The ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO is a plated, ultra-light super shoe marketed for stride-dominant runners (who pick up the pace mainly by taking longer steps), pairing a late rocker and a carbon plate that sits high and close to the foot. It has a dual-foam midsole that puts FF Turbo+ above the plate and FF Leap underneath for quick rebound and a smooth roll, perfect for fast interval sessions or racing. The new midsole composition makes it feel notably softer and springier than the previous ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS while staying efficient underfoot, which makes it easy to lock into goal pace without expending too much energy. The upper is minimal and airy with a race-fit silhouette and a decent grip up front, though the soft, exposed heel foam and narrow base won't suit heavy heel strikers or runners who need a lot of stability. It feels livelier at toe-off and more energetic through the midsole than the ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO, though it can be a more risky choice if your form tends to fade. Against the ASICS METASPEED RAY, the SKY TOKYO is heavier and stiffer, thanks to its full-length carbon plate.
Our Verdict
The ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO is a marathon-ready racer that feels light, efficient, and easy to lock into goal pace thanks to its high plate position, late rocker, and dual-foam midsole that blends a soft, compressive bottom layer with springy FF Turbo+ foam on top. The midsole absorbs the force from each step and channels it into energy, helping you keep moving forward, so the ride feels very efficient. Runners who land mid to forefoot will appreciate how naturally it rolls for uptempo pace, though the rear of the shoe is less confidence-inspiring due to the higher proportion of softer FF Leap foam in this area, which can lead to some instability.
FF Leap under FF Turbo+ gives a quick, elastic rebound.
Exceptionally light build.
High, relatively flat carbon plate positioned near the foot.
Plenty of underfoot protection.
Rear platform feels narrow and wobbly if form fades.
Not very suitable for heel strikers.
The ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO feels lively for shorter races, with a very light weight and energetic forefoot that makes it highly suitable for faster efforts. The forefoot has some give rather than an ultra-rigid snap, but the carbon plate, positioned close to the foot, brings some dynamism and reactiveness to the ride. That makes it a great option for fast road 5Ks and 10Ks if you want bounce and speed without a harsh platform.
FF Leap under FF Turbo+ gives a quick, elastic rebound.
Exceptionally light build.
High, relatively flat carbon plate positioned near the foot.
Not the snappiest toe-off.
The ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO rebounds exceptionally well, combining fast-decompressing FF Leap foam under the plate with a responsive FF Turbo+ foam layer above to keep each step feeling energetic and assisted. The result is a propulsive roll that rewards mid and forefoot loading, and keeps its pop deep into long workouts, helping you maintain pace with less effort through the stride.
FF Leap under FF Turbo+ gives a quick, elastic rebound.
The ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO delivers well-balanced cushioning that feels protective during long efforts without feeling dull. The softer layer underfoot compresses smoothly for comfort, while the top layer and plate keep the platform composed so landings don't feel overly mushy either. The forefoot feels plusher than many pure speed shoes, which helps for longer distances, though the ride can feel a bit chaotic for runners who struggle to maintain good form.
Plenty of underfoot protection.
The ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO doesn't have the best lateral stability. A narrow, softer rear platform and minimal upper structure keep weight low but can introduce a bit of wobble on sharp turns, off-camber roads, or when the form breaks down late in a race or session. This is mainly due to the presence of soft, very malleable FF Leap foam as the bottom layer, so heel-to-midfoot strikers seeking extra confidence will find steadier options in the category.
High, relatively flat carbon plate positioned near the foot.
Rear platform feels narrow and wobbly if form fades.
Not very suitable for heel strikers.
Performance Usages
Changelog
-
Updated Nov 05, 2025:
We wrote the text of this review to reflect scores from our latest Test Bench update.
- Updated Oct 28, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.9, which adds a Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test to our performance section. Read more in our changelog.
- Updated Oct 24, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.2, which updates our methodology for the impact force range used in our compression tests to improve their accuracy. This also affects all usage and performance usage boxes using those compression tests as score components.
- Updated Oct 24, 2025: Review published.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We bought and tested the ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO in men's US size 9, as noted on the label for our pair. The pair we purchased is the Flash Red/Black colorway. There are currently no wide variants available. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO is a high-performance racing shoe marketed for stride-driven runners. With its unique dual-foam midsole configuration, full-length carbon plate positioned close to the foot, and aggressive forefoot rocker, this shoe delivers a propulsive feel, which makes it ideal for faster paces and short- to mid-distance racing. Compared to shoes like the PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 or the Nike Vaporfly 4, the SKY is bouncier but less snappy and aggressive at toe-off. And while the previous ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS did deliver that more traditional snap, this new version refines almost everything else. On the other hand, those who want a performance-oriented shoe that's more stable, without the very soft, compliant feel of the FF Leap bottom layer, should find the Diadora Gara Carbon 2 or the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 more solid options.
Within ASICS' race lineup, the SKY TOKYO sits between the ASICS METASPEED RAY and ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO, bridging the gap between top efficiency and approachability. It's the snappiest option of the three, best for mid-to-forefoot strikers who prefer a more connected and responsive feel. The EDGE TOKYO, by contrast, offers a ride suitable for heel-to-midfoot runners who want something reliable over the full marathon distance. The RAY, meanwhile, goes for pure efficiency, delivering maximum softness and rebound, and minimal weight, but at the cost of stability and long-term durability. Together, they make up ASICS' most comprehensive race-day lineup yet, giving runners clear choices depending on their mechanics and race goals.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, or more specifically, for the best long-distance running shoes and the best shoes for running a marathon.
The ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO and the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 are both top-tier marathon racers, but they differ in design philosophy and feel underfoot. The SKY TOKYO is dramatically lighter and uses a flatter full-length carbon plate placed close to the foot for a direct, propulsive toe-off, while the Adios Pro 4 relies on its carbon-infused EnergyRods and more pronounced rocker geometry to deliver a rolling, snappy transition. Both are highly efficient, but the SKY offers slightly better energy return and a more consistent cushioning performance over the course of a marathon, maintaining its effectiveness even late into the race. The Adios Pro 4, with its higher drop and slightly firmer midsole feel, provides a bit more structure and guidance but feels less agile in comparison.
The Nike Alphafly 3 and ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO both aim for peak marathon efficiency but take very different approaches to achieving it. The SKY TOKYO uses FF Leap (A-TPU) foam and a full-length carbon plate positioned close to the foot, creating a lighter shoe with a highly responsive feel. The Alphafly 3, meanwhile, leans into its signature ZoomX midsole and forefoot Air Pods to produce a mechanical, trampoline-like pop that feels springy but returns less energy overall. Both are performance-oriented shoes, yet the SKY TOKYO feels smoother and far lighter on foot, which can translate to better efficiency for runners who maintain strong mechanics over long distances. The Alphafly, however, offers a touch more stability, making it a safer bet for fatigue-prone runners or those needing extra structure late in a race.
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO and the ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO share a similar dual-foam setup and full-length carbon plate, but their layering and position give them distinct personalities. In the EDGE, the softer FF Leap foam sits on top of a firmer FF Turbo+ carrier, with a spooned shape plate in between. The SKY TOKYO flips the foams and places the plate closer to the foot, resulting in a snappy toe-off and a more aggressive feel overall. Because the EDGE uses a larger quantity of firmer FF Turbo+ under the heel, it holds its height more on impact, while the softer FF Leap up front compresses more under force, creating the sensation of a steeper heel-to-toe drop and a smoother transition. That makes it the better choice for heel strikers between the two. The SKY TOKYO delivers more energy return and a springier bounce, but it's also less stable, especially on turns. Those features make the SKY TOKYO the preferred option for shorter distances, while the EDGE does indeed have the edge for marathon-distance racing.
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.
We've recently started buying and testing running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
The ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO is exceptionally light even by super shoe standards, so it feels effortless to keep pace and stay fresh late into workouts. If your top priority is shaving every gram for maximum efficiency, the ASICS METASPEED RAY trims even more. On our scale, there was a considerable weight variation between the left and right shoes, but it's likely pair-specific.
This shoe uses a high, near-foot carbon plate that stays relatively flat through the midfoot before rising into a late rocker, pairing firmer FF Turbo+ foam above the plate with softer FF Leap foam underneath. This layout gives the forefoot a very dynamic feel.
The ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO provides a super springy heel that helps you roll forward. It's not a shoe optimized for heel strikers, but when you do touch down back there, the foam rebounds quickly and ushers you toward the midfoot and toe.
This shoe delivers superb pop up front, returning a similar amount of energy as the ASICS METASPEED RAY, thanks to FF Leap foam sitting under the plate and FF Turbo+ foam above it, a layout that compresses quickly then snaps back for a lively toe-off. It feels more energetic than the ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO's flipped setup, rewarding runners with elastic rebound that makes uptempo pacing feel easy to maintain.
The ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO offers very protective heel cushioning that keeps impacts comfortable without turning too mushy. However, at very high forces, it will feel less cushioned.
The ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO has impressive forefoot protection. It feels cushioned without dulling the pop, making faster efforts comfortable while maintaining that responsive feel that defines the shoe.
The heel feels soft and pliable, with the bottom layer of FF Leap introducing more give. The rear platform can feel a bit ungrounded, which is perfectly fine for non-technical courses but more problematic on curves or off-camber sections.
The forefoot sits in a sweet spot: firm enough to add some snap at toe-off, yet compliant enough to avoid too much harshness. However, it will feel a lot less firm in that region than other super shoes, such as the Nike Vaporfly 4.
The ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO offers very good long-run protection, but forefoot protection fades a bit as the distance piles up. With the plate sitting high in the midsole, it meets the force coming from the foot early and gets in the way of the midsole trying to absorb it, so the FF Turbo+ foam layer above the plate ends up taking more of the initial shock. Over repeated impacts, this reduces the cushioning capabilities of the foam at a faster rate than the ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO, with its flipped dual-midsole layout. That said, the SKY TOKYO remains a great pick for distances up to a half or full marathon.