Doctors of Running

Knee pain, or patellofemoral pain syndrome, can be a thorn in the side for so many runners. Much like shin splints, it can present many ways, all of them frustrating. Nathan and David get together to provide some clarity on this frustrating injury. They look at the anatomy of the knee, common PFPS symptoms, keys for rehab, and of course, shoes. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/evY8-d76

A look at the new adidas Supernova Solution 2. Find Matthew Klein's full review at Doctors of Running here: https://lnkd.in/eKZRfEM7

The Xero Shoes Scrambler Low EV is a sturdy minimal trail running shoe for those who want an anatomic, natural ride with a tiny bit of structure and some solid grip. An abrasion-resistant mesh keeps dirt out while providing an anatomic and easily secured fit. A Michelin Fiberlite outsole with a small bit of midsole provides a surprising amount of protection for a minimal shoe, perfect for miles on trail. A well lugged outsole provides solid grip, making this a great choice for the minimal trail runner who wants a little bit more protection and grip for longer outings on the trail and even road. Read Matthew Klein's full review at Doctors of Running: https://lnkd.in/eax6W9RY

New Monday Shakeout | A Placebo Effect in Super Shoes For Recreational Runners? Read here: https://lnkd.in/euF4vaez This week Matthew Klein does a brief research article review on the potential belief impact of super shoes on performance. While the effects of super shoes are still hotly debated, there has been some consideration that some effects may extend beyond simple biomechanics. Follow along as Matt takes on a journey of how his brain analyzes current literature. Study analyzed: "Are super shoes a super placebo? A randomised crossover trial in female recreational runners" by Dr. Kim Hebert-Losier

This week’s mailbag episode is out now on YouTube! We discuss bending stiffness, new stability shoes, shin splints, and more: https://lnkd.in/eQ-Uxixb

New Comparison: Xero Shoes HFS Original vs. II Despite being very similar, the two HFS models have some slight differences that could sway one person towards either the original or the II. The HFS Original does not use any EVA and gives you a lot of proprioception. This shoe caters more towards a pure road running or walking experience. The HFS II gives you an extra 2mm of stack height in the form of a layered EVA. That small increase in foam blends in with a lugged bottom and gives a little more appeal for off-roading. Both shoes offer a minimalist experience and great proprioception. Read David's full review here: https://lnkd.in/emXwkD5d

The adidas Supernova Solution 2 is a lighter mild stability training/performance shoe that features a PEBA-based midsole. A normal width fit provides a comfortable, slightly plush and secure upper for those who want decent security. A full-length Dreamstrike+, PEBA-based midsole creates a bouncy ride with support rods that provide mild to moderate guidance for training runs to workouts. One of only two lightweight PEBA-based stability shoes on the market (at this time), the Adidas Supernova Solution 2 provides a unique ride that will work as a daily trainer for some and potentially as a non-plated distance racer for recreational runners. Find Matt's full review here: https://lnkd.in/eKZRfEM7

In this feature, Matthew Klein shares his experience trying to find stable racing shoes in a super stack, less stable footwear landscape. He outlines the current status of stability and super shoes, alternatives and a few hopes for the future. While there are no true super racing shoes on the market and technically only 1 mild stability shoe meant for faster efforts, there are a few stable neutral options that may work for those with mild to moderate stability/guidance needs. Read here: https://lnkd.in/eF_kqdgT

Transitioning Into New Shoes By Matthew Klein As the stability category has shrunk in recent years, my testing of that category has followed suit. Although I still typically do best in some form of stability, most of the shoes I have had to gravitate toward have been stable neutral shoes. Stability or guidance shoes are ones that feature specific mechanisms meant to influence either the foot position or foot movement often in the frontal (side to side) plane. However, it should be known that many different parts of both neutral and stability shoes influence frontal plane motion. Regardless, when you shift between shoes, it is normal to have some mild aches during the transition. Every shoe is different and you are putting your body in a new situation you must adapt to. In the case of the ForeverRun Nitro 2, the start of my first run resulted in the muscles on the lateral side of my ankle/lower leg tightening up. Stopping and gently stretching them stopped this immediately. After the first run, my legs were a tiny bit sore from just a normal 10 mile run. This is completely normal as I have not run in a stability shoe for a while. The soreness comes from the muscles and my body being exposed to forces and loading in a slightly different way. 75 miles later I am doing fine and keep reaching for this shoe even though I have other things I need to test. The above is an example of why it is normal to expect some odd aches or feelings in a new shoe, ie an new experience for your body. Like any new stimulus, your body needs some time to adapt. It is for this reason we STRONGLY encourage people to slowly transition into new footwear. This includes transitioning into a new pair of the same model (a worn down shoe is different from a new one), transitioning into a completely different shoe or transitioning into a racing shoe well before your goal race. While some shoes may be fine, you are still exposing your body to something relatively new and you want to give it time to adapt. You also need the shoe to break in and adapt to you, which can vary in time depending on the shoe and its components. If you have a new pair of shoes, we suggest you rotate them slowly into your rotation to give yourself time to acclimate. If it is a new pair of the same or a different shoe, we often encourage people to slowly add it in while they transition out of the older pair. For racing shoes, we suggest you slowly break them in with a shorter workout, shorter run or strides before taking them on more intense efforts, a long run or a race. So when in doubt, give your body time to get used to new things. Know there may be some normal aches as you transition in as that is a normal part of getting used to something new. If those aches continue or worsen, the shoe may not be right for you. From our PUMA Group ForeverRun Nitro 2 review: https://lnkd.in/ecknM9NY

New | PUMA Group ForeverRun Nitro 2 Review: https://lnkd.in/ecknM9NY Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 is Puma's completed updated stability/guidance daily training shoe. A new ride provides a highly cushioned and bouncy new Nitro midsole that transitions smoothly at easy and longer efforts. A new upper provides a lower volume but slightly wider fit, locking things down with new PWRTAPE. The guidance has been redesigned to keep the sidewall/external support but add a new dual-density Nitro foam setup with a softer core and a firmer lining that keeps the foot centered throughout the length of the shoe. If "second time is the charm" was a shoe, the ForeverRun Nitro 2 would be it.