The ASICS METASPEED RAY is an ultra-light marathon racer built around a full slab of A-TPU foam with a forefoot-only plate, pairing deep, fast-rebounding cushioning with a rocker that shines at fast paces. It comes across as a bolder, fully evolved take on the METASPEED SKY Tokyo and METASPEED EDGE Tokyo, trading their more stable platform for even lower weight and extra cushioning. It stands out amongst super shoes, given how radically light and bouncy it feels, although its super soft character won't suit everyone. The minimalist upper and targeted outsole grip keep weight down while maintaining some traction, but the overall build feels delicate and isn't built for long-term durability. Overall, the ride is soft and lively with a smooth toe-off that rewards efficient mid-to-forefoot mechanics, feeling most composed when pace is locked in on straight, flat courses, where its inherent instability is less noticeable.
Our Verdict
The ASICS METASPEED RAY is an amazing option for the marathon thanks to its featherweight build, towering stack, and super bouncy midsole that keeps momentum rolling when you're locked into a steady rhythm. Protection is plentiful without feeling too sluggish, and the forefoot-only plate adds a smooth roll that's not overly stiff. The trade-off is stability, especially on technical routes: the soft platform and narrow base feel less planted through sharp turns or for runners whose running economy break down on the back half of a marathon, so it's best on flat, non-technical courses where you can hold pace and let the bounce do the work.
Full stack of FF LEAP foam is amazingly bouncy.
Premium A-TPU midsole absorbs an incredible amount of energy.
Exceptionally lightweight build makes for a very efficient ride.
Partial carbon plate under the forefoot adds some stiffness.
Quite unstable, especially on the back half of a marathon.
The ASICS METASPEED RAY is an excellent short-race option for non-technical, fast courses where low weight and efficiency matter, but its softer forefoot doesn't provide the same instant snap as firmer shoes. It feels quick and energetic at fast paces, but in race scenarios where you're surging repeatedly at very fast paces, some runners will prefer a stiffer front end that naturally favors a high turnover and allow for more control at toe-off.
Full stack of FF LEAP foam is amazingly bouncy.
Exceptionally lightweight build makes for a very efficient ride.
Partial carbon plate under the forefoot adds some stiffness.
Forefoot is bouncy, but not snappy.
Changelog
- Updated Aug 27, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.14, which adds new lace-specific results. We've included a close-up photo of the laces, as well as details including lace type, width, thickness, and stretch. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Jul 03, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.13, which identifies the different foams used in the shoe's midsole. We've included a microscopic image of the foam cells to give you an idea of what the microstructure looks like. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
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Updated Jun 26, 2026:
We've updated the Popular Comparisons section to include a comparison to the recently reviewed Saucony Endorphin Elite 3.
- Updated Jun 17, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.12, which fixes how we measure firmness, a component of the Stability and 5K/10K Racing usages. There may be inconsistencies between the text and the scores for these usages, but the scores should still be considered valid. We've also brought back the Energy Return score and added two new usages: Daily Training and Long Run. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Apr 28, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.11, adding two new rocker measurements to the Design section, and three new responsiveness tests to the Performance section. The Energy Return usage score has been replaced with Responsiveness. Check out the details in our changelog.
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Updated Feb 26, 2026:
We updated the review to include text for the new Fit usage box, which was recently added to our test bench.
- Updated Feb 20, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.10, adding a new set of fit tests to the Design section and an overall fit performance usage. Check out the details in our changelog.
- Updated Oct 30, 2025: Review published.
- Updated Oct 06, 2025: Early access published.
- Updated Sep 22, 2025: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Sep 12, 2025: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Aug 13, 2025: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
We've bought and tested more than 250 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs.
Test Results
Energy Return
The ASICS METASPEED RAY is among the bounciest shoes on the market, compressing deeply and snapping back remarkably well. The sensation is elastic and playful rather than snappy and propulsive, so it feels wildly energetic even if it does not deliver the traditional snap of other shoes such as the older METASPEED SKY PARIS.
Stability
The ASICS METASPEED RAY is less stable than most plated super shoes, largely due to its super-narrow base and very soft FF Leap midsole. At marathon pace or faster, the foam firms up and the rocker keeps you going, so if you can hold good form, the shoe's instability is still manageable. However, once fatigue sets in or you start landing farther back, that overly soft foam can make the small stabilizing muscles work hard to keep you upright, which diverts effort away from forward motion and can hurt overall efficiency. For those reasons, the RAY isn't a very appealing choice for more technical courses.
Partial carbon plate under the forefoot adds some stiffness.
Quite unstable, especially on the back half of a marathon.
The FF LEAP composition is overly soft.
Super narrow platform, especially in the heel.
This model showed a unique pattern in real-world use that doesn't appear in our lab scan because the scanned pair is brand new and different from the pairs we use for outdoor testing. On runs, multiple testers saw unusual gray/black road marks along the midsole sidewalls, even on clean tarmac, likely because the very soft foam compresses so much that a significant portion of the flanks contact the ground. We also observed pronounced creasing after only a few kilometers. These are largely cosmetic early on, but they signal a limited lifespan and reinforce that this model prioritizes peak performance over long-term durability.
The heel feels very soft overall and that shows up most clearly late in a marathon. Early on, when you are running well and landing farther forward, the heel stays out of the way and the foam’s give isn't an issue, as this level of plushness helps to spare the big muscles and joints. However, as fatigue sets in and foot strikes drift closer to the heel, the compliant midsole sinks more, so the small stabilizing muscles have to work overtime to keep you going. This negatively impacts efficiency since some energy is being spent on balance instead of forward propulsion. Strong, fast runners able to maintain form and stay off the heel will manage it better, but if you expect to fade or want a touch more heel structure, the METASPEED EDGE Tokyo’s slightly firmer setup is the safer pick.
The ASICS METASPEED RAY’s front end isn't the firmest for a super shoe. The thin, partial plate adds only minimal stiffening. Even Saucony’s very soft Endorphin Elite 2 firms up more as load increases, whereas the RAY's forefoot firmness plateaus at high forces, so adding more power does not translate into a firmer, snappier response. This is a matter of preference: some will enjoy the plush front, others will want more bite.
Cushioning
The ASICS METASPEED RAY provides substantial impact absorption that keeps pounding stress off your joints and muscles during long efforts. The tall FF Leap midsole cushions landings and spreads out the shock exceptionally well. That protective feel helps you maintain form deeper into a marathon and reduces late-race fatigue from repetitive loading, though runners who prefer a firmer, ground-connected sensation may find the platform a bit too mushy for their liking.
Premium A-TPU midsole absorbs an incredible amount of energy.
The ASICS METASPEED RAY provides fantastic heel protection. With no plate in this zone, the foam can deform and absorb freely, soaking up impact and spreading forces before they travel up the legs. Landings feel plush and controlled, which helps keep lower-leg fatigue in check over long efforts.
This shoe offers substantial forefoot padding that takes the sting out of repetitive strikes during workouts and races. There is enough depth underfoot to keep things comfortable deep into an interval session or a race, pairing soft impact control with an easy roll through toe-off.
Responsiveness
The ASICS METASPEED RAY uses FF Leap A-TPU throughout the entire midsole, making for a super bouncy feel. Up front it compresses and springs back really well, giving a notably lively rebound that helps efficiency at marathon pace and faster. The heel is energetic as well, which keeps transitions smooth while still favoring mid- to forefoot strikers who load the front half of the platform.
Full stack of FF LEAP foam is amazingly bouncy.
True To Size
The ASICS METASPEED RAY fits true to size for a racing shoe. It is quite snug through the arch and has just enough space in the forefoot to accommodate some toe splay. The length is true to size, and most runners can buy their usual size.
The ASICS METASPEED RAY is truly groundbreaking for weight, coming in a few grams lighter than the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2 and more than 30 grams lighter than the ASICS METASPEED EDGE and ASICS METASPEED SKY Tokyo, which are already considered light super shoes. You almost forget you are wearing it thanks to the minimal upper, which is remarkable given the tall, soft stack underfoot. It pushes the category's weight boundary without obvious compromises to key efficiency factors like energy return, and while it is definitely not a durability champ, it is also not a one-and-done shoe like the Adizero Pro Evo 2.
This shoe has a snug, performance fit that still leaves a touch of toe box wiggle room, so it feels race-ready without leaving you super cramped either.
The ASICS METASPEED RAY’s forefoot protection holds up well across marathon-length efforts. Cushioning declines gradually and almost linearly as distance piles up, with no sharp early drop-off that we often see in less premium compounds or even in the ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO, which features a layer of older PEBA-based FF Turbo+ foam. Here, the full A-TPU midsole stays protective through the longest runs of your marathon block and on race day itself.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The ASICS METASPEED RAY achieves what can only be described as a tour de force: a featherweight super shoe that's more energetic than the PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3, softer and more protective than the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3, and lighter than the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2. Built with a full slab of FF Leap foam and a partial forefoot plate, it delivers one of the most efficient racing experiences available on the market, pairing deep cushioning with a remarkably springy rebound that makes it suitable for various distances. The ride is exceptionally smooth and cushioned, with a light, floating sensation underfoot that rewards efficient running mechanics. However, this soft and narrow build comes with two clear tradeoffs: it's much less stable than most other super shoes like the Diadora Gara Carbon 2 or the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4, especially at lower paces or around turns, and its minimal, performance-oriented design means it may wear down faster than more traditional race-day models. For more options of long-distance racing shoes, check out our recommendations for the best shoes for running a marathon.
Within ASICS' race lineup, the RAY sits above the METASPEED SKY Tokyo and METASPEED EDGE Tokyo, offering a softer, more cushioned feel that prioritizes comfort and rebound over rigidity and control. Both the SKY and EDGE feature a dual-layer midsole with a full-length carbon plate embedded between FF Leap and FF Turbo+ foams, but it's the proportions, layering, and plate geometry that ultimately set them apart, giving each shoe a distinct ride and personality. The EDGE stands out as the more accessible and less risky marathon option, thanks to its lower layer of FF Turbo+ foam, which adds stability and control without sacrificing too much energy return. Meanwhile, the SKY uses a flatter, full-length plate placed close to the foot, delivering a snappy and aggressive feel that naturally makes for a good 5K/10K racer.
If you're looking for more options to add to your shoe rotation, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes and the best long-distance running shoes.
The ASICS METASPEED RAY and the ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO are both elite racing shoes built for speed, but they deliver that speed in very different ways. The RAY is lighter and softer, relying on a partial forefoot plate and a single, thick layer of FF Leap foam to create a deeply cushioned, springy ride that stays consistent over distance. The SKY TOKYO uses a full-length plate positioned close to the foot, paired with a wider outsole platform that provides more stability and a firmer feel. Both are highly energetic and responsive, but the RAY offers a softer, more cushioned experience. While the SKY TOKYO may give up more protection deep into a run, it makes up for it with greater stability and a more consistent ride than the RAY.
The ASICS METASPEED RAY and New Balance SuperComp Elite v6 represent two very different takes on a racing shoe. The RAY has supremely soft cushioning and a featherweight construction, but is wildly unstable. It's an excellent marathon racing shoe for runners who can maintain good form. The SC Elite v6 has much less absorbent cushioning, but it's much snappier and more stable (for a racing shoe). It's the better choice for shorter races, and it's available in multiple widths, so it's a more accessible racing shoe option for wide-footed runners.
The ASICS METASPEED RAY is lighter than the ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO and offers more bounce at faster paces, making it the better pick for mid-to-forefoot strikers chasing maximum race-day efficiency. The EDGE TOKYO is more stable and better suited to longer races, especially for cadence-driven runners or those who land farther back. Get the RAY for maximum speed; get the EDGE TOKYO for the more approachable marathon racer.
The ASICS METASPEED RAY and PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 are both aggressive, performance-focused super shoes, but they take very different approaches. They both focus on delivering the very last percentages of efficiency, even if it's at the expense of durability. That said, the METASPEED RAY leans into a super-soft, ultra-bouncy midsole and featherweight build for maximum efficiency at fast paces, with a partial forefoot plate that adds some stiffness while remaining supremely plush. The tradeoff is a narrow platform and very compliant foam that makes it quite unstable. The PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3, on the other hand, features a full-length carbon plate and a uniquely aggressive rocker geometry on a wider, more planted base, making it feel a bit more confidence-inspiring when cornering, even if it is not quite as light or as cushioned-feeling as the ASICS. Its forefoot feels quite snappy and propulsive, whereas the RAY leans more into elasticity and bounce for momentum.
The Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure and the ASICS METASPEED RAY are two of the lightest super shoes available to the masses, but they will best serve different runners for different races. Despite its featherweight, the METASPEED RAY has substantial cushioning that holds up impressively well over long distances. Its higher stack height and soft foam do make it less stable, though, so it can become very wobbly late in the race if your form is fading. The Hyperwarp Pure is a more stable shoe, thanks to its lower stack height and significantly firmer midsole, which also makes it feel much more tuned for shorter races like a 5K or 10K.
The ASICS METASPEED RAY and Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 are both exceptionally soft, high-stack racing shoes, but they take different paths to deliver speed. The RAY is dramatically lighter and feels more cushioned and bouncy overall, prioritizing maximum rebound and a highly energetic forefoot feel. The Endorphin Elite 2, while still soft, is firmer and more controlled under load (it compresses smoothly at lower forces but firms up as the pace increases), giving it a crisper, snappier toe-off and greater stability at marathon effort. Runners seeking the lightest, most cushioned option will gravitate toward the RAY, while those who prefer a more structured, balanced feel with better control may favor the Saucony.
The ASICS METASPEED RAY and the HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 both sit on the soft end of the super shoe spectrum, so they deliver that deep, forgiving feel that keeps racing impact under control. The big difference is the weight: the ASICS is dramatically lighter and feels like a more efficiency-first design, so it stays protective without the shoe feeling like it's taking up extra space underfoot. The HOKA is still light for its category and stays very cushioned, but it feels more substantial in comparison. Plate-wise, the Ray uses a partial carbon setup, which keeps it a bit more compliant and natural through the stride, while the Cielo uses a full carbon plate, so it feels more structured.
The Li-Ning Feidian 6 Ultra and ASICS METASPEED RAY both sit in the soft, bouncy subcategory of super shoes, and neither is a particularly stable option. The ASICS is the lighter and softer-feeling shoe, with less dense foam and only a partial plate toward the forefoot, so it feels more airy, squishy, and explosive underfoot. The Li-Ning feels more structured and responsive in the traditional sense, thanks to its asymmetric, two-tier carbon plate. Instead of using a simpler flat plate, the Feidian's plate sits on two separate levels with a void under the midfoot. However, that can make the Li-Ning feel more punishing for midfoot strikers, while the ASICS feels more unstable because of its extreme softness and minimal structure.
The ASICS METASPEED RAY and adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 are both top-tier marathon racing shoes, but they differ significantly in feel and performance. The RAY is much lighter and delivers a more efficient ride thanks to its highly energetic FF Leap foam and partial forefoot plate, which create a consistent bounce from start to finish. The Adios Pro 4 uses full-length carbon-infused EnergyRods to add stiffness. While the adidas still offers strong cushioning, the ASICS is noticeably softer and retains its protection capabilities more consistently over long distances
. However, the Adios Pro 4 offers stronger lateral stability, which also makes it a compelling marathon option.
The ASICS METASPEED RAY and Mizuno Hyperwarp Elite are both super-light super shoes, but they feel very distinct in spirit. The ASICS is dramatically lighter and tends to offer better running economy as a result, but it’s also the riskier choice as distances get longer because it feels much less stable underfoot. Its midsole feels bouncier and more cushioned, yet also softer, which can make it feel less secure and a bit mushy when fatigue builds or you're trying to move smoothly through toe-off. The Mizuno is still quite lightweight, with a responsive, snappy feel that appeals to runners who want an immediate, mechanical return when they apply force, with a ride that feels less chaotic and more stable at race pace.
The Under Armour Velociti Elite 3 and the ASICS METASPEED RAY are two low-drop racing shoes, and the Under Armour was worn by the women's winner of the 2026 Boston Marathon, while the ASICS was worn by the runner-up. They offer two completely different rides, though, with the Velociti Elite 3 being rather stiff but decently stable, while the Metaspeed Ray is soft and bouncy, but extremely wobbly if your form breaks down. For racing purposes, a significant difference is that the Ray is much lighter, just over half the weight of the Under Armour.
The ASICS METASPEED RAY and Kiprun Kipstorm Lab are soft, forefoot-plated racing shoes built for very fast runners. The ASICS is the better shoe overall, with lower weight, better cushioning, and more energy return for runners looking to maximize race-day performance. Both are unstable, but the Kiprun feels slightly more controlled and has a more rocker-driven ride, so get it if you prefer a ride that's not quite as extreme.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We bought and tested the ASICS METASPEED RAY in men's US size 9, as noted on the label for our pair. The pair we purchased is the White/Flash Red colorway. At the time of testing, there are no wide variants available. Note that some prototype versions have been seen on elite athletes; those are not sold to the public and may not perform the same as retail pairs. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
