Doctors of Running Podcast

Between super racing shoes and super trainers, it seems like half the shoes on the market have super foams and/or carbon plates. But, what if spending too much time in these maximally performing, fun shoes, might be doing us a disservice? Matt and David look into the research and share anecdotes from their own training on how super shoes have affected them. Then they take a look at some of the excellent non-plated, lightweight trainer options like the New Balance Rebel v4, Topo Cyclone 2, and more. Check out our friends at ⁠⁠⁠Skratch⁠⁠⁠ and save 25% on your first order with code DOR24! Chapters 0:00 - Intro 2:04 - The pros/cons of training in plated & super shoes 14:14 - Topo Cyclone 2 16:52 - Kinvara 15 19:36 - ASICS Tri Noosa 16 22:51 - New Balance Rebel v4 24:37 - Hoka Mach 6 26:52 - Brooks Hyperion 30:50 - Saucony Ride 17 33:56 - Wrap-up

This episode is all about uppers. Often the more overlooked part of running shoes, uppers can make or break the running experience. Nathan and David get together to rank ten shoes from Hoka, Altra, Saucony, ASICS, Topo, and more from 10-1 on upper fit for them. They also explore what components make an upper and how to find the best fit for you. 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 shoe's upper? 6:05 - Tier 4 uppers 14:53 - Tier 3 uppers 22:32 - Tier 2 uppers 27:34 - Tier 1 uppers 34:04 - Wrap-up

On this episode, Andrea is joined by long time friend of the pod, Tina Danforth, Footwear Product Line Manager for Brooks Running. They take a deep dive into Brooks's latest updates to their Hyperion line, specifically the Hyperion 2, Hyperion Max 2, and Hyperion Elite 4. Tina breaks down the specific science of their foams (DNA Flash & DNA Loft) and how they formulate them for different uses. They also take a look at the upcoming Ghost Max 2, an update to the massively popular debut. Check out our friends at ⁠Skratch⁠ and save 25% on your first order with code DOR24! Chapters 0:00 - Intro 4:12 - Big updates in the Hyperion line of shoes 6:14 - The difference between DNA Flash & DNA Loft foams 8:16 - How DNA Flash has evolved 10:51 - Geometry & design updates on the Hyperion Max 2 15:30 - The new Hyperion Elite 4 18:33 - What's new for the Hyperion 2 29:52 - Building stability into the Hyperion line 32:14 - What's coming from Brooks in 2025 35:48 - How Brooks creates its foams 42:30 - Updates to the Ghost Max 2 48:04 - Brooks' approach to stability 52:56 - How Brooks' design philosophy has evolved over the years 54:40 - Wrap-up

It's the 200th episode of the Doctors of Running Podcast! For this milestone episode we've put together a mailbag from some of our favorite running-world friends like Connor Blalock (Running Warehouse), Elisabeth Scott (Running Explained), Victoria Sekely (Train Smart Run Strong), and more! Nathan, Matt, and David get together to tackle their questions about dream running celebrity friends, 1000mi shoes, the future of racing shoes, and so much more. We're so thankful for each one of you for supporting and following along with our work for this long, and we're looking forward to the next 200 episodes! Chapters 0:00 - Intro 5:57 - If you could hang out with any running celebrity, who would it be? 12:10 - If you worked in the run industry, who would you work for? 18:14 - Will we ever see shoes last 1000+ miles? 24:28 - What does the average runner put up with in their shoes that could be better? 32:00 - Are shoes in the style of old racing flats gone for good? 43:23 - What type of "support" doesn't exist that should? 46:34 - Do you see any new future limits on race-legal shoes? 49:17 - If you could relate your personality to any running shoe, what would it be? 55:42 - How would you assemble your dream shoe? 1:03:40 - What would you like to see DOR do in the next 200 episodes of the podcast, and in the next 2 years in general? 1:11:33 - If the ASICS Superblast 2 was an NBA player, who would it be? 1:14:28 - Wrap-up

On this episode, Nathan and Matt have the privilege of interviewing Dr. Wouter Hoogkamer about his research on super shoes and how they affect running performance. They discuss what makes a super shoe "super" (the plate, the geometry, the foam, or all three?). They also discuss Wouter's latest writing and research on getting the best results from running research trials. They get Wouter's take on training in super trainers/plated shoes and how they may effect biomechanics. Be sure to listen to this fascinating discussion on super shoes and research! Dr. Wouter Hoogkamer is a researcher focusing on biomechanics and energetics of human locomotion and running. He currently leads the UMASS Integrative Motion Lab. If you’ve been in the running shoe space, and are listening to this podcast you likely have heard of one of his most “famous” studies colloquially known as “The 4% Study”, which looked at the original Nike Vaporfly and produced results that gave the shoe it’s name. Beyond research, he is a runner and ultra-runner himself and was the founder of the Trail Ultra Mountain Alliance. Chapters 0:00 - Intro 3:40 - The Subjective: what's your favorite super shoe? 8:01 - Wouter's article: The Fallacy of Single Trials 15:33 - Structuring research to achieve more confident results 18:47 - Accounting for variabilty in trial results 21:38 - Defining physiological drift 26:44 - The risks of using single trials 38:10 - Wouter's definition of super shoes 41:40 - The roles of plates, foams, and geometries in super shoes 55:10 - Wouter's take on super trainers and training in plated shoes 1:06:36 - Why do some respond to certain shoes and not others? 1:12:07 - Wrap-up

As any runner knows, injuries are all too common. On this episode, Nate & David look to bring some education and aid if you've got a foot injury. They look at the anatomy of the foot, common pathologies, and more. Tune in for some practical strategies for minimizing your injury risk and assessing & gaining mobility. On the back half of the show, they review the brand new ASICS Superblast 2, an update to one of our team's favorite shoes. Chapters 0:00 - Intro 8:22 - Keys to injury prevention 14:50 - Tips for at-home mobility work 22:59 - The anatomy of foot injuries 31:41 - Common foot injuries 36:22 - Diagnosing & treating different foot injuries 43:32 - Asics Superblast 2 Review 54:50 - Is the Superblast worth the high cost? 59:24 - Superblast vs. On Cloudmonster Hyper 1:03:34 - Wrap-up Check out our friends at Skratch and save 25% on your first order with code DOR24!

This podcast delves into the complexities of shoe cushioning for runners, discussing factors like compliance, resilience, biomechanics, and injury risk. It explores the benefits of rotating shoes with different midsoles and highlights the importance of finding the right balance for each individual.

It's time for the second part of our favorite shoes of 2024 so far! David and Andrea join in with their picks for daily trainer, performance trainer, and racing shoes of the year to date. They also pick their favorite 2023 models that are on sale at a discount. Let us know what you've loved this year! DM us on Instagram or email us at doctorsofrunningpodcast@gmail.com. Chapters 0:00 - Intro 2:20 - Favorite daily trainer 15:18 - Favorite performance trainer 24:34 - Favorite racing shoes 44:11 - Favorite 2023 shoe that's on sale 51:18 - Wrap-up

We're just about halfway through 2024 so it's time to take a look at our favorite shoes of the year so far! Matt & Nathan get together to break down their favorite trainers: daily, max-stack, lightweight/speed, and best value. They also discuss how our definition of "supertrainer" is changing as more and more brands come out with their versions. We want to hear from you! What's been your favorite shoe(s) of the year so far? What are you looking forward to for the back half of the year? DM us on Instagram or email us at doctorsofrunningpodcast@gmail.com. Chapters 0:00 - Intro 2:58 - What defines a supertrainer? 10:02 - Favorite daily trainers 16:56 - Favorite max-stack shoes 21:08 - Favorite lightweight training shoes 30:28 - Best value shoes 35:44 - Wrap-up

In this episode, the DOR team engages in a fun 'this or that' segment discussing tough choices like Triumph 22 vs. Superblast, supertrainers, insoles vs. stability shoes, Elliptigo vs. cycling, and more. They talk about niche shoe brands diversifying, PR vs. injury, and group vs. solo runs. Gels vs. high-calorie drinks are also debated, along with the benefits of running shoe stores vs. online reviews.