ASICS METASPEED Sky Paris Review
Updated: March 19, 2024
Unlock the Speed Racer Within
Likes
- Snappy and energetic ride
- Incredibly lightweight
- Race-ready fit
Dislikes
- High arch might cause irritation for some
- Ran small for some of our testers
- Foam is on the firm side
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 options 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 are 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 FF BLAST TURBO Plus. This midsole foam promises 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 miles 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. The FF BLAST TURBO Plus midsole cushioning gives this shoe the speed and snappiness we look for in a marathon racing option, and while it feels a bit firmer than some of its competitors, it's extremely energetic and well cushioned. That foam combined with the widened forefoot of the carbon plate delivers a very powerful yet smooth toe-off. The Sky Paris makes running faster easier, which makes it one of the best options 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: 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 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 40 test miles.
Jon: There's 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. Nike Alphafly 3
Risa: I feel a little torn over this comparison at the end of testing. These are two of my top contenders for my upcoming marathon. The Alphafly definitely has that "wow" factor when I step in; that satisfying squish that is so unique. I would opt to wear the Alphafly any day of the week if I could, while I would reserve the METASPEED Sky Paris for speedwork and race day. The METASPEED has a firmer feel and actually feels a little more stable to me than the Alphafly for that reason. I am still not sure what is going to be best for me for getting through that 26.2 with the most comfort and speed. Given all the hype for the Alphafly, I think that says a lot about the METASPEED Sky Paris!
ASICS METASPEED Sky Paris vs. ASICS METASPEED Edge Paris
Jon: The obvious comparison to make here is the Edge Paris versus 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 two very different experiences, 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.
ASICS METASPEED Sky
The ASICS METASPEED Sky is an elite, highly cushioned, road racing shoe that is made for speed thanks to its propulsive carbon plate, responsive cushioning, and rocker geometry.
Individual Thoughts
RisaOverall Score: 8.5/10
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' 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. It is simply easier for me to run fast in the METASPEED Sky Paris, and the results backed that up. If faster times are a top priority for you, the METASPEED Sky Paris should be a top contender.
JonOverall Score: 8/10
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 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 different ways 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 has the goods to help runners achieve their most ambitious racing goals.
