ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo – Race Review

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In this review, we're taking a detailed look at the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo, a high-performance race day shoe that promises speed, bounce, and serious PB potential. After racing a 10K in this shoe, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of its features, performance, and who it’s really for.

Overview & Purpose

The Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is ASICS’ stride-based racing shoe, designed for runners who increase their speed by extending their stride rather than increasing cadence. This shoe is engineered for those faster efforts and race day scenarios—particularly from 5K up to the half marathon, and maybe a marathon if you’re the right kind of runner.

Stats & Features

• Price: £220

• Weight: 174g (UK size 9.5)

• Stack Height: 39.5mm (heel) / 34.5mm (forefoot)

• Drop: 5mm

• Foam: Dual layer

  • Bottom: FlyteFoam Leap (white, soft, supercritical ATPU-based)

  • Top: FlyteFoam Turbo Plus (yellowish, firmer, responsive)

• Plate: Full-length carbon plate (flat configuration)

• Upper: Motion Wrap 3.0

• Outsole: ASICS Grip rubber

The updated FlyteFoam Leap foam is a cleaner, more environmentally conscious ATPU-based compound, boasting superior bounce and resilience over the previous Pebax-based midsole.

Fit & Comfort

The shoe fits true to size and offers a slightly wider heel compared to its predecessor, giving it more structure and forgiveness at the rearfoot—though it’s still far from stable for heel strikers. The Motion Wrap upper is lightweight, breathable, and securely locks in the foot. The laces are excellent—easily among the best on the market.

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Performance & Ride Feel

This is where the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo really shines. During the test 10K race, the shoe delivered an exceptionally smooth and fast ride. The combination of soft, energetic FlyteFoam Leap and the responsive Turbo Plus foam results in a bouncy yet controlled feel. The full-length plate helps maintain forward propulsion without feeling overly rigid.

Compared to its sibling, the Metaspeed Edge, the Sky Tokyo feels more like it “glides” at pace—ideal for runners looking to hold a consistent stride length. It’s less about a punchy push-off and more about sustained momentum.

At faster paces, the shoe feels almost effortless—“cruise control” for your legs. It’s a shoe that rewards aggressive, forefoot-midfoot strikers. However, heel strikers beware: even with the improved heel geometry, the rearfoot is still too soft and unstable for reliable support over longer distances.

Ideal Distances

• ✓ Best for: 5K to Half Marathon racing

• ✗ Not ideal for: Marathon (unless you're light, fast, and efficient)

This shoe excels in shorter races where you’re on the gas from the gun. For marathon distances, especially as fatigue sets in and form deteriorates, the softness and instability at the heel become problematic.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

The ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is a top-tier racing shoe for the right runner. If you're a stride-style runner who lands mid-to-forefoot and wants something fast, fun, and dynamic, this shoe is outstanding—possibly even PB-worthy.

However, if you're a heel striker or tend to pronate heavily, you may want to steer clear. The shoe's softness and lack of rearfoot stability could end up working against you in longer efforts. In that case, the Metaspeed Edge or other more stable racers might be a better fit.

At £220, it’s a premium price point, but competitive within the carbon-plated super shoe market—and thanks to ASICS' continued refinement, you’re getting a genuinely improved product.

Pros

✅ Incredibly lightweight

✅ Superb bounce and energy return

✅ Fast and smooth ride at pace

✅ High-quality upper and laces

✅ Improved heel width vs previous version

Cons

❌ Not stable for heel strikers

❌ Lacks long-distance support (e.g., late marathon stages)

❌ Premium price may not suit everyone

Final Verdict

Rating: 8.8/10If you’re after a weapon for chasing 10K or half marathon PRs and you run efficiently up on your toes, the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is absolutely one to try. Just know what you’re getting into—it’s built for speed, not stability. Get it right, and you’ll feel like a sub-elite.

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