Hoka Gaviota 6 Review (2026)

Hoka Gaviota 6 Review
By Bach Pham and Matthew Klein

 

The Gaviota has been Hoka's long-standing premium stability shoe. It has been quietly working in the background as one of the lighter yet maximal, higher-stability shoes in the market. This fairly popular model has gone without an update for quite awhile. Our review of version 5 is now three years old (2023). It was unique among Hoka shoes as one of the first to feature the H-frame and unlike other shoes in line, it fit wide. Along with popular models like the Kayano and Glycerin GTS, it is commonly seen on the feet of walkers and people in a variety of industries who stand on their feet for long periods (healthcare workers for sure). Version 6 is a long-awaited update that takes everything about this series and makes it better.

Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 Review (2026)

Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 Review
By Matthew Klein

 

The Hoka Cielo X1 series has always been a bit crazy. Version 1.0 was one of the heavier super racers on the market, yet had also one of the bounciest. It was a favorite of many of our team members given the lateral bias that made it an excellent medially stable racer that is still rare to see. Version two went a different direction, dropping a large amount of weight, getting taller and far slimmer. It went the opposite direction, with medial bias that took away its "stable racer" categorization, but trading that for a far more aggressive ride and fit. Version three melds the best of both. The snug fit remains, while a more balanced but incredibly bouncy and fast ride sits underfoot. A central cutout exists rather than lateral or medial, helping further with the shoe's aim to become middle grounded. The Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 is a true distance racing shoe, although who it will work best for is worth talking about. 

Puma Deviate Nitro 4 Review (2026)

Puma Deviate Nitro 4 Review
By David Salas & Andrea Myers

 

Since coming back onto the running scene, Puma has made great strides in their performance footwear. The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 continues upon this tradition by updating their highly versatile and responsive training shoe. The Deviate Nitro 4 can be used for a variety of uses, but with the main intent of tackling uptempo training runs and acting as a training companion to a super shoe. If you are staying within the Puma lineup, that would be the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 and/or the Puma Fast-R 3 respectively. 

The Monday Shakeout: Stroller Running Tips after 8000 Stroller Miles

The Monday Shakeout: Stroller Running Tips after 8000 Stroller Miles 
By Matthew Klein

This week Matt talks about all the lessons he has learned after running almost full-time with a stroller over the last 2.5 years. After 8000 stroller miles, here are some tips that may be helpful for those starting into running with a stroller and experienced stroller runners. 

Mailbag! Best Non-Plated Speed Shoes? Does Toe Spring Effect Hyper Extension? Running Advice for Joint Disease and Arthritis? | DOR Podcast #277

 

 

Mailbag! Best Non-Plated Speed Shoes? Does Toe Spring Effect Hyper Extension? Running Advice for Joint Disease and Arthritis?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 277

Our teams loves answering your questions, so here we are to dig into the mailbag! Nathan, Andrea, and David team up and talk to talk shoes, training, and injuries. They discuss advice for running with arthritis and neuromas, the best wet-weather shoes, non-plated speed-training shoes, and much more. Want your question on the next mailbag? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.

Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Review (2026)

Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Review
By Matt Klein and Bach Pham

 

The Brooks Glycerin GTS over the past few years has become the replacement to the Transcend series as part of the company's goal to simplify their line-up. While the Adrenaline GTS serves as the traditional stability daily trainer, the Glycerin GTS is basically a more premium version with a more modern midsole foam embedded. In this case, DNA Tuned replaces the DNA Loft v3 midsole to offer a slightly airy, more responsive midsole experience. The latest edition also offers some midsole changes that go in line with many core changes that Brooks is working on for 2026.

On Cloudrunner 3 Review (2026)

On Cloudrunner 3 Review
By David Salas

 

The On Cloudrunner is a favorite for many. The shoe is categorized as being a mild-to-moderate stability shoe with moderate cushioning. For many, this shoe works as an excellent option for standing and walking, lifestyle, and logging some easy miles. The Cloudrunner 3 continues upon these themes while adding a plush and premium upper. 

Diadora Mythos Blushield Vigore V Review (2026)

Diadora Mythos Blushield Vigore V Review
By Matthew Klein

 

After years of what seemed like a death spiral, the stability category is seeing some signs of life. A few (emphasis on few) new stability shoes have hit the market recently, providing a few more options for those who need true support. The challenge with these new models is that many still provide a firmer and stiffer ride, forgoing some of the newer midsole technology seen in neutral or lighter shoes. The Vigore V is supposed to change that with a top layer of bouncy Blushield N2 meant to make this stability shoe be a bit more snappy and fast. While the top layer is bouncy, what the Vigore V truly brings to the table is being one of the taller heel drops left on the market (one of the few over 10mm), with a solid amount of heel/midfoot stability and a snappy underfoot feel while still being a traditional stability shoe. 

Most Read Reviews of 2025 at Doctors of Running

Most Read Reviews of 2025 So Far at Doctors of Running
By DOR Editorial Team

Today we're taking a quick look at the reviews that YOU have been tuning in for most at Doctors of Running. It's always interesting to see both the shoes that always stand out year to year among runners and the new favorites that sneak into the scene and make a big splash. 

Buy or Sell: Saucony Endorphin Azura, ASICS Nimbus 28, Is Runner’s High a Real Thing? | DOR Podcast #276

 

Buy or Sell: Saucony Endorphin Azura, ASICS Nimbus 28, Is Runner’s High a Real Thing?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 276

We're heading into the new year with a new round of Buy or Sell, one of our favorite podcast games. If you don't know the drill, we force ourselves to decide whether we buy or sell an idea, shoe, treatment, etc. Today, Nathan, David, and Matt debate the Saucony Endorphin Azura (Shift 3 replacement??), the venerable ASICS Nimbus, whether runner's high really exists, and much more. Want your idea on the next edition of Buy or Sell? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com!

Mizuno Wave Inspire 22: Quick Evaluation

 

Mizuno Wave Inspire 22: Quick Evaluation
By Bach Pham

 

My first Wave Inspire was Version 17, which feels like a very long time ago. Then, it featured a very prominent medial support system. Recent versions have transitioned to a new wave plate design that focuses more on guidance than medial support. The Wave Inspire 22 aims to make subtle changes around their wave plate design, specifically in adjusting their foam and transitioning from 12mm to 10mm. In this quick evaluation, I'll share the good and the bad with this latest update from Mizuno. 

Kane Revive AC: Quick Evaluation

KANE Revive AC: Quick Evaluation
By Andrea Myers

 

The KANE Revive AC is KANE's winter version of their popular Revive recovery shoe. The Revive is a popular recovery option due to its highly breathable upper. However, this makes the Revive less than optimal in cold or wet weather. Thankfully, KANE has come out with the Revive AC, which features a waterproof upper, a Neoprene ankle cuff, and a rubber outsole with 2.65mm lugs for traction. 

Nike Structure Plus Review (2026)

Nike Structure Plus Review
By Matthew Klein and David Salas

 

Nike was quick to debut the new tiered levels of the Pegasus and Vomero series, with a standard, plus and premium model for each. The Structure series has had a delay in the releases, with many stability fans curious and apprehensive to see what of two new rare "additions" to the stability category would look like. The Structure Plus is the first to be debuted after the Structure 26, becoming one of the few stability shoes to feature a "super foam" of ZoomX foam. While not fully ZoomX, the Structure Plus is meant as a bouncier, faster companion to the Structure 26 for those who need a moderate to higher level of stability but still want some super, maximal stack height bounce in the ride. How it actually feels? Let's talk about it.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 Review (2026)

Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 Review
By Matthew Klein

 

The Saucony Endorphin Pro is one of the original super shoes. It was in a line of the first true super shoe (ie a plate, superfoam and max stack height) after the Vaporfly series, debuting around the same time as the original Adidas Adizero Pro and the Nike Alphafly Next%.  It has seen a great deal of changes over the years, with a rolling ride in its first two versions, a crazy bouncy and fast ride in its third, and the fourth moving into a higher volume, stable racer. Our contacts at Saucony informed us that many people were starting to use the Endorphin Pro 4 as a trainer/workout shoe and racing in the Endorphin Elite. The Endorphin Pro 5 is an evolution of this concept, where it is designed as a faster racer that is still durable enough for tons of workouts and races. Major updates include the geometry, upper, outsole and plate design. Although it was supposed to be a careful update, it has turned into a completely different shoe.

The Monday Shakeout: Biomechanical Effects of Maximal Shoes (Literature Review)

The Monday Shakeout: Biomechanical Effects of Maximal Shoes
By Matthew Klein

This week, Matt reviews a research article that summarizes the current literature on maximal shoes. While there is a ton of variety in maximal shoe design, there are some key features that may be helpful when runners are trying to make decisions about what stack height is right for them.

The Latest Research on Achilles Tendon Injuries | DOR Podcast #275

The Latest Research on Achilles Tendon Injuries
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 275

Nathan and Matt are joined by a very special guest, Dr. Karin Sibernagel, Professor at University of Delaware, to discuss the latest research about tendon anatomy, injury, and rehabilitation. Karin shares her extensive experience, both scientific and practical as a clinician, about everything tendon, especially the Achilles. They dive into the specific anatomy of tendons, why they so often get injured, and what you can do to rehabilitate on your own.

Best Carbon Plated Running Shoes (2026)

 

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.

Saucony Endorphin Azura Review (2026)

Saucony Endorphin Azura Review
By David Salas and Andrea Myers

 

Saucony has been widely popular for several of their models in the Endorphin lineup. Ranging from daily trainers to racing shoes, the series normally is characterized by having a noticeable rocker in a responsive package. Previously, the lineage of shoes were the Endorphin Shift, Speed, and Pro, respectively. This line was expanded into new models like the Endorphin Elite, Endorphin Edge, and Endorphin Trainer over the years. With the Shift discontinued, the void for a daily training shoe within the Endorphin lineup is being filled with the new Saucony Endorphin Azura. 

Saucony Guide 19 Review (2026)

Saucony Guide 19 Review
By Bach Pham and Matthew Klein

 

The Guide series from Saucony has been a reliable stability series for runners with stability needs. The Guide transitioned from being a shoe for those with higher stability needs thanks to a medial post design to a more universal, guidance-based model in recent years. In this review, we cover the latest version in the series which makes some midsole updates to help refine the modernized Guide they introduced with the 17 and 18.

Guide to Hoka Running Shoes (2026)

 

Welcome to our buyers guide for the footwear company, Hoka! Hoka has been one of the fastest growing footwear companies globally and is known for their high stacked, rockered shoes. In this guide we will discuss some of the beginnings of the brand, their proprietary technologies, as well as their current shoe lineup. 

Best Topo Athletic Running Shoes | Buyer's Guide (2026)

Topo Athletic is a brand that's quietly grown since its inception in 2013. Known for their low drop, wider fitting footwear, they've garnered a following for their comfort. In recent years, they've also been expanding their line into the performance trainer forum, releasing some exciting new shoes that have elevated the brand into the future. With their focus on fit, natural running shoes to "move better," and newfound interest in competitive midsole foams, it's an exciting time to get to know Topo.

Guide to Brooks Running Shoes (2026)

Welcome to our guide to Brooks Running footwear! Brooks has been a leader among specialty running for years thanks to their focus on the recreational runner and step-in comfort. Their technology focuses on maximizing the runner's unique movement path, providing semi-customized cushioning and a variety of fits for each runner's individual needs. They have a vast road line with variations on the same shoe for different fits and levels of stability. Brooks continues to have the most extensive line of stability shoes on the market from faster shoes up to motion control shoes, which is rare in today's footwear landscape. Being a Seattle-based company, they also have a strong focus on sustainability and keep the environment in mind with the development of their footwear. In this feature, we will cover Brooks's history, unique technology, and their current running shoe lineup.

ASICS GT-4000 4 Review (2025)

ASICS GT-4000 4 Review
By Matthew Klein

 

While the stability category has continued to shrink over the last 5-10 years, the motion control category has almost been eliminated. Shoe series like the ASICS Foundation, Mizuno Paradox/Alchemy, Saucony Redeemer and others have long been discontinued, leaving only a few left for those looking for high stability. The ASICS GT-4000 is one of those that has quietly stayed under the radar for the last few years, but still been a staple for those looking for a maximal stability shoe that has a full-length medial post. The ASICS GT-4000 4 continues to have a place in running footwear for those looking for higher levels of and more traditional stability. 

The Best Stable Neutral Running Shoes (2026)

When we put together our Guide to Stability, we also helped define a segment of running shoes that we felt existed, but wasn't amplified. We ended up coining the term "stable neutral" to help put a name to the trend. Stable neutral shoes have steadily become a growing part of the industry in recent years. Especially as maximal cushioning as gone from a corner of running to the norm, companies have been working to balance these tall stack heights with a variety of design features to create stable platforms. In this feature, we further define stable neutral shoes and offer our current favorites in the market today.