#291 Mailbag! London Marathon Thoughts? Ideal Walking Shoes? Favorite Easy Day Trainer?

Nathan, Matt, and David open with their reactions to the London Marathon before diving into the mailbag. They field questions on finding the right walking shoes for knee pain, navigating how to get get into physical therapy specializing in runners, balancing strength training alongside a running schedule and more.Get your DOR Merch: https://doctors-of-running.myspreadshop.com/Rabbit is the presenting partner of our podcast. You can use code MAYDOCS10 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.comChapters0:00 - Intro1:52 - London Marathon reaction13:30 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs28:12 - Ideal walking shoes for knee pain36:28 - How to get into PT for runners43:24 - Favorite fun easy day shoes49:34 - Balancing strength training & running58:18 - Wrap-up

Matt and David are back with a new installment of Buy or Sell. They debate the merits of data versus hands-on testing in shoe reviews and make the case that the era of 35-39mm being considered max cushion is officially over. They also look ahead at where the industry is heading — from the coming wave of 50mm+ shoes to a future with three tiers of racing footwear and much more. Want your debate featured on the next Buy or Sell? Email us at [email protected] 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.comChapters0:00 - Intro2:40 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs10:04 - Buy or sell: getting rid of water cups at races14:28 - Using data over testing for reviews21:18 - Squeezing midsoles & bending shoes to determine how they feel25:04 - Using durometer to determine midsole performance29:16 - 35-39mm is no longer max cushion32:54 - We will have many 50mm+ shoes in the next two years37:12 - Brands will start to have 3 tiers of racing shoes44:22 - Super trainers are better than training companion shoes50:54 - Super shoes decrease injury risk53:19 - Super shoes are bad for the Achilles tendon1:01:38 - Wrap-up

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.comChapters 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.comChapters0:00 - Intro3:24 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs24:16 - On Cloudmonster Hyper 3 vs. Saucony Endorphin Azura30:08 - Shoe suggestion for ITB-related knee pain38:10 - Upper-body strength training suggestions43:08 - Brooks Adrenaline vs. ASICS Kayano vs. Mizuno Wave Inspire50:12 - Similar road shoes to the Puma Deviate Nitro Trail54:52 - Marathon training while fighting illnesses1:02:10 - 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.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