#249 Our Top Running Shoes of 2025 So Far

We've got a special mailbag episode for our 250th episode! We've put together tons of questions from long times friends of the podcast (Drew from Weartesters, Tina & Evan from Brooks, and more!) and from our listeners. Matt & David discuss pre-race rituals, post-run snacks, their worst shoe color, GOAT shoe rotations, and much more (shoes as ice cream?!). Want to hear your question on our next mailbag? Email us at [email protected] 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING!Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/This episode is sponsored by our friends at Running Warehouse. We're all about variety here, which is why we love the large selection of options they offer online. You can find all of today's best shoes at ⁦runningwarehouse.com⁩ today. Also, did you know we have our very own DOR page there? Find all of our team's favorite Running Warehouse picks at the official ⁠Doctors of Running shop⁠. Chapters0:00 - Intro1:22 - In for Testing14:52 - Treating plantar fasciitis in youth athletes21:46 - Worst shoe color ever26:46 - Things we wish shoes did better to help runners33:00 - Pre long-run/race rituals38:02 - How much does drop matter with soft midsoles42:52 - Favorite post-run snacks45:12 - What would you wear for a run across the US?48:38 - Potential impact of over-40mm midsoles56:38 - If midsoles were ice creams, what would they be?1:03:28 - Building a 3-shoe rotation from any shoes ever1:12:50 - Wrap-up

As we head into the back half of the year, it's time to make our picks for our favorite shoes of the 2025 so far. Matt, Andrea, David, and Nathan put together a 4-shoe rotation from their 2025 favorites: daily trainer, long run, workout shoe, and race shoe. We want to hear your picks! Email us at [email protected] or leave a comment.Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING!Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/This episode is sponsored by our friends at Running Warehouse. You can find all of our favorite shoes of the year so far at ⁦runningwarehouse.com⁩ today. Also, did you know we have our very own DOR page there? Find all of our team's favorite Running Warehouse picks at the official ⁠Doctors of Running shop⁠. Chapters0:00 - Intro2:10 - Favorite Skratch product of the year7:31 - Favorite daily trainer of the year31:08 - Long run shoe41:20 - Workout shoe52:08 - Race shoe59:12 - Most intruiging brand1:05:16 - Wrap-up

Strength training and cross training are some of the best things runners can do to help their performance, and we're passionate about them here at DOR. Nathan, Matt, and David join up to share their keys when it comes to strength & conditioning. They'll give you practical strategies on how to approach strength training in a way you can consistently accomplish, because the best routine is the one you can do on the regular!Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING!Chapters0:00 - Intro1:14 - In for Testing17:52 - An overview of strength & cross training22:34 - How do our strength & conditioning needs change as we age?28:30 - How do things change depending on what kind of races you're training for? 39:42 - Our Top 3 keys for strength & conditioning52:48 - Wrap-up

You know we love stable neutral shoes at DOR. Matt & David join up to take a look at the state of stable neutral shoes in 2025 and give their favorite picks. They define some key terms like sole flair and sidewalls, then share their favorites for daily training, speed work, and races.Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING!This episode is sponsored by our friends at Running Warehouse. We're all about variety here, which is why we love the large selection of options they offer online. You can find all of today's stable neutral options discussed in the shoe at ⁦runningwarehouse.com⁩ today. Also, did you know we have our very own DOR page there? Find all of our team's favorite Running Warehouse picks at the official Doctors of Running shop. Chapters0:00 - Intro6:00 - An overview of "stable neutral"20:06 - Stable neutral daily trainers29:36 - Speed options36:38 - Sole flare41:12 - Lower stack height47:20 - Wrap-up

David & Nathan are here with a mailbag, where we answer your questions. They discuss the upcoming Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, the latest in minimalist/zero-drop shoes, running store shoe fitting, and more. They also share the shoes they've got in for testing and some clothing picks that have stood the test of time. Want your questions answered? Email us at [email protected]!Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING!Chapters0:00 - Intro1:16 - In for Testing3:56 - Apparel we love12:18 - How you can work with us as coaches and PTs16:50 - How's the arch fit of the Metaspeed Edge Tokyo21:20 - What would be the ideal running shoe store fitting process?30:32 - Minimalist/zero-drop shoe recommendations35:14 - Lateral foot movement in different kinds of shoes38:04 - ASICS Glideride 3 replacements to help with Hallux Rigidus44:11 - Wrap-up

Matt & Andrea are back with another installation of Between Two Feet, where they contrast their different experiences in a shoe. Last time it was the Nike Vaporfly 4, and this time it's the Brooks Hyperion Max 3. Brooks completely overhauled the Hyperion Max, one of Andrea's favorite shoes of the past few years, and turned it into a true max-stack supertrainer. With a Pebax plate & a dual-density DNA Flash/DNA Gold midsole, this one's meant for the long miles. Matt & Andrea discuss how their different mechanics affect how they experienced the foam, weight, and geometry of the shoe. They wrap up by offering some supertrainer options as alternatives to super racing shoes.Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING!Chapters0:00 - Intro4:47 - Upper9:15 - Midsole22:19 - Supertrainers as alternative racing shoes28:08 - Wrap up

Matt & David are joined by Yowana for a special episode of hot takes only: Buy/Sell and This or That! We put ourselves on the hot seat here–no gray area, no middle ground. We pick between, and argue over EVA midsoles, $500 shoes, long run days, soft vs. firm midsoles, and much more.Yowana is the founder of Supwell Running, place where hobby joggers come to get better. They're about mileage, putting in the work daily and being consistent. They're also about shenanigans, looking out for each other and passing on the best running shoe deals. Be sure to check them out on Instagram and YouTube!Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/This episode is sponsored by our friends at Running Warehouse. You can find all of our comfort picks from today’s episode at runningwarehouse.com.Chapters0:00 - Intro10:32 - Buy/sell: Companies should make fewer shoe models17:56 - No more EVA shoes26:26 - 500 shoes36:33 - Puma is a top 3 running shoe company right now43:48 - Reviewing shoes has made me a better runner50:06 - This or That: Saturday or Sunday long runs55:12 - Saucony Endorpin Trainer or Puma Deviate Nitro 31:00:05 - Midsoles: soft & bouncy or firm & responsive1:03:43 - Reviewing long distance shoes or short distance shoes1:07:54 - If you were going to build your ideal super shoe, how would you do it?1:18:42 - Wrap-up

If you've been following us for a while, you know that Matt & Andrea often experience shoes completely differently, so on this episode they get together to compare & contrast their experiences in Nike's major overhaul to the OG of supershoes: the Vaporfly 4. With a shorter stack height and narrowed down platform, this nimble racer offers a vastly different ride from its big sibling, the Alphafly 3. Andrea loved Vaporfly 3, so how will she feel about the updates? Matt's often found the Vaporflys too unstable, so will that continue? Tune in to see if you side more with Andrea or Matt! Have any shoes you want us to compare/contrast opinions on? Email us at [email protected] your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING!Chapters0:00 - Intro11:26 - Nike Vaporfly 4 overview13:30 - Upper19:26 - Midsole & Ride30:12 - The impact of small geometry changes on the running experience39:02 - Wrap-up

Plantar fascia pain plagues many a runner, but finding its cause and treating it can be mystifying and frustrating. Nate is joined by returning guest Doug Adams to take a deep dive into plantar facia (and general foot) pain in order to help you get to the underlying cause. Doug lends his expertise on how biomechanics and walking/running gait an effect plantar injury risk. He offers practical tips to help you rehab and prevent plantar fasciopathy. They also take a look at orthotics, treatment modalities, shoes, and how they impact PF pain. Dr. Doug Adams is a Physical Therapist who has published and spoken at an international level on all things related to running. Doug has taught thousands of professionals his systematic approach to providing personalized plans for runners through the Certified Running Gait Analyst and Endurance Running Coaching courses. He also designed and created a portable 3D Motion Analysis system called Helix 3D for analyzing and categorizing running form that is used widely throughout the Department of Defense and commercial sectors. You can find him on Instagram at @RunDNASystem and @DougAdamsPT.Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING!Chapters0:00 - Intro6:17 - A primer on the plantar fascia and foot anatomy11:56 - The difference between plantar fasciitis and plantar fasciopathy17:12 - The most common PF symptoms18:50 - Diagnosing the root of PF pain22:50 - Common gait issues that contribute to PF pain39:54 - How do you address the root cause of PF pain?43:12 - Toe strength, footwear, and orthotics57:06 - Shoe choices with PF pain1:04:10 - Wrap-up

Time for a mailbag where we answer your questions! Matt and David team up to discuss returning to running after achilles tendinopathy, training in plated shoes, post-run routines, and more. Want your questions answered? DM us on Instagram or email us at [email protected] your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING!Chapters:0:00 - Intro4:27 - Returning to running after achilles tendinopathy16:31 - Run-related conferences for sports medicine professionals20:57 - The effect on orthotics on heel drop24:39 - Similar stability shoes to the Mizuno Wave Inspire30:17 - Plated trainers & achilles pain35:17 - Post-run routine recommendations42:29 - Wrap-up