
#67 Best Plated Performance Trainer 2021: DPT Approved Awards
Ready for about 100 tangents? Well here they come. Today we are continuing our run through our DPT Approved Awards. Our team has tested over 110 shoes and ran over 14,500 miles in 2021 (so far) and we are ready to dish out our picks for numerous categories of shoes. We break down the best plated performance trainers in 2021 while presenting our individual picks and our team's consensus pick. We define performance trainer as "a shoe that specializes for uptempo running, workouts, and can even double as a racer for some. It's even better if the shoe can handle warm-ups well and do a few easy miles on the ends of workouts, but typically isn't as comfortable for daily milage." We discuss that some plated shoes designed for racing may function well (or even better) for some in a performance trainer capacity, but that does come with a higher price tag. This was the first time where all three members had the same three shoes in their top 3 (albeit in different orders).
8 Dec 202134min

#66 Best Non-Plated Performance Trainer 2021: DPT Approved Awards
Today we are continuing our run through our DPT Approved Awards. Our team has tested over 110 shoes and ran over 14,500 miles in 2021 (so far) and we are ready to dish out our picks for numerous categories of shoes. Today we break down the best non-plated performance trainers in 2021 while presenting our individual picks and our team's consensus pick. We define performance trainer as "a shoe that specializes for uptempo running, workouts, and can even double as a racer for some. It's even better if the shoe can handle warm-ups well and do a few easy miles on the ends of workouts, but typically isn't as comfortable for daily milage."
1 Dec 202126min

#65 Daily Trainer of the Year 2021: DPT Approved Awards
It's that time of year! Our team has tested over 110 shoes and ran over 14,500 miles in 2021 (so far) and we are ready to dish out our awards. Up first is the Best Daily Trainer Award. We define daily trainer as "a shoe that can eat up a lot of your training miles, is reliable and consistent, has mild versatility, and can function as a workhorse shoe." In other words, which shoe do you just keep reaching for day after day? Our team gives each of our individual picks, what we like about them, and then finish with our team's consensus pick for the year.
24 Nov 202134min

#64 Where are my shoes?? Exploring supply chain issues (ft. Tina Danforth of Mizuno USA)
In today's episode we had the privilege of sitting down with Tina Danforth, Product Manager of Running Footwear and Apparel for Mizuno USA, to talk in depth about the supply chain issues within the running industry. We talk about how the supply chain works, what areas have been affected, what consumers can expect (in terms of availability and price), and some tips for shopping in the future. Then Tina pulls back the curtain for the future of Mizuno and also we take a closer look at design elements of the Rebellion.
17 Nov 202149min

#63 Best Cold Weather Running Gear, Saucony Endorphin Speed RunShield, and Adidas Solar Glide 4 Series
Today Matt and Nathan sit down to break down the changes that happen to a crowd favorite (Endorphin Speed 2) when you slap a RunShield upper onto it. They then discuss two shoes within the Solar Glide series and certain design patterns that muddy clean transitions and mechanics. Finally they dive into staying safe in darker and colder weather, while pointing out some of their own favorite gear.
10 Nov 20211h 2min

#62 The Benefits of Zero Drop, Halloween Shenanigans, and Altra Paradigm 6 Review
In today's episode we dive into the knowledge base surrounding 0 drop shoes and what demands they place on the body. We also discuss transitioning to a 0mm drop platform and considerations of how to do it safely. We then discuss in depth the Altra Paradigm 6, all while trying to bring David along, who was deep into character throughout the review (see YouTube to visualize costumes).
3 Nov 202159min

#61 Adios Pro 2 Review and Comparisons, Quick Tips on Recovery, and Mailbag: First Toe Stiffness and Pain
In today's episode we first get a peek into David's testing experience of the Bondi X after he took it for a steady state 21 mile long run. We then give some quick tips on recovery after hard race efforts and what our body needs in recovery. The bulk of our time is spent reviewing the Adios Pro 2, comparing to other models, and talking about the unique construction of the shoe. Finally, we dip into the follower mailbag to talk about first toe stiffness and pain, exercises to consider, and how shoes and shoe modifications may help.
27 Okt 20211h 6min

#60 The Physiology of Super Shoes (feat Dustin Joubert PhD)
In today's episode, Matt sits down with Dustin Joubert to talk about the physiology behind Super Shoes. Dustin has a PhD in Exercise Physiology and is a professor at Stephen F Austin State University. He has been conducting running economy research regarding how people respond to a various number of the current super shoes, including the Alphafly, Vaporfly, Metspeed Sky, Rocket X, and Endorphin Pro (among others). They talk about the results of his current research (linked below), plans for future study, and recommendations for how different runners should (or shouldn't) use this date to inform their purchases for running shoes. They also go into his own personal experience in the shoes and how he has processed which shoes he likes most, which he calls his "LabRat" testing. *please forgive the minor echoing noted when Dustin is speaking* For more information on Dustin Joubert PhD, his research, and how to support his upcoming work, check out the following links: Preprint Link: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/kinesiology/33/ Crowdfunding Link: https://graphite.sfasu.edu/impact-jacks/project/support-research-for-women-s-running-shoe-performance-at-sfa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labratrundown/
20 Okt 202154min