Topo Athletic Cyclone 3 Review (2025)

Topo Athletic Cyclone 3 Review
By Matthew Klein

The Topo Cyclone 2 was an outstanding shoe. In 2023, it won our Best Performance Trainer of the Year, which came as a shock to some people. It was a rare shoe, featuring a moderate stack height with a full length, non-plated PEBAX midsole, an anatomic toe box and an incredibly low, sub 7 oz weight. While some of our team (me) hailed it as one of the few options for those wanting a more traditional racing shoe with a super foam, others (David and Andrea) hailed its versatility to handle everything from fast workouts to long runs. For those who loved that shoe and are afraid of change, the 3rd version of this shoe returns as an upper update only. If it ain't broken, only slightly adjust it right?

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 Review (2025)

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 Review
By Matthew Klein

The 880 v14 was a unique shoe because of its simplicity. In a time when even daily trainers were going above 40mm of stack height, the 880 held its ground as a moderate stack height with a consistent (admittedly vanilla) midsole. This made it an excellent option for those wanting something simple or as a great introductory shoe for newer runners. The 880 v15 evolves on this, bringing itself into the maximal category with a now >40mm heel. While it still remains a consistent training shoe, it almost moves into the place of the old More v4, with clear design similarities to the More v5. This signals a clear change in direction for the series and where that is headed is worth discussing.

Topo Athletic Aura Review (2025)

Topo Athletic Aura Review
By David Salas and Matthew Klein

Topo Athletic has been one of the few companies that have continued to use traditional posting in their stability shoes. In the Topo Athletic Aura they are taking a bit of a different approach. The Aura is using a firmed up piece of foam that extends from the medial and lateral rearfoot into the medial midfoot, creating a little bit of rigidity to the platform as you transition into that direction. This is what they are calling "Y-Frame." This is complemented with a posterior lateral bevel to create some guidance through the gait cycle.  

The Monday Shakeout: Can I Transition Out of Stability Shoes?

The Monday Shakeout: Can I Transition Out Of Stability Shoes?
By Matthew Klein

In this week's Monday Shakeout, Matt talks about his transitions in and out of stability footwear over the years, particularly in the past year as he's amped up strength training. Find out how he's done and the lessons you take to do the same.

Matt Shares What He's Learned about the Running Shoe Industry | DOR Podcast #226

 

 

Behind the Sole: Matt Shares What He's Learned about the Running Shoe Industry
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 226

As running shoe brand continue to innovate and grow, we're inundated by countless shoes, always promising better and faster. But what does it take to actually arrive at a final product? Matt takes us behind the scenes into the running shoe industry, from concept to shelves. How long does it take to get a shoe in hand? How many people work on a shoe? How are the materials made and sourced? Matt lends his unique expertise as a researcher and longtime running shoe insider to answer these questions and more.

Hoka Clifton 10 Review (2025)

Hoka Clifton 10 Review
By David Salas and Matthew Klein

For many years you could associate Hoka with two things: rockered geometries and a 5mm drop platform. That was maintained in their flagship trainer for its entire existence up until this model. The top-selling Hoka Clifton receives three extra millimeters of foam to make it an 8mm drop platform, shaking up the stack height to match its peers in other brands and slightly separate itself within the Hoka line-up from new models like the Skyflow. The Hoka Clifton still maintains a similar rocker profile and compress molded EVA midsole along with some updated materials and fit designs for the upper. 

Diadora Atomo V7000-2 Review (2024)

Diadora Atomo V7000-2 Review
By David Salas

Diadora is an Italian based company that has product for a variety of sports. Over the last year, Diadora has been making a much bigger push in the running market with offerings of training and racing shoes. Their goal is to provide craftmanship and comfort to a performance lineup. For the Diadora Atomo V7000-2, this shoe is hand assembled in Italy.     

Adidas Adizero Evo SL Review (2024)

Adidas Adizero Evo SL Review
By Matthew Klein

Adidas has finally been making moves. While the racing component of the Adizero line has been fairly solid, the alternative racer not seen since earlier versions of the Boston. The Boston series, while fast, has seen an increase in weight and adjustments that clearly make it a training shoe. The older Bostons weighed only a little more than the Adios (now Adios Pro) series, making it a slightly less aggressive but still fantastic distance racer that those from recreational to elite runners used. While there is an Adizero SL that is great, it still is a more budget friendly shoe that does not have the bells and whistles many super shoes have. Then there is the insane and insanely priced Prime X series for those with the heaviest footfalls and the deepest wallets. Debuted last year at an incredibly price, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL seeks to find a balance between all these models with additional influence from the Evo Pro. A full Lightstrike Pro midsole and a similar geometry to the Evo Pro with a nylon midfoot shank (plate), the Evo SL is a fantastic shoe that easily switches between trainer and speed shoe. 

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. 

This or That, 2025 Shoe Edition! | DOR Podcast #225

 

This or That, 2025 Shoe Edition!
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 225

It's time for another "This or That" episode where we willingly back ourselves into a corner and force ourselves to take sides (when we'd much rather say, "It depends.") Here, Matt, David, and Nathan make their picks for some new and upcoming shoes like the Hoka Clifton & Bondi, Mizuno Neo Zen & Neo Vista, and Endorphin Trainer & Speed, and more. Have you tried any of these shoes? Do you have any this-or-that questions for our team? DM us on Instagram or email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.

Diadora Gara Carbon Review (2024)

Diadora Gara Carbon Review
By Andrea Myers

The Diadora Gara Carbon is Diadora's first venture into the super shoe category. The Gara Carbon features a PEBA midsole called Anima PBX, a carbon plate designed in collaboration with Ducati, and a Matryx mesh upper. Diadora claims that Anima PBX provides total rebound of 80% while reducing weight by 40%. Its fit is notable for a wider and higher volume toe box as compared to most super shoes on the market, but its $300 price tag also makes it one of the most expensive. 

Best Running Shoes for Beginners (2025)

The Best Running Shoes for Beginners:
In-depth Guide to Choosing Your First Running Shoe
By the Doctors of Running Editorial Team

At Doctors of Running, we frequently get questions from new runners or those who are interested in starting running about footwear. There are so many companies and shoes that looking for a place to start can be overwhelming. Additionally, the amount of marketing jargon and advertising that is immediately thrown at any new runners can either lead to decision paralysis or choosing an inappropriate shoe that causes the person to end up in one of our offices.

HOKA Bondi 9 Review (2025)

HOKA Bondi 9 Review
By Matthew Klein and David Salas

HOKA has been one of the fastest growing footwear companies over the last decade. They have largely been characterized by their tall stack heights and rockered designs. For the last several years two models specifically have been at the top of sales across all running footwear. These two models are the HOKA Bondi and HOKA Clifton. The Clifton is the flagship neutral training shoe with the Bondi being the premium trainer option. In the latest version of the Bondi, HOKA has integrated a new midsole, upper, and heel geometry to differentiate the two models even more. 

Doctors of Running Merch is Here!

 

 

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 Review (2025)

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 Review
By Andrea Myers, Matthew Klein & David Salas

In the last few years, Mizuno has changed from being the consistent company to the one that now seems to put out the craziest new stuff. The original Rebellion Pro was a great example of this with an incredibly unique geometry, ride and midsole. The Rebellion Pro 2 managed to be more aggressive, adding a more intense heel curve and a bouncier foam. Consistent with the push forward, Mizuno has continued to take things to another. The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 is one of the tallest (if not the tallest) stack height shoes on the market with a crazy heel that somehow still stays within the legal limits set by World Athletics. While it doesn't feel that tall, the aggressive geometry is definitely noticeable and begs whether this is too far or just the beginning. Editor's note: buckle up, this is a long review!

The Monday Shakeout: Who Does Best In Certain Stack Height Shoes?

The Monday Shakeout: Who Does Best In Certain Stack Height Shoes?
By Matthew Klein

We are back with some regular Monday Shakeouts for the new year. In this edition, Matt discusses the rising height of shoes and the current science on who may benefit more than others with certain stack heights

Mailbag! The Best and Worst Shoe Characteristics for Knees? How Does Stability Impact Gait? | DOR Podcast #224

 

 

 Mailbag! The Best and Worst Shoe Characteristics for Knees? How Does Stability Impact Gait?
Doctors of Running Podcast, Episode 224

We love a mailbag episode, where we get to answer your questions! Nathan, Matt, and David field listener questions about everything from walking in carbon-plated shoes, the impact of different styles of shoes on knee pain, to cutting holes in the uppers of shoes (you'll never guess what Matt used to do to shoes). We want to hear from you! DM us on Instagram or email us at ⁠doctorsofrunning@gmail.com⁠.

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.

Diadora Mythos Blushield Vigore 3 Review (2024)

Diadora Mythos Blushield Vigore 3 Review
By Matthew Klein and Bach Pham

Stability shoes in the running market are completely different and more scarce than they were a decade ago. Research and trends have helped fuel that change, with far more centered guidance based stability shoes and far fewer shoes with purely medial stability. It is rare to even see a medial post as many have transitioned to internal geometries, sidewalls and other newer methods. So too have fits changed. While most running shoes used to fit narrow, most now fit wider with slow progressions toward more anatomic toe boxes and fits. For those who want a more traditional, snug fitting, medially posted stability shoe, there have not been many options given the changing trends. However, we now know that option exists as Diadora was nice enough to send us their main stability trainer, the Mythos Blushield Vigore 3. A throwback to older stability shoes with updated midsole materials and technology, the Vigore 3 will work for those wanting something traditional yet updated in the stability world.

HOKA Mach X 2 Review (2024)

Hoka Mach X 2 Review
By Andrea Myers and Matt Klein

The Hoka Mach series has been popular for many years. The Mach X was introduced as an attempt to create both a faster Mach and to move into the super trainer realm with a top layer of PEBA foam and plastic plate. While a popular shoe for some people, the result was a fairly stiff and firmer platform that didn't quite hit the specs for being a super trainer. That has completely changed with the second version, which Hoka completely redesigned. Despite dropping some weight, the stack height has clearly moved into super trainer category while a bouncy and well-rockered sole makes for a versatile shoe. While some durability and upper concerns are present, the Mach X 2 continues to show Hoka's commitment to high-level performance. 

The Monday Shakeout: Matt's Favorite Training and Racing Shoe of 2024

The Monday Shakeout: My Favorite Training and Racing Shoes of 2024
By Matt Klein

2024 was been an insane year for me. I finished my dissertation, completed my PhD, moved from Southern California to Oregon and started a new teaching position. From a training perspective, 95% of my running was with Isabella in a stroller. It was a combination of helping my wife get back into running post-partum while I tried to both get used to a stroller and get fitness back. We have focused on shorter distances with most racing being 5k-8k on both road and cross country. I tested almost 130 pairs of shoes over 3719 miles. While this has been an incredible year for super racing shoes, it has been a bit slow on the trainer side. It has also been an odd year for my feet as I may be transitioning from a men's size 10 to a 10.5. That made for some interesting fit issues that taught me some great lessons that I continued to put into writing. 

Nike Zoom Fly 6 Review (2025)

Nike Zoom Fly 6 Review
By Matthew Klein and David Salas

Nike has been at the forefront of performance footwear for many years. However, one area of this line of shoes where there was some criticism was in the area of their performance trainer. The Zoom Fly started out as a complimentary performance training shoe to the Vaporfly, featuring a similar plate and geometry but with different compounds. As the years progressed, the Zoom fly took an odd turn, gaining a ton of weight and losing the performance edge. After many years, the Zoom Fly has finally returned to its roots. Now using a full length top layer of Zoom X foam with a carbon fiber plate and a far lighter ride, the Zoom Fly 6 returns as a true training companion to the Vaporfly and Alphafly.

Best Affordable Running Shoes (January 2025)

The Best Affordable Running Shoes Right Now
By Bach Pham, Content Manager

There is an age old saying that the best thing about running is that you just need a pair of shoes. Well, the reality is that running shoes are expensive. That's just a fact no matter where you are. Especially as you get more and more into mileage, the cost of shoes and rotating shoes is starts adding up fast. There are a lot of ways to help navigate this though, and in this guide we offer a few strategies and get into some of the best finds available now.

Mizuno Neo Zen Review (2025)

Mizuno Neo Zen Review
By Andrea Myers and Matthew Klein

Prior to 2023, Mizuno had been a fairly consistent company. The Rider, Inspire, Sky, Horizon and others were fairly predictable despite some changes over the years. In 2023, Mizuno debuted the crazy Rebellion Pro, their first true super racer. This geometry and new ideas were completely unexpected for a company that had shown consistent tradition for many years. It turns out the Rebellion Pro was only the beginning as we saw the Pro get crazier (we are enjoying version 3), the Rebellion Flash 2 became one of Andrea's top shoes for 2024 and the Neo Vista was debuted. Adding onto the continued progression of innovation, Mizuno has four mystery shoes coming in 2025 (well, the first one was available in late 2024). The first (01) is the Neo Zen, a non-plated, lightweight shoe providing an extremely bouncy midsole. Moving away from the classically firmer ride Mizuno is known for, this is clearly the start of a new era for the company. 

Diadora Cellula Review (2024)

Diadora Cellula Review
By David Salas

Diadora is an Italian based sports company that is starting to branch out more and more into the North American market. They are offering a full lineup of shoes that should match up with the normal categories that we see here. The Diadora Cellula is a daily training shoe for logging your daily mileage and long runs in.