Time for another edition of "This or That" where we pit two opposing concepts (shoes, training, recovery, nonsense) against each other and force ourselves to pick a side. On this episode, Nathan, David, and Matt debate...well...pretty much everything: super trainers vs. training companion shoes, running in the heat vs. the cold, long racing vs. short racing, LeBron vs. Caitlin Clark, and even California geography. If you're looking for needlessly hot takes, we've got 'em.

Check out our friends at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Skratch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and save 25% on your first order with code DOR24!

Chapters

• 0:00 - Intro
• 5:18 - 2023 shoes vs. 2024 shoes
• 16:04 - Saucony Ride 16 vs 17
• 19:10 - Marathon vs. Half marathon
• 24:44 - Running in 0º or 100º
• 28:50 - Santa Barbara is Southern California or Central Coast?
• 34:22 - Foam rolling vs. percussive massage
• 38:50 - Supertrainers vs. training companions
• 44:19 - SC Trainer v3 vs. On Cloudmonster Hyper
• 47:16 - Only racing 5Ks vs. marathons
• 55:04 - Only road running vs. only trail running
• 56:54 - Rockered vs. flexible shoes
• 59:05 - Lebron vs. Caitlin Clark BQ-ing
• 1:03:06 - Running at the Olympics: no golds but three medals or only one gold in three races
• 1:05:51 - Top 2 starting shoes: Pegasus, Ghost, Cumulus, 880, Wave Rider, Ride 17
• 1:12:30 - Wrap-up

If you know DOR, you know we love talking about stable neutral shoes. On this episode, Nathan and Matt take a look at some of their favorite stability shoes of 2024. They start at the basics, defining "stable neutral" and giving some guidance how to know whether you could benefit stability in a shoe. Then, they pair up shoes like the Brooks Ghost Max 2, ASICS Superblast 2, New Balance More v5 and more for some compare/contrast

Check out our friends at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Skratch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and save 25% on your first order with code DOR24!

Chapters

• 0:00 - Intro
• 2:13 - Defining "stable neutral"
• 4:12 - Assessing your need for stability in shoes
• 6:14 - Components of stable neutral shoes
• 14:09 - Brooks Ghost Max 2 vs. On Cloudrunner 2
• 21:53 - On Cloudmonster Hyper vs. New Balance More v5
• 26:46 - adidas Terrex Agragic 3 vs. Hoka Speedgoat 5
• 31:00 - Brooks Hyperion Max vs. Hoka Skyflow
• 34:08 - Hoka Skyward X vs. ASICS Glideride Max
• 40:44 - Wrap-up

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

Looking for your first running shoe can be intimidating with so many options avilable, and sometimes it can be hard to find the help you need at a running store. DOR Founder Matt Klein takes from his years of experience working in running stores to give you tips & tricks to finding your first pairs of runnign shoes. He'll also share some red flags and warning signs to avoid when shopping for shoes.

This week's sponsor is Running Warehouse, and they've got some really great apparel in to get you ready for anything, whether it's raceday or cool weather running. We are huge fans of rabbit running gear. We talk about it all the time in our chats about how soft and comfortable it is. If you are looking for Fall gear, rabbit's ez long sleeve is one of absolute favorites. We reviewed it two winter seasons ago and are still using it to this day because of how well they've held up and soft they remain. Head over to runningwarehouse.com to check out what they have.

The Subjective: what's something you wish you knew about running shoes earlier in your running journey?

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
3:28 - The Subjective: what's something you wish you knew about running shoes earlier in your running journey?
5:16 - Where to start as a new runner
8:39 - Start simple
14:43 - Using the RUNCAT to assess shoes
20:54 - Start with a basic daily trainer
23:53 - How to assess the fit of an upper
26:04 - Cushioning: more isn't necessarily better
28:50 - Foot tests aren't very useful
31:35 - Don't let a running store sell you an orthotic
33:56 - Don't let a running store diagnose your injuries
37:58 - Wrap-up

Heel counters are often overlooked when choosing a shoe, but their design can make or break a shoe for runners. Heel comfort is critical to the ability to run in a shoe. They're also often touted to promote stability and biomechanical benefits, but what do they actually accomplish? Nate, DJ, and Matt dive into the design, research, and evidence surrounding heel counters. We're also excited to give this month to Club West Track in Santa Barbara, CA.

The Subjective: what's a specific part of a shoe that can make it or break it for you?

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
2:56 - The Subjective: what's a specific part of a shoe that can make it or break it for you?
5:35 - Defining the heel counter
15:14 - The origin & purpose of heel counters
24:33 - The evidence of the effects on heel counters on biomechanics
31:51 - The importance of heel lockdown in carbon-plated shoes
38:38 - Physical conditions that might effect heel fit in shoes
45:24 - How to lace-lock your shoes
48:54 - Wrap-up

It's time for a mailbag episode! We gathered up as many of your questions as we could answer in an hour's time. Nate, Matt, and DJ tackle a broad range of subjects such as orthotics, training, recovery, and, of course, shoes. Be sure to stick around 'til the end to get DJ's take on the best shoe for a beer mile.

The Subjective: what's the biggest lesson you've learned from running?

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
6:13 - The Subjective: what's the biggest lesson you've learned from running?
9:02 - Do you need stability shoes if you wear orthotics?
16:02 - What do you do in between a goal race and the next training cycle?
28:48 - Saucony Tempus vs. Asics Novablast 3
33:22 - What's something similar to the Hoka Rincon 3?
37:52 - Is a firmer or a softer shoe better for shin splints?
41:32 - Does too much Zone 2 heart rate training make you slow?
51:45 - Should a 4 hour marathoner wear super shoes for a marathon?
57:38 - What's the ideal beer mile shoe?
1:01:41 - Wrap-up

Finding the right shoe, whether it's your first or your fifth, can be daunting. Matt & Andrea are joined by Megan Searfoss, owner of Ridgefield and Darien Running Company, to give a store-owner's perspective on finding the best shoe for you. Megan also shares wisdom from years of running experience and dozens of races including Ironmans and marathons.

Megan Searfoss is the owner of Ridgefield and Darien Running Company, a run-specialty retailer, located in Ridgefield and Darien, CT. In 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, Ridgefield Running Company was named Top 50 Best Running Stores in America, with 2019 awarded Top Ten, and in 2020 a Top Four Store. A competitive athlete, Megan has competed at the Ironman World Championships and Boston Marathon, 9 Ironman distance events, over 20 marathons, and countless other races. Though her personal favorite are long-distance events, it is introducing a non-exerciser to training and competing in a 5K that is most rewarding. Time and time again, her encouragement to cross the finish line has changed lives of many women that didn't believe they could. Megan is passionate about engaging women to make health and wellness a part of their lives through Run Like a Mother, a company she founded in 2008. Run Like A Mother® is a branded lifestyle property that encompasses women at every stage of motherhood. Megan created the National Run Like a Mother® 5K race event series, a women's only 5K occurring every Mother's Day.

The Subjective: how did you get into running?

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
4:12 - Megan's background
13:46 - Megan's favorite races
17:26 - Advice for longevity in your running career
23:36 - The making of a great running store
27:42 - Using your "foot brain" in finding the right shoe for you
29:47 - Finding the right size shoe
32:52 - Replace your old shoes! (And sports bras)
36:28 - Advice for building back after injury
44:18 - The benefits of a running community
47:22 - How Megan trains her store employees
51:20 - How Megan decides what shoes to stock
1:03:40 - How customers can improve their shoe-buying experience
1:06:56 - Megan's favorite shoes right now
1:09:11 - Wrap-up

Injuries large & small plague almost every runner throughout their career. Detecting early signs of injury and stopping them before they turn into something serious will help us keep running consistently. Nate & Matt are joined by Brodie Sharpe, a fellow PT, who specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. They take a look at the nature of injury risk, how to reduce it, strategies & tools for rehabbing, and much more.

Brodie Sharpe is a Physiotherapist from Melbourne, Australia and the owner of the Run Smarter Physiotherapy Clinic. Brodie helps runners train smarter and dispels common running myths to help runners reduce their injury risk and overcome injuries efficiently. He spreads this information primarily through the Run Smarter Podcast which has climbed into the top 1% of podcasts globally, and his recent YouTube channel.

The Subjective: what are some of the early signs you look for when determining if you have an injury coming?

Chapters
00:00 - Intro
02:01 - Introducing Brodie Sharpe
06:08 - The basics of running injuries
15:40 - What puts runners at high injury risk?
19:26 - Early signs of injuries in runners
24:33 - Strategies for assessing the severity of & recovery from injuries
28:55 - What to do when injury symptoms start
39:07 - Differentiating between small niggles and full injuries
44:26 - The benefits of keeping a running journal
50:40 - Modifying routines while rehabbing an injury
53:30 - 3 Key ways to reduce injury risk
57:30 - Wrap-up

These days, max cushion midsoles aren't just for racing shoes. Maximally cushioned trainers are a staple in many runners' rotations. Today, Matt & DJ review two max-stack offerings, one a veteran to the scene and the other a newcomer. First up is the HOKA Bondi 8, the latest update to one of the original max cushion shoes. Next is Mizuno's Wave NEO Ultra, which offers not only maximum cushioning, but sustainability with over 50% of the materials used made from sustainable or recycled materials. They compare/contrast this two cushioned shoes and explore whether a sustainable shoe can offer real running performance.

The Subjective: what's your favorite easy day shoe?

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
2:20 - The Subjective: what's your favorite max-cushion training shoe?
7:03 - Hoka Bondi 8 Review
18:30 - What would you change about the Bondi 8?
22:16 - Mizuno Wave NEO Ultra Review
27:36 - Sustainability vs. performance
32:57 - Bondi 8 & NEO Ultra comparisons
42:10 - Wrap-up

We know from the research that running isn't bad for our knees, but that doesn't mean we won't pick up knee injuries every once in a while. Patellar Tendinopathy is one of the most common ailments for runners. The knee is critical in the gait cycle, so is easily effected. Nate, Matt, and DJ discuss chronic tendon pain in the knee: its anatomy, symptoms, and risk factors. They give you tips for rehabbing the patellar tendon so you can get back to running consistently. Finally, of course, they cover what types of shoes can influence the tendon.

The Subjective: what's your favorite easy day shoe?

With Fall coming up, that mean's two things: it's marathon racing season! And well - it's Fall. This week's sponsor is Running Warehouse, and they've got some really great apparel in to get you ready for anything, whether it's raceday or cool weather running.

We are huge fans of rabbit running gear. We talk about it all the time in our chats about how soft and comfortable it is. For Chicago marathon fans, you should absolutely check out their fun Chicago Collection. The colors look awesome with the red, light blue and white and our team are superfans of their singlets. If you are looking for Fall gear, rabbit's ez long sleeve is one of absolute favorites. We reviewed it two winter seasons ago and are still using it to this day because of how well they've held up and soft they remain.

You can also find tons of great new releases including the Asics Magic Speed, Kayano 29 which we just reviewed, and the Fresh Foam More v4 which we are reviewing now and have enjoyed. Head over to runningwarehouse.com today to shop. You can find a link in our description for some of our favorite gear if you'd like to check that out and support DOR.

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:48 - The Subjective: what's your favorite easy day shoe?
15:02 - Patellar Tendinopathy: anatomy review
20:10 - Tendinitis vs. Tendinopathy
22:05 - Diagnosing patellar tendinopathy
26:27 - Risk factors
36:00 - Rehabbing patellar tendinopathy: load it
49:32 - Things to avoid when recovering from tendinopathy
53:00 - Knees over toes?
55:58 - The impact of shoes on the patellar tendon
1:00:28 - Wrap-up

Urinary incontinence (leaking) is an incredibly common struggle for runners, both male and female. Specifically for women, more than 50% of athletes report dealing with leakage. Understandably this struggle is underreported and often unaided when people do ask for help. Andrea and Megan interview Dr. Beth Shelly, a pelvic floor specialist. Dr. Shelly dives into the research on leakage, the anatomy of the pelvic floor, risk factors, treatment and more.

Beth Shelly is a Doctor of Physical Therapy board certified in women’s health and biofeedback for pelvic floor dysfunction. She has practiced for over 35 years, specializing in women’s and men’s health. Beth completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa in 2007 with the completion of her research in the methods PTs use to learn PFM examination. Her private practice in Illinois specializes in pelvic health and lymphedema. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram.

Chapters
00:00 - Intro
08:18 - An overview of urinary incontienance
11:50 - The musulature of the pelvic floor
18:30 - Risk factors for urinary leakage in runners
26:06 - Possible causes of urinary leakage
30:58 - How a pelvic floor physical therapist can help runners
42:03 - Assessing a runner's abdominal and pelvic strength
57:06 - The use of biofeeback technology
1:02:54 - How to find a pelvic floor specalist
1:09:26 - Wrap-up

We've all heard it. "Running will ruin your knees!" But upon looking at the research, the inverse is actually true. On this episode, Matt & Andrea take a deep dive into the anatomy and biomechanics of the knee. They show how research indicates that running is actually protective for you knees. They explain the common diagnosis of osteoarthritis, its risk factors, and how to take steps to prevent it.

The Subjective: What's the biggest running-related myth you've heard?

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
2:20 - No, running is not bad for your knees
9:44 - Osteoarthritis defined
14:06 - The two types of osteoarthritis
19:56 - Risk factors for knee arthritis
28:24 - The link between mileage and OA risk
40:08 - How to reduce your risk of knee irritation
48:52 - Positive effects of running
54:24 - Wrap-up

Recovery is one of the trickiest aspects of training. How do you know when you're adequately recovered? How do you balance training load and rest? How do you figure out good nutrition, hydration, and sleep? In this episode Dr. Ryan Wooderson joins DJ and Matt to help us find answers to those questions and more.

Dr. Ryan Wooderson is a physical therapist, biomechanist, and fitness/wellness advocate. He is passionate about helping people move better and live better, for the long run. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Regis University and completed his orthopedic residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is an orthopedic clinical specialist and his practice focuses on injury prevention and helping athletes return to the sports and activities they love. He has been practicing for 8 years in Denver, CO. You can find him online at longrunphysio.com and Instagram @longrunphysio.

Chapters 0:00 - Intro
3:27 - How do you define recovery?
6:20 - The role of sleep in recovery
16:44 - Nutrition before & after the run
24:10 - Active recovery & a running schedule
30:22 - The role of recovery tools (vibration, compression, etc.)
36:44 - The 3 keys to recovery
39:08 - 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

One hundred episodes! For this special occiasion, we could really only talk about one thing: super shoes. 2022 has been a banner year for next generation racing shoes with the likes of the Endorphin Pro 3, Adios Pro 3, Alphafly 2, FAST-R, and more. Nate, Matt, and DJ make their picks for most unique, most stable, and favorite racing shoes of the year so far.

We're extremely excited to partner with Running Warehouse giveaway a free pair of shoes of your choice for this 100th episode! To enter, leave a comment on the YouTube podcast video answering this week's Subjective quesiton. Alternatively, you can email us at doctorsofrunningpodcast@gmail.com. The video will be out on August 12 and the giveaway will be open through August 19. To win, you must be in the US and the shoes you want must be in stock at Running Warehouse for $200 or less.

The Subjective: What's your favorite racing shoe of the year so far?

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
3:26 - Giveaway from Running Warehouse!
7:44 - Reflections in 100 episodes
10:29 - What's the most unique super shoe on the market
17:44 - The most stable super shoes
27:38 - Stable racing alternatives to super shoes
36:02 - DJ's favorite super shoes of 2022 so far
39:38 - Matt's picks
43:32 - Nate's racing choices
47:21 - What to look forward to for the rest of the year
53:38 - Wrap-up

Today on the podcast Matt & Andrea discuss the ins and outs of run retail. Before starting Doctors of Running and becoming a physical therapist, Matt got his start in at a running shoe store. Our hope with this episode and forthcoming resources on our webiste is to give running retail employees a framework to help customers find the right shoe for them. They'll give you resources and key questions to ask as you and the customer learn what's best for them.

Each month at DOR starting in 2022, a member of our team selects a charity of their choice to donate 10% of our monthly profits to. This month we're donating to The ALS Association. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. There is no cure for ALS yet. Established in 1985, The ALS Association is the only national nonprofit organization fighting ALS on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure. Learn more and donate at www.als.org.

This episode is sponsored by Running Warehouse. We've been loving gear the Vuori gear they have available, especially the Performance Tank and Kore Short. They're comfortable and stylish for both running and lifestlye. Running Warehouse also has the brand new Saucony Enorphin Pro 3 in stock, which is Matt's front-runner for racing shoe of the year. Head over to runningwarehouse.com to check out these and more!

The Subjective: What's your favorite local running store?

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
5:40 - The Subjective: What's your favorite running store?
7:02 - Matt's history in run retail
15:24 - The pitfalls of using pronation to prescribe shoes for runners
19:26 - Tips for run retail employees to help customers find shoes
24:54 - Ask key questions to help customers figure out what they want
34:30 - The difficulty of in-store gait analysis
38:20 - Helping customers learn about what they like in shoes
42:14 - The trouble with static foot tests
45:40 - Using the RUNCAT to find ideal shoes
54:42 - Asking the right questions to determine shoe comfort
59:02 - How to be a better running store customer
1:03:28 - The importance of building great relationships
1:09:11 - Wrap-up

Nate, Matt, and DJ are joined by two very special guests from New Balance: Danny Orr and Ethan Steiner. Danny & Ethan give us an inside look at the development and testing of New Balance's brand new max-stack training shoe, the FuelCell SuperComp Trainer. Boasting a whopping 47mm of midsole and a full-length EnergyArc carbon fiber plate, the SC Trainer was developed to maximize comfort, efficiencty, and energy return. Danny & Ethan help us understand the technology behind EnergyArc, how they landed on 47mm of stack height, and more.

Danny Orr is the General Manager of Performance Running at New Balance, leading multiple teams focusing current offereings as well as multi-year shoe development. Ethan is a Sports Research Engineer at New Balance, working in their Sports Research Lab, focused on shoe development, research, and innovation.

For more on the FuelCell SuperComp Trainer, be sure to check out our full multi-tester written review on our website.

Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
1:12 - Getting to know Ethan & Danny
7:26 - The history & origin of the SC Trainer
10:01 - The evolution of the FuelCell Foam
15:27 - How New Balance tests its foams
16:58 - The design and goal of EnergyArc
23:33 - Testing methodology for human subjects in New Balance's lab
28:37 - How New Balance designed the SC Trainer's massive stack height
36:24 - Who is the SC Trainer for?
43:38 - How the SC Trainer impacts fatigue resistance & running economy
52:30 - What's coming next for the FuelCell line
59:01 - Wrap-up

Today Nate & Matt review the much-anticipated Saucony Endorphin Speed 3! The new version is, in our opinion, better than ever, boasting a wider platform, more stability, and the same bouncy PWRRUN PB midsole foam. They also tackle a bunch of listener questions about the Speed 3 including: how soft is it? How's the heel stability? How does it compare with the new Saucony Tempus?

This episode sponsored by Karhu. You might know they make a collection of running shoes, but for before or after the run, you can be sure to look good with Karhu's Lifestyle collection. They've recently released fresh seasonal colors to ensure you're stylin' going to and from the track. Go to Karhu.com and use promo code DOR2022 at the time of checkout to receive 20% off from the lifestyle assortment when you purchase $100 or more.

The Subjective: What makes a shoe soft for you?

Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
0:54 - The Subjective: What makes a shoe soft for you?
09:40 - Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Review
14:11 - Is the Speed 3 softer? How does it perform at slower paces?
18:00 - How stable is the Speed 3?
28:16 - How does the bounce of the Speed 3 compare to the Rebel V2 and Novablast?
31:51 - Why is stability important to us?
36:38 - How does the Speed 3 compare with the Tempus?
39:55 - Is there anything for the next version of the Speed to improve on?
44:43 - Do we measure the durometer of midsoles?
47:59 - Wrap-up

Nate, Matt, and DJ are joined Cory Hofmann from Saucony for a deep dive into the world of shoe testing. Cory gives us an inside look at how Saucony tests the biomechanical and physiological impact of their shoes on runners. He also helps us define some oft-misunderstood scientific terms like running power, metabolic cost, running economy, VO2 Max, and more.

Cory Hofmann is a Performance Engineer at Saucony research laboratory, testing almost every aspect of their shoe: fit, durability, mechanical properties, etc. Cory specializes in testing and measuring running shoe performance, focusing on biomechanics and physiology.

Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
06:07 - How do you measure the benefit you get from different shoes?
13:04 - Mechanical vs. metabolic power
24:27 - How do we measure metabolic cost?
27:51 - What to make of smartwatches giving you your VO2
31:11 - Oxygen vs. energy
39:56 - Research into running cost
44:26 - Biomechanical trends in relation to running economy
49:34 - The relationship between running economy and performance
53:22 - The components of shoes that contribute to performance benefits
58:57 - Our thoughts on the Endorphin Pro 3
1:02:36 - Wrap-up

Matt is joined on the podcast by a special guest: Andrea Paulson from Saucony. Andrea gives us an inside look into shoe research and development at Saucony. Matt & Andrea discuss the shifting views on shoe stability and how new shoes like the Saucony Tempus are looking to help the runner. She gives a scientific history of misole foams and a preview of where innvation is taking them, and much more.

Andrea Paulson is the Vice President of Product Engineering & Human Performance at Saucony. She leads different, yet connected, divisions that work on every aspect of shoe design, construction and future innovations, as well as biomechanical testing, gathering performance & personal preference data.

The Subjective: What stats do you focus on when selecting a shoe?

Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
3:59 - Defining shoe stability and how it's changing
7:49 - New ways of addressing stability with the Saucony Tempus
12:04 - Midsole foam history & development
26:58 - Accounting for individuality in shoe design
33:50 - Foam science & innovation
41:36 - The complexity of shoe design & supply chain
45:24 - Does footstrike really matter?
49:12 - Foam compression durability
55:14 - Endorphin Pro 3 sneak peak
57:46 - Wrap-up

Today on the podcast Matt and Andrea talk all things summer training. As the temperature increases, we're forced to adjust our running. They offer strategies and tips for adjusting your training, hydrating before/during/after the run, staying cool, and, of course, shoes (does the Asics Metaracer have a USB port?!).

Each month at DOR starting in 2022, a member of our team selects a charity of their choice to donate 10% of our monthly profits to. This month we're donating to Girls on the Run. Girls on the Run is a program that was developed to help young girls recognize their strengths, learn goal setting, build social connection, all while building confidence. Through the program, they learn how teamwork can help in achieving a goal and work toward completing a 5k together at the end of the season. To learn more and donate visit www.girlsontherun.org.

The Subjective: What time of day do you run?

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
0:52 - DOR Giving: Girls on the Run
2:24 - The Subjective: What time of the day do you run?
5:17 - Summer training: temperature vs. dew point
11:29 - Modifying your training for the heat
19:01 - Hydration strategies
25:44 - Cooling strategies
33:32 - Shoe uppers & breathability
42:58 - Staying safe from sun damage
54:41 - Wrap-up

Today Andrea and Matt are joined by two very special guests: Shan Riggs and Joshuaine Grant. On April 16th, 2022, Shan started to run more than 3,000 miles across America again, this time from Key West to the Canadian border along the East Coast Greenway, hoping to be the first person to run the entire trail. The journey is unique in that Shan will be supported the entire route by his partner Joshuaine, who will be towing all of their supplies by bicycle. This run/ride is to support & raise funds for the East Coast Greenway in its mission of connecting people to place. Along the way they'll cross 15 states averaging 40 miles per day, every day. We hear from Shan & Josh about what it takes to take on such an epic trek: training, supplies, nutrition, and, of course, shoes. To learn more & donate, check out their website.

The Subjective: How many days per week do you run?

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:05 - The Subjective: How many days per week do you run?
1:30 - Shan & Josh's trip up the East Coast Greenway
5:53 - Shan & Josh's background and training
13:53 - Supplying and organizing their trek
21:47 - Surprises & challenges along the way
24:40 - Injury prevention & pain management while ultra-running
33:50 - How do you fuel yourself on a 3000 mile journey?
43:36 - The most memorable parts of their trip
47:17 - What's next on their journey
49:44 - Advice for anyone interested in ultra-running
52:15 - Wrap-up

Runner's Knee (also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome) is one of the most common running injuries among new runners. It's so prevalent, yet so misunderstood. In this episode, Nate & Matt take a deep dive into the symptoms, anatomy, and mechanics of Runner's Knee, and they explore what makes it such a complicated, hard-to-diagnose injury. They also review Mizuno's latest update to the Wave Horizon 6, their premium stability trainer featuring a new Enerzy Core in the midsole.

This episode sponsored by Karhu. You might know they make a collection of running shoes, but for before or after the run, you can be sure to look good with Karhu's Lifestyle collection. They've recently released fresh seasonal colors to ensure you're stylin' going to and from the track. Go to Karhu.com and use promo code DOR2022 at the time of checkout to receive 20% off from the lifestyle assortment when you purchase $100 or more.

The Subjective: How light/heavy do you like your daily trainers? How important is weight to you?

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:38 - The Subjective: How light/heavy do you like your daily trainers? How important is weight to you?
4:30 - Shoe Review: Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
21:02 - Is the Wave Horizon worth it at $170?
24:54 - Wave Horizon comparisons
29:20 - Who is this shoe for?
40:10 - What is Runner's Knee?
47:40 - The anatomy & mechanics of patellofemoral pain
1:01:21 - The role of muscular activation in treating Runner's Knee
1:10:00 - Wrap-up

Runners are constantly looking to refine and improve their form. Today, Nate, Matt, DJ, and Andrea give you some advice on how to avoid common running form mistakes. You'll learn about the role of hip extension the running gait cycle, how to measure and gain hip extension, and it's impact on shoe choice. They also review New Balance's entry into the 5K/10K racing shoe market, the SC Pacer. This racing flat features a full FuelCell foam midsole and a full-length carbon plate. How does it compare to the Nike Streakfly and the Takumi Sen 8? Have a listen!

The Subjective: What's your performance trainer/workout shoe?

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
2:12 - The Subjective: What's your performance trainer/workout shoe?
2:35 - New Balance SC Pacer Review
20:35 - Motor planning and its effects on shoe preference
29:23 - New Balance's Energy Arc and the effects of plate shape
33:55 - Hip extension and its placement in the running cycle
41:22 - Commonly problematic form cues
49:10 - Measuring hip extension and why runners might be lacking it
59:19 - What happens if you lack hip extension
1:05:24 - Strategies for gaining hip extension
1:10:00 - The intersection between shoe types and hip extension
1:16:50 - Wrap up
1:17:42 - Bonus track

Time for another round of "this or that", where the DOR team is on the hot seat! Nathan and Matt are forced to pick between one or the other, no "it depends" (a PT's favorite answer). They throw down on tough questions about Saucony's updates to the Triumph 22, supertrainers, hydration/fueling, and more.

Chapters

• 0:00 - Intro
• 1:24 - Newton CF vs. other moderately stacked plated shoes
• 6:12 - Triumph 22 or Superblast
• 11:46 - Premium daily trainers vs. Supertrainers
• 14:28 - Do supertrainers need PEBA?
• 16:24 - Triumph 22 vs. 21
• 20:55 - Supportive insoles vs. Stability shoes
• 23:37 - Elliptigo vs. Cycling
• 27:35 - Handheld bottle vs. Hydration vest
• 29:30 - Mach 6 vs. Topo Cyclone 2
• 32:38 - Zero-drop Altra vs. Altra with a drop
• 36:28 - Niche shoe brands diversifying their lineups?
• 38:39 - Shoe width vs. Volume
• 42:06 - Healthy for a year with no PR or a PR followed by an injury?
• 43:48 - Group run vs. Solo run
• 46:17 - Gels vs. High-calorie drinks
• 48:32 - Running shoe store vs. Online shoe reviews
• 54:18 - Wrap-up

Our very own Dr. David Salas is a certified strength & conditioning specialist (CSCS). In today's episode DJ & Nate give runners a host of information about the benefit of strength training for runnres, how to get started, common pitfalls and more. They also take a look at an exciting new performance trainer from Topo: the Specter. It features a PEBAX-based midsole, surrounded by an EVA rim for some guidance. The result is an exciting, unique uptempo shoe with the potential to shake up the market!

We are excited to have this episode sponsored by Karhu. You might know they make a collection of running shoes, but for before or after the run, you can be sure to look good with Karhu's Lifestyle collection. They've recently released fresh seasonal colors to ensure you're stylin' going to and from the track. Go to Karhu.com and use promo code DOR2022 at the time of checkout to receive 20% off from the lifestyle assortment when you purchase $100 or more.

The Subjective: What's your favorite summer running gear?

Chapters
0:00 - Intro & DOR Giving
4:38 - The Subjective: What's your favorite summer running gear?
5:54 - Topo Specter Review
27:30 - What a CSCS is
33:36 - How runners should be strength training
43:36 - Common pitfalls for runners starting with weight training
56:32 - How to get started with strength training at home
1:06:10 - Wrap-up & further resources

Matt and DJ are joined by a very special guest, Michael Ko (aka Kofuzi)! Kofuzi tells us about his background and the growth of his YouTube channel. They take a look at his journey to 100,000 subscribers and what's next for his channel. Finally, they investigate the effects of a flexible or rigid forefoot-the biomechanics implications and what type of runner may want each kind of shoe.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Running Warehouse! Right now there are Memorial Day promotions going on with discounts on many types of products through the end of May. Make sure you check it out. Also, coming soon, Running Warehouse will have the ASICS METASPEED SKY+ and EDGE+ in stock on June 1. We will be testing and putting out full reviews on these models soon!

The Subjective: Do you prefer a flexible or rigid forefoot? Why, and for what purposes?

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:29 - The Subjective: Do you prefer a flexible or rigid forefoot? Why, and for what purposes?
1:42 - Introducing Kofuzi
9:32 - The significance of 100K YouTube subscribers
19:53 - The state of running culture & media coverage
31:05 - Kofuzi's goals and vision for his channel
40:42 - The basics of the forefoot of shoes
44:51 - How shoe design impacts forefoot flexibility or rigidity
47:13 - The impact of plates on forefoot rigidity
51:08 - The benefits of a flexible or rigid forefoot
1:06:51 - Midsole nostalgia: adapting to midsole changes over time
1:13:17 - Wrap-up

Nate, DJ, and Matt explore the value of getting a full body running evaluation from a clinician. They explain how they go about evaluating runners in their own practices at physical therapists. They also take a look at common muscular, skeletal, and mobility weaknesses or restrictions in runners and how to address them. Before that, they review ASICS's brand new GLIDERIDE 3, which features their new FF Blast+ compound, giving a softer, more natural ride.

We are excited to have this episode sponsored by Karhu. You might know they make a collection of running shoes, but for before or after the run, you can be sure to look good with Karhu's Lifestyle collection. They've recently released fresh seasonal colors to ensure you're stylin' going to and from the track. Go to Karhu.com and use promo code DOR2022 at the time of checkout to receive 20% off from the lifestyle assortment when you purchase $100 or more.

The Subjective: What's your current favorite midsole foam?

Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
1:20 - The Subjective: Have you ever had a full body running evaluation?
1:50 - ASICS GLIDERIDE 3 Review - Upper
6:56 - ASICS GLIDERIDE 3 - Midsole & Ride
23:34 - Who this shoe may work for
35:08 - Overview of full body running evaluations
43:59 - Common muscular weaknesses in runners
59:28 - Common mobility restrictions in runners
1:03:20 - Testing parameters in running evaluations
1:09:32 - The importance of running evaluations
1:16:14 - Wrap-up

Nate, DJ, and Matt take a look at all the current trends in shoe midsole designs. Do new generation foams really help performance? Are softer shoes better? Do rockers, guidance lines, and higher stack shoes make a difference? What about plates: how much do they improve running economy? Join us for a look at these questions and more.

This week's episode is sponsored by Running Warehouse! Memorial Day is coming up, which means lots of deals on your favorite running shoes over the past year is coming up. There's some great shoes you'll want to keep an eye on that we've loved including the Hoka Carbon X2, Saucony Ride 14, and Asics Magic Speed. Spring is also in full gear with some big releases out now including the Nike React Infinity 3, Asics Cumulus 24 with their new Flytefoam Blast Midsole, and the Saucony Axon 2. Additionally, there's a big Brooks Bra sale for 35% off starting mid-May for runners looking to stock up and get ready for the summer. Running Warehouse has been a longtime favorite of ours for their fantastic variety and excellent customer service. Check them out!

The Subjective: What's your current favorite midsole foam?

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:48 - The Subjective: What's your current favorite midsole foam?
13:40 - Trends in misoles foams
25:23 - Trends in midsole geometries
35:24 - Dovetail heels
39:05 - Guidance lines
43:07 - Midsole cutouts
53:29 - Trends in shoe stack height
1:02:53 - Trends in midsole drop ratio
1:05:21 - Trends in midsole plates
1:15:41 - Future trends
1:24:19 - Wrap-up

Nate, DJ, and Matt are joined today by a very special guest, Dr. Matt Trudeau of Brooks Running. Matt gives us insights into shoe research and development at Brooks. He also explains Brooks' unique take on stability, support, and how to find the right shoe for your unique running style.

Dr. Matt Trudeau is originally from Montréal, QC, Canada. His background is in mechanical engineering: he completed his Bachelor’s degree at Dalhousie University (Halifax, NS, Canada), and his Master’s degree at University of Sherbrooke (Sherbrooke, QC, Canada) where he studied the role of fascia in poly-articular biomechanics. He then completed a doctoral degree in Ergonomics and Human Factors at Harvard University. He then went on to do a Postdoc with Benno Nigg at the University of Calgary. He now leads the Brooks Future Concepts Team at Brooks, where he’s been for the last 7 years. Matt is also the industry representative on the board of the Footwear Biomechanics Group.

The Subjective: How long does it take you to know whether a shoe's going to work for you?

Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
1:46 - The Subjective: How long does it take you to know whether a shoe's going to work for you?
2:56: - Matt Trudeau's background
13:01 - Brooks' research methods
21:13 - Examining your own biomechanics when choosing shoes
23:52 - Pronation vs deviation and the need for support
27:12 - Brooks GuideRails & support features
36:53 - The science behind drop ratio
46:51 - Using the comfort filter to find shoes for you
53:49 - Researching the link between shoes and injury reduction
58:25 - Support in trail shoes
1:08:27 - Research and innovation at Brooks
1:12:43 - Wrap up

Matt & David take a deep dive into trail shoes today. They take a look at different types of trail shoe offerings (hybrid, racing, technical, etc.), different types of terrain, and more. They also explore stability & support features in trail shoes. Finally, they review the Hoka Speedgoat 5.

The Subjective Do you use trail shoes? Why or why not? When do you strap on your trail shoes?

This week's episode is sponsored by our friends at Running Warehouse! Spring has sprung, which means a lot of new releases we've reviewed and loved have finally arrived, including the Hoka Carbon X3 and soon -to-be-released Asics Cumulus 24. The Cumulus, featuring their new Flytefoam Blast midsole, was a huge surprise for us and an early favorite trainer for 2022. Spring also means shorts season! Running Warehouse has you covered with a host of new offerings along with a few of our favorites like Chief Editor Matt Klein's all-time favorite, the BOA 1' split short (link below!). Head over to runningwarehouse.com to check it all out!
Matt's Favorite Shorts from BOA

Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
2:40 - The Subjective: Do you use trail shoes?
7:09 - What makes a trail shoe a trail shoe
17:53 - Components of technical trail shoes
21:50 - Terrain that necessitates trail shoes
30:30 - The function of plates in trail shoes
35:04 - Stability in trail shoes
41:35 - Hoka Speedgoat 5 Review
56:13 - Final thoughts

In the second of a two part podcast, Nate & Matt discuss the makeup of shoe foams with physiologist and researcher Dr. Geoff Burns. Dr. Burns takes us on a deep dive into the history, properties, and durability of common running shoe midole foams. Ever wondered what the difference between EVA, TPU, and PEBA is? Dr. Burns has the answers.

Dr. Geoff Burns is a physiologist and engineer with an expertise in running. He works for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee as a Sport Physiologist, and he conducts academic research with the University of Michigan. His work has focused on running biomechanics and performance. Geoff is a runner himself and competes internationally in ultramarathons. He was the 2016 USA national champion in the 100km and has finished 5th at the 100km World Championships, twice, in 2016 and 2018. 

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:18 - The history of EVA and its properties
6:21 - TPU: a new foam on the scene
13:00 - PEBA: a revolutionary foam
20:24 - The confusing state of foams & marketing
24:14 - Supercritical foams
31:24 - Defining foam resilience & longevity
35:40 - Lab testing midsole foams
45:16 - Assessing foam durability
53:46 - Foam thermosensitivity
1:00:31 - Wrap-up

In the first of a two part podcast, Nate & Matt discuss shoe foams and biomechanics with physiologist and researcher Dr. Geoff Burns. In this first part, Geoff educates us about the effects of different shoe properties on our biomechanics. He also explains how biomechanics change while running at different paces. 

Dr. Geoff Burns is a physiologist and engineer with an expertise in running. He works for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee as a Sport Physiologist, and he conducts academic research with the University of Michigan. His work has focused on running biomechanics and performance. Geoff is a runner himself and competes internationally in ultramarathons. He was the 2016 USA national champion in the 100km and has finished 5th at the 100km World Championships, twice, in 2016 and 2018. 

The Subjective: What's the hardest race you've ever run, and what did you learn from it?

Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
1:42 - The Subjective: What's the hardest race you've ever run?
20:00 - Geoff Burns's background and research
32:36 - The effects of shoes on biomechanics
43:43 - The effect of running speed on biomechanics and our experience of shoes
50:56 - Wrap-up

Today Doctors of Running contributors 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 mission of her private practice for the past 24 years is to educate, motivate and inspire athletes to use food as a tool to become the fastest, strongest and best athlete they can be. Learn more about Jennifer at her website: https://www.jenngilesrd.com

Selene Yeager is a certified personal trainer, USA Cycling certified coach, pro mountain bike racer, and All-American Ironman triathlete. She's also a top-selling professional health and fitness writer and has authored, co-authored, and contributed to more than two dozen book titles. Check out Selene's website at www.seleneyeager.com

The Subjective: Do you use nutrition or hydration supplements before/during/after exercise? If so, which ones?

Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
2:08 - Interview: Selene Yeager & Jennifer Giles
3:55 - General macronutrient needs for endurance athletes
7:41 - Specific risks for women while training fasted
13:02 - Recommendations for protein supplements
17:20 - Nutritional strategies for maintaining bone health
23:38 - The connection between the menstrual cycle, health & training
29:04 - Hydrating well before, during, and after exercise
38:38 - Artificial sweeteners and gut health
41:47 - Preworkout hydration drinks
44:00 - Strength training for women
47:33 - Balancing aerobic & anaerobic training
49:27 - Recovering well: nutrition, ice baths, and more
1:03:50 - Improving sleep quality
1:10:33 - Closing questions

At the roundtable today, Nate, Matt, and DJ discuss the three questions they're asked most often as shoe reviewers and physical therapists: How does X shoe fit and is it responsive? How stable is X shoe?, and what shoe would you recommend for a certain condition or pain? Also, they take an in-depth look at Asics's latest update to the Cumulus series, now featuring Flytefoam Blast.

*This episode is sponsored by our friends at Running Warehouse! Right now they are having a Spring Savings event at www.runningwarehouse.com, featuring Hoka, Nike, and one of our favorite shoes of the past year: the Kinvara 12. Also this week, the new Hoka Speedgoat 5 and much talked about On Cloudmonser have arrived! We absolutely loved testing the Speedgoat 5 recently. Anyone looking to do long miles on the trail will find much to love.

The Subjective: What's your favorite long run shoe?

Chapters

0:00 - Introduction
1:18 - DOR Giving: Alzheimer's Association
5:46 - The Subjective: What's your favorite long run shoe?
14:03 - Asics Cumulus 24 Review
40:38 - The three questions we get asked the most as shoe reviewers
42:15 - How does this shoe fit? And is it responsive?
46:30 - How stable is X shoe?
58:34 - What's the best shoe for a certain pain or condition?
1:06:37 - Wrap up

Our Favorite Running Warehouse Picks Right Now:
Naked Belt - DJ's favorite way to carry all his gels and phone during the run
Ciele Hat - Nathan's favorite running hat of all time
Coffee Flavored Skratch Labs - Matt's favorite way to recovery post run and get a morning jolt
Janji Mercury Track Pants - Social Media Manager Bach's absolute favorite cool weather pants. Soft, durable, and well-fitting with great zip pockets.

This week we are thrilled to share a conversation with our friends at Mizuno Running. Shunsuke, Mizuno’s Global Product Line Manager, and Ayako Suzuki (Susan), the team’s Running Footwear Product Designer, join Matt and Andrea to talk about the brand new Neo Vista. They dig into the brand’s bold new heel geometries (including the one seen in the Japan-only Wave Duel Pro model) and discuss what these new trends mean for the future of running shoes at Mizuno.

Chapters

• 0:00 - Intro
• 2:02 - Susan & Shunsuke's roles at Mizuno
• 3:50 - Mizuno's different types of foams
• 7:00 - The design of the Neo Vista's midsole
• 10:50 - Foam composition
• 13:59 - The science between Mizuno's aggressive heel geometries
• 19:48 - The extreme Wave Duel Pro
• 23:31 - Making the Neo Vista stable thru design
• 33:00 - Mizuno's plate composition
• 35:34 - The future of Mizuno's two main shoe lines
• 40:52 - The future of Mizuno's super shoes
• 46:22 - Wrap-up

At the roundtable today Nate and Matt are joined for the first time by Doctors of Running Contributor, Megan Flynn to answer a variety of listener questions. How does body weight change the impact of super shoes, especially for women? What is Morton's neuroma and what should you look for in shoes to help you deal with it? How do stability shoes impact conditions like genu varum? Join us for answers to these questions and more. The Subjective: What motivates you to keep running? Chapters 0:00 - Introduction 3:58 - Meet DOR Contributor Megan Flynn 12:58 - The Subjective: what motivates you to keep running? 22:16 - What shoes might be good if you have Morton's neuroma? 39:22 - What shoe characteristics influence knee problems? 48:34 - Do mild stability shoes impact genu varum? 54:28 - Does a runner's weight impact their ability to maximize the benefit of supershoes, especially for women? 1:01:16 - Wrap-up

In a very special episode, Matt interviews Laurent Malisoux, PhD about his extensive research into the connection between shoe cushioning and injury rates. Dr. Malisoux is the Group Leader of the Physical Activity, Sport and Health (PASH) research group at the Luxembourg Institute of Health. Over the last 5 years, he focused his research activities on the prevention of sports injury and the evaluation of physical activity. Matt and Dr. Malisoux explore the differences between hard and soft shoes, research methods, injury risk, and more. The Subjective: If you could have anyone on the podcast as a guest, who would it be?  Chapters 00:00 - Giveaway winner 00:57 - Introduction 2:25 - Interview: Matt with Dr. Laurent Malisoux 10:43 - Shoe Cushioning Defined 17:15 - Is there a connection between impact force and injury risk 25:21 - The influence of different levels of shoe cushioning on biomechanics 28:03 - The relationship between body mass and injury risk 41:33 - What does research say about shoes effecting injury rates? 50:59 - In what population does shoe cushioning impact injury rates, and how do we apply that? 1:00:29 - Closing questions 1:02:39 - Interview wrap-up with Matt & Nate

Today at the roundtable Nate, DJ, and Matt discuss how a shoe should fit. How do you asses whether a shoe fits you well? What should you look for when shopping for running shoes? What are the consequences of poor fit? They also take an in-depth look at Saucony's latest update of the Freedom 5 featuring the same PWRRUN PB midsole foam as their Endorphin line. They also review Saucony's updates to the Axon: a max-stack, rockered, budget-friendly trainer.

*This episode was sponsored by Running Warehouse. Check out the latest Spring Savings deals at www.runningwarehouse.com

GIVEAWAY: $50 Running Warehouse Gift Card (US Eligible Only)
To Enter
1. Review this podcast and send a screen shot of your review to doctorsofrunningpodcast@gmail.com
2. Subscribe to our YouTube channel (Doctors of Running) and comment your answer to "The Subjective" (video will be posted on 3/11/22)
*One entry per method (max of two entries per person). Winner will be contacted on 3/13/22.

Our favorites at RW right now:
David's Naked Belt: https://www.runningwarehouse.com/SearchResults/?from=docrun&searchtext=Naked%20belt&opt_perpage=20&opt_sort=relevance&opt_page=1
Nathan's Ciele Hat: https://www.runningwarehouse.com/Ciele_ALZCap_SC_565cm_-_Century_Small_Logo/descpage-CALZLPI015.html?from=docrun
Matt's Skratch: https://www.runningwarehouse.com/Skratch_Sport_Recovery_Mix_12-Serv/descpage-SKSRMXB.html?from=docrun

The Subjective: What's the best-fitting running shoe you've ever had?

Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
4:32 - The Subjective: What's the best fitting running shoe you've ever had?
8:32 - Saucony Freedom 5 Review
17:46 - Saucony Freedom 5 Uses & Comparisons
31:02 - Saucony Axon 2 Review
48:04 - How should a running shoe fit?
1:12:46 - Shoe recommendations for narrow & wide feet
1:15:34 - Outro

Today Nate and DJ are joined by two very special guests from PUMA: Todd Falker (Senior Product Line Manager) and Laura Healey  (Manager, Footwear Innovation). They give us an inside look at how PUMA came out of nowhere with a great lineup of shoes in 2021 and what updates they have planned for 2022 and beyond. We also look at the development at two brand new shoes, the FAST-R and the RUN XX coming later this year and dig a bit into the biomechanical and tester feedback approach that PUMA is taking within their development.

Chapters

0:00 - Introduction

1:18 - The Subjective: what's your favorite PUMA running shoe?

4:18 - Introducing Todd & Laura

10:40 - PUMA's lineup: a recap of 2021 and a look at updates

20:56 - The FAST-R

35:16 - The RUN XX: a women's-specific shoe

45:32 - Looking forward: Puma's upcoming projects and goals

52:00 - Wrap-up

Today at the roundtable Nate, Matt, and David discuss the tibialis posterior, including its role in the gait cycle, how it can get irritated or injured, and what shoes may be best for dealing with tib post pain. They also take an in depth look at Saucony's latest refresh of the cult classic Kinvara, version 13. Also, at the end of the month we'll feature a new DOR giving initiative. For February it's City On a Hill in Milwaukee, WI.

Chapters

1. Intro
2. DOR Giving: City On a Hill - 1:10
3. The Subjective: Biggest running goals for 2022 - 3:52
4. Tibialis Posterior Pain: anatomy and causes - 10:22
5. Best Shoes for Tibialis Posterior pain - 25:38
6. Saucony Kinvara 13 Review - 33:20
7. Saucony Kinvara 13 Comparisons - 44:26
8. Closing - 57:02

Today Nate and Matt take a deep dive into rocker soles in running shoes. What exactly is a rocker sole? What's the role of toe spring in a shoe? Who may benefit from a rockered sole and who may not? Afterwards we discuss what to do when presented with conflicting evidence and how to sift through the vast amount of information and research available. Finally, Matt gives his review of the XTEP RC 260.

Chapters

0:00 - Intro
1:26 - The Subjective: what's your favorite Winter Olympics event?
6:56 - Rocker Soles: definitions and biomechanical implications
23:20 - What shoes have the best integrated forefoot rockers?
28:50 - Who may benefit from rocker soles?
36:27 - Who may not benefit from rocker soles?
40:56 - Research: what we do with conflicting evidence
48:59 - XTEP X 260 Review

Today at the roundtable we discuss the continually blurring lines between different categories of running shoes: namely trainers, performance trainers, and racing shoes. We talk about whether performance trainers are even useful and if so, why? We then dive into Craft's new offerings: Ultra 2, Ultra Carbon 2, and Race Rebel.

Chapters
0:00 - Intro/Big Favor

2:08 - The Subjective: favorite long distance racing shoe?

10:56 - Shoe Categories: where do we draw the lines and are they useful?

27:00 - What's the point of a performance trainer?

37:24 - Craft line-up reviews

In today's episode we revisit conversations that have been had regarding foam, namely discussing what changes foam leads to on the body and how long foam may last in a shoe. We then highlight our new guide on doctorsofrunning.com that helps people consider what to think about when purchasing their first pair of running shoes (or close to it). Embedded in those discussions are pearls of advice for preparing our bodies to run, what this sport demands of our bodies, and how we can be the smartest runners possible. 

Find the guide here: https://www.doctorsofrunning.com/2022/01/best-running-shoes-for-beginners.html

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction/Who is DOR?

4:50 Listener Question: What’s your latest injury?

9:18 Foam properties, loading, impact force, stack height, and more

16:08 How long does foam last?

24:04 ON Cloudboom Echo first thoughts

27:42 Selecting shoes for the new runner

55:52 Wrap-up

Today on the roundtable we have the joy of talking about our second DOR Giving initiative. You'll learn more about the Life Rolls On foundation and the wonderful work they do. You can learn more and donate to their organization here: https://liferollson.org/.

Next we talk about the art and science of uppers, and why they are one of the most overlooked pieces of shoe design. We give our picks for favorite uppers over the last year and why they worked for us in a variety of categories like daily trainer, racers, and trail. Then we discuss and review all of the early HOKA 2022 offerings: Carbon X3, Kawana, Tecton X, and Mach Supersonic. We discuss where some of these fell short, who they may work for, and where HOKA may need to go next. 

Today to the roundtable we welcome Stuart Jenkins, a seasoned innovator in the running shoe industry who has worked with independent inventors across brands, led Deckers' innovation team, and now has started BLUMAKA. We dive into what he has found makes innovation work and how companies can fail at innovation, all while considering his newest endeavor with BLUMAKA, which has a focus on high performing and sustainably produced product with foam created out of a majority of recycled material. Hear his initial takes on sustainability in the run shoe industry and things to consider as inventors and innovators. 

To learn more about BLUMAKA, visit www.blumaka.com. For 20% off your first order, use promo code DOR20 (note that we do not receive a kickback for these purchases, it is simply a discount for our listeners).

Listener discretion advised: please note that there is swearing in this episode of the Doctors of Running Virtual Roundtable.

We've got another mailbag episode where it's all about your questions. Andrea and Nathan team up to tackle a bunch of different questions about superfoams and supershoes. How do you know if a shoe does (or doesn't) agree with your mechanics? Is the difference in energy return of superfoams vs. EVA really significant? Tune in for these and more. We're always filling up our mailbag, so DM us on Instagram or email us at doctorsofrunningpodcast@gmail.com!

Chapters

• 0:00 - Intro
• 5:50 - How to know if a shoe's plate & geometry lines up with your foot
• 18:56 - Can an after-market footbed increase shoe stiffness like a carbon plate?
• 25:29 - Finding carbon-plated shoes when you have Morton's neuroma
• 33:06 - Are we sure that the energy return of superfoams vs. EVA is what makes supershoes faster?
• 42:28 - Mizuno Neo Vista review
• 56:09 - Wrap-up

We will be taking a break for 2-3 weeks on the Roundtable but will still be producing all our website content, so feel free to check that out at www.doctorsofrunning.com. After our break the podcast will be full steam ahead! Happy New Year!

Today is our final episode of 2021, and we couldn't be more thankful for all of you who have joined this community! We are closing out the year with an exciting new giving initiative which we discuss in detail. However, this month's organization that we are supporting is Megan's Wings. You can check out what they do on their website: https://www.meganswings.org/. After that, Matt and Nathan dive into Achilles Tendinopathy and cover everything from definitions, pathoanatomy, rehab, and what role shoes play. They also discuss the question, "Can I keep running through this injury?" As always, this podcast is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are having pain or an injury, please find a local physical therapist. 

We are in the final episode of our DPT Approved Awards for 2021. Our team has tested over 110 shoes and ran over 15,000 miles in 2021 (so far) and we are ready to dish out our picks for numerous categories of shoes. Our final category is a fan-favorite: Best Road Racing Shoes. We talk through our individual contributor picks for both shorter and longer distance road racing with a focus on "super shoe" options. We are believers in more traditional road racing flats, but those will be reserved for another time. 2021 was a sneaky year that brought a lot of very solid road racing options, and we talk about many of them in this episode.