Ranking Our Top 5 Favorite Max Cushion Shoes of All-Time | DOR Podcast #298

 

 

  

Ranking Our Top 5 Favorite Max Cushion Shoes of All-Time |
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 298

David and BJ count down their top five max cushion shoes of all time, breaking down what earns a shoe a spot on the list and what sets the top pick apart from the rest of the field, including some deep cuts and new favorites. What are your favorite max cushion shoes? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com!

Puma Deviate Pure Nitro Review (2026)

 

Puma Deviate Pure Nitro Review
By Matthew Klein

 

2026 has been the year of the performance trainer. For the first time in a while, we have seen a solid increase in the number of lighter performance shoes. While some still sit within the super trainer category. others have debuted at $150 price ranges with simple but effective non-plated designs. The Deviate Pure Nitro is another addition to this category, featuring Nitro foam cushioning without a plate and a more simple geometry. The result is a simple but durable shoe that can handle a bit of everything. In a time of highly specialized shoes, something consistent for a variety of miles can be a breath of fresh air. 

This or That? Choosing Between High End vs. Mid Tier Shoes | DOR Podcast #297

 

  

This or That? Choosing Between High End vs. Mid Tier Shoes
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 297

Nathan, Matt, and David open with an update on David's post-Boston rehab before diving into the mailbag. They field a range of footwear and injury questions, covering shoe options for Achilles tendinopathy and medial knee OA, alternatives to high-drop shoes, road-to-trail crossover picks, and lightweight daily trainer recommendations. They also help a listener find a replacement for the Brooks Hyperion 2.

Mailbag! Best Light Trainers? High Drop Alternatives? New Merch! | DOR Podcast #296

 

  

Mailbag! Best Light Trainers? High Drop Alternatives? New Merch!
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 296

Nathan, Matt, and David open with an update on David's post-Boston rehab before diving into the mailbag. They field a range of footwear and injury questions, covering shoe options for Achilles tendinopathy and medial knee OA, alternatives to high-drop shoes, road-to-trail crossover picks, and lightweight daily trainer recommendations. They also help a listener find a replacement for the Brooks Hyperion 2.

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. 

DOR x Rabbit Collaboration: Presale Open!

Doctors of Running x Rabbit 
Apparel Collaboration
Presale Open!

Shop Today

We are extremely excited to share this new collaboration with our friends at Rabbit! If you listen to the podcast, you'll know that Rabbit has been a sponsor of the show all year long and amazing partners in helping us grow the Doctors of Running Podcast. We were thrilled when they introduced the idea of bringing to life some Doctors of Running branded apparel out of the EZ collection, our long-time favorite series. Thank you to Rabbit for helping making this possible!

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. 

HOKA Skyward X 2 Review (2026)

HOKA Skyward X 2 Review
By Andrea Myers and Matt Klein

 

The name "Hoka" is synonymous with maximal shoes. As the company that started the max stack height movement, they have debuted tall shoes since their inception. However, the majority of the industry has caught up, with everyone having at least one if not an entire line of maximal shoes. The original Skyward X was meant to take stack heights to new levels, offering a super maximal super trainer with superfoam, a carbon plate and an incredibly tall platform. While a unique shoe, it suffered from being heavy, a bit too soft and a bit too tall. Hoka decided to correct this with version two, dropping the stack height slightly while lightening up the shoe. This results in a far more stable, balanced and responsive ride that maintains the ultramarathon type capacity of the series while still moving version two forward. Whether this will work for everyone is worth talking about. 

Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 Review (2026)

 

Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 Review
By Matthew Klein and Andrea Myers

 

The Saucony Endorphin Elite series has been unique since the first version debuted. At a time when softness was leading, the Endorphin Elite 1 was a firmer but incredibly responsive shoe that turned heads as one of the more stable racing shoes on the market. It was a favorite of many of our team, even if the outsole durability was not great. Version two went the exact opposite direction, featuring one of the softest midsoles any of us had experienced. Even with well-known guidance mechanisms, it was still a soft shoe that did better for those with stable mechanics across longer race distances but lost it higher speed capacity the first version was known for. 3rd time is the charm and Saucony has combined the best of both into the newest version. Featuring one of the softest and bounciest midsole on the market with a redone upper that combines flexibility with comfort, the Elite 3 blends most of the best of both of the previous versions into another unique super racing shoe. 

Buy or Sell: Data is Overrated? Banning Water Cups at Marathons? Super Trainers are Better? | DOR Podcast #290

 

 

Buy or Sell: Data is Overrated? Banning Water Cups at Marathons? Super Trainers are Better?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 290

Matt and David are back with a new installment of Buy or Sell. They debate the merits of data versus hands-on testing in shoe reviews and make the case that the era of 35-39mm being considered max cushion is officially over. They also look ahead at where the industry is heading — from the coming wave of 50mm+ shoes to a future with three tiers of racing footwear and much more. Want your debate featured on the next Buy or Sell? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com

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.

361 Flame 5 Review (2026): Most Stable Racing Shoe?

 

361 Flame 5 Review
By Matthew Klein

 

The Flame series was 361's first attempt at a super shoe. The original was stiff and firm, lacking the bounce that others had even at that time. The series has evolved so much from the time with the Flame 4 being a solid trainer/racer and one of the few stable neutral racers on the market. 361 has greatly evolved its racing line since that time, with aggressive distance options like the Furious Future 2.0 to the Miro Nude 2.0 being one of the lightest racing shoes on the market. The Flame 5 returns with updates that make the ride more durable, faster and more stable. Although not intended, in a world where racing shoes are becoming less stable, the Flame 5 may be the one true stable racing shoe on the market, with borderline-mild stability components.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 9 Review (2026)

 

 

Mizuno Wave Horizon 9 Review
By Bach Pham and Matt Klein

 

The Horizon series is Mizuno's signature premium stability shoe. I have been a big fan of the series not necessarily for its running chops, but just general design that was well ahead of its time and overall comfort. It blended geometry and midsole design to create stability before it was cool, and did some unique things that have been integrated into other shoe brand's stability footwear today. So whenever a Horizon comes to my door, I'm always excited to see what changes the series has in store as far as innovations. 

The Science of Walking Shoes | DOR Podcast #289

 

 

The Science of Walking Shoes 
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 289

Matt, Nathan, and David lace up for a deep dive into the biomechanics of walking and what they mean for footwear. They break down how the foot moves through the gait cycle, what characteristics make a shoe well-suited for walking, and how details like heel bevel factor into the equation. The crew also rounds up their top brand picks for walking shoes and works through how to match common injuries with the right walking footwear.

361 Furious Future 2.0: Quick Evaluation (2025)

  

361 Furious Future 2.0 Quick Review 
By Matthew Klein 

 

We at Doctors of Running have known 361 for a long time. They were one of the first companies to send us product for review, for which we are immensely thankful. They were earlier adopters of carbon-plated footwear, putting carbon plates in everything. However, for years, their foams lagged behind the industry. Even with the original Flame, although it was stable, it was stiff and not where a true super shoe should be. Quietly, 361 has been working hard to change that. Although kudos are often given to other companies, they have the lightest super racing shoe on the market with the 361 Miro. The Furious Future is their distance super shoe, one that has apparently been solid but still flown under the radar. The 361 Furious Future 2.0 no longer flies under the radar, with a hyper-performance focus and an aggressive ride that excels as an elite distance racing ride. 

DARIMATI BR-001: Quick Evaluation (2026)

DARIMATI BR-001: Quick Evaluation
By Bach Pham

 

The running shoe industry is not an easy place to enter, especially in 2026. There are so many shoes in the market today. We review over 140 new shoe releases a year just here at Doctors of Running, and that is still leaving a big void of shoes each year. Breaking into this industry is a tremendously hard thing to do, which is why it's always interesting to see a new brand come along. DARIMATI is a Seoul-based startup that has launched a kickstarter for their first model, the Bridge-001. In this quick evaluation, we'll talk about the brand, their goals, and my impression of this new model.

Xero XT Max: Quick Evaluation (2026)

Xero XT Max: Quick Evaluation 
By Andrea Myers

 

The Xero XT Max is a new weight training specific shoe from Xero. I have personally been using the Xero HFS II as my lifting shoe for the past year due to its zero drop, grippy outsole, and anatomical fit. When I heard that Xero had made a strength training specific shoe, I was excited to try it. The XT Max has been a significant upgrade from the HFS II, with one small exception.

Inov8 Trailfly Speed v2: Quick Evaluation (2026)

Inov8 Trailfly Speed v2: Quick Evaluation
By Matthew Klein

 

Inov8 has maintained a unique place as a company that makes a decent variety of shoes with exceptional durability, incredibly grip and the ability to handle tough terrain. The company was born out of the need to design natural shoes that could handle fell running, a British sport that involves racing over difficult terrain without marked paths. Although there is more recent competition from Altra and Topo, Inov8 remains one of the few that have held their natural roots even with the continued rise of stack heights. The Trailfly shoes are meant as long-distance trainers/racers meant to combine Inov8's fantastic grip with light weights that are able to move quickly over terrain. The Trailfly Speed v2 is the faster racing version, now featuring an even better outsole grip, an upgraded midsole and a reinforced upper, all while keeping a natural feel.

Mailbag! Best Stable Max Cushion? Shoes for Knee Pain? Training While Sick? | DOR Podcast #288

 

 

Mailbag! Best Stable Max Cushion? Shoes for Knee Pain? Training While Sick?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 288

Nathan, David, and Matt dig into the mailbag to tackle your questions. They compare the On Cloudmonster Hyper 3 and Saucony Endorphin Azura and help a listener find a road shoe similar to the Puma Deviate Nitro Trail. They also get into the clinical side of things, offering shoe recommendations for ITB-related knee pain, upper-body strength training for runners, and how to navigate marathon training when illness gets in the way.

On Cloudsoma Review (2026)

On Cloudsoma Review
By Matthew Klein and David Salas

 

On has been one of the largest growing companies in the footwear space. They are normally spotted quickly by their Cloudtec midsoles. These foam midsoles have holes through the width of the shoe and are supposed to help with cushioning. On is going in a different direction with the On Cloudsoma. The On Cloudsoma will be using what they call Cloudtec Connect. This midsole is filled in and uses flex grooves for a grounded and natural ride. This is an all terrain training shoe that is supposed to deliver an intuitive ride across all footings. 

Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed 2: Quick Evaluation

Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed 2: Quick Evaluation
By David Salas

 

Adidas is one of the main companies that pushes the boundaries when it comes to performance footwear. In recent years we are seeing more and more companies place their advanced footwear technology in their trail models. The Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed 2 is designed to be a trail racing shoe for moderate distances (sub-ultra). The shoe runs very nimble and responsive. Being a racing shoe, it is geared for speed and may come with some inherent instabilities.  

On Cloudboom Volt Review (2026)

On Cloudboom Volt Review
By  Andrea Myers and Matt Klein

 

The On Cloudboom Volt is a new, lower priced racing option from On. It features a dual layer Helion HF (PEBA) midsole and a full length carbon Speedboard plate. At $200, it is the lowest price racing shoe option from On, compared to the $330 Lightspray Cloudboom Strike, $280 Cloudboom Strike, and the $230 Cloudboom Max. While all of these shoes feature Helion HF, we know that shoe companies use different versions of a foam, while giving them the same name. Will the Cloudboom Volt have the bouncy ride of one of Andrea's favorites, the Cloudboom Strike? 

Under Armour Velociti Elite 3 Review (2025 Release)

Under Armour Velociti Elite 3 Review
By Matthew Klein

 

Despite not being a legacy running brand, Under Armour has been gathering some significant running accolades. Sharon Lokedi, an elite UA athlete, has been hitting podiums at majors hard in UA shoes, including winning the NYC marathon and setting a Boston marathon course record. All of this has been done in versions of the Velociti Elite, the premier racing shoe in the UA lineup. Initial versions had the unique mix of a surprisingly good upper with odd choices for midsole design. Technically, with only half the sole being a superfoam (the other half being EVA), it is questionable whether the first two versions were truly super shoes or not. Version 3 finally corrects this, now with full-length and height HOVR+, a beaded foam that provides a far more responsive and quicker ride than previous. Providing a unique ride with one of the lowest drops among super shoes, the UA Velociti Elite 3 is starting to move up the pack. 

Super Shoe Research: Matching Up to Your Running, Known Effects on the Body, How to Adapt Appropriately | DOR Podcast #28

 

 

Super Shoe Research: Matching Up to Your Running, Known Effects on the Body, How to Adapt Appropriately
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 287

Matt is joined by Dr. Iain Hunter of Brigham Young University's Exercise Science department for an evidence-based deep dive into the science of super shoes. Drawing on his own research, Dr. Hunter explores the wide variability in how runners respond to plated footwear and tackles the practical questions runners are asking — whether super shoes are right for everyone, how to find the right fit, and how to integrate them wisely into training. They also dig into what the research says about tendon health, trail super shoes, and maintaining foot and calf strength.

Salomon Aero Glide 4 Review (2026) - GRVL Update

Salomon Aero Glide 4 Review
By David Salas

 

Although they are mostly known for their trail models, Salomon has been putting quite a bit of energy into their road models the last couple of years. We saw some big improvements in the foams, weights, and general versatility of their road models. The Salomon Aero Glide 3 was one of those shoes that made such improvements. The Aero Glide 4 expands upon the 3 with a new upper and OptiFOAM2 midsole. The goal is to be a maximum cushioned daily training shoe that is also lightweight. 

Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 Review (2026)

Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 Review
By Matthew Klein

 

While Salomon has been known as a performance brand on the trails for years, their establishment on the road has taken more time. After a lackluster first "road racing shoe," they released their first true super racer, the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, in 2023. Featuring a full-length PEBA midsole, a carbon plate and a slightly long fit, all the boxes were checked as a super shoe but it didn't differentiate itself much from other models on the market. A slightly long fit and wobbly ride may the higher price tag (for the time) difficult to justify, although it was still a decent racer. The latest of the series finally sees Salomon taking some risks to make a unique product. On the heels of some incredible training shoes like the Aero Glide 3 (and 4), the S/Lab Phantasm 3 brings a unique upper design and ride that clearly sets it apart from other on the market. 

Saucony Ride 19 Review (2026)

Saucony Ride 19 Review
By  David Salas

 

The Saucony Ride has been the flagship neutral trainer for the brand for many years. It has always been a reliable go to shoe for daily mileage with mild upside for faster paces. The Ride 19 moves in a new direction. The Ride series continues with PWRRUN + as the midsole, but changes the shaping of the platform and the upper some. The result is a more plush offering throughout for easy days. 

Adidas Supernova Rise 3 Review (2026)

Adidas Supernova Rise 3 Review
By Matthew Klein 

The Adidas Supernova Rise 1 and 2 were big surprises. After the Supernova line-up had been dormant for a few years, it quietly came back far lighter and nimble that most shoes on the market. While others chased the maximal, high stack, heavyweight, these shoes came in at decent stack heights that favored a lighter weight with a PEBA-mixed midsole. The stability sibling, the Solution, was also a pleasant surprise as it was one of the lightest stability shoes featuring almost the same design with more inherent stability in the sole. After testing Solution 3, I was disappointed with the redesign. It was more stable, but heavier and more clunky than what I had grown to appreciate from the reintroduced series. When the Rise 3 was sent over and I saw what looked like a similar design, I expected the same thing. However, the Rise 3 turned out to be a pleasant surprise, coming in lighter than its predecessor, more stable and more durable. The Rise 3 manages to the right the ship of the Supernova series, providing a solid, dependable daily trainer from Adidas. 

Our Favorite Shoes of 2026 So Far, and David’s Running the Boston Marathon!? | DOR Podcast #286

   

 

Our Favorite Shoes of 2026 So Far, and David’s Running the Boston Marathon!?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 286

The beginning of 2026 has been absolutely loaded with new shoe releases, and David and Andrea are here to pick their Top 3 (plus a few honorable mentions) for the year so far, including picks from On, Saucony, Mizuno and more. Also, David's running Boston with Adidas in just a few short weeks! Tune in to hear about his training and mindset leading up to the big day.

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 Review (2026)

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 Review
By Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

 

The original Puma Deviate Nitro Elite was one of our favorite super shoes when it came out. A fast, light option that was still comfortable and accessible in a time of only a few options. Version two was the beginning of the series moving toward being more aggressive. Oddly heavier than the original, it was disappointing in its narrow fit and weirdly biased sole. Version 3 started to head back in the light direction with the stiffest ride of all but was held back by poor outsole durability. Version 4 finally corrects all of this and feels like a true successor to the original. Lighter, faster, snappier with a design truly in line with Puma's performance-oriented design, the Deviate Nitro Elite 4 complements the Fast-R 3, providing a fantastic racing option that will work for a different set of runners.