

Doctors of Running Podcast
Doctors of Running
We are Doctors of Running, a group of doctors of physical therapy all working to provide you all with information about the art and science of running and what we are putting on our feet. In this podcast we will be giving evidence-based deep dives into running related topics as well as detailed running shoe reviews. You can also check us out at our website -- doctorsofrunning.com, and on social media @doctorsofrunning
To help us continue to produce content for you all, consider joining our support team: https://anchor.fm/doctors-of-running/support
To help us continue to produce content for you all, consider joining our support team: https://anchor.fm/doctors-of-running/support
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 20, 2025 • 53min
#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 doctorsofrunning@gmail.com! Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING!Stryd’s Race Power Calculator eliminates the uncertainty of race day by analyzing the course, weather, and your personal capability to create a custom power target. This lets you pace with precision—conquering hills, battling headwinds, or enduring heat without overdoing it. With Stryd, you’re strategizing for your best performance. Ready to own race day? Visit stryd.com today.Chapters0:00 - Intro 3:36 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs 13:14 - Third favorite race distance 21:50 - Second favorite distance 30:12 - Favorite race distance 38:18 - Favorite races to watch 43:12 - What even is a supertrainer? 49:42 - Faster shoes for stability needs 52:54 - Wrap-up

Aug 13, 2025 • 45min
#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 models to round out the Blast family of shoes. Nathan and Paul discuss how ASICS plans, designs, and tests their shoes, the specific features of the two new shoes, what's next for ASICS in the upcoming months, and more. Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING!Stryd’s Race Power Calculator eliminates the uncertainty of race day by analyzing the course, weather, and your personal capability to create a custom power target. This lets you pace with precision—conquering hills, battling headwinds, or enduring heat without overdoing it. With Stryd, you’re strategizing for your best performance. Ready to own race day? Visit stryd.com today.Chapters0:00 - Intro4:08 - ASICS's design & development philosophy12:43 - The new Sonicblast27:18 - The new Megablast34:33 - The composition & characteristics of FF Turbo Squared40:17 - What's on the horizon for ASICS44:02 - Wrap-up

Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 4min
#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 DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING!Stryd’s Race Power Calculator eliminates the uncertainty of race day by analyzing the course, weather, and your personal capability to create a custom power target. This lets you pace with precision—conquering hills, battling headwinds, or enduring heat without overdoing it. With Stryd, you’re strategizing for your best performance. Ready to own race day? Visit stryd.com today.Chapters0:00 - Intro1:29 - In For Testing, Powered by Skratch Labs12:28 - Buy/Sell: Runners who have used PEDs should get lifetime bans28:09 - The market needs to lower the average stack height of shoes35:42 - 2024 was a better shoe year than 202543:06 - People are not running slow enough54:26 - Nike has lost its edge in running innovation59:00 - The 800m is harder than the mile1:03:04 - Wrap-up

Jul 30, 2025 • 58min
#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.myspreadshop.com/Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING!Stryd’s Race Power Calculator eliminates the uncertainty of race day by analyzing the course, weather, and your personal capability to create a custom power target. This lets you pace with precision—conquering hills, battling headwinds, or enduring heat without overdoing it. With Stryd, you’re strategizing for your best performance. Ready to own race day? Visit stryd.com today.Chapters0:00 - Intro1:02 - In For Testing10:27 - Hoka Rocket X 3 Overview13:04 - Andrea's experience in the Rocket X 329:15 - How to know why certain shoes work for you37:30 - Comparisons with the Cielo X 1 2.045:06 - How to test super shoes before a marathon53:57 - Wrap-up

Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 1min
#252 We Share Our Running Injuries and How We Have Managed Them, Vol. II (Foot and Knee Pain)
Dive into the common struggles of runners with foot and knee pain. Discover practical strategies for addressing plantar fasciitis and anterior knee issues. The hosts share their personal experiences and clinical insights on footwear impacts on injury and recovery. Learn about the latest innovations in running shoe design that cater to stability and comfort. Plus, get expert tips on maintaining healthy feet and the importance of strength training in preventing injuries.

Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 8min
#251 Mailbag! Can a Foam Cause Pain? The Shelf Life of Shoes? The Science Behind Shoe Rotations?
Discover how different foam materials can influence injury patterns and pain during runs. Learn about the proper shelf life of shoes and why rotating them can enhance your performance. The hosts share insights on adapting to super shoes, even if you haven't run in them much. They also offer tips on selecting the right footwear for ultramarathons and helping retail customers find their perfect fit. Get ready for a deep dive into the science of running shoes and training strategies!

Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 14min
#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 next mailbag? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING!Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/This episode is sponsored by our friends at Running Warehouse. We're all about variety here, which is why we love the large selection of options they offer online. You can find all of today's best shoes at runningwarehouse.com today. Also, did you know we have our very own DOR page there? Find all of our team's favorite Running Warehouse picks at the official Doctors of Running shop. Chapters0:00 - Intro1:22 - In for Testing14:52 - Treating plantar fasciitis in youth athletes21:46 - Worst shoe color ever26:46 - Things we wish shoes did better to help runners33:00 - Pre long-run/race rituals38:02 - How much does drop matter with soft midsoles42:52 - Favorite post-run snacks45:12 - What would you wear for a run across the US?48:38 - Potential impact of over-40mm midsoles56:38 - If midsoles were ice creams, what would they be?1:03:28 - Building a 3-shoe rotation from any shoes ever1:12:50 - Wrap-up

16 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 6min
#249 Our Top Running Shoes of 2025 So Far
Join the hosts as they reveal their top running shoes for 2025 in several categories! From favorite daily trainers to long run and racing options, they share their insights on standout models like the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 and the A6 JL Keanu 32. Personal experiences with hydration and nutrition products add to the mix, emphasizing the importance of natural ingredients. The discussion includes thoughtful comparisons of fit and performance across popular brands, inviting listeners to share their own picks for an engaging community dialogue!

Jun 25, 2025 • 55min
#248 Our Top 3 Keys for Strength and Conditioning for Runners
Strength training and cross-training are game-changers for runners aiming to level up their performance. The hosts share essential keys to creating a consistent and effective strength routine. They explore how training needs evolve with age and race type, offering tailored insights for every runner. Practical exercises are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of functional strength and injury prevention. Get ready to enhance your running game with tips that keep you strong on your feet!

Jun 18, 2025 • 56min
#247 Our Best Stable Neutral Shoes of 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of stable neutral shoes as experts analyze the latest picks for 2025. Discover key terms like sole flair and stack height that influence stability and performance. From daily trainers to speedy options, they share insights on top models like the Hoka Bondi and A6 Gel Nimbus. Personal experiences with design features provide useful context for runners. Plus, listen in on a fun shoe showdown, highlighting the importance of choosing the right footwear for your unique needs!