Xtep 160X 3.0 Review (2022)

 

Xtep 160x 3.0 Review: Narrow, but Fast.
By: Chief Editor/Founder Matthew Klein

The Xtep 160x series is the continuation of Xtep's marathon racing shoe. The original was unique in that it was one of the few carbon-plated, PEBA foamed racing shoes out there besides the Saucony Endorphin Pro and the Nike Vaporfly (PEBAX). It was different than those two as it sat far lower to the ground and did not utilize the geometrical benefits other companies were having success with. It was a fun shoe, but the sizing was off and it did not perform like the others. Version 2 came along and there were clear improvements. The stack height increased, although there was a weight increase as well. A continued issue with the midfoot gap pervaded, but it was stiff enough that it was approaching some degree of performance as these other companies. Version 3 finally evolves into a true max stack, carbon-plated racing shoe deserving some attention. Like previous versions, it is still unique and will fit runners with a specific foot shape and mechanics. However, it is a demonstration that Xtep is starting to figure racing shoe design out and is making long strides forward.

How the Massive SC Trainer was Made (ft. New Balance’s Danny Orr and Ethan Steiner) | DOR Podcast #98

 

DOR Podcast #98: How the Massive SuperComp Trainer was Made (ft. New Balance’s Danny Orr and Ethan Steiner)

Nate, Matt, and DJ are joined by two very special guests from New Balance: Danny Orr and Ethan Steiner. Danny & Ethan give us an inside look at the development and testing of New Balance's brand new max-stack training shoe, the FuelCell SuperComp Trainer. Boasting a whopping 47mm of midsole and a full-length EnergyArc carbon fiber plate, the SC Trainer was developed to maximize comfort, efficiency, and energy return. Danny & Ethan help us understand the technology behind EnergyArc, how they landed on 47mm of stack height, and more.

Skechers GO RUN Persistence Review (2022)

 

Skechers GO RUN Persistence: A Quiet Do-it-All
By Contributor Ryan Flugaur

One of the genre of shoes that has quietly emerged recently is the accessible stable neutral trainer. That shoe that you can reliable point out in a brand that's going to work for a lot of people. It may not be super flashy or fun, but has the potential to just log all sorts of miles and accomplish a lot of goals. Some recent shoes that come in mind including the On Cloudrunner and Hoka Kawana. Skechers delivers their version with the Persistence, a stable neutral trainer with an H-plate and slightly firmer foam from their performance line. The combination offers a slightly simple, but effective trainer for a variety of tasks. In this review, contributor Ryan Flugaur delivers his thoughts on the Persistence and how it fit into his rotation.

Salomon Phantasm (2022) Review

Salomon Phantasm (2022) Review: Miscommunication
By Chief Editor/Founder Matthew Klein

The original S/Lab Phantasm from Salomon was a conundrum. It was a simple, light racing flat with a unique rocker for a 7 oz shoe. However, the closer-to-the-ground ride fit far better into the footwear designs of 10 years ago, but not now. The midsole was quite firm, making it better for 5k-10k efforts at most. This was confusing for a company known more for technical ultra-marathon distance trail shoes. The new Salomon Phantasm returns completely redesigned with a midfoot/forefoot plate, taller stack height and highly rockered design.

Doctors of Running Q&A, Volume 1

 

Welcome to our first ever Q&A round-up! We always have great questions from readers and often are answering them behind the scenes. We decided to start taking some of your comments to help answer some commonly-asked questions we receive. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to catch future opportunities to send questions in, or email us your questions to doctorsofrunning@gmail.com!

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer Review (2022)

 

New Balance FuelCell SC Trainer: FORTY Seven Millimeters in the Heel
By Chief Editor/Founder Matthew Klein, Senior Contributor David Salas, and Contributor Andrea Myers

New Balance tackles a training shoe with the theme of maximum stack heights, carbon fiber plates, and rockered geometries in the SC Trainer. The goal of the SC Trainer specifically is to try and make the running experience as effortless as possible. New Balance pulls out all of their new generation materials to try and make this training and recovery shoes something the runner will not forget. The notable materials in the SC Trainer include the EnergyArc carbon fiber plate, FuelCell midsole, and a maximum stack height and rockered design. 

Feeling the Need, the Need for Speed (3) | DOR Podcast #97

 

DOR Podcast #97: All of Your Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Questions Answered

Today Nate & Matt review the much-anticipated Saucony Endorphin Speed 3! The new version is, in our opinion, better than ever, boasting a wider platform, more stability, and the same bouncy PWRRUN PB midsole foam. They also tackle a bunch of listener questions about the Speed 3 including: how soft is it? How's the heel stability? How does it compare with the new Saucony Tempus?

ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ Review (2022)

 

ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ Review: Bigger, but is it also Better?
By Chief Editor Matthew Klein and Senior Contributor David Salas

The original ASICS Metaspeed Sky was a huge hit. The new generation racing shoe was seen on the feet of road racers and triathletes everywhere. Continuing on that success, ASICS decided to update this shoe, making a few tweaks to its DNA. The Metaspeed Sky+ has 4% more FF Turbo than the original Sky, but changes the geometry to maintain a lower weight. The plate design is a little bit flatter compared to the Edge + counterpart and is meant to support those that are "stride runners". The Sky+ is a new generation racing shoe focusing on increasing stride length rather than cadence. 

Mizuno TC-11 Review (Training Shoe)

 

Mizuno TC-11: Pod Performance?
By Contributor Ryan Flugaur

As more runners begin to incorporate strength training into their running program we have seen an emergence of better all-around training shoes for the average gym goer. These shoes are designed to be versatile making them great options for doing a bit of everything at the gym. The Mizuno TC-11 brings forth a new view on training that is often overlooked when beginning a strength program, neuromuscular and proprioceptive input training. In the clinic I often use tools such as bosu balls and foam pads to practice balance tasks however the TC-11 is designed in a way to help improve balance just by performing exercises in the shoe. This is the first time I have heard of a shoe being used as a training tool, so I was excited to put a pair on my feet and see how it performed. 

Xtep 160x Pro Review (2022)

 
Xtep 160x Pro: Super Stats, but is it a Super Performer?
By Chief Editor Matthew Klein

While footwear companies in the United States have been experimenting with PEBA foams and carbon plates, several other companies throughout the world have not begun to experiment, but integrate these materials across their entire running line. Xtep's original super foam/plated shoe, the Xtep 160x, was a good initial attempt from the company for both versions one and two. There were some slight issues, particularly with fit, midfoot stability and higher weight than necessary. However, clear lessons were being learned. The recent selection of racing shoes from Xtep has begun to expand. A new shoe to the lineup, the Xtep 160x Pro, takes everything learned from the original 160x and takes it to a maximal stack height. Featuring a huge amount of midsole at 39.5mm/36mm and billed as a marathon racer, the Xtep 160x Pro enters the quickly expanding Super Shoe Trainer/Longer Racer category.

Testing the Performance Benefits of Super Shoes, ft. Saucony's Cory Hofmann | DOR Podcast #96

 

DOR Podcast #96: Testing the Performance Benefits of Super Shoes, ft. Saucony's Cory Hofmann

Nate, Matt, and DJ are joined Cory Hofmann from Saucony for a deep dive into the world of shoe testing. Cory gives us an inside look at how Saucony tests the biomechanical and physiological impact of their shoes on runners. He also helps us define some oft-misunderstood scientific terms like running power, metabolic cost, running economy, VO2 Max, and more.

Topo Athletic Pursuit Review (2022)

 

Topo Athletic Pursuit Review: A Happy Medium for the Trails
By: Senior Contributor David Salas

Topo has gradually been making themselves more known in the running world by consistently bringing some good quality shoes to the market. The Pursuit is a trail running shoe that is aimed at competing with the likes of the Altra Lone Peak as a daily trainer for the trails. The shoe utilizes Vibram Megagrip outsole with generously spaced lugs to help with clearing mud or snow, a softer ZipFoam midsole underfoot, and a very gently rockered zero drop shoe. The shoe is definitely a daily trainer for the trails with some versatility on terrain. 

Saucony Endorphin Edge Review (2022)

 

Saucony Endorphin Edge Review: Super Shoe for the Trails
By Chief Contributor David Salas, Contributor Andrea Myers and Chief Editor Matthew Klein

The Saucony Endorphin line has gained a good amount of popularity with the Endorphin Speed, Pro, and Shift models. Saucony continues upon this lineage by introducing another responsive model for the trails. The Endorphin Edge uses the same PEBA based PWRRUN PB midsole seen in the Speed and Pro. The Edge uses a carbon fiber plate and a full-contact lug system to bring the Speedroll design to the trails. 

Saucony x DOR | Our Trip to Boston, Science of Shoe Design with Saucony's Andrea Paulson, and More!

 

Back in May, the Doctors of Running team made their way to Boston, Massachusetts to work on some content with Saucony for their brand new model: The Tempus. Check out the following content from our trip and come back daily this week to catch new videos and more!

On Cloudrunner Review (2022)

On Cloudrunner Review: The Stable Neutral Trainer for Everyone?
By Senior Contributor David Salas and Content Manager Bach Pham

The On Cloudrunner is a daily training shoe that incorporates a more supportive ride to the neutral category. The Cloudrunner is certainly a shoe that lives in the gray area between neutral and stability. The shoe rides the middle of most categories having a moderately rockered ride with moderate cushioning as well. The shoe serves as a workhorse for those looking to have a skosh of stability when logging their daily mileage. 

June 2022 Round Up at Doctors of Running

 

We're absolutely shocked to be at the midpoint of 2022, but also excited to be on the verge of some exciting things heading into the second half of 2022! June was one of our busiest months yet with a new guide out, four new podcasts, and some of the biggest shoe releases of the year out now. In this month's round up, we break down the best of the best, and also provide a few hints at what is ahead.

Puma Run XX Nitro Review (2022)

 

Puma Run XX Nitro Review: What Do Women Want (in a Running Shoe)?
By Contributors Andrea Myers and Megan Flynn

A majority of unisex running shoes out there are designed from data primarily from males, despite the many differences between males and females regarding gait mechanics, foot strike, foot shape, and more. Introducing Puma’s Run XX Nitro, part of Puma’s “Run for Her” initiative, which is designed specifically for women. In fact, the name “XX” is referring to the xx female chromosomes. Some specific differences seen in the Run XX Nitro include a narrow heel with improved guidance of the foot as well as a narrower fit at the arch. It also accounts for the fact that women have a wider base of support compared to men with a greater hip angle – also known as the Q-angle. I was pretty excited to have the opportunity to test these shoes and see if I noticed a difference running in sneakers designed specifically with women in mind. Offering more stability than my preferred neutral trainers, I was pleasantly surprised at the comfort and ride of the shoe.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Review (2022)

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3: Different, For the Better
By Senior Contributors Nathan Brown, David Salas and Chief Editor Matthew Klein 

The Saucony Endorphin Speed and Pro were originally designed based on the concept that different people will respond best to different levels of longitudinal bending stiffness in shoes. The Speed features a nylon plate while the Pro features a carbon plate. Previously, both were somewhat similar with the major differentiation being the plate type (although the uppers were also quite different). The only challenge many of our team had with the previous versions of the speed was that it was far too unstable in the heel over longer efforts, limiting its ability to function as a lightweight trainer. The Endorphin Speed 3 drastically changes that with a complete overhaul. Featuring a softer but more inherently stable ride with a now winged S-shaped nylon plate, the Endorphin Speed combines the best of being both a potential racing and training shoe.