Doctors of Running Podcast
Doctors of Running is a group of physical therapists who provide evidence-based insights into running and footwear. The podcast covers running-related topics and detailed shoe reviews, aiming to help runners make informed decisions. Listeners can also find additional content on their website and social media.
Episodes
#307 Nike Pegasus Plus 2 First Thoughts + Matt and Andrea Debate the Summer's Best New Releases
Andrea and Matt kick things off with early impressions of the Nike Pegasus Plus 2 before diving into another round of Buy or Sell. They debate whether the New Balance SC Elite v6 is the best super shoe the brand has ever made, whether the Clifton Pro deserves the title of best Clifton, and if the Topo Specter 3 stands as the brand's best shoe yet. Want your buy/sell take on the next episode? Email
#306 Why You Shouldn’t Sleep on Topo Athletics: Brand Breakdown
If you've been with us for a while, you know we're big fans of Topo Athletic. They're new releases: Specter 3 and Specter Elite have gotten some big acclaim, and for good reason. But, you might not know about their full line of shoes. Matt, David, and Nathan are here to break down their lineup, from daily trainers, to max cushion shoes, to minimalist options. Rabbit is the presenting p
#305 We Debate Footstrike Myths!
Our social algorithms are full of quick-fix suggestions from "experts" telling us how this one change to foot strike (or cadence or form, etc) will fix all our pain! But they're often too good to be true. Matt, David, and Nathan do some footstrike mythbusting, starting with a primer on what footstrike actually is and how it factors into injury risk. They work through several persistent myths such
#304 Mailbag! New Balance SC Rebel vs. Elite v6? Difference Between Rockers and Toe-Spring? Do I Need Flexible AND Rockered Shoe?
Nathan and Matt dig into the mailbag after sharing early thoughts on the New Balance SC Rebel and SC Elite v6 in this week's In For Testing. They cover a wide range of your questions, including whether unworn shoes age in storage, what makes a good all-terrain "safe" shoe, the biomechanical differences between forefoot rockers and toe-spring, and whether it's worth rotating flexi
#303 2026 Daily Trainers Go Head-to-Head in Our World Cup!!
Matt, David, and Nathan bring bracket-style competition to the podcast, seeding a 16-team field of flagship daily trainers — one from each brand — in an homage to the World Cup that just wrapped up. Tune in to listen to them pit these shoes head-to-head and see who's crowned the champion! We want to know who'd be in your bracket or who your champion would be. Email us at doctorsofrunning@g
#302 Buy or Sell: Changing Legacy Shoes? Brands Making Variants of a Favorite Shoe? Specialty Racing Shoe Uppers?
Matt and David take on another round of Buy or Sell! They debate whether brands should be creating multiple variants of the same shoe, adding specialty uppers to existing models, spinning off new lines from popular shoes, and making dramatic changes to long-standing favorites. They also weigh in on whether uppers matter more than midsoles before closing out with a couple bonus mailbag questions. W
#301 Fact or Fiction? You Can Adjust to Any Shoe? Cooldowns are Important? 40+ Mile Weeks are Needed for Marathons?
Nathan and David team up for a new round of Fact or Fiction, playing myth busters with your latest questions. They weigh in on questions about drop adjustment, cooldowns, gait analysis, training frequency and mileage, whether running builds muscle, and how walk/run intervals stack up against continuous shorter efforts.Rabbit is the presenting partner of our podcast. You can use code SUMMERDOCS to
#300 The Best Shoes We Tested So Far in 2026 (Episode 300!)
Episode 300 is here! And Matt, David, and Andrea mark the milestone by taking stock of the best running shoes of 2026 so far. They work through their top picks across every major category — daily trainers, stability and stable neutral shoes, performance trainers, racing shoes, and strength training and trail shoes. We want to hear from you! What are your favorite shoes of the year so far? Email us
#299 Mailbag! Top Stable Neutral Shoes of 2026? Shoes for Bunions?
David, Matt, and Nathan dig into the mailbag, fielding questions on stable neutral shoe picks, footwear options for runners dealing with bunions, trail stability shoes, and what the evidence says about compression for tendinopathies.Rabbit is the presenting partner of our podcast. You can use code DORJUNE10 to get 10% off your entire order of $50 or more. Note that the code is limited to one use p
#298 Ranking Our Top 5 Favorite Max Cushion Shoes of All-Time
David and BJ count down their top five max cushion shoes of all time, breaking down what earns a shoe a spot on the list and what sets the top pick apart from the rest of the field, including some deep cuts and new favorites. What are your favorite max cushion shoes? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com!We're thrilled to announce our apparel collaboration with Rabbit! The collection includes
#297 This or That? Choosing Between High End vs. Mid Tier Shoes
Nathan, Matt, and David play a round of This or That, pitting mainline trainers against their premium counterparts to decide which they'd actually pick. They work through head-to-head matchups across several major brands — Asics, Brooks, Saucony, Hoka, Puma, and On — weighing the real-world differences in ride, value, and who each shoe is really for.We're thrilled to announce our apparel c
#296 Mailbag! Best Light Trainers? High Drop Alternatives? + Introducing Our New Rabbit x DOR Merch!!
Nathan, Matt, and David open with an update on David's post-Boston rehab before diving into the mailbag. They field a range of footwear and injury questions, covering shoe options for Achilles tendinopathy and medial knee OA, alternatives to high-drop shoes, road-to-trail crossover picks, and lightweight daily trainer recommendations. They also help a listener find a replacement for the Brooks Hyp
#295 Rethinking How We Categorize Shoes
Matt and Andrea work through a range of shoes they've been testing, sharing thoughts on the direction Saucony and Brooks are heading, Andrea's track spike adventures, and a mix of recent pickups including the Asics Kayano 33 and On Cloudmonster Hyper LS. The conversation then shifts to a broader question: whether the way we currently categorize running shoes has gotten overcomplicated, using the B
#294 Fact or Fiction: Soft Shoes Reduce Injury Risks? High Arches Means You Need Arch Support? Skipping Warmups is Bad?
Nathan, Matt, and David put a series of common running beliefs to the test in a round of Fact or Fiction. They dig into questions about training, biomechanics, and gear — weighing the evidence on everything from compression socks and treadmill incline settings to warmup routines, arch support, and what the research actually says about running efficiency and injury risk.Get your DOR Merch: https://
#293 David’s Boston Marathon Recap, New Brooks and Saucony Shoes
Matt and David work through a packed shoe rotation before David shares a detailed account of his Boston Marathon experience. On the footwear side, they cover the Brooks Hyperion Max 4, Saucony Triumph 24, Saucony Hurricane 26, Under Armour Velocity Distance, Brooks Ghost 18, a race review of the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3, and more. Then David takes listeners through the full Boston weekend — from
#292 Between Two Feet: Superblast 3, Deviate Nitro Elite 4 and the Benefits of Super Shoe Diversity
Matt and Andrea are back for another Between Two Feet episode, comparing notes on a trio of high-performance shoes. They work through the ASICS Superblast 3, the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4, and the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, sharing how each shoe performs across different foot types and running styles. Along the way they dig into the nuances of foam softness and sole flare, how mechanics & foot
#291 Mailbag! London Marathon Thoughts? Ideal Walking Shoes? Favorite Easy Day Trainer?
Nathan, Matt, and David open with their reactions to the London Marathon before diving into the mailbag. They field questions on finding the right walking shoes for knee pain, navigating how to get get into physical therapy specializing in runners, balancing strength training alongside a running schedule and more.Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/Rabbit is the present
#290 Buy or Sell: Data is Overrated? Banning Water Cups at Marathons? Super Trainers are Better?
Matt and David are back with a new installment of Buy or Sell. They debate the merits of data versus hands-on testing in shoe reviews and make the case that the era of 35-39mm being considered max cushion is officially over. They also look ahead at where the industry is heading — from the coming wave of 50mm+ shoes to a future with three tiers of racing footwear and much more. Want your debate fea
#289 The Science of Walking Shoes
Matt, Nathan, and David lace up for a deep dive into the biomechanics of walking and what they mean for footwear. They break down how the foot moves through the gait cycle, what characteristics make a shoe well-suited for walking, and how details like heel bevel factor into the equation. The crew also rounds up their top brand picks for walking shoes and works through how to match common injuries
#288 Mailbag! Best Stable Max Cushion? Shoes for Knee Pain? Training While Sick?
Nathan, David, and Matt dig into the mailbag to tackle your questions. They compare the On Cloudmonster Hyper 3 and Saucony Endorphin Azura and help a listener find a road shoe similar to the Puma Deviate Nitro Trail. They also get into the clinical side of things, offering shoe recommendations for ITB-related knee pain, upper-body strength training for runners, and how to navigate marathon traini
#287 The Latest on Super Shoe Research 2.0: Matching Up to Your Running, Known Effects on the Body, How to Adapt Appropriately
Matt is joined by Dr. Iain Hunter of Brigham Young University's Exercise Science department for an evidence-based deep dive into the science of super shoes. Drawing on his own research, Dr. Hunter explores the wide variability in how runners respond to plated footwear and tackles the practical questions runners are asking — whether super shoes are right for everyone, how to find the right fit, and
#286 Our Favorite Shoes of 2026 So Far, and David’s Running the Boston Marathon!?
The beginning of 2026 has been absolutely loaded with new shoe releases, and David and Andrea are here to pick their Top 3 (plus a few honorable mentions) for the year so far, including picks from On, Saucony, Mizuno and more. Also, David's running Boston with Adidas in just a few short weeks! Tune in to hear about his training and mindset leading up to the big day.Get your DOR Merch: https://
#285 Sharing Our Strength Routines, Debunking Weightlifting Myths, and What We’re Testing
Weightlifting: runners know it has a myriad of benefits but it can be a struggle to fit it into already full training and life schedules. Matt & Nathan are here to help. They dive into the physiology of how weightlifting actually benefits runners, and how to maximize that benefit, with tips on how to fit it into your running schedule They also discuss their current weight routines and the why
#284 Mailbag! Is There Real Science Behind Recovery Shoes? Best Stable Neutral Long Run Shoes? Lightweight vs. Max Cushion?
Time to open up our mailbox for your questions! Nathan, Matt, and David join up to tackle questions about recovery runs, compression gear, stable neutral long run shoes, and much more. Want your question answered? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com!Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/We're thrilled to have Rabbit as a presenting partner! You can use code DORMARC
#283 Breaking Down the Cielo X1 with Hoka
Hoka's making big strides in 2026 with a big updated to their top-tier distance racing shoe: the Cielo X1 3.0. Matt is joined by Rebekah Broe, Senior Director of Product Performance Footwear at HOKA, to dive into every detail of the changes. They talk foam composition, midsole geometry, tweaks to the plate and much more!Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/We're thrilled
#282 Becoming a Competitive Masters Runner, ft. Jennifer St. Jean
On this episode, Andrea is joined by Jennifer St. Jean, an incredibly accomplished masters track runner and high school & collegiate coach. Jen shares insights from her long and decorated masters track career on how to stay healthy, consistent, and competitive as you age. Jen is a mom of 3, she’s coached all ages including high school & college. She’s a researcher at Columbia Presbyterian
#281 Talking All Things Superblast 3 with ASICS
ASICS is coming in hot as we head into Spring with a big update to one of their most beloved models: the Superblast 3. Nathan and David are joined by Paul Lang (ASICS Global Footwear Senior Product Manager for Performance Running) to talk about all the changes. Version 3 introduces FF Leap, first seen in the Metaspeed series, a re-tooled upper, and much more. Tune in to hear the behind the scenes
#280 This or That? Easy Day Shoe or Do-it-All? Super Trainers or Plated Trainers? Frigid Cold in SHORTS or Hot Run in Long PANTS?
If we have a favorite phrase, you know it's going to be "it depends." Well, not when we've got a round of "This or That"! Nathan, Matt, and David put themselves on the hot seat to tackle your This or That ideas. Super trainers or plated trainers? Hot weather or cold weather? Running in a blizzard or running in a hurricane?! Things get a little wild on this one, so tune
#279 Fact or Fiction! 180+ Cadence is Ideal? Running is Bad for Your Knees? Super Shoes Aren’t for Slow Runners?
Time for a little DOR myth busting! Nathan, David, and Matt team up to take a look at some user-submitted running "truths", to shed some light on whether they're fact or fiction. Does your cadence need to be at least 180spm? Is it ok to run in super shoes if you're "slow"? How much cushion is too much? We'd love to do more of these, so hit us up with your running my
#278 Our Three Biggest Issues with Shoe Fit, Ranked
When we talk shoes it's almost always midsoles: foams, plates, geometries, hype. We often forget the uppers of our shoes, and problems with them can make or break the running experience. Matt, David, and Nathan get together to talk about their three biggest pet-peeves when it comes to shoe fit. Heel rubbing, too much padding, narrow forefoots, and more. What are your fit pet-peeves? Email us a
#277 Mailbag! Best Non-Plated Speed Shoes? Does Toe Spring Effect Hyper Extension? Running Advice for Joint Disease and Arthritis?
Our teams loves answering your questions, so here we are to dig into the mailbag! Nathan, Andrea, and David team up and talk to talk shoes, training, and injuries. They discuss advice for running with arthritis and neuromas, the best wet-weather shoes, non-plated speed-training shoes, and much more. Want your question on the next mailbag? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.Get your DOR Merch:
#276 Buy or Sell: Saucony Endorphin Azura, ASICS Nimbus 28, Is Runner’s High a Real Thing?
We're heading into the new year with a new round of Buy or Sell, one of our favorite podcast games. If you don't know the drill, we force ourselves to decide whether we buy or sell an idea, shoe, treatment, etc. Today, Nathan, David, and Matt debate the Saucony Endorphin Azura (Shift 3 replacement??), the venerable ASICS Nimbus, whether runner's high really exists, and much more. Want
#275 The Latest Research on Achilles Tendon Injuries
Nathan and Matt are joined by a very special guest, Dr. Karin Sibernagel, Professor at University of Delaware, to discuss the latest research about tendon anatomy, injury, and rehabilitation. Karin shares her extensive experience, both scientific and practical as a clinician, about everything tendon, especially the Achilles. They dive into the specific anatomy of tendons, why they so often get inj
#274 The Topo Athletics Lineup Explained: 2026 Shoe Preview
In this final part of our series meeting with brands to highlight their updates in the next year, Andrea is joined by Russ Stevens & Carolyn Todd from Topo Athletic. They highlight the big redesign to the Specter 3 featuring an all new A-TPU midsole. They'r also bringing updates to the Atmos, Ultrafly, trail favorites like the Terraventure, and many more. Get your DOR Merch: https://doctor
#273 Breaking Down Saucony's Foams and New Endorphin Shoes for 2026
As we continue our in-depth looks at upcoming 2026 shoes with different brands, David is joined by Luca Ciccone, Cory Hoffman, and Katie Pyle of Saucony, who's coming up big in 2026 with updates and new releases. The Endorphin line gets a new member with the Azura, a plateless PWRRUN PB trainer, and updates to the Endorphin Pro and Elite. Looking for max cushion? The Triumph and Hurricane are
#272 Brooks Running 2026 Preview!
We're here with the second episode in a series of interviews with running shoe companies as they show off what they've got in store for 2026! Matt is joined by long time friends of the pod, Tina Danforth and Evan Day from Brooks. They give us a look into Brooks's unique approach to developing shoes for walkers, casual runners, elites, and everyone in between. They walk us through the n
#271 Inside Mizuno’s High Tech Future: 2026 Shoe Preview
With 2026 right around the corner, we've got a series of conversations with running brand to take a deep dive on the shoes they've got coming up next year. Andrea is joined by Mizuno's Shunsuke Aoi, Global Product Line Manager to take a look at their brand new Hyperwarp line of racing shoes (Pure, Pro, and Elite). They also discuss what we can expect to see in the updates to the fan-fa
#270 Top Shoe Brand of the Year? Most Innovative Shoe? Biggest Disappointments? | Our 2025 Recap
As we approach the end of 2025, we take some time to recap the year in running. David, Matt, and Nathan team up to talk about their favorite shoe brands, most innovative shoes, most disappointing shoes, what's on the horizon for 2026, and more. What do you think? What were your highlights and lowlights for 2025? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-runn
#269 Mailbag! Is Heel Drop a Lie? Toe Numbness? Our 2025 Shoe Rotation?
It's time for a mailbag round where we dig through our emails and DMs to answer your questions! Matt & David team up to tackle questions about heel drop, stable-neutral speed shoes, treadmill shoes, how they'd build a rotation, and more. Want your question answered on the next mailbag? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.co
#268 We Rank Our Top 5 Shoes of 2025
It's that time of year! We get the whole team, Nathan, Andrea, Matt, and David, together to round up our favorite shoes of the year. This time we're doing things a little differently for the pod: no categories, just favorites. We list out our straight-up favorite shoes that released in 2025 and tell you why we love them so much. We'd love to know what's on your list! Email us at do
#267 Can We Blame Super Shoes for Overuse Injuries?
Matt is joined by a familiar face this week as Saucony’s Senior Performance Engineer Cory Hofmann joins for a discussion about super shoes. Matt and Cory debate whether this unique footwear is the cause of overuse injuries among runners in recent years. Hear what both sides have to say on this issue and let us know what you think in the comments or at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.Get your DOR Merch:
#266 Do Not Make These Offseason Running Mistakes
It's critical to take time off after a big training block, but as runners it can be hard to convince ourselves to do it. Nathan and Andrea team up to talk all things offseason and base building to help you plan how to build back stronger after your latest training. They give you their favorite strategies and tips as coaches on how to effectively recover, incorporate strength-training, and plan
#265 The Best/Worst Things Each Running Shoe Company Does
On this episode we've got a bit of a spinoff of our buy/sell format where Matt & David break down what each running shoe brand does best and worst. They take a broad look at what each company offers across their lineups, talk about their most & least favorite shoes from each, talk innovation, and more. We want to hear from you! What's your favorite brand? What do you think each com
#264 Answering the Most Common Questions about Shin Splits with Dr. Doug Adams
Shin splints (or medial tibial stress syndrome) are the bane of many a runner, proving hard to find a cause for and hard to treat. Nate is joined by Dr. Doug Adams to demystify this frustrating ailment. Nate & Doug break down the physiology of shin splints and its most common causes. They offer strategies to both prevent and rehab from shin splints, and offer insights on how your footwear migh
#263 Mailbag! Best Shoes for Haglunds? Anti-Ankle Rolling Shoes? We Found a GlideRide 3 Replacement!?
Time to check the mail! We love answering listener questions and on this round, it's all about shoes. Nathan, David, and Matt talk about the best shoes for Haglunds, fun stable-neutral options, shoes to help with easily-rolled ankles, and more. Want your question on the next mailbag episode? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com!Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
#262 The Biggest Mistakes Runners Make
As physical therapists, we get to see a lot of runners stuck in frustrating situations. Andrea, Matt, and David draw on their years of experience to discuss the most common mistakes they see runners make, some leading to injury and some not. They talk about the risks of over-training, playing the comparison game, idolizing achievements, and more. We'd love to hear from you! What are some of th
#261 Which to Choose? Breaking Down On's Running Shoe Lineup
Over the past few years, On has become one of the most popular running shoe and apparel brands, both in and outside of the running world. With recent offerings like the Cloudmonster, Cloudsurfer, and Cloudboom Strike, they've proven they can make competitive and impressive shoes. They don't have the most clear-cut of lineups like lots of other brands so, Nathan, David, and Matt get togethe
#260 How Does Aging Effect Runners? Our Tips from Working with Masters Runners
Age comes for us all, no matter how active we are, but that doesn't mean it has to slow us down! Matt & David get together to discuss how aging affects running and how to adapt. They share stories from their journeys & life changes, insights from Matt's research & other studies, and share strategies to adapt your training as you age. Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-runni
#259 Mailbag! Does Heel Drop Affect Knees? Is Heelstriking Bad? Stability Recs? More on Megablast
It's time for another mailbag round, where we answer your questions! Matt, David, and Nathan get together to discuss shoes, injury risk, running form and more. How stable is the Asics Megablast? Is heel-striking as bad as the influencers make it out to be? How does heel-to-toe drop effect knee pain? Listen in for this and more. Want your question answered in the next mailbag? Email us at docto
Are Supplements Worth It? Gut Health for Runners? The Pros and Cons to Fasting? | All About Women's Nutrition and Training (RE-AIR)
Andrea Myers and Megan Flynn host two very special guests, Selene Yeager and Jennifer O’Donnell-Giles MS RD CSSD. They discuss a broad range of topics surrounding women's health & training–nutrition, hydration, the menstrual cycle, strength training, and more.Jennifer O’Donnell-Giles MS RD CSSD, a registered dietitian/nutritionist, is a board certified specialist in sports dietetics. The m
#258 Marathon Shoes 101: Our Top Picks for Sub-3 and 4+ Hour Runners
With a feat as monumental as the marathon, it can be yet another stressor to figure out the "right" shoe for your race. Matt & David are here to try to help you figure out the best shoe for you when it comes to 26.2. Do you need a super shoe? What about "super trainers"? How does stability factor into it? They answer these questions and more as they guide you through the sh
#257 This or That? Megablast vs. Superblast, Sonicblast vs. Novablast, Durable vs. Fast Racing Shoes, Annual vs. Biannual Updates to Shoes
It's time for the gang to put themselves on the hot seat yet again with a round of "This or That?". ASICS new Megablast or Superblast? What about the Sonicblast vs. the Novablast? They argue about annual shoe updates, durability, treadmill running and much more. Want to have your topic on the next This or That? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com!Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.m
#256 We Rank Our Favorite Race Distances and the Shoes We’d Use for Them
Nathan and David team up to talk all things racing! They rank their favorite distances to race and what shoes they'd race them in. Also, with the elite track circuit in full-swing, they talk about their favorite races to watch. Finally, they wrap it up with a couple questions from our mailbag. What are your favorite races to run? Have any questions to add to our mailbag? Email us at doctorsofr
#255 Talking with ASICS about the New Sonicblast and Megablast!
On this special episode, Nathan is joined by Paul Lang, ASICS's Senior Manager of Global Performance Footwear, to talk about two brand new models to their "Blast" line of shoes!. Coming September 1 are the Sonicblast, a brand new PEBAX-plated trainer, and the Megablast, both featuring their new FF Turbo Squared foam! These new additions join the team-favorite Novablast and Superblast
#254 Buy or Sell? Doping Should Lead to Lifetime Ban? Shoes Need to Be Lower Stacked? 2024 Was a BETTER Shoe Year?
Time for another round of Buy or Sell, where we force ourselves outside of our "it depends" comfort zone and make things black & white. David, Matt, and Nathan get together for hot takes only. They argue about performance enhancing drugs, max, stack shoes, the state of Nike, and much more. We want to hear your hot takes too! Leave a comment or email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.Get your DO
#253 Between Two Feet: Hoka Rocket X 3 and What Happens When There's Too Much Stability
Matt & Andrea are back with another installation of Between Two Feet, where they contrast their different experiences in a shoe. In this edition, they share another polar experience they had with the Hoka Rocket X 3, a super shoe that features a surprisingly good amount of stability. See why these two feet felt differently about this new release. Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.
#252 We Share Our Running Injuries and How We Have Managed Them, Vol. II (Foot and Knee Pain)
Foot pain and knee pain are all too common ailments for runners, but it can be hard to pin down the source or figure out how to treat it. Nathan and Matt team up to take a look at some common sources of forefoot, heel, plantar, and anterior knee pains. They explore different possible causes, strategies for rehab/strengthening, and things to look for in shoes. Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of
#251 Mailbag! Can a Foam Cause Pain? The Shelf Life of Shoes? The Science Behind Shoe Rotations?
Join Nathan, David, and Matt as they continue answering you the mailbag questions they started on our 250th episode! They explore how different foam compositions can affect injury pathologies, the science behind shoe rotations, adapting to super shoes, and much more. We love hearing your questions, so email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com!Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadsho
#250 250th Episode Mailbag Special! What's the Impact of 40+mm Stack Height Shoes? All-time Best Shoe Rotation? Worst Shoe Color EVER?
We've got a special mailbag episode for our 250th episode! We've put together tons of questions from long times friends of the podcast (Drew from Weartesters, Tina & Evan from Brooks, and more!) and from our listeners. Matt & David discuss pre-race rituals, post-run snacks, their worst shoe color, GOAT shoe rotations, and much more (shoes as ice cream?!). Want to hear your question on our
#249 Our Top Running Shoes of 2025 So Far
As we head into the back half of the year, it's time to make our picks for our favorite shoes of the 2025 so far. Matt, Andrea, David, and Nathan put together a 4-shoe rotation from their 2025 favorites: daily trainer, long run, workout shoe, and race shoe. We want to hear your picks! Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com or leave a comment.Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOC
#248 Our Top 3 Keys for Strength and Conditioning for Runners
Strength training and cross training are some of the best things runners can do to help their performance, and we're passionate about them here at DOR. Nathan, Matt, and David join up to share their keys when it comes to strength & conditioning. They'll give you practical strategies on how to approach strength training in a way you can consistently accomplish, because the best routine
#247 Our Best Stable Neutral Shoes of 2025
You know we love stable neutral shoes at DOR. Matt & David join up to take a look at the state of stable neutral shoes in 2025 and give their favorite picks. They define some key terms like sole flair and sidewalls, then share their favorites for daily training, speed work, and races.Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with
#246 Mailbag! Shoe Fit of the Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, Minimalist Shoes in 2025, Our Favorite Running Apparel
David & Nathan are here with a mailbag, where we answer your questions. They discuss the upcoming Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, the latest in minimalist/zero-drop shoes, running store shoe fitting, and more. They also share the shoes they've got in for testing and some clothing picks that have stood the test of time. Want your questions answered? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com!Get your DOR
#245 Between Two Feet: Brooks Hyperion Max 3 and Do Super Trainers Make Good Racing Shoes?
Matt & Andrea are back with another installation of Between Two Feet, where they contrast their different experiences in a shoe. Last time it was the Nike Vaporfly 4, and this time it's the Brooks Hyperion Max 3. Brooks completely overhauled the Hyperion Max, one of Andrea's favorite shoes of the past few years, and turned it into a true max-stack supertrainer. With a Pebax plate &
#244 Buy/Sell and This or That with Yowana! The Best Long Run Day? Soft or Firm Midsoles? Favorite Shoes to Review?
Matt & David are joined by Yowana for a special episode of hot takes only: Buy/Sell and This or That! We put ourselves on the hot seat here–no gray area, no middle ground. We pick between, and argue over EVA midsoles, $500 shoes, long run days, soft vs. firm midsoles, and much more.Yowana is the founder of Supwell Running, place where hobby joggers come to get better. They're about mileage
#243 Between Two Feet: Nike Vaporfly 4 and the Impact of Geometry Changes to a Shoe
If you've been following us for a while, you know that Matt & Andrea often experience shoes completely differently, so on this episode they get together to compare & contrast their experiences in Nike's major overhaul to the OG of supershoes: the Vaporfly 4. With a shorter stack height and narrowed down platform, this nimble racer offers a vastly different ride from its big sibling
#242 Plantar Fasciitis, Revisited
Plantar fascia pain plagues many a runner, but finding its cause and treating it can be mystifying and frustrating. Nate is joined by returning guest Doug Adams to take a deep dive into plantar facia (and general foot) pain in order to help you get to the underlying cause. Doug lends his expertise on how biomechanics and walking/running gait an effect plantar injury risk. He offers practical tips
#241 Mailbag! Plated Trainers and Achilles Pain? Do I Need a Post-Run Routine!? How Do Orthotics Effect Shoes?
Time for a mailbag where we answer your questions! Matt and David team up to discuss returning to running after achilles tendinopathy, training in plated shoes, post-run routines, and more. Want your questions answered? DM us on Instagram or email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DO
#240 We Rank Our Top 5 COMFORTABLE Running Shoes
Sometimes it feels like the running world is always in search of the BEST or the FASTEST shoe, but what about comfort? David, Matt, and Nathan rank their five most comfortable shoes and tell you why, and some of the picks are sure to surprise! They also talk about why shoe comfort is so important and how to judge if/why a shoe will be comfortable for you. Let us know what your most comfy shoes are
#239 The Science of Short Distance Racing: Biological Impact, Training, and Shoe Recommendations
These days the marathon seems to get all the hype, but let's not forget the shorter stuff! David and Andrea team up to talk all things shorter distance training & racing. Lately Andrea's been focusing on middle distance races & David's high school & collegiate career ranged from the 800 to the 5k. They dive into the physiology of speed and endurance, explore training method
#238 We Share Our Running Injuries and How We Have Managed Them
No runner's immune to injury, and that goes for our crew too. Matt, David, and Nathan get together to share their recent running and injury struggles. They discuss what led them to injury, how they've adjusted their running to cope, and strategies they've used to rehab and get back to it. We hope our stories can help you can glean some useful tips on dealing with your own ailments. We&
#237 Made in Italy: Diadora Shares Insight into Their Shoe Design Process
Over the past couple of years, Diadora has been making strides in the American marketplace with a unique set of shoes. On this episode, Matt is joined by Bryan Poerner, CEO of Diadora USA to take a look at what makes Diadora special. Bryan discusses the hands-on, small-team approach they take in designing and developing shoes, quite literally hand made all in Italy from the upper to the outsole. T
#236 Buy or Sell? Shoes over 40mm Should Be Legal, Shoes Don’t Need Annual Updates, All Shoes Don’t Need to Be Max Stacked
Catch David and Matt on another edition of our favorite debate game: buy or sell! They cover super shoes over 40mm, brand fit issues, stability super shoes, flexible racers, yearly updates, laces, and more. Tune in for some hot, and slightly unhinged, takes. Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/Check out our friends at Skratch and save 25% on your first order
#235 All about IT Band Syndrome and New Shoes from ASICS and Diadora
Are you experiencing pain on the outside of your knee? Join Nate and Matt as they dive deep into the world of Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome. They'll break down the anatomy of the IT band, explore common risk factors, and discuss effective strategies for managing and recovering from this common runner's ailment. Plus, they'll give you their take on the two updates from ASICS & Diadora: the Cumu
#234 Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 Analysis: Differing Opinions! and Thoughts on Super Shoes for Shorter Distances
If you're a regular pod listener, you know we love a little friendly disagreement. Matt & Andrea pair up to share their differing opinions on the new Hoka Cielo X 1 2.0. As is often the case, they've had very different experiences, especially in such an aggressively designed racing shoe. They also ruminate on the future of super shoes and how to find racing shoes that line up best with your me
#233 All About Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Front of Knee Pain)
Knee pain, or patellofemoral pain syndrome, can be a thorn in the side for so many runners. Much like shin splints, it can present many ways, all of them frustrating. Nathan and David get together to provide some clarity on this frustrating injury. They look at the anatomy of the knee, common PFPS symptoms, keys for rehab, and of course, shoes. Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspre
#232 Mailbag! How Do Shoes Help Us Run Farther? Super Shoe Advice? + Breakdown of New Stability Footwear in 2025
Matt Klein and David Salas are here for another mailbag episode where we answer your questions. In this edition, they cover shoes, injury rehab, training advice and more. Are there any firmer super trainers? Do you need to size up your shoes for marathon racing? What are the best strategies for dealing with shin pain? Tune in for answers to these and much more. Want your question answered? Email u
#231 We Rank Our Top 5 Daily Trainers from ’23-’25
On this episode of the pod, Matt & David get together to rank their five favorite daily trainers from the past two (ish) years. They discuss what made the shoes work for them, what could have ranked them higher, and what to look out for when picking daily trainers for yourself. Let us know what your favorite daily trainers are! Drop a comment or email us at doctorsofrunning@mail.com.Get your D
#230 This or That? Comparing the Best Max Cushion and Super Shoes Available Now
We've got another episode of "This or That" for you! Matt, David, and Nathan get together for a ton of shoe hot takes. They pick their favorites of some of the latest max cushion offerings like the Hoka Mach X 2, Nike Pegasus Premium, and more. While we usually say "it depends", tune in to get our black-and-white shoe takes!Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.mys
#229 From Caffeine to Vitamins: Which Supplements are Best for Runners?
Supplements areeverywhere these days, from ads to influencers, to athletes. Andrea is joined by returning guestJenn Giles (MS, RDN, CSSD) to sort through the myriad of supplements available to runners. Jenn gives us valuable insight on how to find safe and true-to-the-label supplements, which is harder than it may seem. They take a look at the performance benefits (and risks) of things like caffei
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