Rethinking How We Categorize Shoes | DOR Podcast #295

 

  

Rethinking How We Categorize Shoes
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 295

Matt and Andrea work through a range of shoes they've been testing, sharing thoughts on the direction Saucony and Brooks are heading, Andrea's track spike adventures, and a mix of recent pickups including the Asics Kayano 33 and On Cloudmonster Hyper LS. The conversation then shifts to a broader question: whether the way we currently categorize running shoes has gotten overcomplicated, using the Brooks Hyperion Max 4, Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro, Saucony Endorphin Pro 5, Endorphin Azura, and more as jumping-off points for discussion. What do you think? How do you categorize shoes? We'd love feedback! Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.

ASICS Novablast 6 Review (2026)

 

ASICS Novablast 6 Review
By Matthew Klein 

 

The ASICS Novablast has been a popular series for a variety of runners. In 2025, it became ASICS's best-selling shoes. Version 5 did a great job of balancing cushioning, durability, transitions, fit,  and a lighter weight. It is no wonder it was such a popular shoe that year. Classic to ASICS this year, the Novablast 6 sees a complete overhaul. A forefoot pod of FF Turbo Squared adds more bounce to the forefoot while a new geometry attempts to push you forward. With a $15 price increase, runners who have loved version 5 may need to weigh out whether they like all the new upgrades.

Puma MagMax Nitro 2 Review (2026)

 

Puma MagMax Nitro 2 Review
By Andrea Myers

The Puma MagMax Nitro 2 is an exciting update to the original, which was one of my favorite shoes of 2024. It features Puma's NITROFOAM cushioning, no plate, and a tall 46mm/38mm stack height. The original MagMax stood out for its relatively light weight in the super trainer category, and Puma has delivered with nearly a 1oz weight loss in version 2. For me, MagMax Nitro 2 keeps Puma at the front of the field with this relatively lightweight, bouncy super trainer.

ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 Review (2026)

 

ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 Review
By Matthew Klein and Bach Pham

 

The ASICS Kayano is one of the longest-standing stability series still on the market. While staying fairly similar for years, version 30 saw a massive redesign that combined a maximal influence with guidance concepts. While an improvement, there were still challenges, including a heavier weight and a clunky heel transition. When version 32 hit, everything changed. For once, we had a fun Kayano, with a bouncier ride, slightly softer feel underfoot, and a finally optimized 4D guidance system that made the shoe feel smooth and stable at the same time. It was one of the few Kayanos that I kept running in even after I hit 100 miles. Like version 30, version 33 is a massive overhaul. This model will truly divide those who enjoyed the previous versions as it moves away from prior stability methods into a more "natural" design.

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.

Fact or Fiction: Soft Shoes Reduce Injury Risks? High Arches Means You Need Arch Support? | DOR Podcast #294

 

  

 Fact or Fiction: Soft Shoes Reduce Injury Risks? High Arches Means You Need Arch Support?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 294

Matt and David work through a packed shoe rotation before David shares a detailed account of his Boston Marathon experience. On the footwear side, they cover the Brooks Hyperion Max 4, Saucony Triumph 24, Saucony Hurricane 26, Under Armour Velocity Distance, Brooks Ghost 18, a race review of the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3, and more. Then David takes listeners through the full Boston weekend — from the days leading up to the race through race day and the aftermath.

Brooks Ghost 18 Review (2026)

 

Brooks Ghost 18 Review
By David Salas

 
For as long as many can remember, the Brooks Ghost has been a sturdy and reliable training shoe. Brooks is keeping the lineage going with their flagship model with minor updates. The Brooks Ghost 18 features an update to the upper and uses DNA Loft V3 for cushioning. This will still be a neutral workhorse.

Brooks Beast (Ariel) GTS 26: Quick Evaluation (2026)

 

Brooks Beast (Ariel) GTS 26: Quick Evaluation 
By Bach Pham

 

The Brooks Beast series (known as Ariel for the women's model) has long been the stability training model for runners with the greatest stability needs. It sits under the Adrenaline in terms of actual comfort in favor of a high level of guidance. The last version we tested was the Beast GTS 24, which was a personal favorite of mine for slow day runs. This version makes a few small changes, providing an updated "RoadTack" outsole along with a new heel. Despite on paper being minimal changes, there is something different about this version of the Beast which we'll get to in this quick evaluation.

Monday Shakeout: The State of Stability Shoes in 2026

The Monday Shakeout: The State of Stability Shoes in 2026 
By Matthew Klein

This week, Matt talks about where stability shoes are from a design perspective in 2026. He discusses notable trends, both positive and negative, with hopes and predictions for the future.

David’s Boston Marathon Recap, New Brooks and Saucony Shoes | DOR Podcast #29

 

   

David’s Boston Marathon Recap, New Brooks and Saucony Shoes
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 293

Matt and David work through a packed shoe rotation before David shares a detailed account of his Boston Marathon experience. On the footwear side, they cover the Brooks Hyperion Max 4, Saucony Triumph 24, Saucony Hurricane 26, Under Armour Velocity Distance, Brooks Ghost 18, a race review of the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3, and more. Then David takes listeners through the full Boston weekend — from the days leading up to the race through race day and the aftermath.

Brooks Hyperion Max 4 Review (2026)

 

Brooks Hyperion Max 4 Review
By  Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

 

The Hyperion Max series is hotly debated on the Doctors of Running team. While Andrea loved version one, David preferred version two and Matt preferred version three. Each of the last versions has been unique, experiencing large changes, including the addition of a superfoam DNA Gold in v3. This finally made the Hyperion Max a super trainer, whereas a lack of superfoam previously made it not technically in that category. Version 4 supposedly makes small tweaks from the prior one, mostly focusing on a new upper. Despite looking similar, it actually feels completely different underfoot. Whether that is good or bad will depend on what you want.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v15 Review (2026)

 

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v15 Review
By Matthew Klein

 

The New Balance 860 series, once a fairly standard medial post stability shoe, saw some unique changes in version 14. The majority of older stability shoes utilize medial posts as their primary stability mechanism, a firmer piece of material in the midsole meant to slow down the rate of pronation due to its contrastingly firmer nature compared to the rest of the shoe. Version 14 saw a shift to using a wedge design, where the medial side gradually was firmer than the lateral side and helped keep the foot in a more inverted position. While this has been done before, it is a technique usually done with orthotics that works well to put the foot in a different position, rather than just slowing motion down. Those with various problems, like elevated 1st rays or heel/forefoot varus, can find solutions with this that traditional posting may not fix. Version 15 builds on this design with a stiffer plate integrated into the midsole that offers an even more true wedge design that extends beyond just the foam. An even wider and taller platform makes this shoe even more guided, which adds a ton of weight. A new midsole top layer provides a bouncier ride, but whether it is enough to keep this large shoe moving is worth talking about.

Monday Shakeout: Some Unique Shoes I've Been Testing While Injured

The Monday Shakeout: Some Unique Shoes I've Been Testing While Injured
By Nathan Brown

If you've been following us through podcast, you've probably heard a bit about my personal injury journey, which has kept me off the roads and trails more than I wish. However, it has provided great opportunities to reset my habits, practices, and values with running. As a small part of this, I've been experiencing footwear a bit differently and selecting footwear for reasons outside of running. Therefore, I wanted to give a quick rundown of the shoes I've been enjoying for various purposes in this past season. 

Saucony Paramount Max Review (2026)

 

Saucony Paramount Max Review
By Matthew Klein

 

Saucony has some of the softest and bounciest midsole foams on the market so far in 2026. The Endorphin Elite 3 has already proved to be the softest and bounciest super racer out there, which may be great for those wanting that and challenging for those wanting a stable ride (me). The Triumph 24, the long-running premium daily trainer features their new Incredilux, making it an incredibly light, bouncy and responsive shoe that feels like a lightweight trainer. The Saucony Hurricane 26 is easily the best stability shoe of 2026 and maybe even the last few years, also featuring an IncrediLux midsole that makes it the most bouncy and responsive stability shoe out there. Despite an already fantastic lineup, Saucony is releasing the Paramount Max. Meant as a maximal stack height shoe for daily mileage and long runs, a full-length, wide base of IncrediRun, this non-plated super trainer provides smooth transitions over longer miles. 

Saucony Triumph 24 Review (2026)

 

Saucony Triumph 24 Review
By David Salas

 

Saucony has been making some major midsole shifts as we get deeper into 2026. The two newest foams that we are seeing enter the training shoe space are IncrediRUN (seen in the Endorphin Elite 2 and Paramount Max) and IncrediLUX (seen in the Saucony Triumph 24 and Hurricane 26). These foams are ATPU based and provide a weight to cushion ratio that the company hasn't had yet in training shoes. The Saucony Triumph is their premium neutral trainer. IncrediLUX creates an all-new Triumph that truly separates it from the other neutral shoes in their lineups. 

Between Two Feet: Puma and ASICS Super Shoes and the Benefits of Super Shoe Diversity | DOR Podcast #292

   

 

Between Two Feet: Superblast 3, Deviate Nitro Elite 4 and the Benefits of Super Shoe Diversity
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 292

Matt and Andrea are back for another Between Two Feet episode, comparing notes on a trio of high-performance shoes. They work through the ASICS Superblast 3, the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4, and the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, sharing how each shoe performs across different foot types and running styles. Along the way they dig into the nuances of foam softness and sole flare, how mechanics & foot strike change how you might perceive a shoe, and make the case for why brands diversifying their racing shoe lineups is a win for runners.

Saucony Hurricane 26 Review (2026)

 

Saucony Hurricane 26 Review
By Matthew Klein and Bach Pham

 

The Saucony Hurricane has been a long-standing, popular premium stability shoe that at one point, we thought had been discontinued. We were happily surprised when it resurfaced as one of the first stability shoes to feature one of the newer PEBA foams, at least partially. The challenge was that it was still heavy and clunky. The next version improved this with a lighter weight and better geometry but resulted in a soft/mushy ride that was less stable. In this day and age, it seemed that we would never have a light and responsive stability shoe. Yet along comes the Hurricane 26. Featuring a similar design to version 25 with a brand new ATPU foam called IncrediLux, version 26 is now one of the lightest and certainly the most responsive stability shoes available in the US.

The North Face Altamesa 500 V2: Quick Evaluation (2026)

The North Face Altamesa 500 V2: Quick Evaluation
By David Salas

 

The North Face has traditionally done a good job of providing quality footwear for the trails. The Altamesa 500 V2 continues this legacy with an update to their road to trail offering. The Altamesa 500 V2 featues a new nitrogen infused TPU midsole named DREAM. The North Face also made some tweaks to the original to make a more stable offering. The North Face Altamesa 500 V2 will be an agreeable high cushion trail shoe for many.  

Mailbag! London Marathon Thoughts? Ideal Walking Shoes? Favorite Easy Day Trainer? | DOR Podcast #291

  

 

Mailbag! London Marathon Thoughts? Ideal Walking Shoes? Favorite Easy Day Trainer?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 291

Nathan, Matt, and David open with their reactions to the London Marathon before diving into the mailbag. They field questions on finding the right walking shoes for knee pain, navigating how to get get into physical therapy specializing in runners, balancing strength training alongside a running schedule and more.

Kiprun Kipsummit Max: Quick Evaluation (2026)

Kiprun Kipsummit Max: Quick Evaluation
By Matthew Klein

 

I have been aware of Kiprun shoes for many years given my habit of searching out shoes and companies from around the world. While I have never previously tested a pair of their shoes, my interest started to increase when I saw them start to make attempts at a super racing shoe a few years ago. 2026 has been a big year of growth for the brand as they launch a whole new range of performance shoes that has helped expand their catalog. They recently launched on Running Warehouse for the first time as well, showing their commitment to growing the brand and ease of access to the footwear this year. The Kiprun Kipsummit itself has been a pleasant surprise, being one of the first non-racing max stack height trail shoes to feature a full-length ATPU superfoam.