The Topo Athletics Lineup Explained: 2026 Shoe Preview | DOR Podcast #274

 

The Topo Athletics Lineup Explained: 2026 Shoe Preview
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 274

In this final part of our series meeting with brands to highlight their updates in the next year, Andrea is joined by Russ Stevens & Carolyn Todd from Topo Athletic. They highlight the big redesign to the Specter 3 featuring an all new A-TPU midsole. They'r also bringing updates to the Atmos, Ultrafly, trail favorites like the Terraventure, and many more. 

ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 Review (2026)

ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 Review
By Matthew Klein

 

ASICS has been on a crazy train of change. Like Mizuno, the Japanese companies that were once extremely consistent over the years are now the epicenters of change. They have more running shoes than ever before and may even have the largest running line in the industry. The Kayano series had a massive update that has made it the best it has been in years. The Nimbus saw some big changes in the last few years, with stack height increases, foam changes and more. This year, the long-standing Nimbus series drops to the lowest weight it has ever been. Coming in at a hair under 10 oz for men's size 9, the Gel Nimbus 28 is more than just an upper update. In fact, it is an entirely different shoe.

Best Running Shoes for Walking (2026)

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. 

Breaking Down Saucony's Foams and New Endorphin Shoes for 2026 | DOR Podcast #273

 

 

Breaking Down Saucony's Foams and New Endorphin Shoes for 2026
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 273

As we continue our in-depth looks at upcoming 2026 shoes with different brands, David is joined by Luca Ciccone, Cory Hoffman, and Katie Pyle of Saucony, who's coming up big in 2026 with updates and new releases. The Endorphin line gets a new member with the Azura, a plateless PWRRUN PB trainer, and updates to the Endorphin Pro and Elite. Looking for max cushion? The Triumph and Hurricane are getting big updates, and they'll be joined by the new Paramount Max. Listen in to hear about even more of what they have coming next year.

Topo Athletic Atmos 2 Review (2025)

Topo Athletic Atmos 2 Review
By David Salas and Andrea Myers

 

In past years, Topo Athletic focused more on lower stack height and lower heel-to-toe drop ratio footwear. However in recent times, they have expanded their lineups quite a bit to offer more plush and more responsive options. Additions like the Cyclone and Specter made for a faster and more responsive shoe, while the Atmos filled the void for the plush daily trainer. The Topo Athletic Atmos 2 is their premium daily trainer and provides a balanced rockered experience for cruising along. 

ASICS GlideRide Max 2 Review (2025)

ASICS GlideRide Max 2 Review
By Matthew Klein & David Salas

 

The ASICS Glideride series was a favorite at Doctors of Running for many years. The massive forefoot rocker, while not appropriate for everyone, provided a unique shoe that we often suggested for those wanting to reduce pressure at the front of the foot and reduce stress at the Achilles/calf complex for those who needed it. Some of the later versions started adding toe spring in (extension of the toes) which was not great but still provided a unique ride. Then the awkward period occurred, where we all thought the series had been discontinued. Enter the GlideRide Max, which set out to evolve the series with a new super maximal stack height. The shoe actually did not have as much of a pronounced forefoot rocker as expected though with its new tall stack height. Version two returns as primarily an upper update on paper, but ends up being a completely different feeling and far better shoe. A far better rocker, slightly firmer/more stable platform and a snug upper make for a refined shoe that will divide many people between version two and version one of the GlideRide Max series.

The Monday Shakeout: The Shoes Matt Used for Racing in 2025

The Monday Shakeout: Shoes Matt Used for Racing in 2025
By Matthew Klein

This week Matt talks about the shoes he used for racing in 2025. A slight increase in the number of races for the stroller dad, Matt gives some quick race recaps and thoughts on each shoe as he reflects on goals for 2026.

Brooks Running 2026 Preview! | DOR Podcast #272

 

 

Brooks Running 2026 Preview! 
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 272

We're here with the second episode in a series of interviews with running shoe companies as they show off what they've got in store for 2026! Matt is joined by long time friends of the pod, Tina Danforth and Evan Day from Brooks. They give us a look into Brooks's unique approach to developing shoes for walkers, casual runners, elites, and everyone in between. They walk us through the new Glycerin FLex, Glycerin Max 2, Ghost Trail, Hyperion Elite 6, and many more.

Guide to Mizuno Running Shoes (2026)

Welcome to our Guide to Mizuno Running Shoes! While Mizuno originally started as a company focused on baseball, they quickly expanded to nearly every sport and became a leader in the running shoe world in the 1980s with their sponsorship of a number of Olympians. In recent years the brand has shifted from a predictable year to year design philosophy to suddenly being one of the most dynamic, unpredictable brands in the market. Read on to learn more about the brand and their road and trail offerings.

Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro Review (2026)

Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro Review
By Matthew Klein and Andrea Myers

 

Evolving from the Rebellion Flash, Pro and Pro Low, Mizuno has debuted a new three-part racing series. While the Pure and Elite serve as extremely light, super racing shoes, the Pro sits as a super trainer with a similar setup to its lighter siblings. Replacing the Rebellion Flash series, the Pro truly mixes racer and trainer together. While other super trainers clearly sit on the training side, the Hyperwarp Pro sits on the racing side with its extremely lightweight and higher price tag. While potentially being a great racing shoe for those doing longer distances or who don't want as aggressive of a shoe compared to true super racers, the Hyperwarp Pro sits in an interesting place.  

Topo Athletics ST-6: Quick Evaluation

Topo Athletics ST-6: Quick Evaluation
By Bach Pham

 

Quick evaluations is a new series where we take a shorter-term look at some of the year's running shoe releases. We talk about the features of the shoe and give some short-term impressions. In this review we explore the latest release from Topo Athletics, the ST-6, their most minimal running shoe in the lineup.

The Monday Shakeout: Reflections on 2025 and Hopes for Footwear in 2026

The Monday Shakeout: Reflections on 2025 and Hopes for Footwear in 2026
By Matthew Klein

This week Matt talks about the big themes from 2025 in footwear and what he hopes for in 2026. While the footwear companies have already finished the designs of the footwear for 2026, there are lessons from 2025 that we hope both consumers and developers learn from. 

Inside Mizuno’s High Tech Future: 2026 Shoe Preview | DOR Podcast #271

   

 

Inside Mizuno’s High Tech Future: 2026 Shoe Preview
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 271

With 2026 right around the corner, we've got a series of conversations with running brand to take a deep dive on the shoes they've got coming up next year. Andrea is joined by Mizuno's Shunsuke Aoi, Global Product Line Manager to take a look at their brand new Hyperwarp line of racing shoes (Pure, Pro, and Elite). They also discuss what we can expect to see in the updates to the fan-favorite Neo Zen and Neo Vista models. 

Best Affordable Running Shoes (December 2025)

The Best Affordable Running Shoes Right Now
By Bach Pham, Content Manager

There is an age old saying that the best thing about running is that you just need a pair of shoes. Well, the reality is that running shoes are expensive. That's just a fact no matter where you are. Especially as you get more and more into mileage, the cost of shoes and rotating shoes is starts adding up fast. There are a lot of ways to help navigate this though, and in this guide we offer a few strategies and get into some of the best finds available now.

Mizuno Hyperwarp Elite Review (2026)

Mizuno Hyperwarp Elite Review
By  David Salas & Andrea Myers

 

For December 2025, Mizuno is launching three brand new racing shoes. This lineup will be known as Hyperwarp. They are moving away from some of the dramatic geometries they have done in the past years and are now looking at going lighter and more responsive. The three new models are the Hyperwarp Pure, Hyperwarp Elite, and Hyperwarp Pro. The Hyperwarp Elite is the middle option of the three, and it is intended to be the marathon racing option. At 38mm of stack in the heel and a 5.8 ounce weight to boast, this is immediately competitive with other super shoes in the same category. 

ASICS Metaspeed Ray Review (2025)

ASICS Metaspeed Ray Review
By David Salas

 

Earlier this year, ASICS updated their performance Metaspeed lineup with three racing models. The Metaspeed line has the usual two suspects (Metaspeed Edge and Sky Tokyo), but introduced a brand new shoe to the lineup. The ASICS Metaspeed Ray is intended to be the most advanced and fastest option of the three. The Ray uses a brand new ATPU based midsole named FF Leap. Everything about this shoe is geared at being light, fast, and responsive for those wanting the fastest option on the market. 

Mizuno Wave Sky 9 Review (2025)

Mizuno Wave Sky 9 Review
By Bach Pham  

 

Mizuno went from a company that focused on consistency and soft changes year-to-year to being one of the most innovative companies in the shoe industry almost overnight. It feels like almost everything out of their lab has been about testing the limits. From the dramatic bevels in their racing models to their super high stack heights and sensations in the Neo series, we've reached a point where we have no idea what's in store when a new model hits the shelves. The Wave Sky 9 continues to test the limits on their innovation, featuring a big stack height and newly-tweaked Enerzy midsole.

Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure Review (2026)

Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure Review
By Andrea Myers and David Salas

 

In recent years, Mizuno has been pushing hard at their innovation. They are now debuting three, yes three, new racing models for 2026. The Hyperwarp line features unique experiences for all three models. The Pure is PEBA-based and is aggressive while being lightweight. The Elite is similar to the Pure, but with more stack height and a little more rocker. The Pro is the most familiar to what super shoes have felt like over the last few years and provides more guidance on foot. Below is our review of the Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure.    

Top Shoe Brand of the Year? Most Innovative Shoe? Biggest Disappointments? | DOR Podcast #270

  

 

Top Shoe Brand of the Year? Most Innovative Shoe? Biggest Disappointments?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 270

As we approach the end of 2025, we take some time to recap the year in running. David, Matt, and Nathan team up to talk about their favorite shoe brands, most innovative shoes, most disappointing shoes, what's on the horizon for 2026, and more. What do you think? What were your highlights and lowlights for 2025? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.

Adidas Supernova Solution 3 Review (2026)

Adidas Supernova Solution 3 Review
By Matthew Klein

 

The Adidas Supernova Solution 2 was an underrated favorite in 2025. A rare lightweight mild stability shoe with a PEBA mixed midsole that had the responsiveness to pick up the pace and the cushion to handle longer training miles. As I had not tried the original version, it was refreshing to know there was still hope for the light stability category and that Adidas was making an effort to create daily training shoes that didn't weigh a ton. When I saw the Solution 3, I was excited and nervous. Those feelings have been verified as it is a different shoe from prior models. While it is no longer a lightweight light stability trainer, it is a moderate stability daily training shoe that demonstrates Adidas's efforts to solidify its training line. 

Brooks Glycerin Max 2 Review (2025)

Brooks Glycerin Max 2 Review
By Matthew Klein and David Salas

 

The Brooks Glycerin Max was the first shoe from the company to truly jump into maximal stack heights. It divided our team, with some people loving it (Matt) and others finding it too soft (David). In a time when it seemed Brooks was behind on midsole foams, the Glycerin Max showed the company was ready to move forward. Although the upper fit was off (still suggest a half size up), it was a top shoe of the year in 2024. A year later, the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 returns as a completely redone shoe. While still featuring DNA Tuned in the midsole, the geometry, ride, fit and structure of the shoe has completely changed. The result is a far more rockered, snug and firmer ride that creates a more stable ride than its predecessor. 

Mailbag! Is Heel Drop a Lie? Toe Numbness? Our 2025 Shoe Rotation? | DOR Podcast #269

 

 

Mailbag! Is Heel Drop a Lie? Toe Numbness? Our 2025 Shoe Rotation?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 269

It's time for a mailbag round where we dig through our emails and DMs to answer your questions! Matt & David team up to tackle questions about heel drop, stable-neutral speed shoes, treadmill shoes, how they'd build a rotation, and more. Want your question answered on the next mailbag? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.

Matt's Favorites Shoes of 2025

Matt's Favorite Shoes of 2025
These are our team's top running choices that came out this year.

By: Matthew Klein

 

2025 has been an interesting year. We finally saw some attention to stability shoes, with great updates to the Kayano, ForeverRun, Hurricane and other stability shoes. We unfortunately lost most of the light/fast stability category, although a few of the stable neutral racers have continued on. Training shoe-wise, we had some awesome surprises, with companies like Salomon, TYR and R.A.D debuting some fantastic lightweight trainers. Racing shoes have really started to get crazy, with weights starting to get down to the minimal era. Personally, this year has been crazy. From building our orthopedic DPT course from scratch at George Fox to, to presenting on a national level (CSM 2026) for the first time, to hitting over 7000 miles of stroller running with Isabella, this has been a great year in many ways. Despite the large mix of shoes this year, there are some clear winners this year that are worth discussing. It should be noted that all of the following shoes I have taken to well over 100 miles and not only do they perform well, they have also demonstrated fantastic durability.

Andrea's Favorite Shoes of 2025

Andrea's Favorite Shoes of 2025
These are our team's top running choices that came out this year.

By: Andrea Myers

2025 brought big changes in my training and racing as I transitioned from marathon training to middle distance track racing, focusing on the 800 and mile. As compared to previous years, in which my weekly mileage was in the 50-70 range, my mileage has been steady in the 35-40 range plus two days of heavy weight training. Long runs max out at 10 miles and my speed work increased to include a lot of mile, 800, 400, and even faster paced work. These changes in my training resulted in changes in the shoes I need and prefer, as I was no longer looking for shoes to help me deal with the high levels of fatigue of marathon training, but needed shoes to handle fast paces on the track when not wearing spikes. From an industry perspective, 2025 was a great year of innovation in the racing category, but a year of mostly disappointment for me in the trainer category, as it seemed every daily trainer I previously liked gained stack and weight in its 2025 version. 

Nathan's Favorite Shoes of 2025

   

Nathan's Favorite Shoes of 2025
These are our team's top running choices that came out this year.

By: Nathan Brown

 

2025 was another year where I had to face significant obstacles in my running journey when it came to remaining healthy. The last 3 years have included a tear of the ligaments on the bottom of my big toe (which is still giving me fits from time to time), a ganglion cyst forming in my ACL, and a stress fracture. I'm thankful that although it isn't fun to have injuries that necessitate time away from running, I've been able to find joy and contentment in so much of life beyond running: being a husband, father, friend, teacher...among many other things. However, I'm also learning that my kryptonite is also my main "why" of running: being and relating with others. I often sacrifice smart decisions for the sake of community, often leading me to run too long, too fast, too soon. Looking toward 2026, I'm excited to strike a better balance of prioritizing my own health while still doing this sport with my main interest in relationships. Part of that will be getting my own running coach again since 2022 when I went back to grad school. I'm looking forward to what is next!

David's Favorite Shoes of 2025

David's Favorite Shoes of 2025
These are our team's top running choices that came out this year.

By: David Salas

 

2025 has been a year of change for me. I have been training intensely for years and decided to take a step back this year. Running this year has been more around enjoying the activity itself and spending time with friends. I may not have not been ripping it on the track as much, but we still got some quality miles in. Below are my favorite shoes of 2025.

We Rank Our Top 5 Shoes of 2025 | DOR Podcast #268

 

We Rank Our Top 5 Shoes of 2025
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 268

It's that time of year! We get the whole team, Nathan, Andrea, Matt, and David, together to round up our favorite shoes of the year. This time we're doing things a little differently for the pod: no categories, just favorites. We list out our straight-up favorite shoes that released in 2025 and tell you why we love them so much. We'd love to know what's on your list! Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.

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. 

Diadora Cellula 2 Review (2025)

Diadora Cellula 2 Review
By Bach Pham and Matthew Klein

 

The Italian brand's latest edition of the Cellula 2 is here. The first edition provided the company with a max cushion, rocker model that had a lot of inherent stability. Our team liked the shoe as a first edition, praising its smooth ride and instant competitiveness with its peers like the Hoka Bondi and Saucony Triumph. Version 2 comes out with a list of changes that at some sacrifices helps draw out more of the plushiness in this particular category. 

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.

Can We Blame Super Shoes for Overuse Injuries? | DOR Podcast #267

 

 

Can We Blame Super Shoes for Overuse Injuries?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 267

Matt is joined by a familiar face this week as Saucony’s Senior Performance Engineer Cory Hofmann joins for a discussion about super shoes. Matt and Cory debate whether this unique footwear is the cause of overuse injuries among runners in recent years. Hear what both sides have to say on this issue and let us know what you think in the comments or at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.

R.A.D UFO Review (2025)

R.A.D UFO Review
By Matthew Klein

 

R.A.D (Rally Against Destruction), a company known for their training and gym footwear, has hit the pavement hard debuting their first running shoe. With British and US roots and a US headquarters not far from me in Portland, OR, my interest immediately spiked when they announced the debut of their first shoe: a full-length PEBA-based, non-plated, lightweight performance shoe. While the first shoes from most companies are often subpar, R.A.D did some solid homework and brings a solid uptempo shoe that is a great choice for a variety of runners with different purposes across all of them. 

Nike Vomero Premium Review (2025)

Nike Vomero Premium Review
By David Salas and Andrea Myers

 

Starting this year (2025), Nike has begun to roll out their training shoes in a three tier system. This would include a base model, a plus model, and a premium model. The Nike Vomero has always been a more premium option for daily training, and now has its own tier system as well. The Nike Vomero Premium is the tallest in stack height, and also uses ZoomX with Air Zoom Units as the midsole. The goal is to provide the runner with an "anti-gravity sensation". 

Best Shoes for People With Achilles Tendinopathy

Running Shoes for People with Achilles Tendinopathy
(Shoes with a Higher Heel Drop and Rocker Geometry)

In 2024, I completed a PhD with my dissertation focused on Achilles tendinopathy in masters runners. The reasons for this topic choice was that there was little to no evidence on the topic, Achilles tendinopathy is incredibly common among younger athletes and is the most common injury among masters athletes, and I have also struggled with this injury a few times. This is a challenging pathology given its underlying frequency, the time and effort that it takes to heal and how much it impacts running. As the Achilles tendon is an important part of the plantarflexor complex, it greatly impacts one of the most important muscular groups that support and propels the body during running gait. Those who have experienced this pathology know how frustrating it is and how long it can take to heal. The positive news is that with tendinopathies, many people can continue running (and often do) while dealing with it and often find some relief with higher drop, rockered shoes (including myself). To further assist with this, we have put together a guide on shoes that may help those struggling with injuries or problems related to Achilles tendinopathy.

Do Not Make These Offseason Running Mistakes | DOR Podcast #266

 

Do Not Make These Offseason Running Mistakes  
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 266

It's critical to take time off after a big training block, but as runners it can be hard to convince ourselves to do it. Nathan and Andrea team up to talk all things offseason and base building to help you plan how to build back stronger after your latest training. They give you their favorite strategies and tips as coaches on how to effectively recover, incorporate strength-training, and plan for the next big race. 

On Cloudultra Pro Review (2025)

On Cloudultra Pro Review
By Matthew Klein

 

On running shoes are frequently known to be firm. There have been a few exceptions, most notably the On Cloudboom Strike, which has been a fantastic racing shoe for many of our testers. On the trail, most of the shoes have been firmer, which also gives them excellent ground feel in an age of towering shoes. While their uppers were obviously comfortable (as almost all On shoes are), the midsoles never felt like they could hold up over long distances. That has completely changed with the On Cloudultra Pro. An incredible upper combined with a rolling, long-distance focused midsole has made this shoe one of our top trail shoes of the year. 

New Balance 1080 v15 Review (2026)

New Balance 1080 v15 Review
By Matthew Klein 

 

The last two versions of the 1080 series have been extremely popular. Version 13 was insanely light and was one of the softest shoes on the market, a combination that made it extremely unique among both trainers and premium trainers. Version 14 fixed its loose upper but gained some weight and added firmness that stabilized the mushy midsole. Version 15 is a unique progression of both versions, dropping significantly in weight, widening the upper and gaining a new midsole foam. (That's right, no more Fresh Foam!) Taking back its place as the lightest premium neutral trainer on the market, can the 1080 v15 maintain its popularity among both runners and walkers?

The Best/Worst Things Each Running Shoe Company Does | DOR Podcast #265

 

 

 The Best/Worst Things Each Running Shoe Company Does 

Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 265

On this episode we've got a bit of a spinoff of our buy/sell format where Matt & David break down what each running shoe brand does best and worst. They take a broad look at what each company offers across their lineups, talk about their most & least favorite shoes from each, talk innovation, and more. We want to hear from you! What's your favorite brand? What do you think each company does best? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.

Puma Velocity Nitro 4 Review (2025)

Puma Velocity Nitro 4 Review
By Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

The Velocity series has been an anomaly in recent years. While shoes are getting taller, more rockered, lower drop and stiffer, this series has held on to a more traditional lightweight trainer personality. The Velocity series has always been known for its simplicity, providing a flexible, well-cushioned, yet extremely lightweight ride. The new version is no different, keeping a moderate stack, flexible forefoot and a surprisingly responsive ride. Whether this is relevant in today's complex world is worth talking about.

ASICS GT-2000 14 Review (2025)

ASICS GT-2000 14 Review
By Matthew Klein and David Salas

 

The ASICS GT-2000 13 was a unique stability shoe. As one of the few relatively lighter stability shoes left on the market, it also has stayed at a fairly moderate stack height. While everything is beginning to tower over 40 mm, a mid 30 mm heel stack height has given it a stable and balanced ride. Both the GT-2000 12 and 13 were stability shoe favorites of the Doctors of Running team, elevating it from the more average and traditional standing of prior versions. Similar to the large jump seen from version 11 to 12/13, version 14 brings a complete overhaul. While the stack height might be the same, the ride and stability make this a different shoe. 

New: 100 Mile Review

The Tuesday (?!) Shakeout: The Death of High Heel Drop Shoes

The Monday Tuesday Shakeout: The Death of High Heel Drop Shoes
By Matthew Klein

This week Matt talk's about the recent disappearance of high heel drop shoes, what that means for the population and ways to accommodate this for those still needing a higher heel offset. 

Answering the Most Common Questions about Shin Splits with Dr. Doug Adams | DOR Podcast #264

 

 

Answering the Most Common Questions about Shin Splits with Dr. Doug Adams
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 264

Shin splints (or medial tibial stress syndrome) are the bane of many a runner, proving hard to find a cause for and hard to treat. Nate is joined by Dr. Doug Adams to demystify this frustrating ailment. Nate & Doug break down the physiology of shin splints and its most common causes. They offer strategies to both prevent and rehab from shin splints, and offer insights on how your footwear might be affecting your shin pain. 

HOKA Rocket X Trail Review (2025)

HOKA Rocket X Trail Review
By Matthew Klein

 

The Rocket X series had a rocky start but subsequent versions have been favorites of mine. The stable neutral design has been incredible for racing over a variety of distances and has continued to be one of the few stable racing shoes out there. On the trail, despite the now large number of racing shoes, none of the faster ones have been stable. Many have narrow midfoot designs, which may save weight but make the precarious even for those without stability needs on the trail. The introduction of the Rocket X trail solves this issue while simultaneously being one of the fastest super racing shoes on the market. One of the only stable neutral trail racing shoes is worth looking at if that's what you need, but a few considerations may be needed with this first version. 

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.

Mailbag! Rockers, Explained! Anti-Ankle Rolling Shoes? We Found a GlideRide 3 Replacement!? | DOR Podcast #263

 

Mailbag! Best Shoes for Haglunds? Anti-Ankle Rolling Shoes? We Found a GlideRide 3 Replacement!?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 263

Time to check the mail! We love answering listener questions and on this round, it's all about shoes. Nathan, David, and Matt talk about the best shoes for Haglunds, fun stable-neutral options, shoes to help with easily-rolled ankles, and more. Want your question on the next mailbag episode? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com!

Diadora Atomo Star Review (2025)

Diadora Atomo Star Review
By Matthew Klein

 

Diadora is a sports company steeped in footwear history. A company from Caerano di San Marco, Italy, an area globally recognized for their craftsmanship in footwear and apparel design. Diadora has been aggressively developing shoes recently, with a large expansion of their line from just daily trainers to lightweight trainers, super racing shoes, track spikes and now super stack height trainers. Enter the Diadora Atomo Star,  a 46mm stack height max stack height trainer meant for eating up mileage and long runs. One of two new shoes featuring ANIMA N2, a supercritical foam meant to improve both responsiveness and weight, the Diadora Atomo Star features an Italian shoe price tag and we attempt to determine if it is worth that price tag.

Guide to Saucony Running Shoes (2025)

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.  

Saucony Echelon 10 Review (2025)

Saucony Echelon 10 Review
By Matthew Klein

 

With the increased number of super-type shoes (advanced footwear technology), it is becoming more difficult to find shoes that work with orthotics. Many shoes feature plates that can interfere with an orthotic or make the ride too stiff. Others feature super foams that are too soft for the orthotics to actually work appropriately. Many shoes don't even have removable insoles, preventing the ability to insert an orthotic. One of the rare shoe series that takes orthotics and you can actually run in is the Saucony Echelon. Now in its 10th version, the Echelon moves a little closer to being a walking shoe, adding some weight from the prior version while still staying quite stable. While this isn't a bad thing, who it will work for changes slightly. 

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.

The Biggest Mistakes Runners Make | DOR Podcast #262

 

 

The Biggest Mistakes Runners Make
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 262

As physical therapists, we get to see a lot of runners stuck in frustrating situations. Andrea, Matt, and David draw on their years of experience to discuss the most common mistakes they see runners make, some leading to injury and some not. They talk about the risks of over-training, playing the comparison game, idolizing achievements, and more. We'd love to hear from you! What are some of the mistakes you've made in your training or running career? Drop a comment or email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.