Monday Shakeout: Summer 2025 Trail Shoe Round-Up

 

Monday Shakeout: Summer 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!

Our Top 3 Keys for Strength and Conditioning for Runners | DOR Podcast #248

Gotta fuel up right?

 

Our Top 3 Keys for Strength and Conditioning for Runners
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 248

Strength training and cross training are some of the best things runners can do to help their performance, and we're passionate about them here at DOR. Nathan, Matt, and David join up to share their keys when it comes to strength & conditioning. They'll give you practical strategies on how to approach strength training in a way you can consistently accomplish, because the best routine is the one you can do on the regular!

Best Shoes for People with Hallux Rigidus (Shoes With Stiff Forefoot Rockers)

 

Best Shoes for People with Hallux Rigidus
Or, the shoes with stiff forefoot rockers.

One of the more commonly affected joints in the foot is the first toe. Also called the "Hallux", the major joint where the toe bends can be impacted by a variety of pathologies. Bunions (Hallux Valgus), gout, turf toe, and sesamoiditis are a few of the conditions that may impact this area. One of the more common problems is a stiffening of this joint, called Hallux Rigidus. This is a fancy term for loss of motion at this joint, which may be caused by a variety of things. 

Mizuno Neo Vista 2 Review (2025): 45mm Super Trainer!

Mizuno Neo Vista 2 Review
By Matthew Klein & Andrea Myers

The original Neo Vista, along with the Rebellion Pro series, was one of the many powerful statements signaling that things were changing at Mizuno. Since that time, we have continued to see interesting models and updates come from this company, including the Neo Zen, the even crazier Rebellion Pro 3 and massive updates to the Rider series (we are excited for v29). The original Neo Vista was a Mizuno's first super trainer, featuring max stack of a unique EVA blended midsole that I (Matt) originally thought was PEBA combined with a full length wave plate. The fully knit upper needed some finessing to secure, but the shoe was enjoyable overall and solidly competed with other super trainers on the market. Version two amps up everything from the original. A slightly taller stack height, a softer ride and a revised knit upper showcase the changes that despite being small, make for a different feeling shoe.

Saucony Hurricane 25 Review (2025)

Saucony Hurricane 25 Review
By Matthew Klein and Bach Pham

Prior to the return of the Hurricane series, we at Doctors of Running lamented what we thought was the death of another stability shoe. The Hurricane series had been a deservedly popular due to a well-cushioned and bouncy midsole that always made it feel lighter than its listed weight. Add a super tough outsole that lasted forever and we were sad the possibility of the series ending came about. A few years later, version 25 was released, making it the first premium stability shoe to feature a superfoam midsole. While the Tempus was the first stability shoe to feature a superfoam, its more aggressive ride did not fit the premium, easier going ride of the Hurricane. The Hurricane 24's return was good, but a bit awkward. A tapered toe box and awkward fit combined with a heavier-than-expected ride for its foam combination, didn't leave the impression we were hoping for with its return. Fortunately, version 25 has corrected a ton of this with a better fit, a lighter ride and an even bouncier and softer feel underfoot. 

Monday Shakeout: Can I Run in Neutral Shoes If I Have Stability Needs?

The Monday Shakeout: Can I run in Neutral Shoes if I have Stability Needs?
By Matthew Klein

This week Matt talks about whether runners who normally run in stability shoes or have stability needs can run in neutral shoes. While the answer may seem easy, there are some nuances that are helpful to consider when it comes to injury risk and staying healthy that many should consider. The human body is quite adaptable, but how far it can adapt and for how long may be different stories. 

Our Best Stable Neutral Shoes of 2025 | DOR Podcast #247

 

Our Best Stable Neutral Shoes of 2025
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 247

You know we love stable neutral shoes at DOR. Matt & David join up to take a look at the state of stable neutral shoes in 2025 and give their favorite picks. They define some key terms like sole flair and sidewalls, then share their favorites for daily training, speed work, and races.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 Review (2025)

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 Review
By Andrea Myers and Matt Klein

For the introductions of the last several iterations of the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite, similar statements have been made. This series has been a steadfast, comfortable, friendly super shoe that has been deservedly popular. While not the fastest super shoe and certainly far from it, the SC Elite has repeatedly made up for this by being incredibly comfortable and a great option for newer or recreational runners using it for everything from long runs to ultramarathon races. The higher volume fit, rockered, less stiff and more comfortable cushioning made it drastically different from other companies offerings. For version 5, this introduction takes a different turn. New Balance has come to the table with something new, more aggressive and faster. A slimmer platform, snugger fit, lighter weight, much stiffer and aggressive ride make for a shoe that loses the friendly approach. The question is, how does this new approach compare to other current day super racers?

Skechers Aero Burst Review (2025)

Skechers Aero Burst Review
By Nathan Brown

In the last 10 years, Skechers has had a few bouts of success regarding its run performance line of shoes. Most notably, the Razor series and Maxroad series gained traction within the running community. However, it has been a few years since we've seen significant updates from Skechers. 2025 is their year for their next major update to shoes with the Aero line. The Aero Burst is the perceived replacement for the Maxroad, filling the space of a maximally cushioned trainer.

Skechers Aero Spark Review (2025)

Skechers Aero Spark Review
By David Salas

Several years ago Skechers gained big popularity for their supercritical EVA Hyper Burst midsole. This was in notable models, including the Skechers GORUN Razor 3, Ride 8, and in other models. This year, Skechers is making a push towards a new lineage of shoes using their Hyper Burst Ice midsole. The series includes the Aero Spark, Aero Burst, and Aero Tempo. The Aero Spark is the versatile lightweight trainer of the bunch that is supposed to give you a little bit of everything.

Mailbag! Shoe Fit of the Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, Minimalist Shoes in 2025, Our Favorite Running Apparel | DOR Podcast #246

 

 

Mailbag! Shoe Fit of the Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, Minimalist Shoes in 2025, Our Favorite Running Apparel
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 246

David & Nathan are here with a mailbag, where we answer your questions. They discuss the upcoming Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, the latest in minimalist/zero-drop shoes, running store shoe fitting, and more. They also share the shoes they've got in for testing and some clothing picks that have stood the test of time. Want your questions answered? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com!

Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 Review (2025): Forefoot Runner's Dream Racing Shoe?

Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 Review
By Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

For a company that took a decent break from running and jumped back in not too long ago, Puma has been aggressively pushing their performance product forward. The craziest among these has been the Fast-R series. Debuting in version one with a split midsole and an exposed plate, this series has seen complete transformations between each version. The challenge with previous versions has been that version one functioned better at shorter distances and version two had a massive weight gain and design that kept it from being a top contender. Puma clearly did their homework this time (literally too with the research involved in this product) and have produced a racing shoe that easily pushes its way into the top tier of of super shoes. As with most elite tools, who will benefit most from this shoe is worth discussing. 

ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 Review (2025): 8mm Drop!

ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 Review
By Matthew Klein

The Kayano series is one that everyone knows. Whether you have seen them or they have seen you, this has been an incredibly popular premium stability shoe for years. For walking or running, this has been the staple of anyone with stability needs wanting a more luxury ride than the GT-2000 or GT-1000 series. While somewhat consistent for years, version 30 was the biggest change for the series maybe ever. The medial post was removed, the narrow platform widened, the snug fit opened and what emerged from the ashes was a maximal, wider fitting, guidance shoe with a stability system that adapted to the runner. Version 31 was similar with a mild upper update yet what continued to pervade despite the update was a clunky heel transition. Despite the demonstration of great bevels in their faster shoes, ASICS still seemed hesitant to take the full leap to improve their heel transition. That has changed with Version 32. While appearing similar at first glance, the Kayano 32 makes several subtle tweaks that add up to a significant change. Being the first Kayano with an 8mm drop and a smooth transition, maybe these are not so subtle...

Brooks Glycerin 22 Review (2025)

Brooks Glycerin 22 Review
By David Salas 

The Brooks Glycerin is fan favorite neutral daily training shoe. The Glycerin series has complemented the Ghost model as the premium companion for many years now. The big update for the Glycerin 22 includes a move to DNA Tuned for the midsole. DNA Tuned is a nitrogen infused midsole, with tweaks in the Glycerin 22 specifically to be softer in the heel and more responsive through the forefoot. 

ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo Review (2025)

ASICS Metaspeed Sky Review
By David Salas

The new Metaspeed series is here! The ASICS Metaspeed Sky and Edge have been the respective super shoes for ASICS over the last few years. These shoes are aimed going fast and having enough cushion to tackle the marathon. The two shoes have slightly different designs with the Sky focusing on the "Stride" runners and the Edge focusing on the "Cadence" runners. The big update to the Sky this year is the inclusion of a new ATPU based midsole named FF Leap. This helps make the shoe even lighter and bouncy than the previous versions. 

Brooks Ghost 17 Review (2025)

Brooks Ghost 17 Review
By Bach Pham and Matthew Klein

The Brooks Ghost is what we call a run retail store special. This neutral daily trainer is classically the model that is often recommended to new runners due to its middle-of-the-road nature. It's never featured the best of the best midsole or crazy geometries or dynamic cutouts that some of the higher tier performance trainers in the Brooks line-up may have, making it a very consistent option for runners. That means those who like the Ghost can keep coming back to the latest model, even years later, and find a similar performance. The Ghost 17, however, breaks the mold a touch by offering one of the best midsoles yet in the series. Is the Ghost finally out to play?

Between Two Feet: Brooks Hyperion Max 3 and Do Super Trainers Make Good Racing Shoes? | DOR Podcast #245

 

 

 

Between Two Feet: Brooks Hyperion Max 3 and Do Super Trainers Make Good Racing Shoes?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 245

Matt & Andrea are back with another installation of Between Two Feet, where they contrast their different experiences in a shoe. Last time it was the Nike Vaporfly 4, and this time it's the Brooks Hyperion Max 3. Brooks completely overhauled the Hyperion Max, one of Andrea's favorite shoes of the past few years, and turned it into a true max-stack supertrainer. With a Pebax plate & a dual-density DNA Flash/DNA Gold midsole, this one's meant for the long miles. Matt & Andrea discuss how their different mechanics affect how they experienced the foam, weight, and geometry of the shoe. They wrap up by offering some supertrainer options as alternatives to super racing shoes.

Saucony Triumph 23 Review (2025)

Saucony Triumph 23 Review
By Matthew Klein

The Saucony Triumph series has had some significant personality changes over the last several years. While continuing to be the premium cushioned model in the Saucony line-up, it has continually switched between a lighter weight, faster feeling shoe and heavier, highly cushioned shoe. With the addition of PWRRUN PB in version 22, the series returned to being a heavier, highly cushioned shoe meant for higher mileage and easy paces. The PWRRUN PB was not responsive, instead tuned specifically to provide higher cushioning for slower efforts. True-to-form with the series' personality changes, the latest version moves somewhat in the opposite direction, debuting as one of the lightest Triumphs ever. With that comes a new, soft and responsive PWRRUN PB midsole, a snug upper and surprising mild medial heel stability. To say that version 23 is different from 22 is an understatement. 

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.

Nike Streakfly 2 Review (2025)

Nike Streakfly 2 Review
By Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

With the explosion of super racing shoes in the last 6-8 years, there has been a complete disappearance of super light racing shoes. While many shoes used to flirt with the sub 5 oz and even 4 oz range, the new category of super racers have mostly stayed in the 7 oz to mid 6 oz at the lightest. Even as the next generation of super marathon shoes starts to dip below the 6 oz range, they are still heavier than where older racing flats left off. That all changes with the Nike Streakfly 2. Featuring a 4.5 oz weight with a full length carbon fiber plate, the Streakfly 2 is the answer for those looking for a superlight super shoe meant for fast races from the mile to 5k (and 10k for more durable runners). 

Buy/Sell with Yowana! The Best Long Run Day? Soft or Firm Midsoles? Favorite Shoes to Review?

 

 

Buy/Sell with Yowana! The Best Long Run Day? Soft or Firm Midsoles? Favorite Shoes to Review?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 244

Matt & David are joined by Yowana for a special episode of hot takes only: Buy/Sell and This or That! We put ourselves on the hot seat here–no gray area, no middle ground. We pick between, and argue over EVA midsoles, $500 shoes, long run days, soft vs. firm midsoles, and much more.