The ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS is an ultra-lightweight super shoe engineered for race-pace efficiency, thanks to its reactive FF Turbo+ foam and a carbon-fiber plate that sits closer to the foot for seamless energy return. It features a late-rocker, strategic forefoot ASICSGRIP, while the mesh upper keep things quite snug. Its design is advertised for stride runners—those who pick up speed by lengthening their stride—leveraging the plate and foam pairing to maximize propulsion from 5K through the marathon. That said, its lightweight construction and snappy midsole truly excel in shorter races, where stability is less of a priority. In longer efforts, the narrow heel platform can feel unstable, especially for heel-strikers. Nonetheless, for athletes chasing a PR, this super shoe delivers feather-light speed and explosive rebound for a variety of distances.
Our Verdict
The ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS fuels marathon efforts well with an energetic midsole and feather-light feel, driving you forward efficiently. However, this isn't the most cushioned option, and once form breaks down, especially for heel-strikers, the narrow base can feel unstable and sub-optimal on the final miles.
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Very lightweight super shoe.
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FF Turbo+ midsole compound is very bouncy.
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Good underfoot protection.
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Carbon plate adds stiffness.
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Forefoot feels a bit harsh for longer distances.
In shorter, all-out efforts, the ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS truly excels. Its ultralight build and lively midsole deliver explosive propulsion off every step, turning hard intervals into a smooth, fast-rolling experience that feels competent for a variety of distances.
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Very lightweight super shoe.
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FF Turbo+ midsole compound is very bouncy.
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Carbon plate design makes for a very snappy forefoot.
With a full FF Turbo+ midsole, the ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS offers a springy rebound underfoot. This PEBA-based compound returns energy with minimal loss, helping you stay economical for fast training and racing scenarios.
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FF Turbo+ midsole compound is very bouncy.
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Carbon plate adds stiffness.
The ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS balances a snappy, connected ride with enough foam to protect your feet at race pace. However, unless you can finish your marathon in under three hours, this shoe won't provide very plush cushioning for long distances, as it isn't the most forgiving super shoe.
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Good underfoot protection.
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Forefoot feels a bit harsh for longer distances.
Designed with a deliberately narrow platform to keep things streamlined, the ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS can feel unstable when form falters. Heel-strikers in particular may notice the under-supported feel due to the narrow heel base and soft foam in this area.
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Soft heel foam.
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Heel base is really narrow.
- 8.2 Marathon Racing
- 8.7 5K/10K Racing
Performance Usages
- 8.2 Energy Return
- 7.7 Cushioning
- 5.2 Lateral Stability
Changelog
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS in men's US size 9, as indicated on the label of our unit. The specific colorway shown here is Illuminate Mint/Black. This model is also available in Light Blue/Black, Sunrise Red/Black, and Safety Yellow/Black. Wide-width versions are not currently offered. Do not confuse this shoe with the ASICS METASPEED SKY +, which is a different model for which our results don't apply. Most of our performance results apply across all color and size variants, though the upper design notes reflect only the version we tested. We expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
Compared To Other Running Shoes
The ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS is one of the lightest super shoes on the market, trailing only rare outliers like the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 and the Nike Vaporfly 4. Like most top-tier racers, it uses a premium, bouncy PEBA-based foam, but what sets the SKY apart is its no-fuss geometry and propulsive feel that make it especially suited for shorter events. While some brands pursue radical designs—like the ultra-aggressive Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 or the Hoka Cielo X2, which rely on extreme rockers and favour more specific strike patterns—the SKY keeps things simple and focuses on delivering a clean, snappy ride. In the forefoot, it offers a more grounded feel, perfect for those who like it a bit firmer, similar in spirit to the PUMA Deviate NITRO Elite 3. On the flip side, shoes like the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 take a much softer, more protective approach, favoring cushioning depth over pure responsiveness. The SKY fits squarely in the middle of this spectrum: efficient, firm, and no-nonsense, especially suited to runners who get their speed from increasing stride length.
ASICS also offers the METASPEED EDGE, which looks very similar on the surface but has a few key differences. The EDGE places the plate lower in the midsole and angles it more sharply. It also has an earlier rocker for a smoother, softer rollover. It's advertised for higher-cadence runners and those looking for a bit more forefoot cushion. The SKY, by contrast, has the plate positioned closer to the foot and runs more parallel through the midsole, paired with a late-stage, pronounced rocker that delivers a firmer and more propulsive toe-off. Within their broader lineup, ASICS also offers the ASICS S4+ YOGIRI, a more beginner-friendly plated racer that focuses on support and protection, though it's heavier and less tuned for all-out performance.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes to find the perfect pair.
The Nike Alphafly 3 and the ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS are both top-tier super shoes, but they deliver very different sensations underfoot. The Alphafly 3 is heavier, but it offers more overall cushioning, especially in the heel, making it a better option for runners who value long-distance protection and impact absorption. That said, it still features some firmness in the forefoot, thanks to its distinctive Air Pods. In contrast, the ASICS is lighter and firmer overall, with a more direct and snappy ride that favors runners who prefer ground contact and sharp transitions, making it more specialized for shorter races.
The ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS and the Nike Vaporfly 4 are both elite-level racing shoes built for efficiency and speed, but they deliver their performance in slightly different ways. The Vaporfly 4 is lighter, which can offer an edge in running economy. Both shoes have a snug, race-ready fit, but the Nike has a more standard length, whereas the ASICS runs a bit short. Underfoot, the Nike uses a sharply angled carbon plate embedded deep within the ZoomX foam for a bouncy, rolling transition. In contrast, the ASICS positions its plate closer to the foot and more parallel through the midsole, resulting in a firm and snappy toe-off.
The ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS and the ASICS METASPEED EDGE PARIS are built from the same premium foam and carbon-plated platform, but they offer distinct ride experiences based on subtle but important geometry differences. The SKY has its plate positioned closer to the foot and aligned more parallel through the midsole. This setup results in a firmer, snappier ride, especially appealing to runners who naturally lengthen their stride when picking up the pace. The EDGE's plate starts very high but gets progressively lower towards the forefoot with a steeper angle and a more gradual rocker that begins earlier in the gait cycle. This makes for a slightly softer, more stable feel at the forefoot with smoother transitions. It's also worth noting that ASICS markets the SKY toward "stride-style" runners and the EDGE toward "cadence-style" runners, but in practice, the difference comes down more to preference.
The ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS and the PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 are two elite racing shoes built for speed, but they take very different approaches. Both are lightweight and designed for high performance, but the PUMA is more aggressive overall, featuring a split midsole and pronounced rocker that creates a propulsive ride, which is especially effective for midfoot and forefoot strikers. The ASICS, in contrast, has a firmer forefoot, delivering a snappy toe-off that excels in shorter efforts and controlled pacing, but with a more traditional and smoother transition. The ASICS feels more precise and stable, particularly over shorter distances where ground contact and control matter more.
Test Results
The ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS is feather-light, allowing for a fast and nimble feel. Still, a few super shoes like the PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 and the Nike Vaporfly 4 edge it out by a few grams, but it's still a very efficient option on race day.
Even for a performance-oriented super shoe, the METASPEED SKY PARIS runs noticeably short. The toebox volume is generous, but the overall build is compact, so be sure to double-check your length measurement or size up to ensure a comfortable fit during long efforts to account for foot swelling.
From the side, the full-length carbon plate and pronounced rocker that define its ride are clearly visible. Compared to its near-twin, the ASICS METASPEED EDGE PARIS, the SKY's plate is less angled and sits closer to the foot, and the shoe has a later but steeper rocker—features that translate into a firmer feel and slightly less absorption than the EDGE.
The SKY has great heel energy return, thanks to its FF Turbo+ foam and plate placement. Every landing feels springy and lively, propelling you forward with minimal energy loss, even when fatigue sets in late in a marathon.
In the forefoot, the energy return is impressive. The combination of responsive foam and a plate positioned close to your foot makes each toe-off feel explosive, giving you an edge in short, all-out efforts.
The heel cushioning is very good, offering a protective experience suitable for most race distances. It delivers enough compliance to protect your foot under load, but don't expect a soft, pillowy underfoot feel either. It's not as cushioned as marathon-optimized super shoes like the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4.
The forefoot delivers good protection. It won’t engulf your foot in plushness, but the premium midsole still absorbs a lot of energy upon each foot strikes, allowing your legs to stay focused on moving forward.
The foam present at the heel is quite soft. It still has enough rigidity to prevent excessive sink, but heavier runners and heel strikers may find it overly soft and unstable.
The forefoot feels firm thanks to the carbon plate sitting close to the foot, instantly stabilizing the soft FF Turbo+ foam under load. When you drive off properly, it delivers a very snappy toe-off—but if you're after a softer ride, it can come across as a bit harsh. That setup contrasts sharply with the ASICS METASPEED EDGE PARIS, whose plate is laid out at a much more pronounced, scooped angle.