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 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 of every month to last day at 11:59PM PST, but don't worry because we'll be bringing you a new code every month. Shop now at https://www.runinrabbit.com.

Our In For Testing segment is fueled by Skratch Labs! Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING! https://www.skratchlabs.com

Chapters

• 0:00 - Intro
• 3:24 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs
• 24:16 - On Cloudmonster Hyper 3 vs. Saucony Endorphin Azura
• 30:08 - Shoe suggestion for ITB-related knee pain
• 38:10 - Upper-body strength training suggestions
• 43:08 - Brooks Adrenaline vs. ASICS Kayano vs. Mizuno Wave Inspire
• 50:12 - Similar road shoes to the Puma Deviate Nitro Trail
• 54:52 - Marathon training while fighting illnesses
• 1:02:10 - Wrap-up

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 education degree with a coaching minor at BYU followed by a Master's of Education in coaching. His interests in biomechanics grew during his master's degree which led him to continue education with a PhD in Health and Human Performance at Oregon State University. He teaches biomechanics while working with USA Track and Field applying his research to elite distance runners.

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 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 of every month to last day at 11:59PM PST, but don't worry because we'll be bringing you a new code every month. Shop now at https://www.runinrabbit.com.

Our In For Testing segment is fueled by Skratch Labs! Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING! https://www.skratchlabs.com

Chapters

• 0:00 - Intro
• 2:20 - Dr. Iain Hunter's background
• 6:48 - How the results of Iain's studies have impacted his training
• 11:20 - How do people's responses to super shoes vary?
• 21:54 - Does everyone need a super shoe? How should they find the right one for them?
• 25:48 - Advice on training in super shoes
• 30:42 - How super shoe effect tendon health
• 41:34 - What's the research on trail super shoes?
• 45:10 - How to maintain foot & calf strength
• 50:28 - What's coming next for Dr. Hunter's research?
• 53:02 - Adapting to super shoes
• 57:44 - Finding Dr. Hunter's work online
• 59:16 - Wrap-up

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 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 of every month to last day at 11:59PM PST, but don't worry because we'll be bringing you a new code every month. Shop now at https://www.runinrabbit.com.

Our In For Testing segment is fueled by Skratch Labs! Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING! https://www.skratchlabs.com

Chapters

• 0:00 - Intro
• 2:26 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs
• 13:56 - Our favorite shoes of 2026 so far: honorable mentions
• 22:34 - #3
• 31:52 - #2
• 36:30 - #1
• 41:14 - David's leadup to the Boston Marathon with Adidas
• 53:46 - David's current training routine
• 1:01:16 - Lessons learned with training changes
• 1:10:26 - The differences for Andrea between professional cycling and masters track
• 1:13:08 - Wrap-up