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 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 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 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
• 1:14 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs
• 20:28 - An intro to the mechanics of walking
• 27:18 - How the foot moves while you walk
• 34:18 - Characteristics of shoes that are good for walking
• 47:48 - How does the heel bevel effect walking shoes
• 49:16 - Top 3 brands for good walking shoes
• 54:32 - Pairing common injuries with walking footwear
• 1:06:32 - Wrap-up

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

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% 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
• 1:06 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs
• 27:06 - The role of weight lifting for runners
• 31:22 - Weightlifting myths
• 41:48 - Matt's routine
• 48:46 - Nathan's routine
• 55:34 - Wrap-up

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 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
• 1:04 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs
• 22:46 - Hiking shoes for ankle pathologies
• 30:38 - The science behind recovery runs & recovery run shoes
• 41:32 - Are there any benefits to compression gear?
• 46:16 - Stable neutral long run shoes
• 52:18 - Lightweight or high cushion a priority?
• 1:00:18 - Is it possible to run a marathon and then run a half the next weekend?
• 1:06:18 - Wrap-up

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 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
• 2:06 - The origin of the Cielo X1 line
• 5:26 - How long did development take?
• 8:26 - How has 3.0's geometry changed from the previous version?
• 14:34 - Why did the cutouts change?
• 19:14 - What Hoka sees as the ideal use for this shoe
• 22:18 - The role of the central groove
• 27:12 - How has the plate changed?
• 33:02 - The nature of the midsole foam
• 39:30 - Upper changes
• 45:18 - Who does Hoka think this shoe will/won't work for?
• 49:36 - Wrap-up

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 1500m.

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 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
• 2:14 - Jenn's running background
• 8:16 - Tips for transferring from high school to collegiate training
• 11:32 - The post-collegiate transition
• 15:24 - Balancing racing and resting
• 18:44 - Becoming a competitive masters athlete
• 30:54 - Tips for getting into competitive masters track
• 36:20 - How has high school/collegiate coaching & training changed over the years?
• 43:18 - Jenn's biggest tip for the parents of high school runners
• 46:40 - How training changes over the years
• 51:04 - Jenn's shoe rotation
• 1:00:14 - Wrap-up