New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 Review (2024)

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 Review
By Andrea Myers and David Salas

New Balance has been making some moves over the last couple of years, and the results have been showing. They have made good improvements across all of sectors of their footwear. Their performance footwear and athletes shined on the track at the Olympics, while they have also pushed for improved comfort in their daily training models. Today we look at one of the shoes that have really emphasized their modern approach to comfort, the 1080, their longtime premium cushioned trainer.

The Science of Heel Bevels | DOR Podcast #209

 

The Science of Heel Bevels
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 209

If you've been following Doctors of Running for a while, you know we love a good heel bevel. For many of us (especially Matt), it can make or break the experience of a shoe. Matt & David get together to take a deep dive on heel bevels. They look at what it is, how it effects motion and mechanics, and explore some specific examples (everything from the Brooks Ghost Max 2 to the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2).

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 Review (2024)

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 Review
By Matthew Klein and Bach Pham

The New Balance 860 has been a reliable and consistent series for years. Known for being a sturdy walking/running shoe, it has been a posted shoe for most of its existence. Like many New Balance running shoes in the recent year, the newest version has seen a drastic update. What was once a fairly boring shoe (a nicer term is reliable...) has been updated to one of the more exciting stability shoes on the market. Exciting not because of "super" components, but due to bringing back a stability method that almost completely disappeared. Enter the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860, the only (to my knowledge) full-length medially wedged running shoe on the market. Paired with a comfortable ride and fit, the new version sets itself apart as a unique shoe that will work for a unique person. 

Monday Shakeout: The Challenges of Zero Drop Trail Shoes

 

The Monday Shakeout: The Challenges of Zero Drop Trail Shoes
By Matthew Klein

In this week's Monday Shakeout, Matt discusses a highly specific type of shoe and the unique challenges that lay with it. A great read for any runner as Matt touches on the impacts of both zero drop shoes and multi-terrain running.

Dads of Running, Vol. 1: Stability, Both in Shoes and in Life | DOR Podcast #208

 

Dads of Running, Vol. 1: Stability, Both in Shoes and in Life
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 208

On this special edition of the podcast, Matt & Nathan get together to discuss dad & family life. They share their daily routines, family rhythms, and how running fits into it all, especially in the face of big recent life changes. As always, there's a little shoe-talk thrown in as they discuss New Balance's latest update to the venerable 860 and Nathan's recent experiences sizing up in a few shoes.

Guide to Hoka Running Shoes (2024)

 

Welcome to our buyers guide for the footwear company, Hoka! Hoka has been one of the fastest growing footwear companies globally and is known for their high stacked, rockered shoes. In this guide we will discuss some of the beginnings of the brand, their proprietary technologies, as well as their current shoe lineup. 

Guide to Saucony Running Shoes (2024)

Welcome to our guide to Saucony footwear! In recent years, Saucony has made a surge to being a leading brand given its variety of options, integration of foam technology into footwear, and ability to democratize high-performance materials in packages appropriate for all runners. They offer a vast array of footwear both for the road and the trails. In this feature we will cover Saucony’s history, unique technology, and their current running shoe lineup.  

Nike Pegasus Plus Review (2024)

Nike Pegasus Plus Review
By Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

The original Nike Pegasus Turbo quickly became a cult classic running shoe. As one of the first non-super shoes to feature PEBAX, it blended an incredibly bouncy midsole with a lighter weight, nimble feel and some more normal flexibility. While durability was questionable for some people, it garnered a following similar to the original Brooks Launch. The similarity between those two shoes is that they were discontinued and then different versions were brought back. The Nike Pegasus Turbo Nature was an odd attempt at bringing back the fan favorite that ended up being a better fashion shoe than running shoe. After extensive time, Nike has finally decided to bring back the Turbo in the form of the Pegasus Plus. With "Nike Pegasus Turbo" written on the outsole, this is supposed to be the spiritual successor to the Turbo series that fans have been waiting years for. Whether it actually is... is something we will do our best to answer in this review. 

Best Running Shoes for Walking (2024)

Beginner's Guide to Walking,
and the Best Running Shoes for Walking

By DOR Editorial Team

While this website is called "Doctors of Running," we spend a great time personally either walking in the shoes we test or clinically treating/working with people who are having issues walking. Running usually takes only an hour or two of our day. The rest of the time is spent standing, sitting and walking. Running shoes have become extremely popular for everyday use outside of running due to their comfort. With that in mind, we decided to pull together a guide for those coming here looking for great running shoes specifically for walking or standing. The following guide provides a general overview of walking along with some guidelines you should keep in mind. At the very end you can find a list of recommendations for specific shoes we have found excellent for walking and through personal experience using all-day through our clinical work. 

Mount to Coast P1 Review (2024)

Mount to Coast P1 Review
By Matthew Klein and Bach Pham

Mount to Coast is a newer company that has tried to distinguish itself designing ultramarathon-specific running shoes. Our experience with their first racing shoe, the R1, was unique with a combination of an extremely durable outsole, a slightly adjustable upper, and a consistent midsole that felt tuned for longer distances. Although many newer companies have ignored this important category, Mount to Coast debuted a stability shoe made specifically for ultramarathons. Enter the P1, an interesting take on stability that brings a rare forefoot stability shoe to the market. Despite some misguided marketing on pronation and injuries, the P1 creates a unique product to the market that can handle both longer distances and provides stability measures without a post. 

Monday Shakeout: How Much Does Doctors of Running Make? (Report #7)

One day, I will have these reports done actually on schedule! Each year since 2022 we try to release two reports a year to share how much the team is making. We believe in transparency and want to highlight where our sources of income are coming from. In our seventh report, we recap the first six months of 2024 and the dreaded early year slowdown. Interested in our last report? Find it here.

New Balance FuelCell SC Trainer v3 Review (2024)

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 Review
By Nathan Brown, Matthew Klein, Andrea Myers, & David Salas

The SC Trainer series is now in its third iteration and is continuing to try and find an identity. The similarities between models have been scant. Version one was a heavy, super-stacked trainer that operated on a large, stiff rocker. Version two dropped in height and weight and increased flexibility in the forefoot, but also had a very severe toe spring. Now we get to version three, and again there are many changes.

Mailbag! Andrea's Current Favorite Shoes? Do Soft Shoes CAUSE Hip Pain? How Do Heel Bevels Effect Stability? | DOR Podcast #207

 

Mailbag! Andrea's Current Favorite Shoes? Do Soft Shoes CAUSE Hip Pain? How Do Heel Bevels Effect Stability?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 207

Mailbag–time for more of your questions! On this episode, Andrea tackles a bunch of footwear and training queries. Learn more about heel bevels, the effect of soft shoes on hip mechanics, shoes after ACL surgery, adapting to the heat. and more. Plus, she shares her unique experience as a former professional cyclist and current bike-fitter on how to replace or supplement easy running with bike rides.

Best Shoes for People with Haglund's Deformity (Shoes without Rigid Heel Counters)

 

Running Shoes for People with Haglund's Deformity
Or, the Shoes without Rigid Heel Counters List

Heel counters are one of the many footwear components that are commented on here at Doctors of Running. Heel counters are (usually) a rigid piece of material embedded in or molded around the upper of the rearfoot. The purpose is to provide structure to this part of the shoe and potentially stabilize the heel. There are now several variations, going from ones that wrap completely around the heel, to split heel counters (a piece left out at the rearmost portion) and even super thin heel counters just to keep the upper from collapsing. While many people do well with these stiffening agents, some with sensitivities at or around their heel sometimes do not.

HOKA Skyflow Review (2024)

Hoka Skyflow Review
By David Salas and Matthew Klein

The Hoka "Sky" series is a new line from Hoka focusing on elevated experiences (hence the name) with taller designs, rockers, and foams. The Skyward X was first debuted as one of the tallest shoes in the Hoka line up featuring a PEBA midsole, a carbon plate and an EVA frame. The Skyflow is a daily training shoe companion to the Skyward X that still features a similar rockered geometry with a supercritical EVA midsole. Our first thought was that this seems like an eerily similar shoe to Hoka Clifton but the upper fit and stiffer ride sets it apart. It still clearly follows the Hoka template but those who want a daily trainer with a stiffer ride may be interested in this newer model. 

Puma MagMax Nitro Review (2024)

Puma MagMax Nitro Review
By Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

The Puma MagMax Nitro is Puma's new max stack super trainer, which features an extremely high 47mm/39mm stack height of supercritical Nitro foam. A non-plated supertrainer, the MagMax Nitro utilizes a wide base, extensive sole flaring, and a high coverage PumaGrip rubber outsole to provides structure to such a tall midsole. It seems that every major shoe brand has its own max stack super trainer, so where will MagMax Nitro fall in the lineup?

On Cloudrunner 2 Review (2024)

On Cloudrunner 2 Review
By Matthew Klein & David Salas

A few years ago when we reviewed the original On Cloudrunner, I (Matt) was not included in the testing/review and mostly ignored the shoe. This was incredibly unfortunate given that I tend to do best in mild stability shoes. As I have learned more about myself and my body has changed due to time, strength training and changing training, I have continued to come back to this small category. I can handle neutral shoes for some time then slowly begin to get some issues. I can also handle moderate-to-higher stability shoes but find them too stiff after a while. I always gravitate toward the mild stability category because it provides just enough without being too much. A "just right" level for me. Using a similar Goldilocks "just right" porridge analogy, the On Cloudrunner 2 hits this on several levels. Just the right amount of cushioning without being too soft or too firm. Just enough stability without being too rigid or too unstable. The list goes on and while not a perfect shoe, it provides a solid option for those who need a bit more room and a balanced ride. 

Monday Shakeout: How Shoes Impact Our Spines

The Monday Shakeout: How Shoes Impact Our Spines
By Matthew Klein

Happy Labor Day to those who celebrate! Today Matt takes a look at some research on how running shoes impact our spines. We hope to explore some more research looking at running and injuries moving forward. Stay tuned!

This or That? Super Trainers vs. Training Companions, Buying 2023 or 2024 Shoes, and Could Caitlin Clark BQ!? | DOR Podcast #206

This or That? Super Trainers vs. Training Companions, Buying 2023 or 2024 Shoes, and Could Caitlin Clark BQ!?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 205

Time for another edition of "This or That" where we pit two opposing concepts (shoes, training, recovery, nonsense) against each other and force ourselves to pick a side. On this episode, Nathan, David, and Matt debate...well...pretty much everything: super trainers vs. training companion shoes, running in the heat vs. the cold, long racing vs. short racing, LeBron vs. Caitlin Clark, and even California geography. If you're looking for needlessly hot takes, we've got 'em.