On Cloudstratus Review (2021 Release)

On Cloudstratus 2.0 Review: The Best On Shoe Yet?
By Chief Editor Matt Klein and Guest Reviewer Ryan Flugaur

On Running is known for developing high quality shoes and apparel with very unique designs. Their cloud based cushioning technology is on the firmer side, which when paired with their speedboards/plates makes for snappier shoes with great ground feel. The previous version of the Cloudstratus was a shoe we did not review, but tried in store. It had a very firm ride for such a high stack height shoe. The 2021 version of the On Cloudstratus returns with a reworked Helion foam that provides the softest ride of any On shoe we have tried thus far. Still a firmer max stack height shoe, the On Cloudstratus 2.0 blends the firmer riding clouds with slightly softer ride while retaining the incredibly well done upper seen for years. 

On Cloudstratus 2 in hand. A dark blue upper with a red external heel counter. Pods through midsole highlight the helion foam. The 2021 version of the shoe features a redialing of the foam which has us excited.

Enda Lapatet 2.0 Somali O Review

 Enda Lapatet v2, Somali O Review
By Contributor Nathan Brown

"We exist to increase fairness, justice, and equality in the world. Right now, we do that by making running shoes in Kenya." A simple read of Enda's mission tells you almost everything you need to know about their company. Yes, they are advancing their running shoes and taking strides in the right direction, but running shoes aren't their main focus. They want to make positive changes in the world through being socially responsible in their production, working for economic development in Kenya, supporting local communities through the Enda Community Foundation, reducing environmental impact, and showing that Kenya is a country full of creativity and skill. Supporting this company allows runners to be a part of a large mission that has driven the company forward since its inception. 

Enda Lapatet. Arrowhead logo on the midfoot upper. Black upper with Kenyan flag on the heel. White foam with a firm EVA on the front and back indicated in black foam.

ASICS GT-2000 10 Multiple Tester Review

ASICS GT-2000 10 Multiple Tester Review
By Chief Editor Matt Klein and Contributor David Salas

The ASICS GT-2000 has been a relatively popular line from ASICS that provides a reliable and consistent ride that doesn't break the budget. The shoe is a light stability trainer for running that also has a little bit of crossover into walking and weekend warrior type activities. New features for the 10th edition include using LITE TRUSS that utilizes outsole design and geometry of the shoe to help provide stability instead of posting or plastic arches.

Deckers X Lab NVRSTP Pack Review

 Deckers X Lab NVRSTP Pack Review
Review by Chief Editor Matt Klein

NVRSTP pack seen on the back of our chief editor

There are many challenges to finding the perfect running backpack. Attempting to look for something that can handle run commuting, ultra distance races/runs, long runs, for work/school or attempting to use it for a combination/all of the above was next to impossible. The Deckers X Lab NVRSTP Pack sets out to accomplish all that, coming in as a do it all backpack that can handle whatever you can through at it. Like the shoes that Deckers produces, the NVRSTP pack manages to do everything, moving smoothly while providing plenty of space for anything you might need.

Ankle Sprain 101: Types, Treatment, and Rehab | EP. 54

 

Photo zooms in on the Endorphin Speed 2 with Nathan faux measuring it with a ruler. A skeleton leg is in the shoe

Ankle sprains are a common running injury we see among clients, or that occur and people don't seek care at all. In today's episode we are taking a deep dive into ankle sprain classification/rehab, discuss the likelihood of shoes being a causative factor of pain and how you can tell, and consider who may actually benefit from "super shoes" (as well as what "benefit" really means). Also, you'll get a sneak peek at a shoe that Founder Matt Klein is currently testing.

Skechers GOrun MaxRoad 5 Multiple Tester Review

Skechers GOrun MaxRoad 5 Multiple Tester Review
By Chief Editor/Founder Matthew Klein, Contributor David Salas, and Guest Reviewer Megan Flynn

The Skechers GOrun Maxroad series has been one of the lighter max cushioned training shoes on the market for some time. A great option for those wanting a ton of cushioning without the weight, this has been a popular shoe for those not needing a stable ride and wanting something highly flexible. The challenge with having a tall stack height, a high level of flexibility and very soft cushioning meant that version 4 was inherently unstable. Skechers returned with drastic changes for Version 5. These include an H plate in the forefoot/midfoot and a redesigned upper for comfort, width and security. The changes go a long way, making for a versatile lightweight / performance trainer on the road. 

Baby blue pair of Skechers Maxroad 5 on the road

2021 Summer Split Shorts Review

 2021 Summer Split Shorts Review

By Chief Editor / Founder Matthew Klein

Side profile of Editor Matt Klein in split shorts on a trail.

When it comes to running essentials, the next thing after a good pair of shoes is a good pair of shorts. Different people will be comfortable with different lengths, but the only type I have worn for years have been split shorts. This is likely a product of starting to run in late high school XC/Track, but also from wanting the best range of motion possible. Shorts are different from shirts in that fit is of the utmost importance. 15 miles into a long run, the potential for damage (chaffing) is far greater in a poor fitting pair of shorts than a shirt. Having sensitive skin (and enduring years of thigh chaffing), finding the right clothing can be essential to a good long effort. In this feature, I explored a variety of split shorts available now, looking through the pros and cons of each.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Vongo v5 Review

New Balance Fresh Foam X Vongo v5 Review
By Contributor David Salas and Guest Reviewer Ryan Flugaur

The New Balance Vongo is back with their 5th version of their stability shoe with a big overhaul from previous models. The Vongo exists as the stability version of the beloved New Balance 1080. It is designed to offer support to runners seeking stability from moderate to severe overpronation. It offers a soft landing thanks to the soft Fresh Foam X cushioning and a new gradient post which I will cover later. The New Balance Vongo v5 is a shoe I'll continue to run in for my longer, slower paced runs where I could use the guidance t throughout the midfoot but still give my toes the space they need to be free.

Vongo v5 sitting on a pier, lateral side. N logo across midfoot with Fresh Foam written under on sidewall. A white shoe with blue streaking upper part of the foam throughout.

ASICS Dynablast 2.0 Review

ASICS Dynablast 2.0 Review
Written By Contributor David Salas and Guest Reviewer Andrea Myers

The ASICS Dynablast 2 is a neutral daily trainer that utilizes FlyteFloam Blast for high amounts of cushioning in an affordable package. The shoe is very affordable compared to most daily trainers utilizing similar foams or designs. The shoe is a relatively soft riding shoe that provides a very traditional ride to the neutral category that many should enjoy.

Lateral view of the Dynablast 2.0. Women's purple upper seen with Asics logo across midfoot. Shoe on a ledge.

Skechers GOrun Speed Freek Review

Skechers GOrun Speed Freak Review

By Chief Editor/Founder Matthew Klein and Contributor Nathan Brown

The introduction of the Skechers GOrun Speed Elite was a big deal when it came out. Most of the plated options had higher stack heights, leaving the Speed Elite as one of the few versatile lower/normal stack height plated racing shoes. It had the versatility to hammer a 5k while some of us took it up to the marathon (Matt). The only challenge was that those wanting the same ride with more midsole were out of luck. The debut of the Speed Freek fixes this, carrying over the carbon infused winglet plate, the incredibly lightweight upper and tons more HYPERBURST. What does adding more stack height do? Let's talk about it. 

ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite 2 Multiple Tester Review

ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite 2.0 Multiple Tester  Review

By Chief Editor/Founder Matt Klein and Contributor David Salas

The original Asics Gel-Kayano Lite was part of major changes that ASICS began to debut in their shoe designs. While some new concepts came and went, they were fairly consistent for well over a decade. Suddenly, 2020 became an explosive year of innovation from the company, with 2021 following at an even faster rate. The Gel-Kayano Lite demonstrated a clear shift in thinking about designing a max stability shoe. Instead of a thick post and trusstic system, geometric pillars, sole flare and many other non-traditional methods were utilized to a degree not frequently seen. Version two returns with slight changes in fit, but continued improvements in the amount of recycled materials use, signaling ASICS move toward innovation and sustainability. 

Hoka One One Zinal Trail Shoe Review (2021)

 HOKA ONE ONE Zinal Review

By Contributors David Salas and Nathan Brown

The HOKA ONE ONE Zinal is here! In the trail running world there aren't too many low profile racing shoe with the aim of being purely quick and nimble. The HOKA ONE ONE Zinal is just that and provides good cushioning for the weight throughout. This trail racing model does not have very deep lugs compared to most trail models, but utilizes Vibram Megagrip rubber to help give the shoe more stickiness with traction. 

Saucony Endorphin Trail Review

Saucony Endorphin Trail Review

By Chief Editor Matt Klein

EDITORS NOTE: The Endorphin Trail is currently facing a RECALL. Please contact Saucony if you have purchased a pair.

The Saucony Endorphin Collection, already in its second iteration, has been a big success since its release. The Saucony Endorphin Pro has repeatedly been a favorite among those looking for a plated distance racer. The Saucony Endorphin Speed has been immensely popular as a workout/lightweight trainer. The Saucony Endorphin Shift wasn't even supposed to be part of the Endorphin collection, yet has been a favorite for those looking for a durable and reliable training shoe. The Endorphin Trail carries PWRRUN PB and Speed Roll tech to the trail. The result is a max cushion trail/ultra ultramarathon shoe that while protective, may not be exactly what many people were expecting. 

Alphafly to Sky: Our Favorite Carbon Plated Shoes of 2021 | EP 52

Welcome back runners! We have a fresh new podcast out this week, and the return of our guy, Contributor David Salas, to the table to talk super shoes with Chief Editor Matt Klein.

2021 has delivered exactly what we all wanted: a ridiculous amount of super shoes. We have our favorites though and go through a bunch of our top picks for the year.

Shokz Openrun Pro (formerly Aftershokz Aeropex) Review | Bone Conduction Headphones for Runners

Aftershokz Aeropex in blue, seen charging through cable

We talk about shoes and running gear often at Doctors of Running, but for me headphones have become almost as essential to my daily runs. Whether I'm taking it easy with podcasts or blasting a few tracks for a workout, as a recreational runner it's really the combination of audio and running that gets me out the door. I live in the city though, where there's plenty of traffic and pedestrians to dodge which often means I need all my senses at certain points of the run. While most headphones today aim for giving you the best sound quality possible for your listening enjoyment, it can be hard to find a headphone that not only provides good in-ear audio for whatever you are listening to along with enough natural sound to sense cars and people in your vicinity. AfterShokz aims to offer a blend of both through the use of their bone conducting technology.