How Long Do Shoes Last? Is Max Cushion Beneficial? Best Stability Shoes for Race Day? | Mailbag!

On this episode we Nate, David, and Matt answer more of your questions! They cover the life of midsoles and foams over miles and time, overuse injury prevention, the most stable marathon shoes, and more. We always love fielding your questions, so let us know what you want answered on our next mailbag show by emailing [e-mail]!
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
4:56 - How does midsole hardness change as we put more miles on a shoe?
12:56 - How long is too long to run in a shoe and what happens as foam ages?
23:06 - What are the best ways to prevent overuse injuries if you're marathon training and on your feet a lot during the day?
26:47 - Kayano 30 vs Vongo V6 for a marathon
31:08 - Do any studies show that max cushion shoes are beneficial?
37:50 - What are suitable race shoes for "overpronation"?
43:10 - How to race while dealing with achilles tendon issues
49:42 - Can there be too many shoes in your rotation?
53:18 - Can super-shoes cause specific injuries?
58:34 - Wrap-up
This week’s episode of the Doctors of Running Podcast is Sponsored by Running Warehouse!
The holidays are near which means it’s time for deals. Whether you’re shopping for your favorite runner or gearing up for a big 2024, Running Warehouse has your back with sales from all your favorite brands. Check out particularly big deals from Saucony for all your road running needs. The Ride, Guide, and Tempus are go-to trainers for our team and models you’ll want to check out for your next workout. For off road runners, Salomon shoes have become a team favorite for hitting the trails. The Salomon Ultra Glide and Sense Ride are two phenomenal Trail Blazers that we’ve gone back to time and time again.

[@gpersonaltrainer]

Well, I guess the answer is: it depends! I've been testing carbon plated shoes with PEBA foam for a while at the running track, following a sort of protocol (5x1Km with 2 minutes of rest). When I tested the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite (mentioned in your podcast as one of the favourite marathon shoes), I was very impressed by their performances (aka 25 seconds faster than Pro 3 and Alphafly on a 5K). After 100 miles, though, I've felt a lot of discomfort after the running sessions, feeling that I had to put more effort to keep a decent speed. I've decided to test the shoes again at the running track and I've found out that they had lost 5 seconds per km. Coincidentally, I've run the same distance on the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and, after 100 miles, they have lost just 3.5 seconds per km. To cut the long story short, I've retired the Deviate Nitro Elite after 250 km (because of the discomfort after the sessions) and I'm still using the Pro 3 after more than 600 km!

[@bmwrice]

Regarding shelf life… yes the foam degrades especially in high temperatures and humidity. Also the glue can degrade to the point where the midsole totally releases from the upper. I’ve had several ZoomX midsoles fail in that manner.

[@DoctorsofRunning]

Send more mailbag questions to [e-mail]

[@bluemagic5829]

Can you discuss the catabolic effects of long distance running? Especially with respect to notable physical aging in runners who run long-distances. Thank you. Great content.

[@cristian-adrianfrasineanu9855]

What's a good heuristic to know when to ditch a pair of shoes since we cannot know exactly when the foam will degrade for each individual?

[@Kalvi]

Variety of drops in your rotation are beneficial... Also midsoles cushion? Does having different softness/firmness midsoles in your rotation gives any benefit?

[@itsahardmuttlife9263]

Great video! I hope Matt burned that shirt. 😂

[@tex287]

Thanks for the shoe recommendations for over pronation. I seem to get knee pain when I wear neutral shoes so I’m very hesitant to drop a few hundred dollars on a super shoe or fast neutral shoe. Would strength work help with this??

[@DoctorsofRunning]

We have a big strength training podcast episode this week. Hang tight to get a more full answer!

[@haryowijoyo5979]

Really hope Asics release S4 globally.

[@mlong35]

ngl I really want a carnage asada now

[@andrewh7599]

Research indicates PBAX foams do not break down like EVA. They outlast everything in the world. I'm hoping my $200 Superblasts hold up, because I'm pretty sure they're an EVA base.

[@runnin3216]

I believe the Turbo foam is some proprietary, nylon based foam. The blast+ layer on the bottom is EVA based.

[@alexanders4911]

@ 2:15: 5 pace? 5 min per km? Why carnage? There is already one taco man. Anders taco Svensson. Swedish ex football star. ❤

[@devotion_]

The individual in the top right couldn't turn off his camera, mute himself, and blow his nose? My goodness.

[@andrewh7599]

That's why we love him.