Doctors of Running Podcast

Nathan, Matt, and David take a look back at the 2026 super shoe class so far, comparing and contrasting new releases like the Tyr Valkyrie Elite 2, Nike Alphafly 4, Adidas Adios Pro 5, and others each take a different approach. They also dig into what really determines how a super shoe performs or feels, and how smaller brands are approaching their first entries into the category.Rabbit is the presenting partner of our podcast. You can use code SPOOKYDOCS10 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 - Intro1:28 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs26:48 - 2026 Super Shoe roundup28:08 - Tyr Valkyrie Elite 234:02 - What determines super shoe performance or feel? Raw pace or effort?36:54 - Nike Alphafly 443:58 - Adidas Adios Pro 554:16 - Topo Specter Elite56:46 - Skechers Aero Elite1:07:16 - The approach smaller brands are taking towards super shoes1:16:08 - Wrap-up

David and Andrea run through a new round of This or That, They weigh the Sonicblast 2 against the SC Rebel, debate non-plated versus plated performance trainers, and take sides on specific-task versus versatile footwear. Also, what's better: recovery runs or long walks? Liquids or gels during long runs? And much more. Want your ideas on the next This or That? Email us at [email protected] is the presenting partner of our podcast. You can use code DORSEPT10 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 - Intro1:04 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs15:52 - This or That? Sonicblast 2 or SC Rebel?23:00 - Non-plated or plated 2026 performance trainers?32:00 - Specific-task shoes or versatile shoes?41:10 - Recovery run or long walk?52:48 - More outsole for durability or less outsole for less weight?57:14 - Liquids or gels during long runs?59:30 - Cucumber lime or watermelon Skratch?1:02:54 - Soft or firm midsoles for long runs?1:09:30 - Wrap-up

Matt sits down with Stephan Scholten, adidas' Global Vice President of Product, for an inside look at the development of the Adios Pro 5. Scholten walks through what's new in Adidas's popular racer — from the Energy Rim and updated geometry to changes in the Lightstrike Pro midsole, outsole traction, and upper.Rabbit is the presenting partner of our podcast. You can use code DORSEPT10 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 0:50 - Overview of the new elements of the Adios Pro 5 3:14 - What does the new energy rim bring to the shoe? 6:14 - How has the geometry changed? 7:48 - How has the midsole changed? 11:24 - How they improved the outsole traction 15:48 - Durability testing 20:32 - How have Adidas athletes responded to the shoe? 22:12 - Upper changes 25:28 - Big lessons Adidas has learned from their new racing shoes 30:22 - The future of the Adizero line 31:14 - Wrap-up

David and Matt dig into the mailbag, covering whether there are any drawbacks to running in just one shoe, advice on managing ligament injuries, and how height and weight influence the way runners interact with their footwear. They also field questions on shoe choices for HIIT and hybrid training, whether high-drop shoes still have a place, and recommendations for replacing the Saucony Tempus 2. Want your mailbag question on the next episode? Email us at [email protected]!Rabbit is the presenting partner of our podcast. You can use code DORSEPT10 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 1:44 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs 22:08 - Are there any drawbacks to only running in one shoe? 26:32 - Any advice on managing ligament injuries? 29:12 - How does our height and weight impact how we interact with shoes? 34:48 - What shoes should I use for HIIT/hybrid training? 39:16 - Are high (8-12mm) drop shoes still ok? 44:08 - Recommendations for replacing the Saucony Tempus 2 50:04 - Wrap-up

What's more important: fit or performance? Nathan, Matt, and David rank five performance trainers based on fit, then weight in on how fit and performance work together to better help you figure out what shoes work best for you.Rabbit is the presenting partner of our podcast. You can use code DORSEPT10 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 - Intro6:58 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs37:58 - Ranking five shoes by fit39:46 - #544:18 - #445:58 - #350:34 - #255:06 - #158:10 - How do fit and performance work together?1:05:24 - Wrap-up