289. Waldo Cheung, MPT MSc | Do Running Shoes Really Matter? (And What Matters More)

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text

I’m joined by returning guest Waldo Cheung—physiotherapist, educator with The Running Clinic, and one of my go-to voices for the science of running—for a timely conversation on shoes, injury risk, and what actually matters most. We explore the shift from the minimalist shoe movement of the early 2010s to today’s super shoe era, and whether all this innovation has meaningfully changed how and why runners get injured. Waldo shares what he’s seeing clinically, how footwear may influence (but not determine) injury patterns, and why training load—more than anything on your feet—remains the biggest driver of both performance and breakdown. If you’ve ever wondered whether your shoes are helping, hurting, or just distracting you from the bigger picture, this one’s for you.

PROJECT-99 Application Form: https://forms.gle/h3fihkbD3Ag8J3UF6

Connect with Waldo:

• Instagram: @rehabinapinch
• Website: https://runrehab.pro/
• LinkedIn: rehabinapinch
• Waldo's previous Inspired Soles episodes 
  • 209: Understanding & Managing Running-Related Pain
  • 174: Shoes, Technology, Research & Masters Running
• Resources Waldo mentioned: 
  • The Running Clinic Course: https://therunningclinic.com/
  • Minimalist index: https://therunningclinic.com/minimalist-index/
  • @thepostrunsnack

Connect with Carolyn:

• Instagram: @inspiredsolescast or @carolyn.c.coffin

You can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to [email protected].