Physical Therapists Using Clinical Analysis To Discuss The Art And Science Behind Running and The Stuff We Put On Our Feet

Monday, July 31, 2023


The Monday Shakeout: The Best Running Scenes of All-Time, Part 1
By Bach Pham, Content Manager

There are movies about running like Chariots of Fire and then there are movies with iconic running scenes that do everything from getting your adrenaline pumping to tearjerkers that stab you in the heart. As runners, we can get a little bit more excited about seeing running in movies than the average viewer. Over the next two weeks, we're going to take a trip through Hollywood to talk about the history of running scenes. For Part 1, we'll look at some of the more iconic scenes in history that have stood the test of time.

Sunday, July 30, 2023

 


DOR Podcast #149: Running with Back Pain & Scoliosis: the Role of the Spine, Ribs, and Pelvis in Running


This episode is all about the back! Andrea is joined by Dr. Jeanne Halloran to take a deep dive into scoliosis and its effects on athletes. They explore the pathology and symptoms of scoliosis, the structure of the back and how it influences running mechanics, strategies and exercises to improve rib and spine mobility and more. Jeanne also lends us her expertise in Schroth therapy. The Schroth Method is a conservative treatment option for scoliosis–a curve specific exercise method that was developed in the 1920's by Katharina Schroth. It is a 3 dimensional approach that focuses on breathing and exercise techniques tailored to the individual.


 


Brooks Launch 10 and Launch GTS 10 Review: Huge Value
By Andrea Myers, Bach Pham, and Matt Klein

The Launch series from Brooks has been an incredibly value neutral running shoe model for runners, especially for those who shop in-person. Formally the Ravenna, the Launch GTS has also done the same for stability runners, providing very mild stability in an incredibly affordable package. Despite the price, the Launch series has been surprisingly solid no-frill trainers that fit the bill for a large spectrum of runners from beginners to veterans who like a low-profile ride at a value. The 10th iteration of the Launch series is no different, keeping the formula that has made the series popular for so many years and continuing to refine details to offer the best ride possible at the price point.

Friday, July 28, 2023


Brooks Hyperion: Keep the Flat Alive
By Andrea Myers and Bach Pham
This is Part Two of our Hyperion series review. To read part one on the Hyperion GTS, visit Page One here.

Not long ago, shoes were exactly like the Hyperion. A racing/training flat that kept you grounded, felt extra light on foot, and aimed to help you turn over as fast and smooth as possible. The 2020s have all but made these kind of shoes extinct. However, a handful of companies and shoes like the Hyperion are keeping the tradition alive. A follow-up to the Hyperion Tempo, the Brooks Hyperion embraces more of its faster roots, shedding some of the Tempo's versatility in favor of speed.

Tuesday, July 25, 2023


Hoka Mach X: A Baby Between...
By Matt Klein

Hoka has had an interesting relationship with foams and plates. They went all in with plates but delayed truly adding in a super foam. The recent release of the Rocket X 2 was their first full example of a super shoe and quickly after came the Mach X. The Mach X is unique within the Hoka line but part of a group of "half-super" shoes recently released that feature a layer of super foam in the midsole and some kind of plate/stiffening agent. This includes the Adidas Boston 12 and the Saucony Kinvara Pro. This new breed of performance trainers holds a unique place as we uncover more about how people respond to different shoe types and try to figure out what shoe creates optimal performance in each individual across different speeds. 

Monday, July 24, 2023

 


The Monday Shakeout: What a Week Looks Like at Doctors of Running
By Bach Pham, Content Manager

Recently a few folks have asked what life looks like for our team at DOR. With so many different things on the table that we juggle, it took awhile for the team to come together and figure out a way to work with one another's busy schedules. Whether it's members in the clinic, in PhD programs, working in our daily jobs and taking care of families, it can be really challenging to fit in our work at Doctors of Running. In this week's Shakeout, Bach offers a glimpse inside what his week looks like helping manage the team's content.

Sunday, July 23, 2023

 


DOR Podcast #148: Shoe Rotations for Easy and Long Runs, Bucket List Races, and Balancing Life at DOR


Time for more listener questions! Nathan and David dig into the mailbag to answer your questions. They take a look at two new "super trainers": the Hoka Mach X and the Saucony Kinvara Pro. They lend their expertise on rehabbing from Achilles tendinopathy and how shoes might impact it. They give some practical advice on making sure you're getting enough protein in your diet to stay fueled and strong, and even more. Be sure to listen til the end to hear David get put on the hot seat for his taco preferences!


Thursday, July 20, 2023


Newton Running is a brand known for their innovation in both technology and sustainability. They've always been on their own course as a company, shrugging off trends and developing their own unique solutions to problems that other brands have taken much slower strides at. In this guide, we explore the company's background and the tech that makes it one of a kind.


Tuesday, July 18, 2023


On Cloudflyer 4: For the On Traditionalist
By Matthew Klein

On Running has been making some big moves recently. From the increasing number of athletes being sponsored, to a true super shoe coming to market, then actually making comfortable cushioned running shoes like the On Cloudmonster and the On Cloudsurfer 7. Despite being the "cloud" company, many of On's models have been quite firm. As walking shoes, they are comfortable, hence the increasing number of people wearing them as casual shoes (especially here in Southern California). For running, they attract a specific type of runner who likes better ground feel and firmer rides. For those concerned about On becoming a soft shoe company, the On Cloudflyer 4 maintains the tradition of a firm ride. Featuring a wider, more comfortable upper and a stable neutral ride, the Cloudflyer 4 stays as a firm shoe while adding a stronger rocker to keep things moving.

Monday, July 17, 2023

 


The Monday Shakeout: Reflections on Saucony's Running Economy Study
By Nathan Brown

In this week's Monday Shakeout, Nathan tackles a topic we've had a lot of fun speaking with running researchers about recently on the podcast. He explores what the science has shown regarding running economy at different speeds and if shoes really have an impact.

Sunday, July 16, 2023

 


DOR Podcast #147: Best Shoes of 2023 So Far with Connor from Running Warehouse


We're more than halfway through 2023, so it's time for some mid-season awards! David, Matt, and Nathan are joined by a very special guest: Connor Blalock of Running Warehouse fame. Not only does Connor, and the rest of the team, give their top five shoes of the year so far, but he gives an insight into working for one of the biggest running retailers. Learn about what it's like to interact with shoe companies and test & review more shoes than just about anyone else. Be sure to let us know what your favorite shoes of the year so far are!


Saturday, July 15, 2023


HOKA Zinal 2: Nimbly Aggressive
By David Salas

The HOKA Zinal initially came out to be the short distance racing shoe on the trails for HOKA. This is still the case with some large updates. The HOKA Zinal 2 now has a full contact Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole with deeper lugs and a new geometry as well. These big updates have made for some noticeable changes that create a nimble yet aggressive package. 

Friday, July 14, 2023

 


Saucony, Brooks Elite Kits Review: Who Will Take You to the Top?
A Doctors of Running Team Editorial

In today's apparel review, we take a look at new kits from Brooks and Saucony. Featuring lightweight, fast-feeling materials, these kits are designed to have you ready for race day. We check out their performance and offer the pros and cons to these race ready apparel.

Thursday, July 13, 2023

 


On Running Apparel Review: Crafted to Swiss Standards
A Doctors of Running Team Editorial

On Running apparel has garnered a bit of a reputation over the years as being one of the best in the business. Like their shoes, they come with Swiss design in mind, engineered with a clean, tight aesthetic. In this review, our team covers both warm and cool weather items in the On Running line to see if it lives up to the hype.

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

 


The Best Running Shorts
A Doctors of Running Team Editorial

As many shoe varieties as there are to choose from, sometimes there's just as many shorts. From various length shorts to half tights to briefs and everything inbetween, the options are numerous and can make it hard to decide what to choose. We've had the opportunity to try a number of brands over the years and decided to pull together a guide of our favorites we've run in. These are all tried-and-true shorts from the team, with a tons of miles logged in each. Find the shorts that fit your needs best in our guide today!

Monday, July 10, 2023

 

The Monday Shakeout: Sustainable is Only Going to Work if It's Good
By Bach Pham

The Monday Shakeout is our opportunity to go a little outside of the box weekly with editorials from teh team. This week we get a little meta as we think about sustainability in the footwear industry.

Sunday, July 9, 2023

 


DOR Podcast #146: Designing the Kinvara Pro and Creating PWRRUN HG & Endorphin Elite with Saucony


In this episode, Nathan and Matt are joined by special guests Andrea Paulson and Cory Hoffman from Saucony, to discuss two of their newest and most exciting shoes: the Endorphin Elite and Kinvara Pro. Together, they explore the intricate process of developing and testing midsole foams. Get a behind the scenes look at the development of PWRRUN HG and the unique geometry of the Endorphin Elite.


Thursday, July 6, 2023

 


Saucony Kinvara Pro: Similar in Name Only
By Nathan Brown, Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

The Kinvara series carries an interesting story and lineage. While many may think of this as a transitional, more minimal or faster shoe, the original Kinvara was meant to combine the minimalist designs with the traditional cushioning found in the majority of shoes the time. It was a shoe meant to marry concepts rather than creating a divisive, extreme product. That same story and idea has continued with Kinvara Pro. Meant to marry the designs of super shoes with training shoes, it features a 3/4th carbon plate, a top sole of PWRRUN PB, a bottom layer of PWRRUN and a secure/snug upper reminiscent of the Kinvara series. The Kinvara Pro is NOT meant as a Kinvara replacement (although rumor is that it will replace the Shift) but rather the next combination building a bridge between concepts.

Wednesday, July 5, 2023


Skechers GOrun Max Road 6: A Different Road Taken
By Bach Pham, Matt Klein and David Salas

The Skechers GOrun Max Road series has been the maximum cushioning offering from the brand for several years now. It has seen quite a bit of change over its lifespan. Originally debuting as an extremely light, simple and cushioned shoe, maintained some of those aspects up to version 5. Even with the addition of a carbon infused H-plate, it still remained surprisingly flexible, cushioned and light. Version 6 moves away from that, moving away from being light or flexible and somehow managing to add a little stack height. The Max Road 6 now sits as a tank of a shoe, hitting a 40mm stack height and featuring a durable outsole. A different ride for a different runner.

Monday, July 3, 2023


The Monday Shakeout: A Simple Guide to Foot Health and Footwear
By Matthew Klein

Welcome to our third edition of the Monday Shakeout! This week we discuss the often overly complicated topic of foot heath in footwear. This post could easily be an entire book but we are trying to simplify this down in a digestible way for the majority of people. 

Sunday, July 2, 2023

 


DOR Podcast #145: Mastering the Art of Running Anxiety with Shannon Thompson, Mental Performance Consultant


Andrea is joined by esteemed guest Shannon Thompson, a mental performance consultant and expert in psychological performance training. Together, they dive deep into the mental aspects of running, offering invaluable insights and practical strategies to enhance your performance and manage anxiety. Discover the power of mantras and phrases as Andrea and Shannon discuss their personal favorites for overcoming challenges during races and training. Learn how positive self-talk can fuel your motivation, boost your confidence, and push you beyond your limits. Mental performance training is a crucial component of success in running, and they shed light on its importance and practical applications. From managing performance anxiety to modulating extreme nervousness, they share techniques and exercises that will help you optimize your mental state and perform at your best. Gain valuable advice for tackling different stages of long-distance races, overcoming workout-related anxieties, and navigating the emotional and mental impacts of physical injuries. Plus, discover the significance of cultivating a personal identity outside of athletic pursuits, ensuring a healthy balance and a resilient mindset. Get ready to unlock your mental potential and take your running to new heights!


Saturday, July 1, 2023

 


Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23: Continuing a Legacy
By Matthew Klein

The Brooks Adrenaline series sits along shoes like the Kayano and Pegasus as an extremely common and well known footwear series. "GTS" originally stood for "go-to-shoe" as it was one of the most popular shoes in running retail for years. GTS has now changed to "go-to-stability" and has been extended to several footwear within the Brooks line. Despite massive changes in the past, the Adrenaline has remained fairly consistent in its design over the last several years. This year is no different with subtle changes that keep the essence of the series while making small improvements in fit and ride. 

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