The Monday Shakeout: Shoes I Used for Racing in 2025
By Matthew Klein
This week Matt talks about the shoes he used for racing in 2025. A slight increase in the number of races for the stroller dad, Matt gives some quick race recaps and thoughts on each shoe as he reflects on goals for 2026.
As someone who does all his miles pushing a stroller, whose primary objective is to support his semi-pro wife and has a ton going on, I have not made a ton of time for racing recently. The first full year of my daughters birth (2024) I managed to get three races total in. I got quite sick at the end of the year and didn't know what the future held for me. Fortunately, in 2025, I jumped into more things without expectations and managed to survive. I ran a total of five races this year, all with the stroller, including a half-marathon and four 5K races. I was hoping for a sub 1:20 stroller half-marathon, which I came surprisingly close to. For the 5k distances, my goal was simply to compete pushing the stroller and see what the results were. All races resulted in a top 10 finish (except the Bowerman 5k obviously) and 2025 ended up being a great building year, putting my feet back into the racing waters.
Best Distance Racer: Nike Alphafly 3
Review
Despite going through the first half of the race at around 5:50 to 6 min pace, I struggled in the second half, desperately holding onto the stroller and trying to stay upright despite missing part of my shoe. Isabella slept through most of the race, then woke up in the last mile and repeatedly told me to "go faster". While I was disappointed that the heel came off at only 60 total miles of use, the snappy forefoot, incredible bounce, good lockdown and surprisingly centered ride did help me finish. Retrospectively, I wish I had used the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 as it is more stable and durable, but for those light on their feet, the Alphafly 3 is still a solid half-to-full marathon racer.
Despite being a little annoyed that I got bested even with a stroller, I ran 17:09 for my fastest 5k of the year. Retrospectively, it would not be my top choice for a 5k as it is heavier than many of the other options out there. It has a really rockered and smooth ride, which makes it excel at tempo runs and longer distance runs. It will work better for those with more narrow feet given the snug fit. The lateral bias is quite present, so those with medial stability needs will find this to be one of the better options if a rolling, stable, super ride is needed. However, this is another shoe that has subpar outsole durability as I began to rip the outsole off after only 25 miles.
I ran 17:36 (7th Overall) at the Hillsboro Rotary 4th of July 5k and 17:45 at the Sherwood Turkey Trot (also 7th Overall) in this shoe. The 4th of July race was the first 5k I had run in 8 months and pushing the stroller at low 5:30 miles got me in the last mile. The shoe got out of the way, but was still early in breaking in. The Sherwood Turkey Trot is where it came alive, helping me through a hilly course and catching some runners much faster than me. The outsole traction helped me grip the road in rainy conditions and allowed me to zip through a narrow trail without hesitation (thank goodness my wife didn't see me whipping around corners with Isabella in the stroller). On the downhill, the bouncy, fast FF Leap helped me cruise to the finish line.
Despite technically being my slowest 5k of the year, it is the race I most proud of. The ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo continues to be a shoe that disappears off the feet and lets you focus on fast racing. I would use this shoe for up to 10k, but am not sure it is stable enough for me to use in longer distances. I might find out soon, though.
The Hyperwarp Pure felt slightly mushy on the warm up and I was worried about how responsive it would feel at pace. A prior workout had left me a little disappointed as it was not as stable as I expected it to feel with the broad midsole. At pace, the softness became a pretty solid bounce and I was able to forget about it and focus on racing. The grip was fantastic as it kept traction on steep, wet terrain and handle me going over curbs while turning with the stroller (Isabella was fine and we didn't fall or lose stride... but good thing my wife didn't see this). I am happy I went up to a size 10.5 as the 10 was far too short and the upper held my foot down without causing any issues.
During the 2nd lap of the course (two loop), the shoe responded well when I dropped the hammer trying to push past 2nd place and managed to hold the pace after I passed him. My students got so see my "death march" as I came into the finishing stretch while still trying to push Isabella and I finished 2nd overall in 17:41.
The next day, my Achilles tendon was a little irritated but I was able to calm it down, keep running and continue my rehab. The Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure is certainly a fast and responsive shoe that will work best for those who can handle lower drop shoes. For most people, including myself, it is a 5k to 10k racer given the lower profile. Those elite runners or those wanting a non-max stack height racer could certainly take it for long distances, but most people will not.
Conclusion
While I appreciated the many shoes I ran in, the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo was a top shoe for me. Other shoes I would have considered include the New Balance SC Elite v5, which was a top long run and workout shoe for me; the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4, which despite me not liking it early on, turned into a top stable neutral workout/racer for me; and the Puma Fast-R 3, which is insanely fast but I was too worried to race in due to the excessive medial bias. Racing shoes are returning to their pre-super shoe era weights while still being super and this is an exciting time. They are also getting more aggressive than ever, with low drop shoes like the Hyperwarp Pure and crazy designed Puma Fast-R 3 coming into the picture.
2026 is looking to refine those models and more, so we will have to see what is in store. Right now, my main goals for racing in 2026 is to run a sub-36-minute stroller 10k and maybe make another attempt at a sub 1:20 stroller half-marathon. Racing with Isabella is the only thing on my mind, and I hope she remembers these experiences positively as I continue to train/race with her while she still fits in the stroller.
PAST MONDAY SHAKEOUTS
Reflections on 2026
Shoes for Ultramarathons?
Super Shoes for Recovery Runs?
Do "Illegal" Racing Shoes Matter for Recreational Runners?
Long-Term Care for Aging Runners
What is the Best Running Form?
Running-Related Injuries
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Ultraspire Fitted Race Belt: The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist. (Also recommend the Naked belt)
Saysky Running Gear: We were really taken aback by this Scandinavian company's ultra-thin, durable performance clothing
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
goodr Sunglases: Run in style with goodr's super fun sunglasses.
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Theragun Massager: This small version is great on the go for working tired legs
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!
Fractel Hats: Our team's wider fitting running hat of choice!
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NEXT: Reflections on 2026
