ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo: review and verdict
© Valentin Marco / Marathons.comFrom March 23 to 26, 20 hand-picked testers put the ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO through its paces at the first Road Test Camp, held at Lyon’s Matmut Stadium. We take a closer look at the Japanese brand’s most technologically advanced models, redesigned to give runners more lightness, bounce and speed.
Innovation tailored to every type of runner
This is part of ASICS’s identity and a defining feature of the brand. Rather than offering a single performance shoe, the Japanese manufacturer has developed three distinct models, drawing on several years of research at the Institute of Sport Science (ISS) in Kobe, Japan. The brand’s R&D centre works with numerous elite athletes, including French runner Étienne Daguinos.
The METASPEED range
METASPEED SKY TOKYO: designed for runners with a long stride who get faster by increasing their stride length.
METASPEED EDGE TOKYO: ideal for runners who accelerate by increasing their cadence, with a quicker, more ground-hugging stride.
METASPEED RAY: the newest addition, weighing just 129 g and designed for highly experienced athletes with a dynamic, forefoot-striking gait.
With this individualised approach, ASICS takes its runner-focused design philosophy even further. It is no longer simply about running fast, but about running better, in a shoe that works with the runner like a true second skin, matching their individual characteristics.
METASPEED RAY: lightness in its purest form
There is no doubt that it is the star of the trio. At just 129 grams, the new METASPEED RAY is one of the lightest carbon-plated shoes on the market. Designed to maximise energy return, it combines FF LEAP, the lightest and most responsive foam the brand has created to date, with a minimalist carbon plate.
The result is an extremely lively bounce, a feeling of being propelled forwards and, above all, a smooth, effortless transition through every stride thanks to its low weight. With a shoe this light, ASICS helps runners improve their running economy and reduce muscular fatigue during efforts.
In terms of comfort, the upper uses Matryx technology, a blend of individually woven, precisely engineered yarns. It provides excellent foot lockdown while allowing the foot to breathe, even at high intensity. The Dynamic Drop, or rocker, enhances forward propulsion by quickly compressing the foam beneath the forefoot. The METASPEED RAY is clearly the ideal shoe for runners who strike with their forefoot.
© ASICS
© ASICS
© ASICS
© ASICSThis shoe collection has been innovatively designed to adapt to every stride, giving all athletes the comfort and confidence they need to find their speed.
METASPEED SKY & EDGE TOKYO: familiar favourites, reworked
The METASPEED SKY and EDGE TOKYO have been the brand’s flagship racing models since 2021. Now in their fourth generation, they return in 2025 with even more advanced technologies. The new FF LEAP foam, combined with FF TURBO PLUS, delivers greater energy return (+18.8% for the SKY TOKYO and +21.4% for the SKY EDGE), improved stability during the stance phase and a smoother transition.
The Motion Wrap 3.0 mesh further reduces the structure’s weight while improving foot lockdown and breathability. These new versions are aimed at experienced runners chasing performance from 5K through to the marathon. It is best to save them for key workouts and race day.
Recommended use: racing: 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon
Price: €270 (SKY / EDGE) / €300 (RAY)
Weight: 170 g (SKY / EDGE) / 129 g (RAY)
Stack height: 39.5 mm (heel) / 34.5 mm (forefoot), approved by World Athletics
Drop: 5 mm
Strike: Midfoot or forefoot
Ride: Neutral
Runner weight: Up to 80 kg
METASPEED SKY TOKYO: Road Test Camp testers’ verdict
Feedback from all 20 testers confirms the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo’s sharply defined role as a pure performance shoe for experienced runners seeking speed and efficiency, with comfort and forgiveness taking a relative back seat.
Dynamism and energy return, a clear consensus
Every tester highlighted the shoe’s extremely dynamic character. Energy return was rated excellent, with a “bounce” or “trampoline” effect that was particularly appreciated when accelerating and holding pace. The geometry, with its pronounced rocker, clearly encourages forward projection and fast running, promoting an efficient, committed stride. Several testers were able to hold high paces with less effort, confirming the model’s “super racer” DNA.
Lightness and breathability, major strengths
The shoe’s light weight was universally praised. Testers described it as ultra-light, reinforcing the feeling of speed. The minimalist mesh was also highly rated for its breathability, with some testers even mentioning a direct ventilation effect. The fit was generally described as precise and close to the foot, with a convincing sock-like feel, although this depended heavily on foot shape.
Comfort, a divisive issue
Comfort emerged as the main point of disagreement. While some testers liked the foam’s softness, many reported significant discomfort under the arch, describing a “bump” or pressure point. This was particularly problematic for flat or sensitive feet. The shoe was therefore seen as relatively unforgiving, especially at slower paces or during prolonged use. It is better suited to racing, mainly from 5K to the half marathon, with several testers expressing reservations about using it for a marathon.
Stability, the main weakness identified
Stability was the most frequently mentioned drawback. Many testers reported instability through corners, along with insufficient lockdown around the heel or ankle. This was amplified by the relatively narrow platform and highly responsive foam. The shoe requires sound running mechanics, with a midfoot or forefoot strike, and may create a sense of insecurity, particularly for less experienced runners.
Fit and lockdown, precise but demanding
Overall lockdown was rated fair to good, helped by the effective lacing system and well-fitting mesh. However, several testers found the fit narrow and poorly suited to wider feet, while lateral support was sometimes lacking. Some appreciated the forefoot volume, but others mentioned a feeling that the foot spilled over the platform or lacked structure.
➜ The Metaspeed Sky Tokyo confirms its status as an elite, ultra-dynamic and lightweight performance shoe. It will appeal to technically efficient runners looking for speed and efficiency. However, its biomechanical demands, lack of stability and localised discomfort, particularly under the arch, make it a challenging model best reserved for targeted racing use.
“ The test confirms a very light, dynamic shoe that is clearly focused on performance. It delivers good energy return, effective lockdown and excellent breathability, with reliable lacing and a smooth rocker-assisted transition. An ideal pair for performance, less so for pure comfort. ”
“ The shoe wraps around the foot well, with a comfortable heel counter and a softer-than-average sole. The transition is dynamic and creates a real sense of propulsion, while making it easy to hold a fast pace over time with less effort. ”
“ A very light and dynamic shoe, with a minimalist but effective mesh that holds the foot well and an overall sense of power while running. The discomfort under the arch fades when moving, and the shoe clearly makes you want to accelerate. A highly capable but demanding pair. ”
“ A very dynamic and efficient shoe at high speed, with a strong sense of propulsion. However, it clearly lacks comfort and lockdown, with significant discomfort under the arch and a pressure-point sensation linked to the plate. Marked instability through corners. ”
“ An ultra-light, highly minimalist and very breathable shoe, with a simple but effective construction. On the run, lockdown is good and the toothed laces provide a reliable hold, creating a genuine sense of precision and performance. ”
OVERALL COMFORT: 7.3
With its new METASPEED generation, ASICS is reaffirming its position as a leader in running innovation. Following John Korir’s notable Boston Marathon victory in an ASICS prototype, the Japanese brand is showing that it remains firmly in the race for the top. Three models designed for three types of stride, an ultra-personalised approach and the same ambition as ever: pushing back the limits of the human body through technology!
The editorial team