The Science of Running Shoe Cushioning: How Max Cushioning Impacts Joints and Muscles

[@DoctorsofRunning]

Sources for today's podcast: Kulmala, J. P., Kosonen, J., Nurminen, J., & Avela, J. (2018). Running in highly cushioned shoes increases leg stiffness and amplifies impact loading. Scientific reports, 8(1), 17496. Malisoux, L., Ramesh, J., Mann, R., Seil, R., Urhausen, A., & Theisen, D. (2015). Can parallel use of different running shoes decrease running-related injury risk?. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 25(1), 110-115. doi.org/10.1111/sms.12154 Mercer, M. A., Stone, T. M., Young, J. C., & Mercer, J. A. (2018). Running economy while running in shoes categorized as maximal cushioning. International journal of exercise science, 11(2), 1031. Theisen, D., Malisoux, L., Genin, J., Delattre, N., Seil, R., & Urhausen, A. (2014). Influence of midsole hardness of standard cushioned shoes on running-related injury risk. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(5), 371-376. Worobets, J., Wannop, J. W., Tomaras, E., & Stefanyshyn, D. (2014). Softer and more resilient running shoe cushioning properties enhance running economy. Footwear Science, 6(3), 147-153.

[@Casual_BackPacking]

I feel like my shoe is too soft 🤧

[@williambaumert7726]

This is an excellent video! I learned so much today. Thank you 😊

[@ericwj7]

Rotating shoes through the week has helped me as an aging daily runner. This was good advice years ago. Mix it up, 💯

[@dkmchui]

After a marathon training cycle experience with max cushioning shoes, i switched back to normal running shoes, which is less than 20mm forefoot and 30mm heel for intervals and anything less than 16km. I paid a lot more attention on my landing and running form.

[@EquipeCafe]

Thank you for the nicely summarized and informative video. As an engineer and former competitive cyclist transitioning to running, I love this kind of science based information as opposed to what someone tells me what shoes are "good" and what shoes are not. My takeaway seems to be a rotation of different shoes is a no-brainer having many benefits (i.e., reducing risk of repetitive injury, strengthening muscle weaknesses/imbalances, changing the experience/ride of a repeated running route, etc.). I have slowly weaned myself off of more stability to mild stability and stable neutral shoes through strength training and my shoe rotation. Keep up the great work and best wishes for your PHD!

[@goutfromfriedokra]

what does he mean? rotate between softer and harder feeling running shoes??? Like NB 1080 v13 and hoka Bondi??

[@EquipeCafe]

@@goutfromfriedokra I haven't tried either of those models, so I can't speak to which is softer or firmer feeling when your foot lands. If repetitive injury risk mitigation you are after, you want to rotate between different shoes so that your muscles and joints are activated slightly differently each time you run due to differences in cushioning, heel to toe drop, longitudinal stiffness, etc. Beyond that you can rotate between shoes that suit the purpose of your run better. For example, you may want to wear something with more cushioning/protection and stability for your long runs and select something firmer and lighter for your speed work.

[@goutfromfriedokra]

@@EquipeCafe Thanks.Informative. Logical. 1. thoughts on barefoot shoes? 2. What is your 2-3 running shoes for your rotation? 3. For walking, do you suggest I rotate different type of shoes like max cushion, or barefoot-or for walking it doesn't matter what kind of shoe I choose since its' low impact?

[@EquipeCafe]

@@goutfromfriedokra I'm not an expert and or doctor, but I would imagine it doesn't matter as much when walking due to the lower impact and likely much lower step count. Comfort is king, unless you have specific goals, like strengthening your feet where barefoot type shoes can make sense. But again, everyone has different needs and preferences, so you will have to try different shoes. As the experts say, with any extreme changes, like going to zero drop minimalist or going to plated racing shoes, a gradual introduction makes sense. I generally walk in my retired running shoes and eventually donate or recycle them. My favourite shoes are highly personal based on my preferences, body features and mechanics, so there's not much value in telling you what shoe I think is "good", as I mentioned earlier in my first comment. I'm not overly picky, so I buy higher end last year models with the best discounts, as long as they are reviewed generally well and they sound like something that will be good for me. I revisit reviews of my shoes, so I understand a reviewer's opinions and how they relate to my experience with a shoe. Reviews can be highly subjective because everyone is different, but there can be consensus between reviewers for specific things like what's the shoe best used for as an example. The upfront costs might be a bit higher having a variety of shoes, though they can last longer, but the approach has been to try many different shoes and over time determine what I like and dislike or what works for me and what doesn't. As you gain this knowledge, you can reduce the number of shoes in your rotation, if you like or as needed. Three is a nice number, a long run shoe, a speed/race shoe, and a daily trainer. Shoes can be quite versatile too, so you can use some for a variety of runs depending on how you feel, like using your long run shoe for a short recovery run when you feel beat-up. Also, nice to have a dry pair of shoes the day after a wet run. There is also some talk about letting a shoe "rest" for a day to allow the cushioning to restore itself. Maybe not so much an issue for lighter folks.

[@chinpoeykhoo6261]

I don't like overly soft and mushy shoes especially NB fresh foam midsole as well, glad that I'm rotating between Kinvara 13, Mach 5, Speed 3 and a mild carbon plated shoes for variety of running sessions! Thanks Matt for the detailed explanation on shoes cushioning, another great episode & content as always!😀

[@CT37BN]

Insoles in general are so very overlooked in a lot of shoes and sneakers and this is were a number of good running sneakers excel. Just wish more shoe companies offer better quality insoles and maybe go as far as offering extra insoles like they would sometimes have extra laces in the box on some models. Fantastic and very useful info there.

[@CMDV8N3]

Genius comment, absolutely true. Also worth taking into consideration is when adding orthotic insoles, which might improve fit, substantially change the nature of the shoe.

[@leanneoud]

Finally, someone clarified my confusion. Thank you

[@derricksun206]

This is so cool. I've only gotten into running last week, and got my first pair of shoes a few days ago. I'm also getting ready to get into Kinesiology so all the biomechanics of running has been very interesting to hear. I've been only weightlifting for the past 12 years and this is a whole new world to me. I want to know more about running biomechanics from you!

[@andynelson2340]

Good explanation of resilience vs compliance.

[@tpulse2713]

This is SO helpful.

[@CMDV8N3]

As an older runner with sometimes creaky knees, Peg Turbo at 28mm/18mm (low by today’s standards) kept me running absolutely pain free… Currently I’m running in Deviate Nitro 3, great compliance, great responsiveness, great support. So to me, it’s more about the type of foam and formulation. Further, too soft, like Rebel or Novablast, feels like I’m running in quicksand. Overall, thanks for this post, very valuable. PS - runners weight, gait, stride, also plays important roles.

[@runningfortherestofus7812]

Really glad you are addressing this topic. I’m one who tends to do better in firmer shoes and less rocker and toe spring usually found on highly cushioned shoes. I’m hoping some of this leads to a better balance in shoe choices depending on runner needs. The trend as you said is more cushion and it’s getting hard to find many firmer choices. Adrenaline is one of the only models I can currently run in.

[@cgazlan]

I love the foam in Rebel v3. The stack is low but the bounce is heaven. Ffblast+ on Nimbus 25 is tiring...too soft

[@edwinrose-t8m]

Great Video, I train in a lot of different shoes with different levels of cushioning and stack height, I think the key is varying the shoes you run in, rather than sticking to one type of shoe. Works for me, seem to be avoiding injury this way.

[@JohnCurran-xs7od]

Helpful, been confused about cushioning

[@johankarlsson6717]

Thank you so much for this video, you have no idea how much of an eye-opener this has been to me. THANK YOU

[@theodorebutryn8832]

Really good episode that went deep into the nuances of cushioning. It's so important to know your running style, kinetic chain strengths/weaknesses, etc. these days, it seems. As you always say, what a shoe feels like is really important, but sometimes what might feel good (e.g. super soft & compliant) might not be the best for the long term in terms of injury. I am finding that out in real time! Sometimes I long for the old days when I'd put on the motion control shoe (Air Stab anyone?) and hoped those heavy bricks worked out :)

[@MLHunt]

I'm not a runner but I walk and hike quite a bit and find this discussion of the various aspects of shoe design and how they interact with physiology to be extremely helpful to me. I'm very glad the algo surfaced this channel.

[@nguye578]

Super helpful video and I appreciate that your site is inclusive of a wide range of runners. Like you, I benefit from more stable/guided shoes especially on longer runs. And I'm glad that brands have started moving away from firm posts because some of those gave me blisters. We are in a golden age for stability shoes and I am here for it! Still holding out hope for stable racing shoes; that's the dream.

[@janalaughlin2197]

Great teaching today! Thanks! I will be listening to everything you all present!

[@nancytang9432]

Totally agree with you on 1. Resilience vs compliance; 2. Experimentations. I started running again in February after a few years of layoff due to one knee problem, I used to run with kayano 20, that was a good shoes for me , ran a quite a few of races as well. So I stared run with with ASICS blast, which wear for walking a lot, but I got both knee problems . I believe because my weight is higher and age is older, so I bought a Hoka Bondi 8, it makes me run for about 3 months, I felt it costs me too much extra energy, because too much cushioned, feel like run on a beach sand. So I decided to drop the cushions, I bought a pair of Clifton 9, it hurtled my both ankle and hip on the first run, because no drop and too big toe box. My best friend once told me, shoes are very personal. Thank you for your video!

[@jeffloflin6316]

Great job! For trail running, I have 3 different shoes depending on the type of terrain. I'm getting better at finding what works because of videos like this. Extremely helpful ! Trail running technique is another important topic

[@Ferron89]

Hello Matt! Congrats on your PhD! It seems that we're mostly talking about 3-4 properties instead of 2: 1) Compliance is how much the foam/shoe will deform as response to load 2) Resilience is how much the foam/shoe will deform back to the original shape after being deformed 3-4) Rates (both compliance rate and resilience rate) are how fast those deformations will happen. So we can have a foam with high compliance (it'll deform quite a lot) and slow compliance rate (it'll take more time to fully deform) that will feel quite different from a foam with high compliance and fast compliance rate. I think rates are even more important when talking about Resilience, because how fast a foam will return to its original shape is super important when we're talking about energy return while running, because there's a specific window of time where such return to original shape will improve running economy, right? That can also explain why some shoes will feel wildly different depending on the runner, given their anatomic and running mechanics differences and how they 'match' with the shoe's properties under specific running conditions. I think that by 'compressing' (heh) both resilience and resilience rate into the same property we might be muddling some aspects of why shoes might feel good or bad.

[@ordro107]

I’m a fan of extremes; I wear barefoot shoes for everyday and adidas Ultraboost for gym. I like cushioning for exercises like box jumps and balance exercises, so the explanation on more muscular stabilizers working with cushioned shoes makes sense! If I ever run miles it’s on natural surfaces so I go Salomon.

[@Brant-Footwear]

I'm a fan of extremes too. I do all of my training in extremely minimal barefoot shoes. But I race in cushy carbon plate, haha. It's fun

[@JosephThompson-t8i]

Great information. Running shoe companies need to do a better job of quantifying the blend and softness/firmness of their models. I need a somewhat firmer running shoe with a wider waist and some stability. Having clearer information would help in decision making. I also find running without socks adds to the sensory experience and I it helps me adjust to the surface. form etc. Love you videos. I wonder if anyone else prefers running without socks.

[@icejam-xq5hj]

Saucony triumph 21 is the perfect combination for me especially for daily miles.

[@JackJarvis321]

Rockers can definitely adjust the effectiveness of what cushioning actually means in the shoe - late stage vs early stage

[@Echom4-kr5el]

I agree I think the 31 was executed really well. It doesn’t feel soft to me like the nimbus. The nimbus was slightly unstable for me.

[@evy684]

I have gotten away from very cushioned shoes. Too many injuries. I just had plantar fasciitis surgery. I had plantar fasciitis severely for a year and a half before I did the surgery. It started for me when I switched to very cushioned shoes. I am seeing an orthopedic Dr. next Thursday for my knee which I hurt after the Plantar Fasciitis surgery. I am wearing a much less cushioned shoe and am looking for other ones right now. It’s funny I came across your video today. I literally just read this long physics article about exactly what you’re talking about. Terrific video !

[@jameslandes6010]

Probably one of the best videos in ‘shoetube’ land. Thank you!

[@jollyroger1009]

Having run in both more cushioning and less cushioning over the last 35 years or so (first pair of running shoes in 1991), all I have to say is that more cushioning is DEFINITELY better!!

[@marumarukira]

One thing people tend to forget is Shoes are very personal. I've run a 3:10 Marathon with a $40 shoes from shoe warehouse. Meanwhile my Nike AF3 did worst when I was more fit(bought it out of " Want") this is also what I hate about running. It can get really expensive once you start noticing the little things that really matters. I even sold my endorphin 3 before it even got a chance to be used om event. So far Cielo X1 has been giving me the best experience so far. I agree with new balance. It's great for daily and recovery but i personally wont use one for events.

[@jpjames62294]

This was very informative and I run in a variety of shoes/brands and drops/stacks as well. This episode validates why I have that collection!

[@bluesque9687]

Your channel has got to have a lot more subscribers!! Wow!! Your review of Adidas Evo is the most honest review in the world-- absolute killer review!!

[@DoctorsofRunning]

Thanks! One day at a time.

[@saulmiller71]

Best video ever about this. I can wear my Brooks Adrenaline 22 gts shoes and have great success and I can put on my Brooks glycerin 20 gts and have horrible foot pain. I can wear my New Balance Fresh foam x4 more and have a perfect day for recovery. And ASICS kayano 29s are hit or miss. Saucony guide 16s are also hit or miss. I have horrible plantar fasciitis and arthritis in my ankles. I don’t think there is a perfect shoe. If there is or was I can’t find it. Great video and and I’ll be sharing with many others

[@someonesomeone8583]

Saucony tempus. The best there is and you can do all runs. I tried Asics 2000 13 hurt my legs.

[@someonesomeone8583]

They run wide so do not do the extra wide. Not a narrow shoe.

[@TomUK7]

Without doubt the most comprehensive, informative, interesting, articulate and demystifying shoetuber out there. I have severely damaged ligaments around my knees and suffer occasional subluxations. I'm still able to run about 10-20 miles a week at a moderate pace. Based on your advice, I might be better to avoid a shoe like the Novablast 4 and go for something like the gt2000 12.

[@petekadenz9465]

Thank you for a really interesting and very helpful exposition of shoe cushioning. Far more complex (& more much interesting) than I had thought.

[@cheesychester9647]

Great video. Thank you

[@josephcoloso2847]

Very clear explanation 👍👍👍

[@Rutger-l2n]

very helpful and insightful video!

[@susantrask5563]

Love your podcast ❤ You insight is helpful to learn about my own issues with my feet I have flat feet and recently was prescribed custom inserts.. I have issues with my left hip( piriformis, pain) side lower leg tightness to pain and left ankle pain I have seen orthopedic doctor, they did an MRI found out I have 3 herniated discs.. blah blah Anyways, o definitely like to Lauren to your episodes while running or walking.. I’m struggling on why show to get for long runs, I started this week my 16 weeks of marathon training, and I need a good shoe that can help me run my long runs without feeling to fatigue on my hip and ankle.. so far I’m doing by running slow and in control, If I need to walk to readjust my form I’ll do it.. I’m training for my second Marathon ever.. Please keep put out your insightful content 🤘👏👏

[@risenfromruin]

Please try the New Balance 860 v14 I also have flat feet and the same issues as you. I'd been off my feet for months. Now I can run in these and nothing hurts. It's worth a try at least😊

[@jeanspitzner346]

excellent video on cushioning... Thank you!

[@TomCantu-q2x]

Excellent explanation. Well done.

[@JBravoRebel]

When I was doing more running I naturally gravitated to lower/less stack, such as Saucony from Brooks & Asics.

[@ilikehiking]

Very good explanation. Thank you

[@mtmatt6111]

Really helpful information.

[@itsahardmuttlife9263]

Yeah, my knees hurt after a long run in cushy soft shoes.

[@trevanherek6003]

very helpfull, thank you!

[@Jarrod723]

Wow. Just wow. So much articulation to so many questions and experiences I’ve had. This is awesome. QQ: I have noticed a lot more calf tightness since I started running in the Superblast. I really like the shoe but the calf tightness makes me nervous. Is this an example of a shoe that although it has lots of foam underfoot, it is also a bit firmer and may be causing my calf muscles and joints to stretch more like you described around 11:00 mark? I feel like this didn’t happen to me as much when I used to rotate the Ride 13 and Endorphin Speed. After just two miles my calf feels like it’s on the verge of cramping versus the 6+ mile runs I used to do without issue in the Saucony rotation.

[@Jarrod723]

So I continued watching and must note I was also running 3.5-7 miles on the trail every week in the Peregrine back then versus exclusively on the road now, so it may not only be running exclusively in the Superblast and the lack of variety there but also the lack of variety in surface since trail definitely works different muscle groups.

[@ericwj7]

I’m 56 and use to use the OG adidas adios low cushion shoe for years. I’ve looked at my times vs super shoes and think I’m faster in that old low stack show. The ASICS Metaspeed edge + was another firm feeling race shoe that I did my 3rd PB at 56. The adidas adios pro 2 I used for a marathon and it was good for comfort but feel it was not the most efficient for my mechanics anyway. Had more softer leg saving foam but every one’s different and now all these super shoes are high stack and stiff but pretty soft now in 2024. Except for a few with amazing rebound.

[@recguerra3]

That's some valuable insight! Thanks! My experience is the "shoeverse" tends to drive you to the harder faster further way of running, but that does not represent all runners. And the way of high performance aiming to marathons demands you to be skinny. But I'm a heavy guy with knee issues, so I know all this won't apply to me. I realized a few years ago, when max stack foams arrived, I need a mildly firm midsole. It helps with stability (I do mildly pronate) and I know it won't bottom down if I heelstrike or if I hit a pothole (it happens!...). But shops always advises me "you are heavy, take some Max cushion". I totally understand why firmer shoes may be better due to less stabilization recruiting with more movement and softer shoes requiring more stabilization and less movement. It actually made things clearer to my perception input. And that's why I found use do the hated Boston 11 (stiff till break in, then firm) and Boston 12 (firm) compared to soft shoes. High stack may exacerbate my pronation, and it happened with Novablast 3, forbidding it's use to me. 1080v12 is too soft and I got cramps at my foot sole. I feel like if it's too soft, it requires some muscles to keep in concentric and eccentric tension all the time, like a tight rubber band being tapped. With firmer midsoles I feel my stride is better splitted between tension and relaxation moments, and does not gets so taxing. Hope it makes sense to you you! Anyway, thanks for this. Very helpful indeed 👍🇧🇷👏👏👏

[@risenfromruin]

Have you tried New Balances 860 v14. I have the 1080 and completely agree. The 860 is firmer, wider toe box, the shoe pops, and has done an excellent job with the medial support.

[@Rainbow..7]

Earlier I was a kayano fan. Kayano 28 was best stability shoes now newer kayanos are becoming softer and lack same kind of firm ride. Please suggest a good stability shoe with firm sole. Thanks

[@randyevermore9323]

I know this video is about cushioning, but if greater joint excursion enables the soft tissues to absorb force more effectively, that would seem to imply that a low-drop shoe would be preferable to a shoe with more heel lift, because the low-drop shoe would allow the ankle to move through a greater range of motion.

[@magorzatak4037]

I am thinking about buying Kayano 31. Now I have Nimbus 25. Best wishes from Poland.

[@LancePeterman]

Great video, Matt (or should I say, Dr. Matt! congratulations!). I had two questions: First, with reference to the studies you're citing, most of them predate the explosion in stack heights and the evolution of the peba/eva foams like you mentioned. Do you think that has any impact on some of the conclusions (ie. were they looking at 40mm midsoles when evaluating high compliant foams?). 2nd, with respect to medial support, generally speaking would a more compliant foam help support post tibial tendon issues, or does that run the risk of exacerbating it because it is loading the joint and forcing more stabilization?

[@ebayer1980]

I have in kyphosis. I in last months tried running a lot in carbon or higher stack shoes and now my back is hurting. Previously I trained in racing flats( streak 6, 7, flyknit), yes, even easy runs. Now after run in flexible and lower stack shoe, my back is starting to feel better. Also now, at threshold effort I can barely run 2km with carbon shoes. No problem with ancient Adios 3 to run many more.

[@johndixon557]

I recently used more v5 for a 10 mile run and got knee pain at around mile 7, haven't had knee pain for some time. This would go in line with what your saying

[@charlietwotimes]

I enjoy Hokas in my rotation but I'm a Salomon guy. My body, especially my rebuilt knee feels "better" after running in the Salomons. Hoka Cliftons & Rincons in the easy day rotation, Hoka Carbon X for tempo & race day. Spend most of my time in the Ultra Glide 2 + Aero Glide 2 however.

[@SenthilRameshJV]

Thanks for the great podcast. 17:31 talking about the variety here , would you say the same for stability vs neutral shoe and shoes that you bought one size less or so. Reason for the question is I’ve been running Nike Pegasus for three years although t not lot of volume , about 300-400 km per year except 2020 when I did 1000k. It’s also the year I started running. Recently I went to a running store and they fit me with asics GT 2000 12 and just after a run I got pinched nerve and couldn’t run for a while. I never thought the shoe could be a reason but now I’m running in them and get knee pain in left like that of IT band pain. Today I ran with Pegasus and it seemed to be less. But Pegasus is 11.5 vs 12 of asics. Do you see any issues rotating between these two?

[@genise5494]

I am so glad to have stumbled onto this video! Makes sense! My Sports medicine Doctor recommends I stop running, not because while running my knees or hips hurt but because I have hip and knee pain doing other activities due to arthritis, thus their reasoning that running could make it worse. I feel better running and am not ready to give that up so I researched and found your video. Unfortunately I do not know what type of shoe to use (more cushion due to not wanting to make my hips/knees worse?) I don't know. Under these circumstances do you have any suggestions? I did like the idea of having two pairs of running shoes to switch up the type of impact on my joints. The problem still lies with do i quit running or find a way to protect my joints for as long as possible. Hmmm?

[@ihussain1011]

WE LOVE YOU.

[@io-rj6sk]

so breakdown is that more softer shoes can exhaust joints and stabilisers around the ankle more while firmer shoes work the muscles more? wat about for ur achilles, the bane of a lot of runners ? i know mm offset can b a big contributor like 0 more stress on achilles while 10 the least but i guess the rocker of the shoe would matter too, but im wondering which is more forgiving, a firmer or softer shoe for the achilles? i assume a shoe on the softer side would b better?

[@matthewbourland97]

I rotate 4-6 diff pairs often from diff brands at a time. Maybe that's overkill. Most are neutral, none are minimalist shoes, but I think teaching the body to adapt even slightly is beneficial for injury prevention. Plus it's easier on the wallet when I can look at almost any shoe and say...yeah I can probably find a place for that in my rotation. Whatever the best deal is and fits properly can work for me. It's a privilege but I also have been doing a major rotation for 6-7years. I rarely spend more than 100$ per pair. Generally wearing last year's models.

[@suziezc32s48]

I use soft cushioning like rebel 4 mainly for daily walking. For performance ie. Running, i go minimlist shoes preferably with 0 drop and super minimal cushions. I noticed it helped me to run with more forefoot hit minimizing the impact on the knees. I once used NB minimus 0 drop. The one with vibram sole. Love it to bits. Excpet one time i did 21km run in it....damn the knee hurts bad. Btw i hardly do beyond 2.4km or 12 minutes run 😂 I hope NB brings back that minimus with 0 drop range.

[@barefootrunreview]

Really interesting podcast thanks Matt. Couple of things piqued my interest. Many times you mention everyone is different, and I'd love to explore the "why" behind that. For the majority of us, is this as simple as the patterns we've become atuned to from our environment, or does it run deeper with genetic and age related factors. I'm mainly wondering how feasible it is to change these "differences" in one another, and to what extent. Thanks again for the great content! Much appreciated.

[@laoluomisade2438]

What about the drop of shoes? How does that affect anything? Is a lower drop shoe better for walking and a higher drop shoe better for running if you’re a heel striker?

[@matth3903]

I have a lot of damage to my feet and one ankle. I never wore cushioned shoes with any significant stack height and my feet were always sore. I started wearing cushioned higher stack shoes and my feet feel incredible for the first time, unfortunately I now have injured both knees.

[@RunTommy123]

Well for myself I much prefer a lower stack shoe on easy days like the Puma Liberate. I think it would be dreadful to run in a very heavy cushioned shoe every day. I like a light shoe on easy days so I can extend and stretch my legs out while still maintaining good running form.

[@alainmaiquez7475]

I recently got Altra Vanish Carbon and the foam reminds me of Lightstrike Pro. How would you describe the resiliency and characteristics of these foams. I really like them. They are not exactly “sink and bounce” and I struggle to describe them.

[@samsung40_media87]

personally, I find i get more fatigued with softer shoes. E.g. cumulus + nimbus 24 vs cumulus 26 - I seem to do better with the firmer 26 + I think some help from the mild rocker

[@lx6381]

Interesting. I am a beginner and I've only used the asics gel cumulus 25 so far. Although it has much cushioning it feels stiff and uncofortable to run in. Not sure if i need less cushion or just a different type of cushion maybe with more resilience. I thought about getting either the nike peg 41 (less cushion) or vomero 17 (more resilience = energy return) ..

[@berthein5476]

different people respond differently to different types of shoes: completly agree. My road rotation is so odd. I actually went back to a cumulus 24 because they Novablast 3 kept screwing with my shins for whatever reason. Yet i am absolutely fine in the superblast and even do regular long runs in my Sky Paris. But then sth like the triumph 20 i had a while back, just didnt work for me at all

[@paulcarlson4230]

I agree more cushioned is better for me, now yes on the trails I try to not get to technical, but I sure feel better and it helps my tibialus anterior pain

[@oliverdking]

I got some Superblasts and also tried some Gel Nimbus, both of them seemed to give me this feeling of sponginess or softness in the heel, then slowly with both shoes, I developed inflammation on my achilies. Do you think this could be linked? (I also have the Ride17, which feels more supportive in the heel, and had no problems).

[@kk2336]

TY

[@sofiasofiasofia1234]

Great episode, thanks! Is this also applicable to running surfaces? Specifically, can a highly mobile runner benefit more from running on pavement rather than on trails? The physiotherapists I've consulted always advise running on softer surfaces, but I've noticed that I feel better on harder ground. /Long-term injured

[@sofiasofiasofia1234]

Also, big congratz to your PhD 🎉

[@AmygdalaPond]

I’m curious about his too as a fellow hypermobile

[@michaelcaricoo]

"Little slow right now" Matt, you guys still put out content more than most of the channels out there give yourself a break. Also any chance of another saucony interview when the Endorphin Elite 2 comes out?

[@Jarrod723]

I’ve watched this a few times and it seems like contradictory info is being given at times, so I’d like to just ask a question to simplify and check for understanding: so softer cushioning will cause the leg to need to stabilize and shock absorb itself more? And firmer cushioning will cause the leg to have to stabilize and shock absorb itself less?

[@K3nom]

So if a harder shoe might be better for someone returning from a stress fracture in the foot, it could also be better to run on a hard surface, like concrete, than running on a soft surface, like grass? So, barefoot running on concrete might be better for the feet than high cushon shoes on grass, for someone just returning from a foot stress fracture? Shouldnt it also then be the case that running at 3k pace (barefoot on concrete) might be better for the feet than running at recovery pace/walking? Do middle distance runner use their spikes all the time or do they sometimes use more cushoned shoes in training?

[@TIGERHOOD]

Nice information, but what about those people who has Plantar fasciitis? Extra Cushioning works good for that, rifght?

[@karlbratby4349]

Awesome ❤🎉

[@Matspeare]

You should help the shoe companies design their shoes!

[@soyanchd5439]

The issue I had with my softer shoes (Arahi 5 and ASICS Nimbus 25) is that is get hot spots on my forfoot, thinks that I don’t get with my Xodus ultra 2

[@DJLOUIE1000]

I do better with firmer shoes. What do you recommend for 80% walking?

[@josephcoloso2847]

Please...suggest or recommend a max cushioned shoe, that is resilient, cushioned (" bouncy ") and had good rocker. Regardless of the brand. Am find it hard to look for one with this 3 elements that am looking for. THANKS.

[@ihussain1011]

How is Saucony Tempus for you? based on your bio mechanics? does it work better for you than GT-2000 12's ?

[@42Porter]

I’m a lot faster in cushioned shoes but I wish I’d never tried them. My feet got weak and as someone who only runs for leisure that’s just not a good trade off. My running form deteriorated despite being mindful and it even messed up my back squat. It’s taken several frustrating months to regain the stability and mobility I once had in my feet, ankles and hips.

[@dazzlingpumppouches]

Can you please let me know what kind of specialist to see regarding shoes. I’ve had a knee replacement a year ago and then a minor knee surgery 4 months ago. I have tried 100s of shoes and nothing feel comfortable. I have brooks 12 heel to toe but it appears to give me a shin splint on the lateral side and it band pulling on the replacement leg. On the other sometimes I feel it in my knee and still some instability from muscle weakness . I have custom orthotics and the brooks seem the most stable but they may be too high. When I put on my 1 1/4 inch Skechers with not much support around the house I seem to feel better, I’m guessing they work the calf more. Those howeve won’t fit my orthotics. I also bought Karhu 6 mm and feels a bit still in my knee. I’m baffled.

[@Trailrunner1978]

For me the problem is higher stack. Above 30 mm and I get more problems with hips, adductors etc.

[@morrisrehn4653]

After a long layoff I run in highly cushion shoes and as my feet get stronger over a training cycle I need less cushioned shoes

[@prateeknegi07]

Hi @DoctorsofRunning , I am using Endorphin Speed 4 for fast , long and easy runs . I have read somewhere that using a plated shoe for everyday running can kill your ankles. Should I start using non plated daily trainer shoe like Novablast 4 ?

[@zero_given]

I regularly run 20-30km in my endorphin speed 3 and running in that shoe is absolutely effortless. Picked up a pair of the superblast 2 and couldn't make it more than 2km my calves/ankles were on fire from the work they were doing stabilising my body. Idk if just need to develop these muscles more and it will make me a stronger runner overall or just stick to slightly more responsive cushioning styles that suits me best?

[@ann-marieeigert2720]

I recently started running again after a 8 year hiatus and noticed that most shoes now are so freakin chunky. I found a pair of Puma Velocity Nitro 2 and they are much slimmer and you feel the ground better. But I need a different shoe for longer runs and it’s a challenge to find shoes that don’t feel like running on a brick of foam. 😂

[@srinivasaprabu1243]

Hi, Fresh Foam X 860v14 Vs Asics Gel Kayano 31...which is stable and plush?

[@morrisrehn4653]

Cushioning good for recovering once or twice a week but I prefer less cushioning in my daily runs

[@Porgeot]

Most People only run once or twice a week 😉😅

[@katyrebel18]

Recently got the gel nimbus 25 as a heavy runner. I didnt like em at all it was too much

[@gordonv.cormack3216]

I'm a dinosaur trying to decide whether or not to try high stack shoes. I started sprinting on spikes in the 70's, and did several 10km road races in the 90's on Nike Waffle flats. These were really flats, with maybe 1cm heel cushion and 0cm elswhere. Last June, I ran my first 10km in 22 years, and my Adidas flats disintegrated so I picked up a pair of NB Supercomp Pacers. They felt weird because of the carbon plate, but they were light and I finished a couple of minutes faster than expected (but 7 minutes slower than 22 years ago). I didn't know anything about carbon plates and super shoes until I researched these after the race. Still not sure about higher ones, because I've turned my ankle many times and would like to avoid doing so again.

[@WolfgangBrozart]

Ok but how do I figure out what I need without buying 10 pairs of shoes? I'm a heavier guy with flat feet so I feel like I'd need at least some cushion but am still confused lol.

[@RAMRA10]

Also I would like to know what kind of arch the reviewer has. Are they flat footed or do they have a high arch or a normal arch…because some shoes have arch support which i absolutely hate because I have no arch.

[@DoctorsofRunning]

@@RAMRA10 arch support and arch height are two separate things. Not relevant to this video. I can do a separate video on that.