February Round-Up: New Reviews, Extended Science Friday, and More

Hey runners! We can't believe it's already the end of February. We had an incredibly busy month here at Doctors of Running with seven (eighth forthcoming) reviews, two new podcasts (one coming soon!) and the introduction of our new Q&A videos over on YouTube. We have even more great things ahead in March, but before we move forward, we say goodbye to February with quick look back. For the hardcore followers of DOR, we have some bonus content including a sneak peak at some additional Decker's products we're reviewing and extended edition of Science Friday, featuring a bit of discussion on pronation!

Reebok Run Fast 3.0 Multiple Tester Review

Reebok Run Fast 3.0 Multiple Tester Review

The Reebok Run Fast line reaches its third iteration. This shoe continues to boast a soft and bouncy midsole stabilized by a firm EVA topsole. Designed to handle speed days and racing, -- in case you couldn't tell from the name -- it maintains a lighter overall weight but changes the upper construction. That said, our testers had varying experience in this shoe regarding what paces it felt best at, so let's dig into the details below.

On Cloudventure Peak Review

On Cloudventure Peak Review
By Chief Editor Matt Klein

The On Cloudventure Peak is a lightweight trail shoe/racer that I have been interested in for a long time. Finding a lightweight, minimal trail shoe/racer isn't the easiest and thanks to On Running I was finally able to get my hands on a pair. The pair they sent me looked like Batman's trail shoe (all credit to Bach Pham on the "Batman Shoe" naming). The lugs looked so aggressive that while I was excited to dig into soft dirt, I was nervous to run any transitions on road. Interestingly enough, while this is an aggressive trail shoe, the lugs are actually clouds, which means they compress like Newton lugs. So like the Batman quote: "It's not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me," the On Cloudventure Peak is primarily a trail racing shoe that grips very well and will surprise you on the number of surfaces it can handle.

 

Skechers GOrun Horizon Vanish 2 Multiple Tester Review

Skechers GOrun Horizon Vanish 2 Multiple Tester Review

      The Skechers GOrun Horizon Vanish 2 continues the lightweight racing line for Skechers Performance. Major updates to this shoe include the inclusion of GOODYEAR outsole in the pod design as well as some touch ups throughout. The midsole utilizes ULTRAFLIGHT which is a much firmer durometer than Hyperburst but is still very lightweight and will work pretty well for those who like a more traditional racing flat feel when they turn up the pace. In an age of high stack height cushioned racing shoes the Horizon-Vanish 2 provides a traditional racing flat feel while still integrating some new age components like beveled geometry and upper integration. 

ASICS GlideRide 2 Multiple Tester Review

 ASICS GlideRide 2 Multiple Tester Review
By Contributors David Salas and Nathan Brown

The second iteration of of ASICS's RIDE series has finally come to fruition with the new Glideride 2 and Evoride 2 (review).  GUIDESOLE technology, particularly in the original Glideride (review), was touted by ASICS to have been "scientifically proven to save energy". We don't have access to this research and have not been able to dissect it or give a critical analysis of it, but the ASICS GlideRide 2 is built on a similar platform as the originally studied platform...with some well-executed changes. 

North Face Vectiv Infinite Review

North Face Vectiv Infinite Review

Matt: While there have been some North Face running shoes over the years, none have made as big of a splash as the Vectiv series. As some of the first trail shoes with plates to enter the market, a series of three were debuted. The Flight Vectiv is the carbon fiber racing model (review soon), the Vectiv Infinite is the pebax plated lightweight trainer and the Vectiv Enduris is the TPU plated, super stack height max shoe. I decided to get my hands on the middle child as I like pebax plates AND I was really curious in the plate stability design. I am very impressed for version one of the Vectiv Infinite. Those training and racing on the trails should definitely take a look at these models, especially if you want a different take on stability.

ASICS EvoRide 2 Review

ASICS EvoRide 2 Review
By David Salas

The ASICS EvoRide 2 is a continuation of the successful neutral trainer that debuted last year from ASICS. The EvoRide 2 is a neutral daily training shoe that features the new GUIDESOLE technology, meaning there is an excessive toe spring anteriorly in the forefoot to help with biomechanics and creating a more efficient stride. The shoe still utilizes FLYTEFOAM as the midsole and provides a very consistent and lasting ride. The shoe provides a very fun ride because it feels like a hybrid between a "traditional" training shoe and a "new generation" running shoe. 

Puma UltraRide Review

Puma UltraRide Review

Matt: My first introduction to Puma running shoes was the FAAS line. This was a big push for Puma at that point and occurred long ago during my time working in running retail. Advertised by some fantastic commercials with Jamaican music and Usain Bolt, these proved to be unique shoes. Since that time, there have been inconsistent debuts of Puma shoes. Finally, 2021 is here and we are seeing some incredible Puma Nitro shoes coming along with new foams and plates (stay tuned for some incredible racing shoes coming). For those that find these a little pricey, Puma also has some running shoes that debuted quietly. One of them was the UltraRide, which we purchased prior to getting our hands on the Nitro line to see what Puma was up to. While an interesting budget shoe, the UltraRide didn't exactly match my mechanics (or the mechanics of most people for that matter).

Saucony Ride 14 Multiple Tester Review

Saucony Ride 14 Multiple Tester Review
By Chief Editor Matt Klein and Contributor David Salas

The Ride series have been a group of great training shoes that handle both long and uptempo miles. We were quite impressed with version 13 (REVIEW) as it overhauled the midsole and upper. With a smoother and slightly softer ride, it continued to be a workhorse trainer. Version 14 has taken a much more subtle update approach. Refinements of both the upper and midsole have made this shoe subtly better. Those that like version 13 do not be afraid!  It is all for the better!

The Saucony Ride 14, lateral view. A bright blue upper with a Saucony logo in red stretching across. Moderate heel padding and a traditional white midsole.

January Roundup - New Reviews, Updates, and More

 

Hey runners! Welcome to our first ever Doctors of Running monthly roundup. This is our chance to catch up on what's been going on with the team and share some exciting things we have ahead.