Welcome back runners! We're zooming through 2021 and already on the verge of summer running.
We had a super exciting start to April with the release of Asics new marathon shoe release, the Metaspeed Sky, and the announcement of it's partner the Metaspeed Edge. We also continued our expansion of On reviews, checking out the Cloudflow and Cloudultra. Lots of exciting things going on in the shoe world that we're about to land on as well as we started getting our early summer shoes. There are some amazing releases ahead we're really excited to talk about soon. But first, let's go through everything April had to offer.
LATEST REVIEWS AT DOCTORS OF RUNNING
Daily Trainer
Brooks Launch 8 GTS - Brooks revamp their collection, making the former Ravenna their Launch stability companion through the GTS branding
On Cloudflow 2.0 - On Running's lightest daily trainer. A smooth, protective ride for a large variety of runs
Skechers GoRun Ride 9 - The GoRun Ride 7 redefined Skecher's entire running division. The Ride 9 brings that excitement back in a clean, updated package.
Saucony Axon - Using the Endorphin Shift as inspiration, Saucony comes in with a first in the industry: a $100 max cushion offering with proven PWRRUN
Trail
Hoka Torrent 2 - The Torrent 2 is a Hoka trail runner favorite for speedy racing.
On Cloudultra - On Running's brand new long distance trail cruiser, for training and ultra trail running.
Skechers Razor TRL - Skechers transfers it's beloved road running shoe to the trail with a structured upper and additions of lugs to provide a breezy all terrain experience
Racing
Asics Metaspeed Sky - Asics swung big in their latest marathon racer. Focusing on stride, the Sky offers their bounciest racer yet
Hoka One One Speed Evo R - Hoka track fans will be more than familiar with this stunning spike. A fast and fun ride
LATEST VIDEOS AT DOCTORS OF RUNNING
ASICS Metaspeed Sky and Metaspeed Edge: First Look
Nathan Brown goes over Asics new racing line.
Hoka Mach 4 after 100 Miles
David Salas checks in after 109 miles in his pair of Mach 4.
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run: Why it Didn't Work for Us
Editor Matt Klein offers why the Invincible Run didn't work for him and why it may or may not for you.
Overtraining is the #1 Problem in Running
Coach Dave Ames tackles the problems with overtraining.
Podcast Episode 43: Brooks Launch 8 vs Launch 8 GTS | The Best Budget Running Shoes
Matt Klein and Nathan Brown go over the latest Brooks release along with their favorite budget racing shoes of 2021.
The History of Karhu, the Oldest Sports Brand You Never Heard Of
Karhu's Jordan Kinley on Karhu's long-running (pun intended) history.
Skechers Razor TRL Review
Matt and Nathan touch on their experiences with the latest Razor in the Skechers line, built for the trails.
REVIEW UPDATES
Skechers GORun Ride 9
Contributor Nathan Brown adds his full thoughts to the review
"The GOrun Ride 9 is a solid update to the 8, with a much smooth geometry
and overall softer ride. For those looking for a soft trainer that
offers a lot of underfoot protection, this could be a solid option to
check out, particularly if you have normal to slightly wider feet."
Karhu Fusion 2021
Nathan Brown adds some fit thoughts regarding Karhu's "HiVo" version
"The fit difference between the "normal" and "HiVo" was substantial,
where the "normal" gives a quite locked down and performance like fit
(in fact, to locked down that my toes went numb on some runs), whereas
the HiVo provided nice toe box space that made it feel like a daily
trainer."
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Release: May 1 (Running Warehouse Link)
The staple of the Hoka line returns for its 8th edition, featuring a new, lighter EVA midsole, and subtle refinements throughout from its predecessor (added rubber on outsole for longevity, even more plush upper made from vegan materials).
Asics Kayano 28
Release: Mid May
Standout changes for the legendary Kayano series. Flytefoam Blast midsole. Big updates to the integration of stability.
A few initial impressions from editor Matt Klein: “Everything about this shoe fits my foot. Heel is perfect. Very padded, so I don't feel the heel counter, but it is very secure. Midfoot and forefoot fit perfect. Not loose and not snug. Perfect. Upper is very comfortable. I don't feel the Duomax Post. The sole just feels really stable. I don't feel the sidewalls, but the heel is stable. Ride has some bounce to it. Really smooth heel transition and toe off. Didn't expect the smooth heel transition. Very minimal bevel. Midfoot a bit stiff as per usual, but transitions MUCH better than the normal open trusstic system design. Really impressed.”
New Balance 1080v11
Release: Available Now (Running Warehouse Link)
The 1080v10 completely refreshed the 1080 series, providing the shoe with a jolt of Fresh Foam and a redesigned upper with the ultra heel tab. Version 11 keeps things simple, making minor adjustments to the foam and upper over last year's beloved version.
Release: Available Now
The lightest in Puma's new Nitro series, the liberate is meant for speed. The shoe comes in for men at an incredible 6.3 oz/ 179g with all Nitro foam along with their new Puma Grip outsole and a lightweight upper.
Release: Available Now
The Eternity is the stability model out of the brand new Nitro line out of Puma. The shoe utilizes “RunGUIDE” which is a firm density rim that runs down the perimeter of the medial and lateral sides of the midsole with the goal to help keep the runner centered. Some light sole flaring, a reflective TPU piece, and their new Puma grip outsole all further player into this light stability trainer. The guide sits atop Puma’s Nitro foam, also found in the Velocity, their neutral daily trainer. Initial step in feels even softer here with a bit more volume than the Velocity and a more plush upper, particularly in the heel. The Eternity also has what Puma calls “optifit,” which are two straps across the mid foot which aid in helping lockdown the upper.
"Osmolality is a measure of how much solid is dissolved in the fluid." OSMO hydration is built on the principle that hydration products have too high of an "osmolality" which ends up sitting in the gut and dehydrating your body. OSMOs aims to cut that, helping keep you hydrated longer for your runs while also hydrating your body faster and more efficiently. We'll be trying it out on a variety of runs to get a sense of how OSMO works and compare it with brands we're familiar with, while also checking into the science of hydration to explore how products like these work in our bodies.
Release: Available now, New Colors in May (Running Warehouse Link)
The Rebel one helped catapult New Balance's Fuelcell line and provided a glimpse into what we now know as their high end, lightweight racing foam that's featured through the TC and RC. The Rebel 2 comes with a further refined edition of the Fuelcell that packs both speed and cushioning into a sleek package, along with some geometry adjustments to accommodate more foot types.
Release: Available Now
361 takes a giant swing into the carbon plated shoe war with the introduction of the Flame. The shoe is standout not just due to the plate, but an ultra competitive price tag of $160. The shoe also introduces QU!KFlame midsole, a new TPU foam for the brand.
PS: Our newest reviewer is a fan....
Each Friday on our Instagram and Facebook we are excited to be sharing different discussions on shoe science between our team members and down the line with members of the running community.
Pronation, and the Changing Stability Industry, By DOR Editorial Team
Getting the Right Fit, By DOR Editorial Team
Stride vs. Cadence, By Matt Klein
By Nathan Brown, DOR Contributor
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