ASICS METASPEED Sky Paris Review
Unlock the Speed Racer Within
Likes
- Snappy and energetic ride
- Race-ready fit
- Incredibly lightweight
Dislikes
- High arch might cause irritation for some
- Foam feels on the firm side
- Ran small for some of our testers
What's New
In the past few years, we have seen ASICS release one great running shoe after another so needless to say, the new and improved METASPEED racing series has been highly anticipated for a while. Ever since its inception, the METASPEED series has been known for its unique approach to racing shoes. Rather than a one shoe fits all scenario, ASICS has carefully crafted two different racing options that are designed for two different styles of running––the Edge for cadence style runners who increase cadence when picking up the pace, and the Sky for Stride style runners who increase their stride length.
The METASPEED Sky Paris represents a major update to the METASPEED series and features upgrades that is sure to get fans of the Sky excited. First and foremost, the midsole is comprised of two layers of an all-new foam compound called FLYTEFOAM BLAST TURBO PLUS. This midsole foam is going to deliver a more responsive and more cushioned underfoot experience than the previous version. Sandwiched between those two layers is a full-length carbon plate that is positioned closer to the foot and wider in the forefoot to give stride style runners a powerful toe-off that extends their stride length.
In the outsole, we see a return of ASICS GRIP that offers the durability and traction needed to take on multiple races and all the training kilometres in between. Finally, the updated MOTION WRAP 2.0 upper delivers a highly breathable, lightweight, yet secure sit. And speaking of lightweight, the METASPEED Sky comes in at just 6.4 oz/181 g, which makes it one of the lightest marathon racing shoes on the market!
The Bottom Line
If we had to describe this shoe in one word it would be FAST. That's what this shoe was made for and that's exactly what it is. Giving this shoe the speed and snappiness we look for in a marathon racing shoe is the FF Blast Turbo+ midsole cushioning that feels a bit firmer than some of its competitors, but is extremely energetic and well cushioned. That foam combined with the widened forefoot of the carbon plate delivered a very powerful yet smooth toe off for us. The Sky Paris made running faster easier, which makes it one of the best options in our opinion, to help you nab your next PR.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 6.4 oz | 181 g (size 9) | Women's: Coming Soon (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 39.5 mm (Heel), 34.5 mm (Forefoot) | 5 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | Fits Short |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Risa: The METASPEED Sky Paris has a perfect race upper, in my opinion. It’s super lightweight and gave me a secure lockdown with no friction or irritation.
Jon: The MOTION WRAP 2.0 upper is fantastic. It is very minimal, but still nicely accommodating thanks to the reinforced toe box and heel counter. The material is highly breathable, but the strategic structuring throughout makes for a comfortable and secure fit.
Midsole
Risa: I would describe the midsole as slightly firm. I didn’t get a ton of bounce from the shoe, but it was snappy and lightweight. It was almost difficult to run slowly in this shoe (and definitely less enjoyable at slower paces).
Jon: At the outset, I should say that after testing out both, the Sky Paris and Edge Paris, it's clear to me that I am a cadence style runner and therefore, the Edge Paris worked better for me. The angled carbon plate worked really well with my stride and made for a really smooth and fast turnover. With the Sky Paris, having the carbon plate sit closer to my foot resulted in a less natural feel and actually ended up feeling a bit too firm underfoot. But that just means I was able to find the right METASPEED for me with the Edge Paris. I imagine stride style runners will love what the Sky Paris offers in terms of that powerful and responsive kickoff.
Outsole
Risa: I got the chance to run in the shoe after it had rained and I still experienced no issue with grip. It’s a pretty lightweight outsole but it looks basically brand new after about 60 test kilometres.
Jon: Not a ton to talk about with the ASICS Grip outsole coverage here and that's a good thing. It gives you all the traction you need to get through a marathon in any type of weather without compromising weight.
Comparable Shoes
ASICS METASPEED Sky Paris vs. ASICS METASPEED Edge Paris
Jon: The obvious comparison to make here is the Edge Paris v. the Sky Paris. If you're interested in the METASPEED racing models, then in all likelihood, your first question is going to be, "which one should I get?" After all, not every runner is acutely aware of their running style and may not know which one works best for them. And full transparency, even though I focus more on my cadence data than my stride data, I honestly would have selected the Sky Paris over the Edge Paris because I saw more people talking about the Sky+ than the Edge+ and assumed it was better. So even though these two shoes feature the same technology, they offer a very different experience so it's crucial you know whether you're more of a cadence style runner or a stride style runner. If you love the feeling of upward propulsion and more bounding strides, the METASPEED Sky Paris is the shoe for you.
Individual Thoughts
At the end of testing (and my opinion changed during testing), I would say the METASPEED Sky Paris is one of the best marathon racers I’ve gotten to try. Results don’t lie, and my times have been faster in this shoe. Do I think this is the best marathon racer for everybody? No. I think this is an excellent race day option for someone who prefers shoes that aren’t super soft and someone with standard to narrow feet.
It’s not often that my opinion changes much from my first test run, but that was the case with the METASPEED Sky Paris. Sometimes it can still be enjoyable to throw on a racer for any run of the week, but this was not the case for me with the METASPEED Sky Paris. My first impression on a short, easy run was that the Sky Paris's midsole felt firmer than I like. My toes also reached the end of the shoe which was kind of annoying (I’d recommend going up half a size.) However, once I started taking this shoe up to my race pace and on some longer runs, I began to see what makes it special. As I mentioned before, times don’t lie, and it is simply easier for me to run fast in the METASPEED Sky Paris. If faster times are a top priority for you, the METASPEED Sky Paris should be a top contender.
This review has been difficult for me because I have never reviewed companion shoes before. On the one hand, ASICS was clearly successful in building a specific shoe for a specific type of running style. On the other hand, given their successful execution, it makes the other version a bit obsolete for me. Now that I know the Edge Paris works better for my running style, I don't foresee a situation where I would lace up the Sky Paris. But what I can say is that even though these two shoes have a different way of getting the job done, they are both very FAST! With a highly responsive foam compound, a precise plate position, and a lightweight build, the METASPEED Sky Paris and Edge Paris has the goods to help you achieve your most ambitious racing goals.