ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo review
ASICS’s carbon-plated racer for stride runners, now with FF Leap foam under the plate, a lighter build and some of the highest energy return measured in a lab.
- Drop
- 5 mm
- Heel stack
- 39.5 mm
- Forefoot
- 34.5 mm
- Weight
- 170 g
- Support
- Neutral
- Plate
- Carbon
Our verdict
Fast, featherlight, and picky about who runs in it.
The Metaspeed Sky Tokyo pairs a soft, springy heel with a firmer, snappy forefoot on a flatter carbon plate. It suits midfoot and forefoot strikers who race from 5K to the marathon at a steady, fast pace. Heel strikers, wide feet and slow paces are where testers find its limits.
Strong points
- Very light: 163 g in RunRepeat’s lab, 157.3 g at RTINGS, for a men’s US 9
- Energy return of 78.5 percent at the heel and 78.2 at the forefoot in RunRepeat’s test, well above the Sky Paris
- Cushioning that holds up over a full marathon
- Secure lockdown with no heel slippage for Doctors of Running
- Highly breathable upper: 5 out of 5 at RunRepeat
- True to size for most testers
Weak points
- Narrow heel and soft foam make it unstable for heel strikers
- Wobbly at slower paces and when tired
- Thin, non-gusseted tongue that is fiddly to position
- Some heel lift reported by both Believe in the Run testers
- One width only, and a toe box RunRepeat measured as narrow
Who it fits
- You land on your midfoot or forefoot
- You race the marathon at a steady pace
- You lengthen your stride to speed up
- You want the lightest shoe possible
Who should skip it
- You land hard on your heel
- You have broad feet
- You want one shoe for easy days too
Shoe profile
Where the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo sits among the 395 shoes in our catalogue.
| Axis | Metaspeed Sky Tokyo |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | 61 |
| Lightness | 97 |
| Stability | 30 |
| Drop | 9 |
| Response | 80 |
Fig. 1 · How to read it. Each axis runs from 0 at the centre to 100 at the edge. Cushioning, lightness and drop are the shoe’s rank in the catalogue from listed figures; stability and response are scored from the support type, the plate, the rocker and the intended use. The dotted grey line is the catalogue median. Source: Strideprint catalogue (cat).
Where it sits in the catalogue
Weight170 g, lighter than 96% of shoes
Drop5 mm, lower than 80% of shoes
Heel stack39.5 mm, higher than 61% of shoes
Forefoot stack34.5 mm, higher than 76% of shoes
How it feels
Written from 4 published tests. We quote measurements, not impressions we did not have.
Trampoline heel, firmer front. FF Turbo+ over the plate, FF Leap below: a soft, bouncy heel and a firmer forefoot, with enough cushioning for a marathon.
Stable at speed, not at a jog. The plate steadies it at race pace; at slow paces or when tired, the narrow, soft heel feels loose to most testers.
Among the most energetic racers measured. Energy return of 78.5 percent at the heel in RunRepeat’s lab, up from the Sky Paris, with a stiff, propulsive forefoot.
Trampoline heel, firmer front. ASICS stacks FF Turbo+ above a flatter carbon plate and the new FF Leap foam below it, according to Doctors of Running and Believe in the Run. The listed stack is 39.5 mm at the heel and 34.5 mm at the forefoot.
Doctors of Running describe a soft, bouncy heel and a firmer, more structured forefoot. RunRepeat measured the foam at 31.9 on the AC scale, softer than average, and both labs rate the cushioning deep enough for a marathon.
Stable at speed, not at a jog. A wider heel frame and sole flare help, but the compliant foam makes the heel feel loose at slower paces or late in a race, Doctors of Running found. RTINGS scores stability 5.5 out of 10.
Believe in the Run felt it settle once the pace rose, as the plate takes over. RunRepeat and RTINGS both point heel strikers to other shoes, and Doctors of Running suggest the Edge Tokyo to runners sensitive to soft heels.
Among the most energetic racers measured. RunRepeat measured energy return of 78.5 percent at the heel and 78.2 percent at the forefoot, up from 73.2 and 70.7 on the Sky Paris. RTINGS scores energy return 9.0 out of 10.
Believe in the Run found it more propulsive and snappier than the Edge. The forefoot is stiff: 21.1 N in RunRepeat’s flex test, against a 15.5 N average.
Read more
Trampoline heel, firmer front. ASICS stacks FF Turbo+ above a flatter carbon plate and the new FF Leap foam below it, according to Doctors of Running and Believe in the Run. The listed stack is 39.5 mm at the heel and 34.5 mm at the forefoot.
Doctors of Running describe a soft, bouncy heel and a firmer, more structured forefoot. RunRepeat measured the foam at 31.9 on the AC scale, softer than average, and both labs rate the cushioning deep enough for a marathon.
Stable at speed, not at a jog. A wider heel frame and sole flare help, but the compliant foam makes the heel feel loose at slower paces or late in a race, Doctors of Running found. RTINGS scores stability 5.5 out of 10.
Believe in the Run felt it settle once the pace rose, as the plate takes over. RunRepeat and RTINGS both point heel strikers to other shoes, and Doctors of Running suggest the Edge Tokyo to runners sensitive to soft heels.
Among the most energetic racers measured. RunRepeat measured energy return of 78.5 percent at the heel and 78.2 percent at the forefoot, up from 73.2 and 70.7 on the Sky Paris. RTINGS scores energy return 9.0 out of 10.
Believe in the Run found it more propulsive and snappier than the Edge. The forefoot is stiff: 21.1 N in RunRepeat’s flex test, against a 15.5 N average.
Which runs it’s for
| Run | Fit | Why | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marathon race | Made for it | Its main job. RTINGS scores it highest for half and full marathons. | RunRepeat, RTINGS, Believe in the Run |
| Half marathon race | Made for it | Doctors of Running found it works from 5K to the marathon, and RTINGS scores it 8.5 for the half. | Doctors of Running, RTINGS |
| Tempo | Made for it | RunRepeat scores it 92 for tempo work. Most runners keep it for key sessions. | RunRepeat |
| Intervals | Can do | Fast enough, but sharp turns feel less secure on the soft platform. | Doctors of Running |
| Long runs | Can do | Fine at marathon pace. At easy pace the heel feels unstable. | RTINGS, Believe in the Run |
| Easy runs | Not for it | RTINGS finds it too aggressive for relaxed miles. | RTINGS |
Source: RunRepeat, RTINGS, Believe in the Run, Doctors of Running
What the tests say
Every test we read finds the Sky Tokyo very light, very bouncy and fast once the pace rises. They also agree on its weak spot: a narrow, soft heel that feels unstable at slow paces, when tired or for heel strikers.
| Test | Type | Our reading | In one sentence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctors of Running | Review | Positive | Doctors of Running grade the design A minus: a plush heel and snappy forefoot for racing, with a heel that may feel unstable to some. | Read |
| RunRepeat | Lab | Positive | RunRepeat scores it 92 out of 100 and lists it as a top pick among super shoes, but not for heel strikers. | Read |
| RTINGS | Lab | Positive | RTINGS rates it 8.5 for half and full marathons: very light and energetic, less stable as fatigue builds. | Read |
| Believe in the Run | Review | Positive | Believe in the Run give it an A for performance: propulsive and light, with heel lift and slight instability at easy paces. | Read |
They agree
- FeatherweightRunRepeat weighed 163 g and RTINGS 157.3 g in a men’s US 9, below the 170 g ASICS lists.
- Big energy returnRunRepeat measured 78.5 percent at the heel, among the highest it records, and RTINGS scores energy return 9.0 out of 10.
- Unstable heelDoctors of Running, RunRepeat, RTINGS and Believe in the Run all describe a heel that wobbles at slow paces or for heel strikers.
- Better with paceBelieve in the Run found it settles as the pace picks up, and Doctors of Running felt it best from 5K to marathon effort.
They split
- Room in the toe boxDoctors of Running and Believe in the Run found extra forefoot volume for a racer. RunRepeat measured a narrow 70.1 mm toe box and RTINGS found the forefoot tight.
- How the forefoot feelsDoctors of Running describe a firmer, snappy forefoot. RTINGS finds it soft enough to limit a firm toe-off.
How it’s built
A two-foam racer: FF Turbo+ above a flatter carbon plate, FF Leap below it, a minimal MOTIONWRAP 3.0 upper and a thin ASICSGRIP outsole.
FF Turbo+ above a flatter carbon plate, FF Leap below, a breathable MOTIONWRAP 3.0 upper and a 1.4 mm ASICSGRIP outsole built for race days.
| # | Part | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UpperMOTIONWRAP 3.0 | Breathability 5 / 5 |
| 2 | Tongue | 0.6 mm |
| 3 | Heel | Stiffness 1 / 5 |
| 4 | MidsoleFF TURBO+ and FF LEAP | Hardness 31.9 AC |
| 5 | PlateCarbon plate | 17.9 Nm |
| 6 | Insole | 3.1 mm |
| 7 | OutsoleASICSGRIP | 1.4 mm |
Fig. 3 · Side profile. Stack heights to scale (listed: 39.5 mm heel, 34.5 mm forefoot; measured: 1.4 mm outsole); the split between the two foams is not measured and is drawn at mid-height. Dashed: insole, hidden. Sources: Fleet Feet, RunRepeat, RTINGS, Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run.
Upper. A light, perforated woven upper. RunRepeat scored breathability 5 out of 5, and RTINGS found it absorbs little water and dries fast.
Tongue. Thin and not gusseted, 0.6 mm in RunRepeat’s lab. Doctors of Running and Believe in the Run both found it hard to position, and laces can dig in slightly.
Heel. A flexible counter, 1 out of 5 in RunRepeat’s stiffness test. The narrow heel platform, 75.0 mm wide at the midsole, is why heel strikers struggle.
Midsole. FF Leap is the new foam under the plate, with FF Turbo+ above it. RunRepeat measured 31.9 AC, softer than average, and 147 SA of shock absorption at the heel.
Plate. A full-length carbon plate, flatter than many spooned plates, which Doctors of Running found loads best under midfoot and forefoot pressure. RunRepeat measured 17.9 Nm of torsional rigidity.
Insole. A thin, removable insole, 3.1 mm in RunRepeat’s lab.
Outsole. Only 1.4 mm thick in RunRepeat’s lab, with 0.66 of forefoot traction, above average. Believe in the Run found it grippy in varied conditions.
Read more
A two-foam racer: FF Turbo+ above a flatter carbon plate, FF Leap below it, a minimal MOTIONWRAP 3.0 upper and a thin ASICSGRIP outsole.
1. Upper. A light, perforated woven upper. RunRepeat scored breathability 5 out of 5, and RTINGS found it absorbs little water and dries fast.
2. Tongue. Thin and not gusseted, 0.6 mm in RunRepeat’s lab. Doctors of Running and Believe in the Run both found it hard to position, and laces can dig in slightly.
3. Heel. A flexible counter, 1 out of 5 in RunRepeat’s stiffness test. The narrow heel platform, 75.0 mm wide at the midsole, is why heel strikers struggle.
4. Midsole. FF Leap is the new foam under the plate, with FF Turbo+ above it. RunRepeat measured 31.9 AC, softer than average, and 147 SA of shock absorption at the heel.
5. Plate. A full-length carbon plate, flatter than many spooned plates, which Doctors of Running found loads best under midfoot and forefoot pressure. RunRepeat measured 17.9 Nm of torsional rigidity.
6. Insole. A thin, removable insole, 3.1 mm in RunRepeat’s lab.
7. Outsole. Only 1.4 mm thick in RunRepeat’s lab, with 0.66 of forefoot traction, above average. Believe in the Run found it grippy in varied conditions.
Durability. A race-day lifespan. RunRepeat’s wear test took 1.4 mm off an outsole that is only 1.4 mm thick, and rated toe box durability 1 out of 5. Doctors of Running rate durability as average.
Durability. A race-day lifespan. RunRepeat’s wear test took 1.4 mm off an outsole that is only 1.4 mm thick, and rated toe box durability 1 out of 5. Doctors of Running rate durability as average.
Specs, listed and measured
Every figure carries its source.
Drop, mm
Heel stack, mm
Forefoot stack, mm
Weight (men’s), g
| Spec | Listed | Measured |
|---|---|---|
| Drop |
|
|
| Heel stack |
|
|
| Forefoot stack |
|
|
| Weight, US M9 |
|
|
| Support |
| – |
| Plate |
| – |
| Surface |
| – |
Fig. 4 · Listed vs measured. Bars start at zero. Sources: Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, RTINGS, i-run.
Lab measurements
| Spec | Measured |
|---|---|
| Midsole hardness |
|
| Energy return (heel) |
|
| Torsional rigidity |
|
| Heel counter stiffness |
|
| Traction coefficient |
|
| Breathability |
|
| Spec | Measured |
|---|---|
| Toe box width |
|
| Toe box height |
|
| Outsole thickness |
|
| Insole thickness |
|
| Tongue thickness |
|
| Flex force |
|
Sizing and fit
Take your usual size for length; broad feet and swelling over a marathon are the real questions.
Length
True to size
Widths
standard
Toe room
Height is generous, width less so. RunRepeat measured 30.6 mm of toe box height but only 70.1 mm of width, and lists toe numbness over a full marathon among its warnings.
RunRepeat
Full sizing notes from testers
Doctors of Running and Believe in the Run found it true to size, and RunRepeat’s readers agree in its sizing poll. RTINGS found the fit race-snug in length and through the forefoot and arch, and suggests sizing up for broad feet or a relaxed fit.
Fleet Feet lists it as unisex in men’s sizes, with women advised to go 1.5 sizes below their usual size. It comes in one width only.
Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, RTINGS, Believe in the Run, Fleet Feet
Vs Metaspeed Sky Paris
Same idea, new foam: FF Leap under the plate, a lighter shoe, more energy return and a snugger upper.
Keep the Sky Paris only if you liked its roomier fit: RunRepeat measured 73.4 mm of toe box width on it, against 70.1 mm now. For everyone else, RunRepeat and Doctors of Running both see the Tokyo as an improvement.
Version history: Metaspeed Sky Paris to Metaspeed Sky Tokyo
FF Leap foam added. The new foam joins FF Turbo+ in a two-layer midsole. Doctors of Running found it far more plush and responsive than the previous FF Turbo+ alone. (Doctors of Running, RunRepeat)
Lighter. RunRepeat weighed 163 g against 183 g for the Sky Paris in the same lab. (RunRepeat)
More energy return. RunRepeat measured 78.5 and 78.2 percent at heel and forefoot, against 73.2 and 70.7 on the Sky Paris. (RunRepeat)
Snugger upper, wider heel frame. RunRepeat found the new MOTIONWRAP 3.0 upper narrower, and Doctors of Running note a wider heel frame that made the shoe easier to run in. (Doctors of Running, RunRepeat)
Alternatives compared
Each one fixes one thing the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo does not do.
| ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo |  ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo |  Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 |  Nike Alphafly 3 |  ASICS Magic Speed 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pick it for | This page | More stable | More stable | Higher drop | Less cushion |
| Drop | 5 mm | 5 mm | 6 mm | 8 mm | 7 mm |
| Heel stack | 39.5 mm | 39.5 mm | 39 mm | 40 mm | 37.5 mm |
| Weight | 170 g | 170 g | 201 g | 218 g | 196 g |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
Questions runners ask
Metaspeed Sky Tokyo or Edge Tokyo: which should I choose?
ASICS designed the Sky for runners who lengthen their stride to speed up and the Edge for runners who raise their cadence. In practice, testers split them by the heel: the Sky’s is softer and bouncier, the Edge’s firmer and more stable. Doctors of Running and RunRepeat point heel strikers to the Edge.
Is the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo true to size?
For length, yes for most testers: Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run and RunRepeat’s readers all report a true-to-size fit. RTINGS found it race-snug through the forefoot and suggests going up if you have broad feet. It is unisex in men’s sizes; Fleet Feet advises women to order 1.5 sizes below their usual size.
Is the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo good for heel strikers?
Testers say not really. RunRepeat and RTINGS flag the narrow, soft heel as unstable for heel strikers, and Doctors of Running found it less stable at slow paces. If you land on your heel, the Edge Tokyo is the ASICS option testers prefer.
What are the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo’s drop and stack height?
ASICS lists 39.5 mm at the heel and 34.5 mm at the forefoot, a 5 mm drop. RunRepeat measured 38.7 and 32.7 mm, a 6.0 mm drop, and RTINGS measured 39.5 mm at the heel with a 4.7 mm drop.
How much lighter is it than the Sky Paris?
In RunRepeat’s lab, 163 g against 183 g for the Sky Paris, both in a men’s US 9. ASICS lists 170 g for the Tokyo.
Can I use the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo for training?
For key sessions at race pace, yes. For easy runs, testers advise against it: RTINGS rates it poorly for daily training, and RunRepeat’s wear test took 1.4 mm off a 1.4 mm outsole, a sign of a short lifespan.
Sources
- Doctors of Running, ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo Review (David Salas, June 2025). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- RunRepeat, ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo lab review. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- RTINGS, ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO review. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Believe in the Run, Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo Review (July 2025). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Fleet Feet, ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- i-run, Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Strideprint, Strideprint running shoe catalogue (ranks computed on 2026-10-13). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- RunRepeat, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo lab review. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- RunRepeat, ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris lab review. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- cat: Strideprint catalogue, 395 shoes
How we review. We read published tests, brand and retailer pages and lab measurements, cross-check the figures and flag where they disagree. We did not test this shoe ourselves. Last updated October 13, 2026.