The Science of Running Shoe Cushioning: How it Impacts Joints and Muscles | DOR Podcast #197

 

A Guide to Shoe Cushioning: Compliance, Resilience, and How it Influences Your Joints and Muscles
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 197

The cushioning of a shoe is the the number one priority for a lot of runners, but there's more to it than you might think. On this episode, Matt breaks down the ins and outs of cushioning. He'll define compliance and resilience. He looks at how different amounts and types of cushioning effect biomechanics, and explores why it may be useful to have a rotation of shoes that feature different midsoles.

ASICS Superblast 2 Review (2024)

ASICS Superblast 2 Review
By Matthew Klein & David Salas

The original ASICS Superblast set the standard both as one of the original super trainers and has continued to be the lightest of this category on the market. Version one gained a huge following as a comfortable do it all shoe that could handle easy, long, workout and race paces for a variety of people. While featuring an incredible stack height, a stiff midsole and a mostly superfoam midsole, it did not feel as awkward as many super racing shoes especially at training paces. To top things off, despite the $200 price tag, it proved to be an incredibly durable shoe that allowed most people to get their moneys worth out of the shoe. Given the popularity, there was noticeable apprehension and excitement about version two. Many were concerned things might get messed up or it might change too much. Both those fears can be quelled as despite looking a little different, the ASICS Superblast 2 builds nicely on version one with some solid updates that keep the core of the Superblast series while refining almost every part of the shoe. 

Best Puma Running Shoes: Buyer's Guide

Often known for their legacy in track, especially thanks to eight time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt, Puma has a long and storied history in the running space. In this guide, we go over that history and explore their connections to the running world. We then take a spin through their current running shoe line. 

Guide to Mizuno Running Shoes (2024)

 

Welcome to our Guide to Mizuno Running Shoes! While Mizuno originally started as a company focused on baseball, they quickly expanded to nearly every sport and became a leader in the running shoe world in the 1980s with their sponsorship of a number of Olympians. Their popular high drop daily trainer, the Wave Rider, is on its 27th iteration. More recently, Mizuno has shaken up the super shoe world with its unique Wave Rebellion Pro series, which has one of the most aggressive heel bevels on the market. 2024 also brings the release of the Wave Rebellion Flash 2, which will be a competitor to other nylon plated performance trainers. It's an exciting time for Mizuno shoes! Read on to learn more about the brand and their road and trail offerings.

ASICS Noosa Tri 16 Review (2024)

ASICS Noosa Tri 16 Review
By David Salas, Matthew Klein, and Andrea Myers

The ASICS Noosa Tri series has been a successful lightweight trainer that caters to both runners and triathletes. The shoe has a slim and lightweight design with smooth transitions on fatigued legs with consideration for quick donning and doffing of the shoes. While attempting for many years to have an upper that worked for sockless running as so many triathletes need during transitions, may prior versions came close but didn't quite make it. Version 16 comes in as the most nimble version that keeps weight low, increases the stack height and creates one of the most comfortable uppers in the series that finally works for sockless running. 

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Review (2024)

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Review
By Matthew Klein

Now in its third version, the Puma Deviate Nitro has become one of the OG carbon-plated trainers. A training companion to the popular Deviate Nitro Elite series, the Puma Deviate Nitro pulled away from its rough first start to a stiff but unique second version. The Deviate Nitro 2 was an solid progression with many people using it for both workouts and longer races. The Deviate Nitro 3 continues the tradition of change for the series with a slight push in a different direction. A far smoother and slightly more relaxed ride brings it back to the training realm with greater distinction from the Deviate Nitro Elite 3. While still able to handle uptempo workouts, the Deviate Nitro 3 firmly stands out as the training companion and training shoe for the majority of your miles. 

Best Trainers of 2024 So Far, Part 2 | DOR Podcast #196

Best Daily Trainers of 2024 So Far, Part 2
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 196

It's time for the second part of our favorite shoes of 2024 so far! David and Andrea join in with their picks for daily trainer, performance trainer, and racing shoes of the year to date. They also pick their favorite 2023 models that are on sale at a discount. Let us know what you've loved this year! DM us on Instagram or email us at doctorsofrunningpodcast@gmail.com.

Newton CF1 Carbon Racer Review (2024)

Newton CF1 Carbon Racer Review
By Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

The Newton CF1 Carbon Racer is Newton's entry into the super shoe market. With a PEBA midsole, carbon plate, and Newton's Action Reaction Technology, the shoe has been long awaited by Newton fans. The shoe features Newton's newest foam, Newtonium-P, is certified vegan, and sustainably constructed. Our team has loved the fit and performance of previous Newton shoes, and we were all excited to test the CF1 Carbon Racer.

Monday Shakeout: Summer 2024 Trail Shoe Round-Up

Trail Season: Summer 2024 Trail Shoe Round-Up
By David Salas

In this week's Monday Shakeout David shares a round-up of several trail shoes that have released this year and discuss their pros, cons, and our favorite uses for them. We're excited to share about a few models from companies we don't get to talk about as often!

Best Daily Trainers of 2024 So Far, Part 1 | DOR Podcast #195

Best Daily Trainers of 2024 So Far, Part 1
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 195

We're just about halfway through 2024 so it's time to take a look at our favorite shoes of the year so far! Matt & Nathan get together to break down their favorite trainers: daily, max-stack, lightweight/speed, and best value. They also discuss how our definition of "supertrainer" is changing as more and more brands come out with their versions. We want to hear from you! What's been your favorite shoe(s) of the year so far? What are you looking forward to for the back half of the year? DM us on Instagram or email us at doctorsofrunningpodcast@gmail.com.

Anta Mach 4 and G21 2 Pro Review (2024)

Anta Mach 4 and G21 2 Pro Review
By David Salas and Matthew Klein

Anta is a Chinese Sportswear brand that has been seen on the feet of several good athletes in running and basketball. Although many in the US may know the Mach series to be from Hoka, Anta has had its own Mach for several years as well. The Anta Mach 4 is a running shoe that is designed to be able to do a little bit of everything, but does lean towards more up-tempo efforts. A completely different shoe than the Mach many may know, those wanting a more snug shoe with an updated foam may be interested in Anta's lightweight trainer. Also in this review, David will also be talking about the G21 2 Pro, a daily trainer for the company. The shoe uses a high cushioning foam with decent traction underfoot to give you something to use as your workhorse. The shoe features a winged TPU plate for some rigidity and stability. 

ASICS Magic Speed 4 Review (2024)

ASICS Magic Speed 4 Review
By Matthew Klein and David Salas

The Magic Speed series has gathered a significant following since its introduction several years ago. Its unique ability to handle both training and racing as a plated shoe has made it popular with a variety of people. Version 3 was the update we were all waiting for as it brought a bouncy and propulsive FF Blast+ midsole that finally gave it the versatility into faster workouts and racing. As news surfaced that version 4 would feature FF Turbo, the thought that faster foams would be coming to more affordable racing shoes was exciting. Similar to the transition from the Magic Speed 2 to 3, the change from the Magic Speed 3 to 4 is just as significant. 

Monday Shakeout: Andrea's Top Shoes of 2024 So Far

The Monday Shakeout: Andrea's Top Shoes of 2024
By Andrea Myers

We continue our midyear favorites list with Andrea Myers top three shoes of 2024 so far. What shoes can compare to her beloved Beacons and Hyperion Max? Find out below.

This or That? Max Cushion vs. Supertrainers, Zero Drop vs. Low Drop, Insoles or Stability Shoes? | DOR Podcast #194

 

This or That? Triumph 22 vs. Superblast, Max Cushion vs. Supertrainers, Zero Drop vs. Low Drop, Insoles or Stability Shoes?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 194

Time for another round of "this or that", where the DOR team is on the hot seat! Nathan and Matt are forced to pick between one or the other, no "it depends" (a PT's favorite answer). They throw down on tough questions about Saucony's updates to the Triumph 22, supertrainers, hydration/fueling, and more.

GiBoard Balance Board Review

GiBoard Balance Board Review 
By Nathan Brown

When working with patients and runners as a physical therapist, we are regularly integrating rehabilitation and training strategies that treat runners holistically. This includes strength, mobility, sleep habits, mental health, stress levels, power, nutrition, and the list goes on. Another realm incorporated in training is proprioceptive and balance training, which typically results in finding creative ways to challenge people's balance with things around their homes like standing on unstable cushions or pillows. The GiBoard is a balance board that provides a stimulus for proprioceptive training that mirrors slacklining but in a much smaller and more mobile package. In this review, we will discuss the merit of proprioceptive training and what our experience with the GiBoard is like.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14 Review (2024)

New Balance FreshFoam X 880 v14 Review
By Matthew Klein

The New Balance 880 series has been a traditional, slow-growing, consistent neutral daily trainer over the years. Its stack height had slowly been increasing but it remained that somewhat heavy but cushioned shoe that was a staple amount walkers, new runners and those needing a straightforward shoe. 2024 is clearly the year of change for New Balance and many different things have appearing from the brand. A new PEBA based foam for its super and faster shoes, crazy new models and intense upgrades for its current models. The 880v14 is strongly caught up in this upgrading frenzy, returning as the lightest standard neutral daily training shoe on the market. Despite dropping over 2 ounces of weight, it retains its ability to handle consistent daily mileage, keeps the slightly wider toe box, traditional stack height and comfortable ride. A clear example of the revived performance focus from New Balance, the 880 extends its reach from a consistent daily trainer into something with the capacity for a bit more.

Saucony Triumph 22 Review (2024)

Saucony Triumph 22 Review: Major Changes to the Triumph
By Matthew Klein and Nathan Brown

The Saucony Triumph series has long been a highly cushioned shoe for eating up miles. Version 20 and 21 were a significant departure for the series as it got lighter, snappier and faster. Once the Ride 17 moved to PWRRUN+ as the main midsole there was a great deal of overlap, which foreshadowed a potential change in direction for the series. Version 22 returns both similar and different from the bloodline of the Triumph. The highly cushioned, easier riding shoe returns featuring a full-length PWRRUN PB midsole that uses a blend specifically made for training, meaning it is distinct from the PWRRUN PB used in their Endorphin line. A new, thicker, wider and slightly higher volume upper sits up top, dramatically changing the fit. This results in a return to the highly cushioned and relaxed ride this series is known for, while being the first in this category to feature a midsole made up completely of a superfoam-type material. 

HOKA Transport X Review (2024)

HOKA Transport X Review
By David Salas

HOKA has been one of the fastest growing footwear companies in the game over the last decade. Over the last couple of years we have seen big improvements in their performance and racing division. The Transport X creates a different category for the company though. The Transport X is a "do it all" shoe that is meant to transcend into literally everything from lifestyle through daily running.
 

Monday Shakeout: Matt's Top Shoes of 2024 So Far

The Monday Shakeout: Matt's Top Shoes of 2024 So Far
By Matthew Klein

This week Matt talks about his favorite shoes so far in 2024. This has been a unique year for him as most of his running has involved pushing his daughter in a stroller. This has also been a special year for faster shoes with the debut and release of many new lightweight trainers and racing shoes. While there are many more to come, this is an update for those searching for the newest shoes on the market for the first half of 2024. 

Wild Heel Geometries, the Science Behind the Neo Vista, and the Future of Super Shoes with Mizuno | DOR Podcast #193

 

Wild Heel Geometries, the Science Behind the Neo Vista, and the Future of Super Shoes with Mizuno
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 193

This week we are thrilled to share a conversation with our friends at Mizuno Running. Shunsuke, Mizuno’s Global Product Line Manager, and Ayako Suzuki (Susan), the team’s Running Footwear Product Designer, join Matt and Andrea to talk about the brand new Neo Vista. They dig into the brand’s bold new heel geometries (including the one seen in the Japan-only Wave Duel Pro model) and discuss what these new trends mean for the future of running shoes at Mizuno.