361 Degrees Miro Review (2024): The Lightest Super Shoe Available!?

361 Degrees Miro Review
By Matthew Klein

Over a decade ago, there was a series of super light racing shoes that sat in the mid 4 oz to sub 4 oz range. These included the Mizuno Wave Universe series, the New Balance RC 5000, the ASICS Piranha SP series and later the Altra Vanish-R. Since that time, the industry switched from the niche, super-light/minimal racing shoes to the maximal stack height super racing shoes that have become popular today. Although several models, like the Nike Vaporfly 3, ASICS Metaspeed Paris series and the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 had dropped into the mid to high 6 oz range, it seemed impossible that we would see super racing shoes in the same weight class that prior racing shoes had achieved. Even the $500 Adidas Pro Evo 1 only managed a low 5 oz weight, although this was still shocking. The impossible has become reality with 361 releasing the first true super shoe to hit the low 4 oz range. The 361 Miro features a full-length super foam midsole, a full-length carbon fiber plate and a unique carbon silk technology that brings it to the 4 oz range. An incredibly fast and light ride, the Miro is the first of its kind to finally combine super shoe technology with the weights of the past super light racing shoes. 

Best Running Shoes with Toe Spring

As Doctors of Physical Therapy, we have a bias toward choosing biomechanically appropriate footwear. For several of us, that includes a bias toward shoes that keep the foot/ankle in more natural positions. That does not mean extreme barefoot or minimal type shoes (although those do have their place) but trying to find shoes that encourage appropriate movement rather than putting the body into extremes. The challenge with that is that some people actually do really well in those extremes. An easy example of this is heel drop. While many people seem to do best in mid level drops, there are others who do much better with a higher or lower heel drop. The same can be said of toe spring, or the upward curve under the toes. We generally suggest finding shoes that have a low toe spring angle as we generally suggest staying away from footwear that keeps your body in positional extremes as this allows the toes to be kept in a neutral position. However, some people actually do well in a shoe with more toe spring, so for those who do better with that attribute, this guide is for you. 

Our Fears Around Max Cushion Shoes, and a Short Guide to Winter Running | DOR Podcast #214

 

Our Fears Around Max Cushion Shoes, and a Short Guide to Winter Running
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 214

Max-stack shoes are everywhere and from every brand these days. And even what "maximal" means has changed with the standard midsole thickness creeping closer and closer to 40mm. Nathan and Matt take a look at what "maximal" means now, how our physiology and mechanics change using these shoes, how they effect injury risks, and how much caution runners (especially new ones) should exercise with them. Nathan also gives us his Wisconsin-honed cold weather clothing tips for staying warm as the temps start to drop.

PEBAX Shoes and Carbon Fiber Plates: What We Know Now (Updated Literature Review)

The Science of PEBAX Shoes and Carbon Fiber Plates: What We Know Now
Review by Chief Editor and Founder Matthew Klein

In April of 2020, we posted a critical review diving into the research and evidence around the quickly emerging carbon fiber-plated and/or PEBAX-based footwear. We discussed several things including early thoughts on carbon plates, newer foams, geometries, interactions between them, and most importantly how much we do not know about what was truly going on. In a short two years, there has been a large amount of research into these topics. While there are still significant holes in our understanding due to research being so far behind current industry trends and development, we decided to create an update to address this new information. As this is an update, those wanting the original research should check out the original article HERE so we can focus on all the new research since that time.

Best On Running Shoes | Buyer's Guide (2024)

 

Formed around 2010 and launched in 2012, the Swiss company centers their running around a technology known as CloudTec which aims to deliver "soft landings" and "firm and stable push off." In this guide, we talk about the brand and discuss the running shoes offered by On. We also provide a few recommendations for those interested in trying their unique offerings.

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 Review (2024)

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 Review
By Matthew Klein

The original Deviate Nitro Elite was a team favorite at Doctors of Running. While not the most aggressive super racing shoe of that time, it was by far the most comfortable. Version two was slightly odd as it gained weight, got an aggressive amount of toe spring and narrowed quite a bit. Many people felt it was a return to a more classic racing shoe feel, while others (like myself) were disappointed. Version 3 became widely noticed on the feet of several elite Puma runners at the 2024 US Olympic Marathon trials, including two runners in the top three of the women's field. With the quickly expanding roster of Puma elite runners, it has continued to hold a strong presence at a variety of races. This is a testament to the complete redesign of the Deviate Nitro Elite 3 into a true aggressive super racing shoe with a completely different (better) level of performance than its predecessors. 

Saucony Tempus 2 Review (2024)

Saucony Tempus 2 Review
By Matthew Klein and Bach Pham

The original Tempus was an exciting shoe. It debuted when stability shoes were decreasing in number and all the faster stability shoes were disappearing. It was the first stability shoe to feature a super foam and was one of the only options for those with higher stability needs wanting to run faster for longer. Over two years later, while a few super racing shoes feature stable neutral components, the Tempus 2 remains one of the few lighter stability shoes. The updates are subtle with primarily an upper change that still changes the overall feel of the shoe.

A Guide to Running Shoe Terminology

A Guide to Running Shoe Terminology
By Matthew Klein

This week we have decided to define several terms that we use frequently but have begun to realize are not common language. As a group of clinicians and educators, our goal is to help people understand what they are putting on their feet or how they are training. This can include terms and jargon that we may take our understanding of for granted, so to help you along this journey of knowledge, we have laid out several below that we commonly use. This list will likely evolve and we may even move this to a more official page. For now, we hope this helps clarify our language!

Mailbag! Shoes Recommendations for Hamstrings, Haglunds, Flat Feet, Uphill Marathons, and Recovery | DOR Podcast #213

 

Mailbag! Shoes Recommendations for Hamstrings, Haglunds, Flat Feet, Uphill Marathons, and Recovery
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 213

Time for another mailbag show where we answer your questions about shoe, pathologies, racing, and beyond. Nathan, David, and Matt get together to field questions on shoe geometries, shoes for flat feet, shoes for Haglund's deformity, uphill racing, and much more. Want to have your question answered on our next mailbag? DM us on Instagram or email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com!

Best Carbon Plated Running Shoes (2024)

Carbon Plated Running Shoe Resource Page

The current trend in racing shoes has been toward super foams and carbon fiber plates. Although plates have been used in the past, their popularity has surged. A new age of fast shoes has come about and now a variety of companies have released their products (some in small batches). For the first time (almost ever) there is an interest from the general public (and not just the competitive runners) in finding the fastest shoe to get them across the finish line. We at Doctors of Running thought it would be helpful to have a guide to all the current models to help you choose if and which one may be right for you.

adidas adizero Adios Pro 4 Review (2024)

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Review
By Matthew Klein

The Adidas Adios Pro 3 was unique because it was one of the first super shoes I realized could be a viable option for the recreational runner. Most super shoes are incredibly aggressive, unstable, fast tools that made me doubt their usefulness for slower runners. Additional research showing minimal benefits to offset the potential risks further made me doubt that a super shoe could be used effectively at slower speeds until the Adios Pro 3 and eventually the New Balance SC Elite v3. It was the people's super shoe, meaning it wasn't the fastest shoe but was stable, comfortable and could handle a wide variety of paces. Adidas, with the release of the aggressive Pro Evo 1 that has inspired the Adios Pro 4, has now gone the other direction. While the Adios Pro 3 was not the fastest shoe, the Adios Pro 4 returns as an aggressive, competitive super shoe for faster running. Dropping a large amount of weight through a brand new upper, adding a new incredibly resilient Lightstrike Pro midsole and redesigning the geometry to be faster an more aggressive, the Adios Pro 4 steps back on the stage as a specific tool for those wanting to go fast.

Salomon Spectur 2 Review (2024)

Salomon Spectur 2 Review
By David Salas

For many Salomon has traditionally been thought of as a trail running shoe company with associated outdoor activities. Over the last few years Salomon has been investing more and more into their road running lineup. The Salomon Spectur 2 is a product of some of those efforts. The Spectur 2 is a training companion type shoe aimed at giving a lightweight responsive experience with the durability and stability of a training shoe. 

ASICS GT-2000 13 Review (2024)

ASICS GT-2000 13 Review
By Matthew Klein & David Salas

The ASICS GT-2000 series has been a staple moderate stability running and walking shoe for years. It was popular when I was working in running stores (back when the dinosaurs were around) and it has continued that trend to the present day. Version 12 shifted from prior versions as the medial post was removed and replaced with internal guidance, the weight dropped and a real heel bevel finally emerged. This continued the GT-2000's trend of being an excellent stability shoe but added a smoother and slightly faster ride along with the addition of current concepts of stability. Version 13 continues this trend with some careful modifications that build on the prior version. A new upper, new outsole, and slight sidewall redesigns are some of the few things this version brings to the table. Whether this is enough to upgrade or stay with version 12 is what we will try to answer. 

Merrell Morphlite Review (2024): Major Value for a Road-to-Trail Shoe!

Merrell Morphlite Review
By Matthew Klein

The Merrell Barefoot Road and Trail Gloves were some of my favorite shoes years ago during my minimalist era. Although I knew the Merrell name, I had not tried any shoes from them as they had not made any significant road running shoes I was aware of (I also had minimal footwear knowledge at that time). After trying a few sizes to optimize the fit, I loved the minimal feel and incredible durability. Fast forward over a decade and we were lucky enough to have the introductory model sent to us, the Merrell Morphlite. Although meant as an affordable shoe, the Morphlite packs that same durability with an excellent ride for what can be found for $69 in many places. A great example of the rest of the line, this has made us more interested in what Merrell is doing in the running world again. 

Monday Shakeout: 3 Unexpectedly Good 2024 Shoes You Never Heard Of

The Monday Shakeout: 3 Unexpectedly Good 2024 Shoes You Never Heard Of
By Bach Pham

This week we share three shoes that we had no idea would be as interesting as they would be when they arrived at our door. We literally review over a 100+ shoes a year at Doctors of Running, some of which don't even make it to the website. Most fall where you'd expect in the spectrum of shoes, but we are always delighted to receive a couple of pairs that shake up everything we expect from the brand or the shoe itself.

This or That? Soft vs. Firm Shoes, Reviewing Shoes by Effort vs. Pace, and a Discussion on Marathon Recovery | DOR Podcast #212

This or That? Soft vs. Firm Shoes, Reviewing Shoes by Effort vs. Pace, and a Discussion on Marathon Recovery
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 212

Welcome back to another edition of This or That? where Nathan makes David & Matt make their hottest of takes. They debate soft vs firm shoes, PR-ing or running a bucket list race, rehabbing at home or with a PT, and more. They also take a moment to discuss race recovery as we head into fall racing season.

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.

Guide to Brooks Running Shoes (2024)

Welcome to our guide to Brooks Running footwear! Brooks has been a leader among specialty running for years thanks to their focus on the recreational runner and step-in comfort. Their technology focuses on maximizing the runner's unique movement path, providing semi-customized cushioning and a variety of fits for each runner's individual needs. They have a vast road line with variations on the same shoe for different fits and levels of stability. Brooks continues to have the most extensive line of stability shoes on the market from faster shoes up to motion control shoes, which is rare in today's footwear landscape. Being a Seattle-based company, they also have a strong focus on sustainability and keep the environment in mind with the development of their footwear. In this feature, we will cover Brooks's history, unique technology, and their current running shoe lineup.

Brooks Glycerin Max Review (2024)

Brooks Glycerin Max Review
By Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

While the rest of the running industry has jumped head-on into maximalism, Brooks has carefully taken its time with developing footwear to fit this category. Like the original Pure line with minimalism, the slow debut of a Max line has produce the Ghost Max, Hyperion Max and now the Glycerin Max. As the tallest stack height shoe in the Brooks line up and on the taller side of the entire industry, the Glycerin Max is unique for Brooks not only due to its stack height, but that it is one of the first widely available training shoes with over 45 mm of stack height in the heel alongside the Puma MagMax Nitro. With the increase in stack height, Brooks has doubled down on the nitrogen infused foam technology, featuring two densities of foam in a combination called DNA Tuned that is meant to provide soft heel landings and energetic toe-offs. Whether that actually occurs.... is worth talking about.

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. 

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Review (2024)

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Review
By Matthew Klein 

When updating the best-selling stability shoe on the market, one must be careful. The Adrenaline series sits alongside the GT, Structure and Inspire as long stand stability models that have continued on through multiple generations of runners. It is part of a group of shoes that if you mention, most runners will know you are talking about a stability shoe. While fairly consistent for the last several generations, the Adrenaline GTS 24 experiences a massive overall that takes stability and gives it a new-age look and feel while retaining the characteristics that make it an Adrenaline. While long time Adrenaline users should not worry, the shoe does change for the better. Improved transitions, fit and ride all add to the list of things that needed to happen and finally have (for the most part) here with the GTS 24. 

Anta G21 3 Pro Xian Fiber Review (2024)

Anta G21 3 Pro Xian Fibre Review
By David Salas 

Anta is a Chinese-based company that is doing a lot of things well with their footwear. They don't have the biggest North American market, but they are making moves to introduce some training and performance lines over here as well. Notable athletes they support include Kenenisa Bekele, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson. 

Inov8 Roadfly Review (2024)

Inov8 Roadfly Review
By Matthew Klein and Andrea Myers

The footwear industry has clear trends right now. Increased stack heights, stiffening agents (plates) and superfoams are becoming more common even among daily training shoes. The number of lower stack height road running shoes has all but disappeared, with limited options from companies like Topo and Altra. Inov8, despite having several shoes in the higher stack height range on the trail, has stuck to its original roots and gone the opposite direction of the industry, bringing a line of road shoes with lower stack heights to the market. The first of this new Roadfly line is simply called the Roadfly, evolving from previous road shoes to feature Inov8's new anatomic last, new cushioning, and a new ride with a more traditional feel. 

Between Two Feet: How Two Runners Can Have Vastly Different Experiences in a Shoe | DOR Podcast 211

Between Two Feet: How Two Runners Can Have Vastly Different Experiences in a Shoe
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 211

Ever had a shoe that everyone recommends only to finally try it out and be disappointed? How is it that one person can love a shoe and someone else loathe it? Matt & Andrea dive into how and why we feel things about our running shoes. They take a look at how biomechanics, gait, shoe construction & geometry, and more impact how we perceive the ride, speed, comfort, and softness of a shoe. They also compare & contrast their thoughts on a handful of specific shoes like the New Balance Rebel V4 and the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2.

On Cloudflyer 5 Review (2024)

On Cloudflyer 5 Review
By Matthew Klein 

As a stability shoe person, I am always interested in what stable shoes are on the market or which ones get updates. The On Cloudflyer 4 was something I was excited about, but ended up being heavy and too firm for me to get a ton of running miles on. They were extremely comfortable for walking but less so for running. Regardless, my hope for On continued as I have seen improvements in design and comfort in their models over the years. It was immediately apparent as I tested the latest model that while On had updated the shoe and it is more runnable than the prior version, they had stuck to a degree of their firmer ways. 

Best Shoes for People with Posterior Tibial Tendinopathy (Shoes with Medial Support)

Running Shoes for Posterior Tibial Tendon Problems
(shoes with stability and medial guidance)

Our perspective on stability and guidance are one of the many things that make Doctors of Running unique. I, Matt Klein, generally need at least mild stability in my footwear. Like many of our readers, I have continued to navigate and understand what a stability shoe is, what options there are out there, what actually provides stability/guidance and who stability actually works best for. Recent research has suggested that stability shoes tend to benefit those with a history of pronation-related injuries or who are unable to control the natural pronation motion during gait (Malisoux et al., 2016; Williems et al., 2021). One of the primary muscles responsible for controlling and that can be injured with poor control of pronation is the posterior tibialis. Those who experience pathology in this muscle/tendon often find relief and comfort with stability shoes and we have put together a guide on shoes that may help those who struggle with injuries or problems with this tissue.

Best Electrolyte and Recovery Drinks for Runners (12+ Products Reviewed)

 
Guide to Hydration Products for Runners
A Review of 10+ Running Hydration Products

If you are a runner looking for a fueling product to use before or during your runs there are a few things to consider. You want to decide what form (or combination of forms) you would like to use during training. Some runners like to take in their fuel in liquid form (sports drinks) while others like solid (sports bars). A gel sits somewhere in the middle. You may like some kind of a combination of the three or it may depend on the training session, distance, duration etc. In this guide, we'll be taking a look at the hydrating side of things - from Nuun to Osmo to Maurten, Skratch, and much more - to help you sort through the various options in the market and find the right product for you.