Doctors of Running Podcast
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
#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 get 10% off your entire order of $50.00 or more. Note that the code is limited to one use per customer and can't be combined with other discounts. The code is active from 1st of...
#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 at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.
Rabbit is the presenting partner of our podcast. You can use code SUMMERDOCS to get 10% off your entire order of $50.00 or more. Note that the code is...
#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 per customer and can't be combined with other discounts. The code is active from 1st of every month to last day at 11:59PM PST, but don't worry because we'll be bringing you...
#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 the EZ Tee SS, EZ Tee LS, and a unisex Go-to Hoodie. Pre-sale is open June 3–June 17th, with gear shipping the week of July 6th. Check it...
#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 collaboration with Rabbit! The collection includes the EZ Tee SS, EZ Tee LS, and a unisex Go-to Hoodie. Pre-sale is open thru June 17th, with gear shipping the week of July 6th. Check it out at https://www...
#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 Hyperion 2.
We're thrilled to announce our apparel collaboration with Rabbit! The collection includes the EZ Tee SS, EZ Tee LS, and a unisex Go-to Hoodie. Pre-sale is open June 3–June 17th, with gear shipping the week of July 6th...
#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 Brooks Hyperion Max 4, Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro, Saucony Endorphin Pro 5, Endorphin Azura, and more as jumping-off points for discussion. What do you think? How do you categorize shoes? We'd love feedback! Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.
<...#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://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
Rabbit is the presenting partner of our podcast. You can use code MAYDOCS10 to get 10% off your entire order of $50.00 or more. Note that the code is limited to...
#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 the days leading up to the race through race day and the aftermath.
Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
Rabbit is the presenting partner of our podcast. You can use code MAYDOCS10 to ge...
#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 strike change how you might perceive a shoe, and make the case for why brands diversifying their racing shoe lineups is a win for runners.
Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/<...
#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 presenting partner of our podcast. You can use code MAYDOCS10 to get 10% off your entire order of $50.00 or more. Note that the code is limited to one use per customer and can't be combined with...
#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 featured on the next Buy or Sell? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
Ra...
#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 with the right walking footwear.
Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
Rabbit is the presenting partner of our podcast. You can use code...
#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 training when illness gets in the way.
Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
We're thrilled to have Rabbit as a presenting partner! You can use code SPRINGDOCS to get 10% off...
#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 how to integrate them wisely into training. They also dig into what the research says about tendon health, trail super shoes, and maintaining foot and calf strength.
Dr. Hunter completed a mathematics ed...
#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://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
We're thrilled to have Rabbit as a presenting partner! You can use code DORMARCH10 to get 10% off your entire order of $50.00...
#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 behind them.
Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
We're thrilled to have Rabbit as a presenting partner! You can use code DORMARCH10 to get 10...
#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 DORMARCH10 to get 10% off your entire order of $50.00 or more. Note that the code is limited to one use per customer and can’t combined with other discounts. The code is active from 1st...
#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 to have Rabbit as a presenting partner! You can use code DORMARCH10 to get 10% off your entire order of $50.00 or more. Note that the code is limited to one use per customer...
#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 Hospital. Her lifetime PRs 1500/800m 4:19/2:08. She runs for Central Park Track Club Tracksmith and is an Alum of UMass Amherst. She’s a multi-time masters national champion and World Indoor Masters Champ in the 15...
#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 story of the Superblast 3!
Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
We're thrilled to have Rabbit as a presenting partner! You can use code...
#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 in!
Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
We're thrilled to have Rabbit as a presenting partner! You can use code DOCTORS10 to...
#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 myths 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...
#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 at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.
Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
We're thrilled to introduce Rabbit as a presenting partner! You can use code DORJAN10 to get 10% off...
#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: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
We're thrilled to introduce Rabbit as a presenting partner! You can use code DORJAN10 to get 10% off your entire order of $50.00 or more. Note that the...
#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 your idea on the next edition of Buy or Sell? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com!
We're thrilled to introduce Rabbit as a presenting partner! You can use code DORJAN10 to...
#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 injured, and what you can do to rehabilitate on your own.
Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING! https://www.skratchlabs.com
...
#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://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING! https://www.skratchlabs.com
Chapters
0:00 - Intro2:28 - What makes Topo tick6:08 - Specter 310:47...#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 getting big updates, and they'll be joined by the new Paramount Max. Listen in to hear about even more of what they have coming next year.
Get your DOR Merch...
#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 new Glycerin FLex, Glycerin Max 2, Ghost Trail, Hyperion Elite 6, and many more.
Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
Get 20...
#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-favorite Neo Zen and Neo Vista models. Read our Hyperwarp Pure review here, and keep an eye out for reviews of the Elite & Pro models: https://www.doctorsofrunning.com/2025/12...
#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-running.myspreadshop.com/
Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING! https://www.skratchlabs.com
Chapters
0:00 - Intro2:51 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs21:48...#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.com/
Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING! https://www.skratchlabs.com
LEVER Movement is portable and effective body weight support systems. Our products, including the LEVER System that al...
#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 doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.
Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING! Visit https://www.skratchlabs...
#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: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING! https://www.skratchlabs.com
LEVER Movement is port...
#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 for the next big race.
Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING! Visit https://www.sk...
#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 company does best? 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...
#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 might be affecting your shin pain.
Dr. Doug Adams is a Physical Therapist who has published and spoken at an international level on all things related to running...
#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/
Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING!
LEVER Movement is portable and effective body weight support systems. Our products, including the LEVER System that allow users to reduce th...
#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 the mistakes you've made in your training or running career? Drop a comment or email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.
Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/
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