#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 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.comChapters0:00 - Intro2:20 - Dr. Iain Hunter's background6:48 - How the results of Iain's studies have impacted his training11:20 - 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 shoes30:42 - How super shoe effect tendon health41:34 - What's the research on trail super shoes?45:10 - How to maintain foot & calf strength50:28 - What's coming next for Dr. Hunter's research?53:02 - Adapting to super shoes57:44 - Finding Dr. Hunter's work online59:16 - 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.comChapters0:00 - Intro2:26 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs13:56 - Our favorite shoes of 2026 so far: honorable mentions22:34 - #331:52 - #236:30 - #141:14 - David's leadup to the Boston Marathon with Adidas53:46 - David's current training routine1:01:16 - Lessons learned with training changes1:10:26 - The differences for Andrea between professional cycling and masters track1:13:08 - 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.comChapters0:00 - Intro1:06 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs27:06 - The role of weight lifting for runners31:22 - Weightlifting myths41:48 - Matt's routine48:46 - Nathan's routine55:34 - 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 [email protected]!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.comChapters0:00 - Intro1:04 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs22:46 - Hiking shoes for ankle pathologies30:38 - The science behind recovery runs & recovery run shoes41:32 - Are there any benefits to compression gear?46:16 - Stable neutral long run shoes52:18 - 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.comChapters0:00 - Intro2:06 - The origin of the Cielo X1 line5:26 - 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 shoe22:18 - The role of the central groove27:12 - How has the plate changed?33:02 - The nature of the midsole foam39:30 - Upper changes45:18 - 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.comChapters0:00 - Intro2:14 - Jenn's running background8:16 - Tips for transferring from high school to collegiate training11:32 - The post-collegiate transition15:24 - Balancing racing and resting18:44 - Becoming a competitive masters athlete30:54 - Tips for getting into competitive masters track36:20 - How has high school/collegiate coaching & training changed over the years?43:18 - Jenn's biggest tip for the parents of high school runners46:40 - How training changes over the years51:04 - Jenn's shoe rotation1:00:14 - Wrap-up

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 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.comChapters0:00 - Intro3:06 - What was the vision behind the Superblast 35:22 - How does Asics test their shoes?11:34 - Midsole origins and design15:48 - David's comparitive experiences between the Superblast 2 and 320:14 - Why no plate? Why the specific stack height?25:12 - Upper design33:44 - Changes to the outsole35:02 - The "Blast" line as a whole40:32 - If you could pick one "Blast" shoe, which one are you picking?45:04 - What's coming next for the Blast line47:22 - Wrap-up

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 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.comChapters0:00 - Intro3:20 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs21:00 - This or That: true easy day shoe or a do-it-all shoe?27:16 - Running in frigid cold with shorts, or in heat with long pants?36:00 - Super trainers or plated performance trainers?41:02 - Donut mile or beer mile?45:46 - More fun: 5K training or marathon training?49:52 - Marathon race route: out & back or a loop?51:26 - Achilles tear or ACL tear?52:54 - Stability racing shoes or stability trainers?55:36 - Run in a tropical storm or run in a blizzard?1:01:34 - For long-term health: super shoes or no super shoes?1:05:06 - Seattle Seahawks or New England Patriots?1:06:20 - Wrap-up

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 [email protected] 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/.Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING! https://www.skratchlabs.comChapters0:00 - Intro2:14 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs13:14 - Fact or Fiction? If you need orthotics once, you need them forever25:00 - Most runs should be Zone 2 + 80/20 training33:14 - Running cadence should be at least 180 steps per minute38:50 - More cushion is better44:04 - Running is bad for your knees51:04 - Barefoot shoes cause injuries57:30 - Super shoes don't work for slower runners1:03:08 - Soft surfaces reduce injury risk1:09:30 - All shoes can be trail shoes if you try hard enough1:12:48 - Wrap-up

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 [email protected] 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 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/.Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING! https://www.skratchlabs.comChapters0:00 - Intro1:16 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs26:31 - What can make or break a shoe's upper31:03 - Low forefoot volume and width32:39 - Not enough room where the midfoot & forefoot transition35:13 - Overly tapered toe boxes41:25 - Too early of a taper43:05 - Overly plush & padded uppers46:37 - Tongues that are either too thick or too thin51:37 - Not enough security in the midfoot54:11 - Heel seams that cause rubbing57:51 - Heel counters that angle into the Achilles1:02:31 - Wrap-up