Nike Alphafly 3 vs ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO

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.