Jovana Subic

Jovana Subic

Whether it's a vertical kilometre or an ultra, climbing in the Alps or exploring local mountains, Jovana uses every opportunity to trade walls and concrete for forests and trails. She logs at least 10h/week on trails, with no off-season, and 4x more on research on running and running shoes. With a background in physics and engineering management, she prefers her running spiced with data.


Articles

Women Are Better Runners Than Men [2020 Analysis]
Women Are Better Runners Than Men [2020 Analysis]

Faster doesn’t mean better. This analysis covers 2,348,505 marathon results achieved during the 2009-2019 period. The purpose was to analyze differences in pace throughout the marathon between w[…]

Was Doping Worth it? Russian Athletics Decline [24K Results Analyzed]
Was Doping Worth it? Russian Athletics Decline [24K Results Analyzed]

This is a follow-up piece on our previous in-depth research on doping and performance of Russian athletes. We analyzed 24,020 track and field results from 3,731 events and 400 Russian athletes to unde[…]

Is Russian Doping What It Appears To Be?
Is Russian Doping What It Appears To Be?

This analysis covers 29,190 results achieved by 354 Russian athletes, dispersed over 4,691 events, during the 1993-2019 period. Given the current controversy regarding doping at the Olympic Games, wit[…]

Guides

Guide: Soft vs. Firm Running Shoes
Guide: Soft vs. Firm Running Shoes

Why softer isn’t always better? Which shoes become firm in cold weather? Which midsole hardness can help reduce running injury risk? We’ve summarized 20+ hours of research, database analys[…]

Carbon-Plated Shoes Cut In Half, Explained and Lab-Tested
Carbon-Plated Shoes Cut In Half, Explained and Lab-Tested

This guide covers what to expect from carbon plated shoes, how much they can improve running times and when they will not work. We’ve spent 20+ hours researching the topic and summarizing scient[…]

Guide: Flexible vs. Stiff Running Shoes
Guide: Flexible vs. Stiff Running Shoes

Why are stiff running shoes getting the spotlight? Why do runners flex and twist shoes in running stores? How is stiffness related to your running performance? 20+ hours of research is summarized in t[…]

10 Principles of Proper Running Form
10 Principles of Proper Running Form

We’ve condensed 40+ hours of research and more than 30 studies into this in-depth guide. It covers when and how to improve the running form using some basic principles, how it impacts running pe[…]

Stack Height: Tool, Shoe Lab Data & In-Depth Guide
Stack Height: Tool, Shoe Lab Data & In-Depth Guide

We spent 50+ hours on creating a tool and doing the research for this guide. We’ve covered stack height in great detail and backed everything with our lab data. Our tool will tell you which stac[…]

Running Shoe Rotation Guide & Tool
Running Shoe Rotation Guide & Tool

We spent 40+ hours researching running shoe rotation and creating a tool that helps you add a new pair of shoes to your rotation. This guide covers shoe rotation in great detail: how much it matters,[…]

Running Shoe Weight & Performance [Calculator]
Running Shoe Weight & Performance [Calculator]

40+ hours of research and development have been summarized in this in-depth guide. Using our tools you can find out a) which shoes will get you to your new PB and b) how much faster you can be in shoe[…]

Running Cadence: What It Is, Why It Matters and How To Improve It
Running Cadence: What It Is, Why It Matters and How To Improve It

Don’t trust the 180-cadence belief. Optimal cadence for you is a range, not a single number you need to hit. Even if you hit it, it will still be influenced by terrain, your biomechanics, speed.[…]

How to choose the best insoles for running and walking (In-depth guide)
How to choose the best insoles for running and walking (In-depth guide)

We spent 40+ hours working on this guide. It dives into materials, shapes, purposes and potential benefits of insoles and orthotics so you can make an informed decision: what do you actually need? Man[…]

Foot Strike: The Ultimate Guide
Foot Strike: The Ultimate Guide

Types of foot strike, should you change it and how it relates to injuries, running performance and running shoes - we’ve covered it all in this guide. 31 hours of research condensed into an in-d[…]

Arch Support for Runners: What, How and Why [In-Depth Guide]
Arch Support for Runners: What, How and Why [In-Depth Guide]

Arch support is not a quick fix. But, can running shoes with arch support improve your running experience? This is an in-depth guide that gives a necessary overview of arch height and running shoes wi[…]

Pronation 101: Running Shoe Choices, DIY Analysis, Injuries
Pronation 101: Running Shoe Choices, DIY Analysis, Injuries

Do you supinate? Can shoes correct overpronation? How is pronation related to injuries? We’ve spent over 40 hours researching pronation and presented it all in this guide. If your runs are comfo[…]

Heel to Toe Drop: The Ultimate Guide
Heel to Toe Drop: The Ultimate Guide

We spent over 300 hours reading 30+ scientific papers and analyzing 2,300 running shoes in our database to help you gain an in-depth understanding of heel to toe drop. What is heel to toe drop? Heel t[…]

Best Altra running shoes
Best Altra running shoes

Whether it’s a trail or road running shoe you’re after, Altra has got you covered. The brand has always been highly regarded for its top-quality, supportive, and comfortable running shoes.[…]

Best barefoot running shoes
Best barefoot running shoes

Made for those who want to run as naturally as possible, barefoot running shoes have little to no cushion in them, allowing for maximum ground feel. Choosing the right pair is as critical as condition[…]

Best zero drop running shoes
Best zero drop running shoes

Running in zero-drop running shoes is great BUT under a few conditions: you know why you’re doing it and what to expect. Learn more in this guide so you can make an informed decision. Reading Bo[…]

Best mud running shoes
Best mud running shoes

Obstacles come especially when running on trails. One usual kind of obstacle is mud. With that being the case, we created this guide to highlight the features that differentiate mud running shoes from[…]

Best Saucony running shoes
Best Saucony running shoes

With a 120+ year history, Saucony has gained extensive experience in the running shoe industry. Not to mention that it has several lineups that have stood over 10 iterations, retaining a wide fan base[…]

Best lightweight running shoes
Best lightweight running shoes

With lightweight running shoes, you want to feel like you’re not wearing any shoes but still get the needed protection and support. Be it a daily workhorse, a racing flat, or a minimalist traine[…]

Best motion control running shoes
Best motion control running shoes

Disclaimer: Brands have different approaches to naming categories of supportive running shoes. So, we will be using the term ‘motion control’ in reference to shoes with the highest level o[…]

Best water hiking shoes
Best water hiking shoes

This guide is just for you: hikers gone amphibian - hikers who want to cross all those rivers, canyons, streams, and creeks. We’ll show you the best water hiking shoes on the market and which fe[…]

Best walking shoes for flat feet
Best walking shoes for flat feet

Flat feet (also known as pes planus or pes valgus) are characterized by low arches: feet lay flat on the ground. In this guide, we cover the best walking shoes for flat feet along with an in-depth ove[…]

Best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis
Best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis

Your feet deserve better than the stabbing pain in the heel area. Finding the right shoes is the #1 step to stand in the way of this. Our guide goes in-depth on which shoes are best for plantar fascii[…]

Best running shoes for overpronation
Best running shoes for overpronation

The role of overpronation running shoes is to offer extra support which prevents excessive inward rolling of the foot. They help to lower the risk of injury and discomfort by using supportive elements[…]

Best neutral running shoes
Best neutral running shoes

Neutral running shoes are intended for people with neutral pronation, when the foot is not rolling inwards excessively. These shoes have no additional stabilizers or foot guiding features. Making up a[…]

Best waterproof hiking shoes
Best waterproof hiking shoes

Some hikes are ruined by even light rain or morning dew. Not to mention rain showers. Your feet get soaked, and cold, and even blisters appear. That’s where waterproof hiking shoes enter the sce[…]

Best lightweight hiking shoes
Best lightweight hiking shoes

The best middle ground of trail running shoes and hiking shoes is lightweight hiking shoes. What’s not to love: they are light + offer rigid soles. In this guide, we explained which lightweight[…]

Best lightweight hiking boots
Best lightweight hiking boots

Traditional hiking boots are clunky and heavy. Sure, they are made for more demanding conditions and terrains, but that doesn’t mean we need them all the time. Enters lightweight hiking boots. S[…]

Best running shoes for high arches
Best running shoes for high arches

The high-arched feet, or cavus feet, have arches (soles) that are higher than normal. This leads to uneven pressure distribution in the feet, which might cause pain and balance issues. Not every high-[…]

Best treadmill running shoes
Best treadmill running shoes

Running on a treadmill resembles road running more than trail running because there are no twists, turns, puddles, or obstacles. Ideal for speed runs! But, the surface is softer than roads. That&rsquo[…]

Best minimalist running shoes
Best minimalist running shoes

The idea behind minimalist running shoes is that feet should experience movement in a more natural way. This means stripping away all the extra cushioning, making space for toes to move freely, and le[…]

Best marathon running shoes
Best marathon running shoes

Having a distance of 42 kilometers or 26 miles, a marathon is a long-distance road race. You definitely need more than just a comfortable shoe for this effort. It might be a max-cushioned cruiser that[…]

Best cushioned running shoes
Best cushioned running shoes

Cushioning is what makes the shoes comfortable, soft, and bouncy. Some cushioning units help you feel nice and pampered on those slow recovery days. Others encourage you to speed up, feeling like smal[…]

Best cheap running shoes
Best cheap running shoes

Running can be cheap. Especially if you’re not chasing records or racing competitively. A cheap pair of running shoes might perfectly accompany you on your occasional runs along with casual walk[…]

Best running shoes for plantar fasciitis
Best running shoes for plantar fasciitis

Based on studies, plantar fasciitis affects 1 in every 10 adults, both men and women. Whether you are an athlete or not, one of the ways to reduce plantar fasciitis is to wear comfortable shoes. We ha[…]

Best running shoes for flat feet
Best running shoes for flat feet

Feeling comfortably supported becomes a priority when you have flat feet. We want to make sure that every flat-footed runner receives the right kind of support from their next pair of shoes. Equipped[…]

Lab tests and in-depth reviews

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
86
Great!

The verdict from 10 experts and 10+ users Just like the Flyknit 1, this is a polarizing shoe. Experts went from “move over Pegasus, there’s a new default in town” and “the most[…]

Nike Pegasus Trail 2 GTX
89
Great!

The verdict from 8 experts and 30+ users This shoe has taken many experts by surprise: “I’m super impressed with it”, “absolutely fantastic”. Surprisingly, there’s[…]

Altra Superior 4.5
88
Great!

Altra Superior 4.5 review This is a cushioned zero-drop trail running shoe, good for easy runs on light trails. I found it better for hikes than runs. Who should buy Altra Superior 4.5 Buy this shoe i[…]

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37
89
Great!

The verdict from 23 experts and 100+ user reviews “The shoe is a gem,” “brilliant everyday training shoe” - half of the experts love this shoe. The other half expressed much le[…]

ASICS Novablast
89
Great!

The verdict from 22 experts and 100+ user reviews This is not a usual ASICS shoe, actually, as one expert said it’s “the anti-Asics Asics”. It’s no surprise then that this shoe[…]