The Dirt Division E050 | Developing Running Shoes, Misadventures, Nnormal Kjerag 2.0
Summary
Hosts Taylor and Johnny discuss Alex's absence as she participates in a 260-mile relay around the Great Salt Lake to raise awareness for water usage. Johnny shares his personal health journey, detailing how undiagnosed urinary issues have disrupted his training, leading him to adopt hiking and Zwift cycling to maintain fitness. The conversation shifts to a technical breakdown of running shoe development, comparing the specific variables of road versus trail shoe design. They analyze key components like uppers and outsoles, using a grading scale to determine which performance attributes are …
Topics discussed
Intro and announcement of new podcast channels
Dakota's injury and the community relay effort
Cross-training with cycling and hiking during injury
Challenges of using smart trainers and virtual racing
Benefits of power metrics and cross-training for runners
Navigating medical systems and undiagnosed symptoms
Mental health, seasonality, and the need for a break
Cycling frustrations and combining multiple activities
Road trip to Arkansas and trivia about Walmart
Getting lost on a bike and a dog chase story
Bike mechanical issues and the complexity of cycling
Transition to running shoe performance attributes
Road vs. trail shoe development and the 4D concept
Shoe anatomy: Upper volume, width, and toe box
Shoe anatomy: Heel hold, lockdown, and structural support
Shoe anatomy: Tongue, gussets, and laces
Shoe anatomy: Upper materials, breathability, and durability
Shoe anatomy: Footbed and insole comfort
Midsole: Cushioning, energy return, and rocker geometry
Midsole: Stability and ride characteristics
Midsole: Foam durability and life cycle
Outsole: Grip, traction, lugs, and mud shedding
Overall comfort, step-in feel, and outsole coverage
Weight as a performance enhancer
Data analysis of priorities and closing remarks
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