ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris Review

The Metaspeed Sky is where comfort meets race-day performance, and I can honestly say Asics have created something really very special with these.
ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris Review 1 - Trail and Kale | Trail Running & Adventure
Trail & Kale is reader-supported. If you purchase through links in this article, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn More.

Welcome to my in-depth Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris review. Let me quickly set the stage, in order to introduce myself and share what type of runner I am. I’m a non elite runner, passionate about running and I love sharing my opinions on the latest running shoes and gear. My 5K personal best is 19 minutes 50 seconds, which I’m always trying to beat. I’ve run countless ultramarathons across the world, and my favorite race length is the cheeky half marathon. Road or trail, I love running on them both.

I’m never afraid to say when a running shoe is rubbish, but I of course highlight the ones that truly impress me. Our independent running shoe reviews are always 100% honest, reliable and hopefully you’ll come away from having learned something new.

What they’re designed for and who will enjoy them most

So, what are the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris for, and who are they targeted at? They are ASICS’ most sophisticated, lightweight race day running shoe to date. Now, although they’re tailored for race days, I find them excellent for speed training, including tempo runs and interval sessions. They’re engineered for ‘stride style’ runners; which means they’re designed for those who prefer to pick up pace by lengthening their stride rather than quickening their cadence.

Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris Review | Trail & Kale
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris Review | Trail & Kale

For those who use cadence to pick up the pace, the Metaspeed Edge is the race day shoe that will suit you better – if you’re not sure which type you are, most runners will get on better with the Metaspeed Sky.

🔔 We also create shoe review videos on our YouTube Channel; if you prefer watching video, head over to our Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris review on YouTube next.

The Key Specifications

  • Price: $250 at asics.com or £220 at sportshoes.com (UK), a price that’s on par with competitors like the Vaporfly 3 and Rocket X2.
  • Fit and Feel: True to size with a medium width, perfect for those with average-sized feet.
  • Upper: Exceptionally comfortable, dubbed and on of the most comfortable race day super shoes I’ve reviewed – in line with the Hoka Cielo X1 (for different reasons). Highly breathable, thanks to Asics’ Motion Wrap 2 technology.
  • Midsole: Lightweight and responsive ASICS FF Turbo Plus foam, with a hidden carbon fiber plate for that extra spring in your step.
  • Outsole: Designed with ASICS grip, it offers surprisingly good traction, minimal yet effective.
  • Weight: 6.3oz (179g) for a size US(M)9 (my pair) which is the lightest super shoe I have reviewed.
  • Drop: 5mm drop.

👋🏼 If you’re thinking about getting these shoes, using our links would be a huge help for Trail & Kale Running Co. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which lets us keep creating awesome content like this review. Thanks so much for your support – we really appreciate it!


My performance review

The first thing you’ll notice with the Metaspeed Sky is just how lightweight they are when you pick them up. Because of how lightweight and comfortable they are, wearing the Metaspeed Sky Paris feels almost like an extension of your own feet but with additional cushioning and propulsion power.

They’re incredibly lightweight, tipping the scales at just 6.3oz for a US men’s size 9 (my size), which helps in maintaining a quick pace without the extra bulk weighing you down, or making your muscles work harder than they need to. I believe they’re the lightest race day shoes I have ever reviewed, they’re even lighter than the Vaporfly 3 – now that’s something!

Dynamic FF Turbo Plus foam midsole paired with a carbon fiber plate
Dynamic FF Turbo Plus foam midsole paired with a carbon fiber plate

They feature a dynamic FF Turbo Plus foam midsole paired with a carbon fiber plate, which delivers good cushioning, and outstanding energy return during your runs. I have found this to be noticeable across both short sprints and more extended distances. Over longer runs, in particular, you really feel the efficiency gains, and this is where the Metaspeed Sky Paris shines brightest.

The breathability of the upper is one of those features that’s very noticeable when running in a hot climate like I do here in California. Breathability is crucial for those high-intensity runs where heat build-up can be make your feet swell to the point comfort becomes a concern mid run.

ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris Review 2 - Trail and Kale | Trail Running & Adventure

You can see in the photo above how Asics has zoned the breathability, ensuring a tighter weave where durability is required (where your big toe wiggles), but still allowing for airflow in other areas.

It’s not just about keeping your feet cool but also the overall comfort that allows you to focus solely on your pace and the road ahead – staying in the zone, and not letting your mind wander to places like the pain cave or the dungeon of self doubt – those places are forbidden during race day! 🙂

I’m particularly fond of the lacing system too, it’s traditional yet minimalistic, ensuring a snug fit without the fuss of being restrictive in some areas but fine in others. The lightweight notched laces found also in Nike’s supershoes, is fantastic at keeping your laces done up mid run.

Metaspeed Sky Paris notches laces and zoned breathable upper mesh
Metaspeed Sky Paris notches laces and zoned breathable upper mesh

Even the tongue of the shoe is designed to stay put, which is critical during a race when stopping to adjust is not an option.

👋🏼 If this is your first time on Trail & Kale, welcome! This site (and my YouTube channel) are designed to help you run your best, through our custom training plans, run tips, and honest running shoe reviews. Subscribe to my Newsletter to get full access to our Training Plans, and to stay up to date with all the latest running gear reviews.

They say looks aren’t everything, but who doesn’t want to look sharp on race day? The Metaspeed Sky Paris has a sleek, professional looking silhouette with, I think, an appealing color scheme.

I am totally loving these running shoes and to be honest found it hard to pinpoint much that I felt could be improved. However, I do believe the stability could be improved for the non elite runners like myself who value stability in a pair of running shoes when running long distances.

A narrow heel footprint might challenge runners who need more lateral support
A narrow heel footprint might challenge runners who need more lateral support

The narrow heel footprint might challenge runners who need more lateral support, especially over longer distances. This is a minor issue in an otherwise stellar shoe, but worth noting for those who prioritize stability in their running shoes.

➡ If you’re enjoying this review do me a favor, drop a comment down below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more running shoe reviews just like this one. If you’re familiar with these running shoes, share your thoughts on them in the comments.

The best Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris alternatives right now

The Metaspeed Sky Paris is up there as one of the best race day Super Shoes right now. Close comparisons that spring to mind (pun intended) include the HOKA Rocket X2 and Nike Vaporfly 3, with similar weight and outsole dimensions. The Vaporfly 3 is the least stable out of the three, and if I were to pick between these three shoes, I’d go for the Metaspeed Sky or the Rocket X 2.

In terms of performance, they’re up there with the Nike Alphafly 3 and Hoka Cielo X1, although they’re very different shoes – read my reviews to learn why.

For those in training mode, the ASICS Superblast makes a fantastic complimentary training companion, handling the brunt of daily training runs, and most of what a good training plan recommends you do, so you can save the Metaspeed Sky for those special fast days.

Is the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris worth buying?

Absolutely! At $250, these shoes are competitively priced, especially considering the innovative features packed into such a lightweight design.

ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris Review 3 - Trail and Kale | Trail Running & Adventure

The ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris not only competes with but in many ways, surpasses its peers, making it a worthwhile investment for serious runners.

If you’re looking for a super shoe that delivers on speed, comfort, and style, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris deserves your attention. It’s ideal for runners with average width feet looking for an edge in races or high-intensity training sessions, these shoes offer a blend of performance, comfort and premium build quality that is hard to beat.

👋🏼 If you’re thinking about getting these shoes, using our links would be a huge help for Trail & Kale Running Co. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which lets us keep creating awesome content like this review. Thanks so much for your support – we really appreciate it!

I hope this review helps you gear up for your next race day decision. If you have more questions or need further insights, drop them in the comments below – I’m ALWAYS eager to help out my fellow runners and readers. Thanks for tuning in, and see you out there! Peace!

Don’t forget to subscribe to our Newsletter, so you don’t miss our other in-depth running shoe reviews as they drop. Your support means a lot, and I look forward to bringing you more running shoe reviews you can rely on.

Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris review on Youtube

Did you know we also create shoe review videos on our YouTube Channel too? Click the image below to watch our Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris review on YouTube next.

ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris Review 4 - Trail and Kale | Trail Running & Adventure
Previous Article

PAKA Hoodie Review: Alpaca Wool Apparel FTW

Next Article

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx Review

View Comments (3)
  1. I have 2 paris Edge models now, I really got along well with the edge + is why. Have you tried the MEP? I am wondering if I’d like it better as it’s all over the map with comparisons. Like does it need a really firm fast forfoot strike to get the most out of it? I do love the Edge Paris but over 14M I feel it’s agressive lower plate makes it a tad edgy pun intended. Thanks for any feedback.

    1. Hey Eric,

      Loving the pun! I don’t have any experience with the Edge yet, but it is better suited to for higher cadence runners, meaning it’s firmer. THe larger your stride, the more cushioning you’ll want when you hit the ground. I personally like to increase my speed by extending stride rather than increasing cadence so the Sky suits me better. I think if you’re finding the Edge Paris too aggressive, you’ll get on better with the Sky’s midsole. 🙂 -Alastair

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to our Newsletter

for outdoor gear reviews, roundups, tips, and thought-provoking blogs for adventurous people.
Pure inspiration, zero spam ✨