries, the Salomon Aero Glide 3 gets it right. With the lightest weight of the series and the best midsole foam so far, the Aero Glide 3 brings a noteworthy road trainer from the Salomon line.

Best Running Shoes with Toe Spring

As Doctors of Physical Therapy, we have a bias toward choosing biomechanically appropriate footwear. For several of us, that includes a bias toward shoes that keep the foot/ankle in more natural positions. That does not mean extreme barefoot or minimal type shoes (although those do have their place) but trying to find shoes that encourage appropriate movement rather than putting the body into extremes. The challenge with that is that some people actually do really well in those extremes. An easy example of this is heel drop. While many people seem to do best in mid level drops, there are others who do much better with a higher or lower heel drop. The same can be said of toe spring, or the upward curve under the toes. We generally suggest finding shoes that have a low toe spring angle as we generally suggest staying away from footwear that keeps your body in positional extremes as this allows the toes to be kept in a neutral position. However, some people actually do well in a shoe with more toe spring, so for those who do better with that attribute, this guide is for you. 

Diadora Nucleo 2 Review (2025)

 

Diadora Nucleo 2 Review
By Bach Pham

Diadora is an Italian sports company that emphasizes Italian-made. They have strongly reengaged in running over the past few years, launching a variety of new lines to the market. Some features we've noticed include a fair amount of stability along with a comfortable insole that makes much of their footwear great for walking. Additionally, they have some insanely fun colors. In this review, we focus on their signature daily driver, the Nucleo.

Nike Victory 2 Review: Gold Medalist Racing

Nike Victory 2 Review
By Andrea Myers

The Nike Victory 2 is a super spike that won numerous Olympic gold medals in Paris, including Cole Hocker in the 1500m, Keely Hodgkinson in the 800m, Faith Kipyegon in the 1500m, Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the 5000, and Beatrice Chebet in the 5000 and 10000. It is marketed as a mid distance spike, although the best athletes in the world have found great success at longer distances in it as well, which may partially be due to its (relatively) increased stability over the original version. The Victory 2 features a carbon Flyplate, a two chamber Air Zoom unit, and an Atomknit upper, while remaining one of the lightest spikes on the market.

Best Running Shoes with a Wide Midfoot (2025)

Best Running Shoes with a Wide Midfoot (Base, Not Fit)
By Matt Klein

In this feature, Matt Klein discusses why midfoot width has become a popular form of stability in the max cushion era of running shoes. He provides insights about the science behind midfoot width and then shares his current top running shoes for training, workouts, and racing that have a good amount of width and stability underfoot - that aren't specifically stability shoes. We will keep this article updated with new shoes that come out that fit the bill.

Buy or Sell? Shoes over 40mm Should Be Legal, Shoes Don’t Need Annual Updates, All Shoes Don’t Need to Be Max Stacked | DOR Podcast #236

 

 

Buy or Sell? Shoes over 40mm Should Be Legal, Shoes Don’t Need Annual Updates, All Shoes Don’t Need to Be Max Stacked
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 236

Catch David and Matt on another edition of our favorite debate game: buy or sell! They cover super shoes over 40mm, brand fit issues, stability super shoes, flexible racers, yearly updates, laces, and more. Tune in for some hot, and slightly unhinged, takes.

ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 Review (2024): 100 Mile Update

ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 Review
By Matthew Klein

The Kayano experienced an extreme overhaul as it entered its third decade. Transitioning from a consistent traditional medially posted shoe, the new Kayano featured both stable neutral and geometrical stable elements combined with a unique resilient midfoot block meant to spring the arch into and out of pronation. The result was somewhat polarizing, but the Kayano series has maintained its popularity fitting into today's maximal world. Version 31 makes some subtle changes that refine the upper, increases the midfoot bounce and continues this trajectory as an enlightened premium stability shoe.