The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 and the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo are the flagship carbon racing shoes of their respective brands, direct rivals in the same category: the road, from 5K to the marathon, and the marathon above all.
Both shoes have the same stack height. The Asics is a bit lighter, by about 15 g / 0.5 oz, and its drop is a bit higher, though still low.
Underfoot, Adidas keeps its double layer of Lightstrike Pro and changes the carbon structure: a U-shaped EnergyRim replaces the EnergyRods. The idea: more foam in the flex zone, without losing the stiffness that drives propulsion. Asics keeps its carbon plate, set higher in the midsole, and pairs it on this Tokyo version with a new FF Leap foam, softer than the FF Turbo+ foam of the version we tested.
The ride feel is where they part ways. The Adios Pro 5 is plusher at impact than the previous version, with the bounce still there and a more explosive ride: its rocker starts earlier and the roll is very smooth. On the Metaspeed Sky, the forward rocker is strong and the bounce very strong, more vertical than horizontal, to lengthen the stride. On the Paris version, the feel at impact sat somewhere between plush and firm, and the Tokyo softens that with its new foam. Both remain demanding.
Both uppers are very thin and very breathable. The Lightlock 2.0 upper on the Adidas, in ripstop nylon, locks the foot down very well, with a tighter forefoot than on the Pro 4: if in doubt, go up half a size. The Asics offers a precise fit and excellent lockdown that should suit a wide range of feet, even if some find it narrow.
Grip is very good on both sides, even on wet roads: Lighttraxion and Continental for Adidas, AsicsGrip for Asics. Durability separates the two: the Metaspeed holds up well, while some runners flag the Adios Pro 5’s outsole.
Adios Pro 5 vs Metaspeed Sky Tokyo: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re chasing a fast time and can live with a demanding shoe, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 is our pick: it may be the most well-rounded carbon shoe to date.
The Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is worth it mainly for its better durability, which gives it better value for money. If you’re an Asics fan, it’s an obvious choice.
