42. Best Shoe Reviewers, Worst Shoe Companies Part 2, & Runners and the “Ick”

The Size 15 Runner wears a blindfold and tries to determine if running shoe love is blind as he launches a new season of Netflix’s “Shoe Love is Blind” (2:21); he questions the question of whether running shoe colorways actually matter and what color preferences say about runners (15:25); and he takes it to the max as he reviews the max-cushioned, nitrogen-infused Brooks Glycerin Max (29:50). Brooks Glycerin Max — With the exception of its weight, the Glycerin Max is a huge (pun intended) upgrade from the regular Glycerin in every category. With its unique DNA Tuned midsole and one-of-a-kind looks, the Glycerin Max isn’t just another max cushion shoe. It’s one of the best, most fun, and stylish shoes of the year, in any category (spoiler alert). Shoe Love is Blind — Can runners fall in love with a running shoe before seeing it? Find out on a new season of Netflix’s True Love is Blind! Blindfolded contestants will use each of their senses—except for sight—to try and determine if it’s “shoe love” at first smell, touch, hearing, and even taste! Do Shoe Colorways Matter? — Are all running shoe colorways created equal? Should runners pretend to be “colorblind” when shopping for running shoes? Why do companies charge more for different colorways? Let’s tackle this crucial topic! thesize15runner.com Newsletter Instagram

The Size 15 Runner shoves fantasy football to the side as he shoves a fantasy running league down your throat (2:56); he does the absolute worst job presenting the absolute best running shoes of the year (13:51); and he excuses his pathetic Richmond Marathon performance with a variety of pathetic excuses (29:50). Best Shoes of 2024 — Wow! What an awesome year it was for running shoes! Of course, we say that every year. Looking for the definitive list of the year’s best daily trainers, race day shoes, max cushion kicks, and much more? You’ve found it! Fantasy Running — You’ve heard of fantasy football, now, get ready to hear about all the fun you’ll have in a fantasy running league! It’s a ball of fun—and there’s not even a ball involved! Richmond Marathon Recap — The figurative stage was all set for The Size 15 Runner to run under 3 hours in “America’s Friendliest Marathon.” And then he figuratively tripped and fell and landed headfirst on the figurative stage. Luckily, he literally came prepared with a variety of excuses for his pitiful performance. thesize15runner.com Newsletter Instagram

The Size 15 Runner still isn’t on his best behavior—he’s on his worst behavior as he discusses the worst shoe companies (3:13); he details in great detail what makes the best shoe reviewer in the game…the best shoe reviewer in the game (16:20); and he gets icky with it as he describes the ways runners give him the “ick” (26:55). Worst Shoe Companies Part 2 — The Size 15 Runner finishes skewering the rest of the idiotic names of shoe companies he didn’t cover in the previous episode. Best Shoe Reviewer — What makes the best shoe reviewer in the running game the best shoe reviewer in the running game? The Ick — The Size 15 Runner names more of the insufferable behaviors of runners that give him the “ick.” thesize15runner.com Newsletter Instagram

The Size 15 Runner isn’t on his best behavior—he’s on his worst behavior as he discusses the worst shoe companies (2:52); he underwhelmingly presents an all-new underwhelming version of the “Real World” reality show that overwhelmingly no one asked for—“Real World: Running Edition” (14:30); and he rules with an iron fist as an unruly rule maker who declares more of the “New Rules” of running (27:27). Worst Shoe Companies — First, he roasted shoe brands’ idiotically-named midsole foams in episode 21. Then, he mocked their idiotic mottos in episode 30. Now, he’s back to skewer their idiotic names in episode 41. New Rules of Running — Back in Episode 35, The Size 15 Runner so boldly declared the “New Rules” of running. You didn’t really think those were the ONLY "New Rules" of running, did you? Now, he’s back to present…more of the “New Rules” of running. “Real World: Running Edition” — What happens when runners stop being polite and start getting real? Find out in the latest season of Real World! thesize15runner.com Newsletter Instagram

The Size 15 Runner explains how the rise of plated running shoes has caused negative side effects to arise for both rising and experienced runners alike (2:53); he puts a spotlight on quite the unique runner who’s putting the running world on notice and putting critics’ doubts to rest (15:20); and he posts the top 5 post-run hacks to follow post-run to optimize recovery and stay injury free (22:28). The Problem with Plated Shoes — There’s a new trend in running shoes that is quickly and viciously ruining the integrity of the game—wait, running isn’t really a game. There’s a new trend in running shoes that is quickly and viciously ruining the integrity of the sport—is running considered a sport? Let’s explore the controversial trend of plated shoes and how it’s negatively impacting runners. Top 5 Recovery Hacks — Following the top 5 pre-run hacks in episode 32, The Size 15 Runner returns to present the top 5 post-run hacks in episode 40 to help you ensure a full recovery after your “very tiring” workouts. Spotlighting a Unique Runner — Showcasing quite the very special runner who has transformed the sport of running and everyone in it. thesize15runner.com Newsletter Instagram

The Size 15 Runner uses his “rank” as podcast host to provide the definitive ranking of the best running surfaces—ranked from worst to best (3:45); he names the best running watch to watch out for when watching out for running watches (17:13); and he goes into hyperdrive and becomes hyperactive as he reviews the speedy Brooks Hyperion Max 2 (31:23). Brooks Hyperion Max 2 Review — Typically, the second edition of a shoe doesn’t see big updates. Companies feel compelled to release an update every year, whether or not they’re actually ready to, because…money. But not with the Hyperion Max 2. There are three significant changes to the updated pair that greatly improve it. Ranking the Best Running Surfaces — Ever wondered what’s the definitive ranking of the best (and worst) surfaces to run on? Wonder no more! From sand to sidewalk and everything in between, I outline them, ranked from worst to best. Top Running Watches — Introducing the Ronex—the world’s first running watch and luxury watch, in one. With a Ronex, you can track each hour, minute, and even second of a day. But not just a day—all days! Find out what else this hideously overpriced and hideous-looking watch can do! thesize15runner.com Newsletter Instagram

The Size 15 Runner maxes out his energy as he takes it to the max while discussing the max cushion running shoe trend and how brands are maximizing profits; he warns of the devastating side effects runners face when they’re inflicted with the “yips”; and he pits running shoe geeks against sneakerheads in the lamest head-to-head battle nobody asked for. Max Cushion Shoe Trend — Does size matter? Running shoe companies sure seem to think so. Lately, every running brand and their mother are dramatically increasing the amount of midsole foam underfoot and naming their shoes some derivative of BIG. Find out why it’s a problematic trend. The “Yips” and Runners — The “yips” is the sudden and unexplained loss of skills typical to an athlete’s ability. So, what happens to runners inflicted with the yips? Only the worst things imaginable. (And, no, not all who run can be considered athletes.) Running Shoe Geeks vs Sneakerheads — There’s a centuries-old, nasty, bitter, hateful, scornful, and vengeful feud between running shoe geeks and sneakerheads that burns hotter than the fire of a thousand suns. There can be only one group of shoe lovers left standing when it’s all said and done. I make the case for why running shoe geeks shall reign supreme. thesize15runner.com Newsletter Instagram

The Size 15 Runner gets icky with it as he describes the ways runners give him the “ick"; he attempts to solve one of the greatest unsolved running mysteries never solved; and he reaches for the sky as he reviews the HOKA Skyflow—a new shoe that has him feeling sky high and like the sky’s the limit. HOKA Skyflow: Described by HOKA as a cross between the Clifton and Bondi, the all-new Skyflow is a max cushioned daily trainer that combines the word “sky” and the word “flow.” The "Ick": A term usually used in dating, the "ick" occurs when one behaves in an especially undesirable (or icky) way that makes the other person in the relationship cringe to the point where it permanently ruins their view of them. In this episode, it's used to describe the insufferable behaviors of runners that instantly—and permanently—make me hate their guts. ICK! Unsolved Running Mysteries: 4th grade teacher Marcus O’Reilly was your average runner, a middle of the packer, if you will. He had run several 5ks before with no problem. But on October 16, 2004, something…was different. Much different. In the blink of an eye, his life was turned upside down…sideways...and diagonally. thesize15runner.com Newsletter Instagram

The Size 15 Runner shares his thoughtful and thought-leading thoughts on the $500 Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo; he provides a tiresome update on his tiring marathon training and how he’s grown tired of running; and he contemplates a rebrand in order to rebuild his tarnished brand. $500 Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo: What’s more ludicrous? The $500 price tag or the ridiculously long shoe name? Why not both?! The Size 15 Runner does, in fact, rail against both in a long-winded rant that quickly goes off the rails. Marathon Training Struggles: What a difference two weeks make! Just a fortnight ago, The Size 15 Runner waxed poetic about his marathon training. This week, his enthusiasm was waning. He woke up on Monday morning, and it was the first time during his 11 weeks of training that he didn’t feel like going for a run. How did he possibly cope with such a catastrophe? By feeling sorry for himself, of course! Building a Running Brand: The Size 15 Runner brainstorms how he can rebuild his tainted brand in the wake of his very unfortunate, potentially career-ending size 14 shoe incident caught on camera by TMZ. thesize15runner.com Newsletter Instagram

The Size 15 Runner rules with an iron fist as an unruly rule maker who makes the “New Rules” of running; he effortlessly makes every effort to give a half-hearted effort at reviewing the underrated, budget-friendly New Balance FuelCell Propel v5; and he lackadaisically debuts the lackluster trailer for the severely lacking The Size 15 Runner Origin Story movie. New Rules of Running: The Size 15 Runner does his worst Bill Maher impersonation as he obnoxiously declares the “New Rules” of Running. New Rule! New Balance FuelCell Propel v5: Catch this—the catchy-named New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 is a $120 budget-friendly, eye-catching daily trainer with a TPU plate that offers a nice ride at a much lower price than other plated shoes. So, what’s the catch? The Size 15 Runner Origin Story: The Size 15 Runner Studios, in association with The Size 15 Runner Pictures, presents a coming of age story…about one little very special boy….with one very BIG special defect: giant tootsies. thesize15runner.com Newsletter Instagram