Ten Things To Check Out From March 2022
at Doctors of Running
at Doctors of Running
1. As Fast As You Can: Sub 2
This month we introduced a new pivot to Doctors of Running: Sub 2. The YouTube series features our team in small, less than 2 minute videos discussing a variety of things from new shoes to shoe features like rockers. Long term we hope to explore many issues through this series that sometimes feels too little for other situations, but just right in this minimal setting. Get caught up with all our latest Sub 2's here:
2. DOR Giving, March 2022: Alzheimer's Association
Learn more about why we chose the Alzheimer's Association for this month's Giving (1:18)
Each
month at DOR starting in 2022, a member of our team selects a charity
of their choice to donate 10% of our monthly profits to. This month
in honor of Nathan's uncle who passed recently, the team decided to give to the Alzheimer's Association. Here's a little bit about their work:
"The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support."This past week we donated 10% of our earnings - $ - to the organization to help support the work they do! Visit https://www.alz.org/ for more information. Please let us know if you decide to also help support the cause this year! We’d love to hear and give you a shoutout.
3. Roark Apparel Review
The "Adventure Ready" brand Roark is all about bold styling for the outdoors. Their Run Amok collection takes them into the running sector with an array of standout designs. They not only have interesting designs, but also a fair trade, environmentally conscious program they are building towards. Currently 30% of their material is made with recycled or sustainable material with the long term goal of working towards a fully 100% sustainable product. Our team got a chance to check out a couple of pieces. Here's a quick review:
The Roark Core Mathis Knit Short Sleeve is a really well done hybrid piece of apparel between running and lifestyle. The material is 15% cotton and 85% polyester and the blend is a very soft and comfortable feel throughout. The dimensions are very good for a Men's medium. Though the material itself is really comfortable, I am not sure I would reach for this on workout day or for long runs. This reminds me a lot of the Rabbit EZ series with a very comfortable material that is great for easy days as well as lifestyle carryover. The shirt aesthetically works very well using a nice corner logo in the front and a larger theme in the back. This is shirt I wear pretty frequently because of its comfort, but for running efforts I keep it easy. The screening is also done well, as even with sweat and heat you hardly notice the screening image at all. Overall, this piece is very comfortable throughout and something I certainly wear at least once per week, however sometimes not always for running. - David Salas
Find the Roark Core Mathis Knit Short Sleeve at Running Warehouse. Price: $49.
The Roark Core Mathis Knit Short Sleeve is a really well done hybrid piece of apparel between running and lifestyle. The material is 15% cotton and 85% polyester and the blend is a very soft and comfortable feel throughout. The dimensions are very good for a Men's medium. Though the material itself is really comfortable, I am not sure I would reach for this on workout day or for long runs. This reminds me a lot of the Rabbit EZ series with a very comfortable material that is great for easy days as well as lifestyle carryover. The shirt aesthetically works very well using a nice corner logo in the front and a larger theme in the back. This is shirt I wear pretty frequently because of its comfort, but for running efforts I keep it easy. The screening is also done well, as even with sweat and heat you hardly notice the screening image at all. Overall, this piece is very comfortable throughout and something I certainly wear at least once per week, however sometimes not always for running. - David Salas
Find the Roark Core Mathis Knit Short Sleeve at Running Warehouse. Price: $49.
The Roark Alta Shorts 5” came at a time I was looking for new shorts. My immediate impression was that they fit large, as my normal size medium was baggy enough that I really had to tie down the internal drawstring. I had no slippage with this, but would suggest going down a size if you want things to fit closer like I do (I’m normally a split short/half tight guy). The shorts did a great job of keeping me cool, especially with the 90 degree weather we are getting in SoCal. Breathability and moisture wicking is great. but one of my favorite things is the waterproof pocket in the back. Pockets are one of the first things I look for in a short and to have a rear one that is also waterproof allows for more versatility in adventures than many others. I have been able to bring cash with me in this pocket and it remains dry even with me being a sweaty monster on longer trail efforts. This is great for grabbing a snack post-run if you are away from home. As it is my preference to have short/tighter apparel, I do wish the split went up higher. However, for those who want 5” with a conservative split, these are going to be a great performance and long trail day short for you. - Matt Klein
Find the Roark Alta Shorts 5” at Running Warehouse. Price: $79.
Find the Roark Alta Shorts 5” at Running Warehouse. Price: $79.
4. A Conversation with Injury Prevention Researcher Dr. Laurent Malisoux on Cushioning
In what's become our most listened to podcast ever at Doctors of Running, Matt interviews Laurent Malisoux, PhD about his extensive research into the connection between shoe cushioning and injury rates. Dr. Malisoux is the Group Leader of the Physical Activity, Sport and Health (PASH) research group at the Luxembourg Institute of Health. Over the last 5 years, he focused his research activities on the prevention of sports injury and the evaluation of physical activity. Matt and Dr. Malisoux explore the differences between hard and soft shoes, research methods, injury risk, and more.
Direct Links: Apple | Spotify | Anchor
5. Monthly Q&A: Stability for an Injury Prone Runner
Question: I have a bulging disc in back, and developed pes ans bursitis from arthritis recently in my knee which I am now doing physical therapy for. So I have propensity for injury. I am an active big guy 6’3 240 (weights, mostly fast walking for cardio), and I am looking for the best shoe to speed walk/ jog in.
It gets tricky because I have a large foot 13/14 wide or x wide. I also have a high arch and I tend to walk on outsides of soles (supination?). I have been wearing neutral cushion (Glycerin, Hoka Bondi last two). But wonder if I need some support for injuries and unstable feel at times. Or would that be bad due to my high arch and supination tendency to walk on outside of heels. A PT told me more stability/support may push me out more. I definitely like a good cushion feel.
I would greatly appreciate any input/suggestions! Thank you for taking the time to read this, and all the great work you guys do!
Answer: First off it is great that you are staying moving. That will be key for healing, particularly for your discogenic experience.
If may be helpful for you to look at a shoe that has some "guidance." IE not medial stability (like arch support on the inside) but things like guidewalls or other methods that act on BOTH sides of the feet. A stability shoe like the Glycerin GTS or Adrenaline would not be great since there are mechanisms that tend to push you farther out, but something like the Bondi or others that have stability on both sides AND have a solid heel bevel will be helpful. A significant heel bevel (ie curved heel) will be important for you to reduce strain on your back and knee.
Some solid options out there include the On Cloudace, Saucony Endorphin Shift and potentially the Mizuno Wave Horizon 5. they have mechanisms that provide stability on both sides to keep you centered, rather than pushing you a certain way!
Other options include shoes like the Hoka Bondi, given the sidewalls provide mild guidance on both sides of the foot and there is a solid heel bevel.
It gets tricky because I have a large foot 13/14 wide or x wide. I also have a high arch and I tend to walk on outsides of soles (supination?). I have been wearing neutral cushion (Glycerin, Hoka Bondi last two). But wonder if I need some support for injuries and unstable feel at times. Or would that be bad due to my high arch and supination tendency to walk on outside of heels. A PT told me more stability/support may push me out more. I definitely like a good cushion feel.
I would greatly appreciate any input/suggestions! Thank you for taking the time to read this, and all the great work you guys do!
Answer: First off it is great that you are staying moving. That will be key for healing, particularly for your discogenic experience.
If may be helpful for you to look at a shoe that has some "guidance." IE not medial stability (like arch support on the inside) but things like guidewalls or other methods that act on BOTH sides of the feet. A stability shoe like the Glycerin GTS or Adrenaline would not be great since there are mechanisms that tend to push you farther out, but something like the Bondi or others that have stability on both sides AND have a solid heel bevel will be helpful. A significant heel bevel (ie curved heel) will be important for you to reduce strain on your back and knee.
Some solid options out there include the On Cloudace, Saucony Endorphin Shift and potentially the Mizuno Wave Horizon 5. they have mechanisms that provide stability on both sides to keep you centered, rather than pushing you a certain way!
Other options include shoes like the Hoka Bondi, given the sidewalls provide mild guidance on both sides of the foot and there is a solid heel bevel.
6. Workout With Us
We've started a new series of exercise videos! One of our goals for 2022 was to incorporate more of the Physical Therapy work we do day to day. These brief videos offer some exercises you can try for various parts of the body. Visit our Instagram to check them out.
7. The Three Questions We Are Asked All The Time
We get questions all the time at Doctors of Running. What about this shoe? How does it compare to x shoe (often Vaporfly or Endorphin Speed 2)? As shoe reviewers, we often expect many of these questions, but also as Doctors of Physical Therapy we also get a few questions we think are unique to use.therapists, including: How stable is X shoe? And what shoe would you recommend for a certain condition or pain? In this podcast episode, we talk a little bit about getting those questions and how we think about them as clinical professionals. Also, we take an in depth look at Asics's latest update to the classic neutral daily trainer Gel-Cumulus 24.
Listen to the full podcast on the run here. Follow us on Apple, Spotify, or Anchor to keep up with our weekly podcast!
Listen to the full podcast on the run here. Follow us on Apple, Spotify, or Anchor to keep up with our weekly podcast!
8. Current Shoe Deals at Running Warehouse
Our friends at Running Warehouse have some really cool deals going on right now for folks looking for everything daily trainers to their next racing shoe. Here are a few of our favorites we've spotted. Note: the following are affiliate links that support Doctors of Running.
Newton Fate 7
Deal: $112
We didn't get to test the latest Fate, but the daily trainer from Newton is an excellent entry into the brand and a very unique trainer that expresses their lug technology well.
Nike Pegasus 38
Deal: $104.88 | Review
A popular choice for a reason, the Peg series has been a reliable go-to for daily miles. We have to admit that we enjoyed the 38 a good bit and at $104, you get a great trainer that's durable.
Saucony Kinvara 12
Deal: $89.95 | Review
We loved the Kinvara 13 we just reviewed, but we also have no issue spotlighting last year's excellent edition. A growingly rare breed of light, flexible, basic training, it's a great do-it-all for runners.
North Face Vectiv Infinite
Deal: $119.95 | Review
This super stable, long distance trail runner is great for long efforts and ultraruns. A very underrated shoe.
Our friends at Running Warehouse have some really cool deals going on right now for folks looking for everything daily trainers to their next racing shoe. Here are a few of our favorites we've spotted. Note: the following are affiliate links that support Doctors of Running.
Newton Fate 7
Deal: $112
We didn't get to test the latest Fate, but the daily trainer from Newton is an excellent entry into the brand and a very unique trainer that expresses their lug technology well.
Nike Pegasus 38
Deal: $104.88 | Review
A popular choice for a reason, the Peg series has been a reliable go-to for daily miles. We have to admit that we enjoyed the 38 a good bit and at $104, you get a great trainer that's durable.
Saucony Kinvara 12
Deal: $89.95 | Review
We loved the Kinvara 13 we just reviewed, but we also have no issue spotlighting last year's excellent edition. A growingly rare breed of light, flexible, basic training, it's a great do-it-all for runners.
North Face Vectiv Infinite
Deal: $119.95 | Review
This super stable, long distance trail runner is great for long efforts and ultraruns. A very underrated shoe.
9. Stay Bright in the Early Morning | Running Gadget of the Month
Noxgear Tracer360 LED vest
$49.99 at Noxgear
$49.99 at Noxgear
For night owls who want to stay warm and well-lit in the dark. I do a lot of running at night during the winter. This LED vest makes me feel incredibly visible and safe. It does not bounce and is very lightweight. I have done many interval workouts wearing it and I have never been bothered by the vest (so I can focus on the effort, not being annoyed by my gear). The battery is rechargeable and there are 16 different color modes to choose from. I wouldn’t do a run in the dark without it. - Contributor Andrea Myers
10. The Future of Puma, With Puma
We had the honor of being joined by two very special guests from PUMA: Todd Falker (Senior Product Line Manager) and Laura Healey (Manager, Footwear Innovation). They give us an inside look at how PUMA came out of nowhere with a great lineup of shoes in 2021 and what updates they have planned for 2022 and beyond. We also look at the development at two brand new shoes, the FAST-R and the RUN XX coming later this year and dig a bit into the biomechanical and tester feedback approach that PUMA is taking within their development. See the full interview above or listen on the run below!
Coming Soon at DOR
Have questions? Send us an email at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
Thanks for reading!
We have some exciting picks coming up at Doctors of Running! We are getting faster, stronger, and more wild than ever with some new speedsters in the running world. We also have a lot of great interviews coming up on the pod that you won't want to miss. See you soon!
Have questions? Send us an email at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
Thanks for reading!
More Recent Reviews from Doctors of Running
Asics Cumulus 24 - The Cumulus comes totally refreshed with a vibrant new midsole
Saucony Guide 15 - A brand new update to the Guide series with a new post style and higher stack
Karhu Ikoni 2022 - The latest update to one of the best fitting daily trainings in the businessHoka Arahi 6 - A refined upper headlines Hoka's stability shoe update
Asics Gel Kinsei Blast - A jam-packedd, max cushion shoe from Asics
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Next: Asics Cumulus 24