Altra Paradigm 8 Review (2025)

 

Altra Paradigm 8 Review
By Bach Pham, Content Manager

 

Altra is unique in that it helps fill a very specific niche in the running world: zero drop stability shoes. Between the Provision and Paradigm, these two models help provide a variety of things that the market does not offer in the stability realm including no heel counter designs and wider fitting options. The Paradigm 8 is the higher stacked, guidance-based option of the two trainers. This latest edition upgrades the midsole and fit.

Altra Experience Flow 2 Review (2025)

Altra Experience Flow 2 Review
By Nathan Brown 

It wasn't too long ago when Altra introduced their first non-zero drop shoes. The first model was the original Experience Flow, and now we have the first update! In my opinion, this is the most unique trainer that Altra has ever released when comparing their line-up, as they have taken the reality of having 4mm drop as a green light to play with a bit of changes to their foam. It's also the first Altra trainer that I can genuinely consider in the "soft" category. This is a daily trainer that fits the current market while staying true to Altra roots.

Salomon Aero Blaze 3 Review (2025)

Salomon Aero Blaze 3 Review
By David Salas

 

Salomon has been stepping up their game big time over the last couple of years. We have seen some big jumps in foams, weight, and offerings in general from them. The Salomon Aero Blaze 3 is a neutral training shoe that is meant to be able to do a little bit of everything. The shoe is very lightweight for a trainer and uses a PEBA and EVA hybrid midsole to give you a bouncy and durable ride. 

We Share Our Running Injuries and How We Have Managed Them, Vol. II (Foot and Knee Pain) | DOR Podcast #252

 

 

Mailbag! Can a Foam Cause Pain? The Shelf Life of Shoes? The Science Behind Shoe Rotations?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 252

Foot pain and knee pain are all too common ailments for runners, but it can be hard to pin down the source or figure out how to treat it. Nathan and Matt team up to take a look at some common sources of forefoot, heel, plantar, and anterior knee pains. They explore different possible causes, strategies for rehab/strengthening, and things to look for in shoes.

HOKA Rocket X 3 Review (2025)

HOKA Rocket X 3 Review
By Andrea Myers and Matt Klein

The HOKA Rocket X series, starting with version 2, was HOKA's first foray into super shoes. While the Rocket X 1 was a super low drop, carbon plated, EVA shoe, the Rocket X 2 was HOKA's first super shoe to feature A PEBA midsole, finally qualifying the series as a super shoe. While the fit was a little off (a little short for some people), the midsole and geometry made it one of the few stable neutral racing shoes in an era when stability racing shoes had disappeared completely. It was also one of the few low drop super shoes at a time when most sat at 8-10 mm. The Rocket X 3 returns with as a completely updated shoe that fixes the upper, smooths out the transitions and moves to a more moderate drop of 7mm, although it still feels low. The revisions still keep it in the stable neutral racing category, but move it to a faster and lighter ride than previous.

On Cloudsurfer Max Review (2025)

On Cloudsurfer Max Review
By David Salas

On returns with another debut model in the On Cloudsurfer Max. The On Cloudsurfer line sets themselves apart from the other on models by using CloudTec Phase, a midsole that does not utilize the Speedboard. They have the On Cloudsurfer Next (the lightweight trainer), the On Cloudsurfer 2 (the daily trainer), and now the On Cloudsurfer Max (premium/max cushion neutral trainer). 

Monday Shakeout: How Do I Choose Running Shoes for Two Different Feet?

The Monday Shakeout: How Do I Choose Running Shoes For Two Different Feet?
By Matthew Klein

This week Matt discusses how to navigate fitting shoes for two different feet. It is common to have different needs on each foot, which can make choosing shoes difficult. Matt does his best to provide a simple guide for choosing them. 

Mailbag! Can a Foam Cause Pain? The Shelf Life of Shoes? The Science Behind Shoe Rotations? | DOR Podcast #251

 

 

Mailbag! Can a Foam Cause Pain? The Shelf Life of Shoes? The Science Behind Shoe Rotations?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 251

Join Nathan, David, and Matt as they continue answering you the mailbag questions they started on our 250th episode! They explore how different foam compositions can affect injury pathologies, the science behind shoe rotations, adapting to super shoes, and much more. We love hearing your questions, so email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com!

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.

Nike Structure 26 Review (2025)

Nike Structure 26 Review
By Matthew Klein

The Nike Structure has been a long standing but quiet stability series. While once a prominent member of the stability category, recent years saw it dropped from many local run retailers as it moved to stable neutral. Version 25 moved back to its medial stability roots but a heavier, firmer ride and a thicker upper likely kept it from competing with other more popular stability shoes. 2025 is the first time in years Nike appears to be refocusing on the stability. With the hint of a Structure Premium and Structure Plus, the Structure 26 features tons of updates that make it a far more comfortable shoe with better stability that should help it compete with the rest of its peers. 

adidas adizero Prime X3 Strung Review (2025)

adidas adizero Prime X3 Strung Review
By Matthew Klein

The original super trainer is now in its fourth iteration. When the adidas adizero Prime X originally debuted, its massive stack height, incredibly narrow platform, insane bounce and amazingly light ride for its size was mind-blowing (at the time). It was so tall and narrow that people won marathons in it (and were disqualified) while others rolled their ankles so badly their ankle bones broke (tibia/fibula... and maybe others). Version two showcased the first iteration of the Strung upper, becoming the Prime X Strung. Version 3, the Prime X Strung 2, was a massive departure from the series. While retaining the tall stack height, it gained a ton of weight but drastically improved stability. This made it more of a super trainer than a super trainer/racer hybrid. Version 3, the Prime X3 Strung , returns as another complete overhaul of the series. While still retaining the basic chemistry, including the stack height, Lightstrike Pro and multiple stiffness layers, the fit, ride and geometry have once again changed. While this moves the series a little closer toward being fast, it retains its super trainer categorization and unique position as one of the crazier shoes on the market.

Monday Shakeout: How Do I Know If I Can Use a Shoe for a Marathon?

The Monday Shakeout: How Do I Know If I Can Use a Shoe for a Marathon?
By Matthew Klein

This week Matt talks about how to choose a racing shoe for longer distance events. While shoes may feel good for a few miles, half and full marathon veterans (and beyond) will tell you how comfort can drastically change in the later miles. 

250th Episode Mailbag Special! What's the Impact of 40+mm Stack Height Shoes? All-Time Best Shoe Rotation? Worst Shoe Color EVER? | DOR Podcast #250

 

 

250th Episode Mailbag Special! What's the Impact of 40+mm Stack Height Shoes? All-Time Best Shoe Rotation? Worst Shoe Color EVER?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 250

We've got a special mailbag episode for our 250th episode! We've put together tons of questions from long times friends of the podcast (Drew from Weartesters, Tina & Evan from Brooks, and more!) and from our listeners. Matt & David discuss pre-race rituals, post-run snacks, their worst shoe color, GOAT shoe rotations, and much more (shoes as ice cream?!). Want to hear your question on our next mailbag? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.

Reebok FloatZig 2 Review (2025)

Reebok FloatZig 2 Review
By Matthew Klein

Reebok has had an on/off history with running. While being a solid running shoe company prior to and  during the early 2000s, it went quiet for years. Back when Doctors of Running started to truly organize as a team in 2019, Reebok was one of the first to reach out and they sent us some awesome shoes. Our first YouTube video featured the Panthea, a shoe Nathan still holds dear. From the super light Run Fast Pro to the great Floatride Energy training series, a solid variety of shoes were available. A company buyout changed things with a refocus on the Floatzig concept and while there is still a range from the Floatzig training option, to the Adventure trail shoe and the Floatzig X1. The Floatzig 2 returns with refined midfoot geometry and upper comfort, improving guidance and comfort. Whether it still "Floats" along is worth discussing.

rabbit Dream Chaser 2.0 Review (2025)

rabbit Dream Chaser 2.0 Review
By David Salas

rabbit, primarily known as an apparel company, has broken into the shoe market! The Dream Chaser was their debut flagship shoe aimed at being a plush neutral daily trainer. The first version had some things to work on, but had some promise. They now update the Dream Chaser 2.0 with a more ventilated and secure upper, as well as some adjustments to the cushioning in the heel. The Dream Chaser 2.0 is a neutral daily trainer. 

Topo Athletic Fli-Lyte 6 Review (2025): Bringing Lightweight Trainers BACK!

Topo Athletic Fli-Lyte 6 Review
By Andrea Myers

The Topo Athletic Fli-Lyte 6 has the second lowest stack height of any Topo shoe, with only the ST-5 coming in lower. Version 6 features an updated mesh upper while maintaining the same 23mm/20mm stack height. With a firmer ZipFoam midsole and muted forefoot rocker, the Fli-Lyte 6 is an ideal shoe for those who prefer a shoe that is closer to the ground and has a lower drop. While most shoe companies are maximizing their shoes' midsole heights, the Fli-Lyte 6 is reminiscent of the original Saucony Kinvara. The low stack and firmer midsole also makes the Fli-Lyte 6 a great option for strength training, making it a highly versatile option, and a great value at $125. 

Monday Shakeout: What Shoe Should I Use for a Downhill Race?

The Monday Shakeout: What Shoe Should I Use For a Downhill Race?
By Matthew Klein

This week we attempt to answer a common question we receive via email. Several readers have asked about the optimal shoe choice for downhill races, so we try to bring in some science and biomechanics to help you decide what may be best if this type of race is on your schedule. 

Our Top Running Shoes of 2025 So Far | DOR Podcast #249

 

 

Our Top Running Shoes of 2025 So Far
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 249

As we head into the back half of the year, it's time to make our picks for our favorite shoes of the 2025 so far. Matt, Andrea, David, and Nathan put together a 4-shoe rotation from their 2025 favorites: daily trainer, long run, workout shoe, and race shoe. We want to hear your picks! Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com or leave a comment.

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. 

361 Degrees Flame 4 Review (2025)

361 Flame 4 Review
By Matthew Klein

The original Flame was interesting. It was one of the few stable and affordable super racing shoes out there, but was so stiff and firm we questioned it really could be considered a super racing shoe. The durability was fantastic but the upper fit was huge, leaving us unsure what size to recommend. Fast forward four years and 361 has taken the time to improve this budget super shoe. A better upper still provides plenty of room, an incredibly durable outsole sits below, a better midsole provides a balanced responsive ride and a unique plate / geometry provides a stable platform, making this new version a rare, affordable, versatile and surprisingly stable shoe.