Doctors of Running Podcast

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! Check out our friends at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Skratch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and save 20% on your first order with code DOCTORSOFRUNNING! Chapters 0:00 - Intro 2:38 - Why might someone be sensitive to shoe flexibility? 12:44 - Foot pain with flat feet and cushioned shoes 19:34 - Taking a holistic view of the cause of pain 25:34 - Shoe recommendations for groomed trails 34:14 - Casual/dress shoes options for Haglunds deformity 40:53 - Recovery footwear & foot strength 46:58 - Shoe recommendations for an uphill marathon 56:14 - Shoes to avoid hamstring pain 59:30 - Wrap-up

Welcome back to another edition of This or That? where Nathan makes David & Matt make their hottest of takes. They debate soft vs firm shoes, PR-ing or running a bucket list race, rehabbing at home or with a PT, and more. They also take a moment to discuss race recovery as we head into fall racing season. Check out our friends at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Skratch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and save 20% on your first order with code DOCTORSOFRUNNING! Chapters 0:00 - Intro 1:06 - How to best recover from half and marathons 8:42 - The place of active recovery 11:12 - Taking time off after a marathon 14:20 - Should I race while injured? 17:17 - Post-race mental recovery 26:28 - This or That? Track 5K or Cross-country 5K? 28:40 - Best Endorphin Shift replacement: Glideride Max or Glycerine Max 35:52 - Soft or firm shoes? 39:24 - New PR or run a bucket-list race? 46:24 - Manual therapy or excercise? 50:30 - DIY rehab or going to see a PT? 57:00 - Rigid or flexible forefoot for easy miles? 1:00:16 - Reviewing shoe performance based on effort or pace? 1:09:38 - Wrap-up

Ever had a shoe that everyone recommends only to finally try it out and be disappointed? How is it that one person can love a shoe and someone else loathe it? Matt & Andrea dive into how and why we feel things about our running shoes. They take a look at how biomechanics, gait, shoe construction & geometry, and more impact how we perceive the ride, speed, comfort, and softness of a shoe. They also compare & contrast their thoughts on a handful of specific shoes like the New Balance Rebel V4 and the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2. Check out our friends at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Skratch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and save 20% on your first order with code DOCTORSOFRUNNING! Chapters 0:00 - Intro 1:48 - How do biomechanics influence how we perceive shoes? 8:40 - How the Preferred Movement Pathway can inform shoe choice 16:26 - The effect of perceptive sensitivity 22:42 - How shoe geometry & construction impacts how it feels 31:34 - Thoughts on the Puma Magmax 38:58 - Thoughts on the New Balance Balos 42:25 - Thoughts on the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2 48:28 - The importance of getting the right size shoe 52:54 - Thoughts on the New Balance Rebel V4 55:58 - Andrea was right about the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 59:34 - Wrap-up

Dive into a discussion about the most underrated running shoes of 2024, highlighting hidden gems like Hoka Skyflow and ASICS Novablast 4. The hosts share their personal running experiences and compare various models based on comfort and support. They also explore the best footwear for everyday adventures, balancing style and practicality. Additionally, the conversation shifts to the most valuable shoes for those seeking bang-for-buck performance, perfect for both seasoned runners and casual wearers.

If you've been following Doctors of Running for a while, you know we love a good heel bevel. For many of us (especially Matt), it can make or break the experience of a shoe. Matt & David get together to take a deep dive on heel bevels. They look at what it is, how it effects motion and mechanics, and explore some specific examples (everything from the Brooks Ghost Max 2 to the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2). Check out our friends at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Skratch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and save 25% on your first order with code DOR24! Chapters 0:00 - Intro 1:47 - What is a heel bevel? 9:16 - How do heel bevels influence motion? 16:05 - Some examples of shoes with differeing bevels 24:31 - How foam properties influence bevels 26:07 - Some extreme bevel examples 29:46 - Designing the ideal heel bevel 36:58 - Wrap-up

On this special edition of the podcast, Matt & Nathan get together to discuss dad & family life. They share their daily routines, family rhythms, and how running fits into it all, especially in the face of big recent life changes. As always, there's a little shoe-talk thrown in as they discuss New Balance's latest update to the venerable 860 and Nathan's recent experiences sizing up in a few shoes. Check out our friends at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Skratch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and save 25% on your first order with code DOR24! Chapters 0:00 - Intro 2:44 - New stability methods and the New Balance 860 9:41 - When it's branching out from your normal shoe size 13:59 - Matt's new life changes 23:36 - Nathan's work/life routines 28:16 - The benefits & challenges of fitting running into family life 35:42 - Finding your priorities as life stages shift 45:47 - Wrap-up

Mailbag–time for more of your questions! On this episode, Andrea tackles a bunch of footwear and training queries. Learn more about heel bevels, the effect of soft shoes on hip mechanics, shoes after ACL surgery, adapting to the heat. and more. Plus, she shares her unique experience as a former professional cyclist and current bike-fitter on how to replace or supplement easy running with bike rides. Want your question answered? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com. Check out our friends at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Skratch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and save 25% on your first order with code DOR24! Chapters 0:00 - Intro 2:56 - Andrea's current favorite shoes 9:16 - The effect of heel bevels on stability 14:24 - Shoe suggestions for Hyrox 19:08 - Shoes for metatarsalgia 23:30 - Trail shoes with no heel counter 25:15 - Shoe suggestions while coming back from ACL surgery 31:04 - Can softer/bouncier shoes cause hip pain? 35:48 - Heat adaptations as you age 42:07 - Replacing easy runs with cycling 47:29 - Wrap-up

Dive into lively debates on super trainers versus training companions, exploring their performance and comfort. The hosts tackle 2023 vs. 2024 shoes, identify top beginner options, and weigh the joys of 5Ks against marathons. They share personal anecdotes about running in extreme temperatures and even debate California's geography. Foam rolling and percussion massage get pitted against each other, while Olympic medal significance sparks spirited discussions. Get ready for needlessly hot takes and a playful mix of insights!

Join Nathan and Matt as they delve into the fascinating world of stable neutral shoes. They define what stable neutral means and share tips on assessing your own needs for stability. Discover comparisons between popular models like the Brooks Ghost Max 2 and ASICS Superblast 2, analyzing crucial features such as midsole stiffness and foam technology. They also highlight the innovative designs of shoes like the Hoka Skyward X, exploring how modern footwear balances support and comfort for all types of runners.

Explore the critical role of long runs in building endurance and the balance between benefits and injury risks. Discover personalized strategies to gradually increase mileage and select the right shoes for your feet. Learn practical tips for adapting runs in extreme weather and hear insights on navigating long runs after injury. This lively discussion highlights how to thrive in long-distance running while maintaining a healthy training regimen.