Physical Therapists Using Clinical Analysis To Discuss The Art And Science Behind Running and The Stuff We Put On Our Feet

Sunday, June 15, 2025

 

 

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!

Friday, June 13, 2025


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
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
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. 

Tuesday, June 10, 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. 

Monday, June 9, 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?

Sunday, June 8, 2025

 

 

 

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.


Friday, June 6, 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. 

Thursday, June 5, 2025

 


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.

Tuesday, June 3, 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). 

Monday, June 2, 2025

 


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. 

Sunday, June 1, 2025

 

 

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.


Thursday, May 29, 2025


Saucon Endorphin Speed 5 Review
By Matthew Klein

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 has been an incredibly popular shoe since its debut. It was originally designed as a more flexible, nylon plated alternative to the carbon plated Endorphin Pro. This stemmed from research Saucony participated in, suggesting that different people respond best to different levels of stiffness. Rather than just being an alternative racing shoe, the Endorphin Speed became incredibly popular as a lightweight trainer. The lighter weight, mild stiffness and PWRRUN PB that provides a high amount of cushioning has carried this shoe for years. Like many shoes, its personality has changed over its lifetime. Version 4 was more aggressive, with a firmer feel than was faster but bottomed out over longer distances. Version 5 corrects that, improving the transition and cushioning while staying true to the Speed line. 

Tuesday, May 27, 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. 

Monday, May 26, 2025


The Monday Shakeout: Our Current Favorite Shoes for Flat Feet
By Bach Pham and BJ McGeever

In this week's Monday shakeout we take a look at some of our favorite shoes available in the market that work for our team's flat feet runners. Our Audio Engineer BJ McGeever offers a neutral flat foot runner's perspective while Bach Pham, our Content Manager, shares his stability favorites so far of 2025.

Sunday, May 25, 2025

 

Between Two Feet: Nike Vaporfly 4 and the Impact of Geometry Changes to a Shoe
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 243


If you've been following us for a while, you know that Matt & Andrea often experience shoes completely differently, so on this episode they get together to compare & contrast their experiences in Nike's major overhaul to the OG of supershoes: the Vaporfly 4. With a shorter stack height and narrowed down platform, this nimble racer offers a vastly different ride from its big sibling, the Alphafly 3. Andrea loved Vaporfly 3, so how will she feel about the updates? Matt's often found the Vaporflys too unstable, so will that continue? Tune in to see if you side more with Andrea or Matt! Have any shoes you want us to compare/contrast opinions on? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.


Saturday, May 24, 2025


Mizuno Wave Horizon 8 Review
By Matthew Klein and Bach Pham

Mizuno's Wave Horizon series has always featured a really unique stability set-up that somewhat predicted the future of stability when it released. Moving away from medial posts, it used the kitchen sink of other stability mechanisms from dual (triple!?) density midsoles to unique geometry and width to create a highly stable ride that suited a large variety of runners. The one issue, however, with past models is that it wasn't exactly the most versatile piece, often being weighty and not very fun to take on the road. The Wave Horizon 8 is a major revamp, however, that amps up cushion and delivers a surprisingly fun ride that can do just a little bit more than its predecessors.

Thursday, May 22, 2025


Brooks Ghost Max 3 Review
By Matthew Klein

When you test as many shoes as we do, you quickly learn that there are some shoes that you will absolutely love and some that you will not be able to get along with. The original Ghost Max was a risky move for Brooks that paid off. A dramatic departure from the clunky, stale Dyad series, the Ghost Max was supposed to be an orthotic-friendly training shoe that took off given the comfortable transition similar to the old Pureflow series (RIP). Like most second versions ruined because too many people got involved, the Ghost Max 2 was a completely different shoe. A short fit, an absolutely clunky heel, a massive weight gain all but ruined the shoe outside of a more stable neutral and even more orthotic-friendly ride. Version 3 finally corrects most of these issues and brings about a more balanced shoe. A return of a smooth transition, a truly stable neutral, orthotic-friendly ride, and a far better fitting upper brings this series back on track.  

Tuesday, May 20, 2025


New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 Review
By Matt Klein, Andrea Myers, and Nathan Brown

In the age of maximal stack heights, plates/super stiff rides, the Rebel series continues to be defiant with its flexible, non-plated sole. An incredibly popular series since its inception, the Rebel has maintained its place as lighter, faster shoe that has functioned as a lightweight trainer for some and a racing shoe for others. Version 4 brought some significant changes to the series, including a wider shape and fit that contrasted greatly with the prior version. The positive was an improved PEBA based FuelCell that gave the series an increased performance edge. Version 5 has been shrouded in a surprising amount of secrecy, yet delivers as a true upgrade of the prior version. A large stack height increase, a new FuelCell blend and small improvements in outsole durability continue to move this series forward while maintain its rebellious status. 

Monday, May 19, 2025


ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo Review
By David Salas

ASICS athletes and footwear has been performing very well recently at Abbott World Marathon Majors. Many people thought their athletes were competing in the previous version of the ASICS Metaspeed Sky and Edge Paris series, but they actually were in the new Tokyo series. The new series most recently brought home the win at the Boston Marathon. The majority of the credit and accolades should go to the athletes for their amazing performances, but you can't help but notice the shoes. Below is our review of one of the three newest super shoes from ASICS. 

Sunday, May 18, 2025

 

 


 

Plantar Fasciitis, Revisited
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 242


Plantar fascia pain plagues many a runner, but finding its cause and treating it can be mystifying and frustrating. Nate is joined by returning guest Doug Adams to take a deep dive into plantar facia (and general foot) pain in order to help you get to the underlying cause. Doug lends his expertise on how biomechanics and walking/running gait an effect plantar injury risk. He offers practical tips to help you rehab and prevent plantar fasciopathy. They also take a look at orthotics, treatment modalities, shoes, and how they impact PF pain.


Saturday, May 17, 2025


Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 Review
By Matthew Klein and Bach Pham

11 years ago, Brooks debuted the Transcend line. It was their first use of the guide rail stability system that would later "transcend" into all their other stable shoes. A now lower stack height of  29 mm / 21 mm stack height was highly cushioned at the time, making for a premium, stable/guided and oddly responsive stability shoe despite the 11.8 oz weight (men's size 9). In 2021, the Transcend became the Glycerin GTS, a Glycerin with guide rails, as Brooks simplified their line. In 2025, the Glycerin GTS 22 pays homage to the original Transcend with a switch to a "DNA Tuned" midsole, providing a surprisingly bouncy ride that offsets the higher weight (relative to today) with strong medial support. A distinctly different shoe from version 21, thanks to the bouncier but firmer midsole and stronger medial support, the Glycerin GTS 22 re-aligns as a rare high-level premium stability/motion control shoe.

Sunday, May 11, 2025

 

 

Mailbag! Plated Trainers and Achilles Pain? Do I Need a Post-Run Routine!? How Do Orthotics Effect Shoes?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 241


Time for a mailbag where we answer your questions! Matt and David team up to discuss returning to running after achilles tendinopathy, training in plated shoes, post-run routines, and more. Want your questions answered? DM us on Instagram or email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.


 
Best Carbon Plated Running Shoes
By DOR Editorial Team

Jump to Carbon Plated Shoes A-Z |  Jump to Best Plated Shoes for 5k to Marathon

The current trend in racing shoes has been toward super foams and carbon fiber plates.
Although plates have been used in the past, their popularity has surged. A new age of fast shoes has come about and now a variety of companies have released their products (some in small batches). For the first time (almost ever) there is an interest from the general public (and not just the competitive runners) in finding the fastest shoe to get them across the finish line. We at Doctors of Running thought it would be helpful to have a guide to all the current models to help you choose if and which one may be right for you.

Thursday, May 8, 2025


adidas adizero Adios Pro Evo 2 Review
By Matthew Klein

The original Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo shocked the footwear world. It was the first true maximal super racing shoe under 5 oz (men's size 9) and the first in this category to hit $500 per pair. While the Nike Alphafly series was hitting $275 and the Adidas Prime X series sat at $300, a massive jump to $500 was insane. While Adidas has an extensive resume of wins and records set by elite athletes in this shoe, the low availability, problem with resellers and durability made the cost one of the many issues that consumers ran into with the shoe. It was truly an elite tool meant for the elites. However, despite its incredibly light weight, the midsole wasn't as responsive as expected. The Pro Evo 1 relied on primarily on that incredibly light feel rather than the incredible bounce that we now expect from super shoes. Fortunately, that has changed with version two. A new midsole design featuring a much greater rocker and lower drop makes for a faster, bouncier and quicker rolling ride. A redesigned fit provides a true to size fit this time with a still barely there upper. While the jury might be out on whether this shoe is worth $500, Adidas has succeeded in moving the lightest super maximal racing shoe forward. 

Tuesday, May 6, 2025


Brooks Hyperion Max 3 Review
By Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

The Brooks Hyperion Max line continues its evolution from the original, which was a favorite do it all shoe of Andrea's, but definitely not a "Max" shoe is any sense, to v2, which saw the shoe live up to its Max name by adding 4mm of stack height and a Speed Vault plate. Version 3 has gained even more stack height, retains the Speed Vault plate, and features a midsole upgrade to PEBA-based DNA gold foam. Now a true max cushioned super trainer, the Hyperion Max 3 is a completely different shoe from its predecessors. 

Monday, May 5, 2025

 


Asics Metaspeed Sky and Edge Tokyo
First Impressions

Sunday, May 4, 2025

 

 

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.


Tuesday, April 29, 2025


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, April 28, 2025


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.

Sunday, April 27, 2025

 

 

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.


Saturday, April 26, 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.

Tuesday, April 22, 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. 

Sunday, April 20, 2025

 



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
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.


Thursday, April 17, 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. 

Tuesday, April 15, 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, April 14, 2025


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. 

Sunday, April 13, 2025

 

 

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!


Saturday, April 12, 2025


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.

Friday, April 11, 2025


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. 

Thursday, April 10, 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.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025


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.

Monday, April 7, 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.

Sunday, April 6, 2025

 


 

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.


Tuesday, April 1, 2025


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. 

Monday, March 31, 2025



Shoes, like most things, are getting more expensive each year. When I was working in running stores almost 20 years ago, I was shocked when shoes started to consistently hit $100. Now, shoes in that price range are considered "budget running shoes" while the standard shoes cost $140-$200 (or more). While foams, upper materials and rides have dramatically improved, durability has seemed to suffer over the years. While at one time you could reliably expect a shoe to last 300-500 miles (running stores and companies would always say), now many shoes are lasting far less than that. Particularly with my unique biomechanics, reporting on durability is a key feature I assess when reviewing and testing shoes. With increasing costs and economic challenges, I have decided to put together a list of the most durable running to help people find shoes that will last, especially for those who are hard on shoes.

Saturday, March 29, 2025


ASICS Metafuji Trail Review
By Matthew Klein

Now that road super racing shoes have been around long enough, trail super racing shoes are beginning to drop from every company. With an already solid trail line up, the Metafuji trail fits a unique niche as a carbon plated, top-layer super foam trail racing shoe. Featuring one of the tallest stack heights in the line, it is also one of the lightest, giving it a strong head start as a racing shoe. A fast ride underfoot is only matched with the aggressiveness, making it a solid option for those who are able to control it. What is required to pull that off is worth talking about.

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