Doctors of Running Podcast

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.com
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
2:20 - Dr. Iain Hunter's background
6:48 - How the results of Iain's studies have impacted his training
11:20 - 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 shoes
30:42 - How super shoe effect tendon health
41:34 - What's the research on trail super shoes?
45:10 - How to maintain foot & calf strength
50:28 - What's coming next for Dr. Hunter's research?
53:02 - Adapting to super shoes
57:44 - Finding Dr. Hunter's work online
59:16 - 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.com
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
2:26 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs
13:56 - Our favorite shoes of 2026 so far: honorable mentions
22:34 - #3
31:52 - #2
36:30 - #1
41:14 - David's leadup to the Boston Marathon with Adidas
53:46 - David's current training routine
1:01:16 - Lessons learned with training changes
1:10:26 - The differences for Andrea between professional cycling and masters track
1:13:08 - 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.com
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:06 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs
27:06 - The role of weight lifting for runners
31:22 - Weightlifting myths
41:48 - Matt's routine
48:46 - Nathan's routine
55:34 - 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.com
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:04 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs
22:46 - Hiking shoes for ankle pathologies
30:38 - The science behind recovery runs & recovery run shoes
41:32 - Are there any benefits to compression gear?
46:16 - Stable neutral long run shoes
52:18 - 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.com
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
2:06 - The origin of the Cielo X1 line
5:26 - 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 shoe
22:18 - The role of the central groove
27:12 - How has the plate changed?
33:02 - The nature of the midsole foam
39:30 - Upper changes
45:18 - Who does Hoka think this shoe will/won't work for?
49:36 - Wrap-up