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#304 Mailbag! New Balance SC Rebel vs. Elite v6? Difference Between Rockers and Toe-Spring? Do I Need Flexible AND Rockered Shoe?
29 July 2026

#304 Mailbag! New Balance SC Rebel vs. Elite v6? Difference Between Rockers and Toe-Spring? Do I Need Flexible AND Rockered Shoe?

Doctors of Running Podcast

About

Nathan and Matt dig into the mailbag after sharing early thoughts on the New Balance SC Rebel and SC Elite v6 in this week's In For Testing. They cover a wide range of your questions, including whether unworn shoes age in storage, what makes a good all-terrain "safe" shoe, the biomechanical differences between forefoot rockers and toe-spring, and whether it's worth rotating flexible shoes with stiffer, rockered ones, and much more. Want your mailbag question on the next episode? Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com!

Rabbit is the presenting partner of our podcast. You can use code SUMMERDOCS (for July) and AUGDOR10 (for August) to get 10% off your entire order of $50.00 or more. Note that the code is limited to one use per customer and can't be combined with other discounts. The code is active from 1st of every month to last day at 11:59PM PST, but don't worry because we'll be bringing you a new code every month. Shop now at https://www.runinrabbit.com.

Our In For Testing segment is fueled by Skratch Labs! Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING! https://www.skratchlabs.com

Chapters

    0:00 - Intro2:46 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs9:54 - Thoughts on the New Balance SC Rebel15:32 - New Balance SC Elite v621:32 - Do shoes age when stored without being worn?24:00 - Good all-around, all-terrain "safe" shoes26:34 - The difference between forefoot rockers and toe-spring, and their biomechanical effects34:50 - Is it helpful to rotate flexible shoes with stiff, rockered shoes?40:34 - Does everyone with low arches need stability shoes?44:46 - Can big toe stiffness cause arch pain?48:24 - Is there a shoe similar to the New Balance 860?50:20 - Super shoes with some stability53:04 - Best shoes with arch support56:14 - Wrap-up