Saucony Ride 18 Review (2025)

Saucony Ride 18 Review
By Matthew Klein and David Salas

The Saucony Ride series is the flagship neutral training shoe for the company. The Ride has always been their moderate stack height workhorse trainer that boasts good durability. While in between year models are typically upper only updates, the Ride 18 returns with a surprising number of updates. From a reworked PWRRUN+ midsole, to additional outsole coverage, increased flex grooves and additional heel collar padding, the Ride 18 has received subtle updates all around. The shoe also features a mild drop in weight. 

The Monday Shakeout: Andrea's Favorite Training and Racing Shoes of 2024

 

The Monday Shakeout: My Favorite Training and Racing Shoes of 2024
By Andrea Myers

2024 started with training for the Osaka Marathon through the cold New England winter, getting Covid 2 weeks before the race, and then cancelling my trip due to health concerns. After taking some down time to recover, I decided to focus on getting my speed back and do some shorter races. I raced many 5ks, a couple of road miles, and a couple of 7 mile races and was pleased with my progress over the course of the year. The highlight of 2024 for me was going home to the Quad Cities and running the Bix 7 for the first time, which my family does every year. I was thrilled to be 5th in the female masters category out of 2000 racers and 52nd female overall out of nearly 5000. Of course, 2024 also brought some exciting new shoes, including some surprise favorites.

Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Review (2025)

Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Review
By David Salas and Matthew Klein

When the original Endorphin Elite hit the market, it provided a unique ride and was one of the few options that directly competed with the Nike Alphafly. Unlike many super shoes, its PWRRUN HG midsole provided a firmer but highly responsive and rockered ride that also was surprisingly stable neutral. Many of the team had successfully used that shoe from 5k distances for Matt to a fantastic marathon for David. When images and early information emerged about the Endorphin Elite 2, we were excited. A brand new superfoam, unique geometry and a progression from version one was somethin to look forward to. While the full length IncrediRun midsole is certainly a massive upgrade, whether this shoe is better than the original may depend on the person. It is certainly different and the opposite of the original in many ways. Now with the softest and bounciest midsole in the super racer category, a more snug upper and a far more neutral ride, it is an exciting time to see where the footwear industry is going. Whether it will work for you is worth exploring. 

Saucony Guide 18 Review (2025)

 

Saucony Guide 18 Review
By Bach Pham and Matthew Klein

The Saucony Guide has long been the stability alternative to the Saucony Ride, providing a moderate stack height ride that did everything the Ride could do, but with the addition of a wedge or post for medial stability. Last year's Guide 17 dramatically changed the formula to be a more centered ride that feels modern and refreshed. This year's model doesn't change the recipe one bit, just working to refine the upper fit a bit and preserving what runner's liked about last year's model.

Our Favorite Shoes of 2024, Part 2 | DOR Podcast #223

  

Our Favorite Shoes of 2024, Part 2
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 223

Here's part 2 of our favorite shoes of the year! If you missed the previous episode, we covered daily trainers, stability shoes, long run shoes, and trail shoes. Onto the fast stuff for part 2: workout shoes, plated trainers, and racing shoes! Plus we wrap it up with our votes for most impressive shoe brand from 2024. As always we'd loved to hear from you! DM us on Instagram or email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com to let us know what your favorite shoes of the year have been.

The Monday Shakeout: David's Favorite Training and Racing Shoes of 2024

 

The Monday Shakeout: David's Favorite Training and Racing Shoes of 2024
By David Salas

2024 brought the heat this year! With some foot ailments and adjustments I did find that certain shoes were working for my biomechanics and stability needs. Normally I do lean more neutral, but this year I didn't mind a touch of stability and guidance. Below are my favorites for 2024. 

Our Favorite Shoes of 2024, Part 1 | DOR Podcast #222

 

Our Favorite Shoes of 2024, Part 1
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 222

It's that time of year again, now that 2024 is coming to a close we'll wrap up the year with our favorite shoes. On this special two part episode, the entire four-person team (Nathan, Matt, David, Andrea) get together to talk about their favorites from a year full of phenomenal shoes. On part 1 they discuss daily trainers, stability, long run shoes, and trail. Be sure to tune in next week for part 2! We'd love hear your favorites too! DM us on Instagram or email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com

The Monday Shakeout: Nathan's Favorite Training and Racing Shoes of 2024

  

The Monday Shakeout: My Favorite Training and Racing Shoes of 2024
By Nathan Brown

This year of running was different than other years, but it was a lot of fun. Usually, I'm attempting to train for a distance race, whether a half marathon or a marathon. This year was different. I was coming off a rather impactful injury to my left foot, and it was all about getting back in the swing of things. Therefore most of my running was easy, building base mileage and enjoying time with friends. In fact, my favorite running memory had nothing to do with me, but was watching a friend train for and run their first marathon (after not running at all before this year). They did fantastic, and it was fun to envelop them in our running community. That said, I was still able to get out for a few races this year including our incredible fun local event, the Point Bock Run (5 miles) and a local Labor Day 10K race. Thankful for what this year was and I look forward to next year!

Buy or Sell: Are Vaporflys Not the Best Super Shoe Anymore? Are Stability Shoes the Best They’ve Ever Been? | DOR Podcast #221

 

Buy or Sell: Are Vaporflys Not the Best Super Shoe Anymore? Are Stability Shoes the Best They’ve Ever Been?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 221

Your favorite game show is back! Matt and David play Buy or Sell with a number of end-of-year topics. They talk about the hot new trend of trainers skyrocketing pass 40mm, discuss whether stability shoes are better now than they’ve ever been before, and question if the Vaporfly is no longer the king of the marathon.

Our Best Gifts for Runners (2025)

BEST GIFTS FOR RUNNERS
DOCTORS OF RUNNING STAFF ROUNDUP

Welcome to our Gift Guide for Runners! We think about running 24/7 and tried our best to give a good range of non-shoe related gifts for both the holiday season and year-round, because while shoes are fun, it's also the stuff that we go to time and time again before, during, and after the run that can make a run as well.

Brooks Glycerin Max Review (2024): 100 Mile Review Update!

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.

Adidas Supernova Rise 2 Review (2024)

Adidas Supernova Rise 2 Review
By Matthew Klein and Andrea Myers

The Adidas Supernova Rise was a refreshing restart for the Adidas non-Adizero running line. After years of incredibly heavy and clunky shoes, the Rise showed that a Supernova could still be light and comfortable. However, despite the Dreamstrike, PEBA-based midsole, it was still a more compliant than responsive midsole that didn't quite live up to the bouncy marketing. Version two returns to change that. A slight reduction in weight, a refined upper and a reworked Dreamstrike+ midsole make for a shoe that runs differently from its predecessor. But is it enough to Rise above?

Nike Rival Fly 4 Review (2024): $100 Racing Shoe!

Nike Rival Fly 4 Review
By David Salas

Many runners associate performance running footwear with Nike. Over the years Nike has done a good job of separating themselves from the competition by having racing footwear at a variety of price points. Prior to super shoes, you would see many racing flats such as the Nike Rival Waffle, Streak, Streak LT, and others on the feet of many high schoolers and racers of 5k-10k distances. For those that could handle it, you would even see the Nike Streak on many people's feet in the marathon. The Rival line looks a little bit different these days, but it is still a lower stack (by today's standards) racing shoe.   

The Monday Shakeout: My Favorite Stability Shoes of 2024 for Flat Feet

 

The Monday Shakeout: My Favorite Shoes of 2024 for Flat Feet
By Bach Pham

It's getting towards end of 2024, which means it is time to update my list of favorite shoes for flat feet runners. If you have not checked out my Shakeout about the do's and don'ts to flat feet shoes, check that out first before reading on!

ASICS Novablast 5 Review (2024): Better and Better

ASICS Novablast 5 Review
By Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

The most common themes we have been seeing on the running shoe scene is higher stack height, more cushioning, sometimes lower weights, but often higher prices. That has all changed with the Novablast 5. A new update featuring a new upper and completely new FF Blast Max midsole makes for a high stack height, performance trainer that drop a little weight but still maintains a solid $140 price tag. A shoe our entire team has pleasantly surprised by, the ASICS Novablast 5 returns smoother and more comfortable than ever before. 

2025 Shoe Preview with Saucony, Brooks, and Puma! | DOR Podcast #220

 

2025 Shoe Preview with Saucony, Brooks, and Puma!
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 220

On this very special episode, we're joined by some of our friends at Saucony, Brooks, and Puma to get a sneak peak at what's coming for them in 2025. We get to hear about the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 & Elite 2, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 & Glycerin 22, the Puma FAST-RB & Deviate Nitro Elite Trail, and many more exciting updates! Tune in and get hyped for the latest and greatest shoes coming in the next year.

Footwear Science: Rocker Soles

Footwear Science: Rocker Soles
By Matt Klein

Rocker or rockered soles have come up multiple times on this blog and I thought it was time to write a set post on this topic.  I have noticed that frequently, extremely rockered soles do not work for me. My theory was that the rockered soles tend to reduce the amount of power/torque the calves can put through the natural forefoot rocker, aka the metatarsophalangeal joint by artificially rolling the foot forward.  I decided to dive into the research to see what the conclusion was.  The answer appears to be that having a rockered sole does reduce the load on the achilles but there is mixed evidence as to whether this may affect other joints.  Sound confusing?  Let's talk.

Guide to Super Trainers (2024)

 
Super Trainers!
By DOR Editorial Team

While carbon plated running shoes become an essential fixture of every brand, super trainers have suddenly become the next wave of footwear that each brand feels the need to deliver on. Super trainers are shoes that take the key elements of a super shoe - stiffener (carbon plate or similar feel), Peba foam, and aggressive rocker. The major difference is that they are a bit more relaxed often (heavier, more stable for daily use) and can break convention by adding a stack height over 40mm - the maximum legal stack height for professional marathon road racing shoes. The trend as we know it broke open with the Adidas Prime X which completely shattered convention in 2021 with a massive 50mm stack height and somewhat scary platform that many adored. Today, super trainers have become a bit more refined for stability while providing the intended comfort for long run training, and for some, a wildly cushioned race day shoe.

Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 Review (2024): A Seriously Heavy Duty Trail Runner

Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 Review
By Matthew Klein

The Saucony Xodus series was a heavy-duty hiking/mountain running shoe that was renowned for its durability and ruggedness. With so much going on, it was an extremely heavy shoe that made traversing anything less than super-aggressive terrain feel like a bit much. The Xodus Ultra was the answer for those looking for a more runnable version of that shoe. The first Xodus Ultra was much lighter and was one of the first trail shoes to feature a super foam (PWRRUN PB). In fact, it utilized it with surrounding EVA that made it feel stable yet still nimble. With this massive change from the Xodus to the Xodus Ultra came some trade offs. The lighter weight made the shoe more runnable but less versatile on challenging terrain. It was still a trail favorite of our team and the second version doubled down on that with a larger weight drop and a better upper. Version 3 of this shoe returns to its more durable and aggressive roots, feeling like a combination of the Xodus and Xodus Ultra series. With this comes a more stable, more protective and more technically-oriented shoe with a heavier ride.

Monday Shakeout: What is Drop in Shoes and Why it is a Deceptive Number

The Monday Shakeout: The Variability of Shoe Drop
By Matthew Klein

This week we talk about the static measurement of heel drop doesn't tell the true story and why a dynamic understanding will help runners (and walkers) best understand this commonly reported specification.

Biomechanists Explain the Data Behind Shoe Innovation at Brooks Running | DOR Podcast #219

 

Biomechanists Explain the Data Behind Shoe Innovation at Brooks Running
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 219

On this episode, Matt is joined by two special guests from Brooks, Jennifer Sumner and Evan Day, biomechanists and researchers on the Brooks' Run Research Team. They give a behind-the-scenes look at how Brooks develops shoes not only for the elites, but for the every day, average runner. They discuss how biomechanics differ and what that means for designing and choosing shoes. They explain the differences between "stability" and "support" and look down the road at what's next for real-world runner testing.

Karhu Ikoni 3.0 Review (2024): Smooth Like Butter

Karhu Ikoni 3.0 Review
By David Salas

Karhu is a Finnish brand that has been in the game for a long time now. In the United States they are exclusive to Fleet Feet for distribution and provide a decent range of training shoes. The Ikoni has been a long time favorite of Doctors of Running for the neutral category. 

adidas adizero Adios Pro 4 Review (2024)

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Review
By Matthew Klein & David Salas

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.

Monday Shakeout: The Value of a Simple Daily Trainer

The Monday Shakeout: The Value of a Simple Daily Trainer
By Matthew Klein

This week Matt talks about his reasoning for suggesting new runners start with normal daily training shoes compared to other types of shoes. Given the rise of social media, aggressive marketing and other influencing messages, finding running shoes as a new runner is a daunting and overwhelming task. Here, Matt outlines his reasoning for simplifying this decision provides a few options in addition to reminding you to check out our "Best Running Shoes for Beginners" guide.

How Would We Pick Our Running Shoes Today if We Weren't Doing Doctors of Running? | DOR Podcast #218

 

How Would We Pick Our Running Shoes Today if We Weren't Doing Doctors of Running?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 218

We talk a lot about how to find the right shoe for you, not a mythical "best" shoe. On this episode, Matt interviews Nathan and David on how they go about picking their shoe through a normal training week. They discuss upper fit and comfort, midsole composition & geometry, plates, and more. We hope this gives you a framework to find the best tools for your training!

361 Degrees Eleos Review (2024): Bouncy AND Soft

361 Degrees Eleos Review
By Matthew Klein and Nathan Brown

It has been a while since we tested a 361 trainer. Years ago when DOR was just getting started, 361 was an early connection. We enjoyed a few of their shoes, especially as they were one of the early adopters of carbon plates in this round of training/racing shoes (yes, carbon plates were put in racing shoes many years ago too). We got to test the Centuari and Spire 5 from them a few years ago, which were massive improvements and solid shoes. Things then went quiet for a while, until curiosity got the better of me when I grabbed a pair of the 361 Miro Nude, the lightest super racing shoe currently available. The consistent steps forward have been solid for this brand, with the 361 Eleos being another great example of their focus on bouncier foams and energetic rides.

Skechers GOrun Razor 5 Review (2024): Color Explosion!

Skechers GOrun Razor 5 Review
By David Salas

Over the past few years, Skechers has worked on making themselves more prominent in the running footwear space. There was one shoe that especially blew the door open for them: the Razor. The Skechers Razor 3 was an immediate hit and developed a large cult following for those wanting a lightweight trainer/flat that had just enough cushion for longer distances. It was so popular it had a multitude of spinoffs. The Razor lineup has changed greatly over the years since this infamous model, but still maintains the lightweight trainer profile for uptempo running. In this review we catch up with the latest update.

Mailbag! Stable Marathon Shoes? Does Drop Cause Shin Pain? Wide Toebox Shoe Recommendations? | DOR Podcast #217

 

Mailbag! Stable Marathon Shoes? Does Drop Cause Shin Pain? Wide Toebox Shoe Recommendations?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 217

We love a mailbag episode, where we get to answer your questions! Matt & Andrea take on a bevvy of listener quandaries. Tune in for discussions about stable marathon racing shoes, the link between heel drop in shoes and shin splints, wide toebox shoes, and much more. We want to hear from you! DM us on Instagram or email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.

Brooks Beast GTS 24 Review (2024): It's ALIVVVE! (Also Known as Ariel GTS 24)

Brooks Beast GTS 24 Review
By Bach Pham

The Brooks Beast (Ariel, for women's models) series has long been the brand's shoe with the highest level of stability. In today's market where stability has become more mild-mannered in design across the board, the Beast has become one of one in terms of extreme medial support. Past editions of the Beast have not been the easiest to run in if we're being frank due to their extremely intrusive stability elements, but the latest Beast features the best integration yet which greatly helps elevate the shoe as a daily driver.

Altra FWD VIA Review (2024): A Non-Zero Drop Altra Trainer?!

Altra FWD VIA Review
By David Salas and Matthew Klein

Altra has always been known for having 0mm drop platforms and wide toe boxes. In recent times they expanded their lineup to having some shoes at a 4mm drop package. We always preach having a variety of options in your rotation at Doctors of Running, so for brand loyalists especially we see this as a really great thing to have in the lineup. Altra's new 4mm lineup consist of "FWD" models that span road and trail. The Altra FWD VIA is the neutral maximum cushioned offering in the FWD lineup. 

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?

Monday Shakeout: The Best Half-Marathon-to-Marathon Racing Shoes for Recreational and Mid Pack Runners (2024)

 

The Monday Shakeout: The Best Distance Racing Shoes for Recreational and Midpack Runners
By Matthew Klein

This week we talk about alternative racing options for midpack and recreational runners who may find that many super racing shoes are too aggressive or do not work for them. 

The Science of Running Nutrition: What You Didn't Know About Sweat and Performance | DOR Podcast #216

The Science of Running Nutrition: What You Didn't Know About Sweat and Performance
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 216

On this episode, Andrea is joined by a very special guest: Dr. Allen Lim, founder of Skratch Labs. Allen gives us a breakdown on everything nutrition and hydration for endurance athletes. How should you fuel before/during the run? How do you measure and apply your sweat rate to how you hydrate? What role does protein play in recovery? And much more!

Best Topo Athletic Running Shoes | Buyer's Guide (2025)

Topo Athletic is a brand that's quietly grown since its inception in 2013. Known for their low drop, wider fitting footwear, they've garnered a following for their comfort. In recent years, they've also been expanding their line into the performance trainer forum, releasing some exciting new shoes that have elevated the brand into the future. With their focus on fit, natural running shoes to "move better," and newfound interest in competitive midsole foams, it's an exciting time to get to know Topo.

Altra Escalante 4 Review (2024): Major Fit Change

Altra Escalante 4 Review
By Andrea Myers

The Altra Escalante 4 is the latest version of Altra's classic zero drop daily trainer. The Escalante has always been known for its wide toe box, high volume upper, flexible sole, and natural feeling ride. Altra says that v4 is a nod to the popular Escalante 1.5, with a new footbed and the same Altra EGO midsole foam as its predecessors. With a 24mm stack height, zero drop, and flexible midsole, the Escalante 4 scores high on the Minimalist Index and is a welcome antidote to the maximalist trends of 2024. As an longtime Escalante fan myself, I was excited to test v4 and see how it compared to previous versions.

Thule Urban Glide 3 Stroller Review after 1200 Miles (2024)

Thule Urban Glide 3 Review after 1200 Miles: For Fast Road Running Families
By Chief Editor Matt Klein 

My daughter is 14 months old as I write this and 95% of my running in the last 10 months has been with her. I have done every type of workout possible, a race, all types of terrain and accumulated over 3000 stroller miles. The last several months of running has been primarily in the Thule Urban Glide 3, the update to the popular Urban Glide series. While the Guava Roam I tested was excellent for training runs and trails, the Urban Glide 3 has been the fast road stroller that not only helped me push workouts harder but also was my stroller of choice for what ended up being a sub 17 stroller 5k. After over 1200 miles of testing, the Urban Glide 3 is akin to a road super shoe. It is the light, fast, smooth stroller that can easily handle pace changes, racing and longer efforts as long as you stick to road. The difference from a super shoe is that you can use this all the time as it also works well for walking and daily use. The Thule Urban Glide 3 provides a unique ride compared to the Guava Roam and the Bob series of strollers as the fastest of the group. How it measures up in other areas is also worth talking about. 

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Review (2024): A Big Improvement

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. 

Which to Choose? Breaking Down ASICS 2024 Running Shoe Lineup | DOR Podcast #215

Which to Choose? Breaking Down ASICS 2024 Running Shoe Lineup
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 215

This episode is about all things ASICS! ASICS has come out with steady stream of stellar updates this year with the Metaspeed Paris series, Superblast 2, Novablast 4, and many more. Matt & David break down the ASICS lineup to help you choose your next ASICS daily trainer, performance trainer, and racing shoe. We want to hear from you! What's been your favorite ASICS shoe of 2024? Leave a comment on Spotify or email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.

Saucony Hurricane 24 Review (2024)

Saucony Hurricane 24 Review
By Matthew Klein and Bach Pham

The slow drop in stability shoes has been a constant over the last several years. Great models like the Mirage, DS Trainer/Racer, Fastwitch, Forza and others have disappeared from the market. The majority have been on the lighter stability end but the discontinuation of the long-standing Hurricane line at version 23 was a shock. Although we have seen losses like the Mizuno Wave Prophecy, the loss of a popular premium stability shoe was shocking. The Hurricane series was unique as it showed that a premium stability trainer could have some bounce and not just be the classic slogger most of the shoes were/continue to be. For that reason, many runners (including the DOR team) were disappointed with the news of the Hurricane's discontinuation. Additionally, the supposed replacement with the Saucony Tempus was met with mild confusion even though we liked the Tempus. For those still wondering how to replace their beloved Hurricane, the series has returned to life with version 24. While still in line with the Hurricane concept, the new version is quite different from the past. Featuring a maximal stack height and a bouncy sole, the new Hurricane moves to keep the foot centered without a post, taking up the call for high-level guidance shoes. Whether it is enough to appease Hurricane fans is up for debate. 

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. 

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): The Snappiest Elite Yet

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.

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!

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.