Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris Review (2024): Carbon Queen?

Julien Guyod

Published on 08/29/2024

In the year of the Olympic Games, Asics decided to pay tribute to the French capital with the presentation of its new model: Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris. It’s an understatement to say that the first two versions were convincing, the only disappointment being that v2 presented few changes.

This time around, we really have a new version, with many changes on offer. However, the competition from other brands this year is heating up, from the Nike Alphafly 3 and Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 to the Adidas Adios Pro 4, which is due for release soon. So it’s time to see how good are these shoes!

Is it the fastest carbon plate model on the market? Is it suitable for you? That’s what we’ll find out in this in-depth review.

Our Verdict

Cushioning

For the midsole of this Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris, the brand is going all out with a new foam: FF Turbo+. Combined with a 12% larger carbon plate, it delivers considerable weight savings while maximizing dimensions.

With a stack height of 39.5 mm in the heel and 34.5 mm in the forefoot, shock absorption is impressive and certainly among the best to date for a competition model.

So there are no restrictions in terms of distance. Of course, it’s geared towards the marathon and should be suitable for all runners on the distance, regardless of weight. However, its somewhat unforgiving nature will limit its use for some runners.

In terms of underfoot feel, I found these shoes to be quite balanced, striking a good balance between softness and firmness. It’s unmistakably firmer than the Nike Alphafly 3, but there’s not a world of difference either.

However, some testers judged the feel too firm for their liking.

Last but not least, watch out for the low drop of 5 mm. It’s the same as on the previous iteration, but it can take some getting used to if you run primarily with higher-drop shoes (e.g. 8-10 mm).

Energy return

The rocker is aggressive, and the forward rocker is powerful, albeit with more bounce than horizontal propulsion.

The subtlety comes from the position of the plate. As it’s higher up in the midsole, it provides vertical propulsion and a very strong bounce to lengthen the stride.

To be less technical, let’s just say that the bounce is excellent, certainly among the best there is. With a weight of 176 g/6.3 oz in EU size 42/US9, the shoes are ultra-light, reminiscent of good old racing flats (except for the stack, of course). The energy return is pretty incredible with every stride; back-to-front transitions are smooth and very fast.

Support and stability

The impressive stack can cause concerns when it comes to stability, especially considering that the platform isn’t particularly wide.

The precise fit, grippy outsole, and fairly dense cushion deliver good stability.

However, everything is relative. The MSPs are stable for carbon racers but require some experience and attention compared to traditional daily trainers.

Foot Lockdown

The engineered mesh of the seamless Motion Wrap 2.0 upper is a strong point of the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris.

It’s so thin you can see the color of your socks underneath — needless to say, the shoes are highly breathable! This helps to wick out moisture, but the downside is that the upper offers little protection in cold weather.

The shoes are comfortable and worthy of Asics’ reputation. There’s no problem keeping them on for long distances.

The heel counter is rigid and cushioned, and the gusseted tongue holds in place and follows the foot’s movement. Next, the serrated laces are practical but might be polarizing depending on personal preferences.

Overall, the fit is very good and the shoes run true to size.

Some runners found the fit narrow, but the stretchy upper perfectly adapted to my wide feet, and I found the lockdown excellent.

Of course, it’s better to try if you can, but based on my experience, I evaluate that these shoes should suit most foot shapes and sizes.

Traction

The outsole remains unchanged: exposed foam and AsicsGrip rubber in wear zones. This proven technology ensures excellent traction and effective grip, even on wet surfaces.

However, I was disappointed by the absence of flex grooves. I think it would have helped to reduce stiffness/increase flexibility.

The Asics Metaspeed Paris is obviously a road shoe, but it can handle easy dirt paths.

Use

The main use of the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris remains racing. However, its above-average durability makes it suitable for speed sessions at training.

Nevertheless, it’s best to avoid using them as a single pair for everything. Carbon shoes make the effort easier and preserve the muscles, whereas it’s important to put some stress on your muscles, tendons, and ligaments during training.

In terms of distance, the Metaspeed Sky can tackle anything; even for shorter distances, it’s not overkill, considering its light weight. The key distances for this model will be the half marathon and marathon, but it can handle anything under.

Finally, there’s always the recurring question for such elite shoes: what’s the minimum speed to get the most out of them?

Studies have shown that carbon plate shoes can benefit all runners overall. However, it’s hard to say for a specific model.

From my personal experience, I would say that the propulsion starts be felt from 15 km/h, but the running economy may start before that, especially over long distances.

It’s best to try it for yourself. If you’re an experienced runner looking to shave a few minutes off your record, these shoes will help even if you’re above the 3:30 mark at the marathon!

Quality and Durability

The outsole and the upper are sturdy and durable, and the midsole’s high-density foam retains its cushioning properties well over time, a clear advantage over the softer Alphafly 3.

The lifespan is higher than that of similar models in the category, although it will vary depending on your foot gait and weight.

We let you be the judge of value, considering the high price tag but better durability.

Also, over 50% of the shoe’s upper is recycled to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris is vegan.

Alternative Picks

Asics Metaspeed Sky +

Several changes can be noted:

• Significant weight reduction and improved bounce with the new foam.
• Better energy return
• Greater stability thanks to the wider plate
• More breathable upper and improved fit
• Better shock absorption to easily tackle those last miles at the marathon!

All these differences make the Metaspeed Paris a better shoe, and a worthwhile choice. However, the Sky+ was already a great performer and it’s a

Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris

The brand was undoubtedly well-intentioned in creating two different collections to suit the two main groups of runners (according to them). In practice, the Sky is much more popular than the Edge and we wonder if they’ll really keep two versions in the future.

The two models are very similar, but the Sky should suit runners who lengthen their stride faster, while the Edge is for those who also increase their cadence. The Edge draws its responsive bounce from its rocker, while the Sky relies on the bounce of the foam. That’s why the Edge has a higher drop of 8 mm compared to the Sky’s 5 mm.

We advise you to try both shoes if possible to determine which one suits you best.

Conclusion

When I received the shoe, I opened the box and asked myself: How far will ASICS go? It’s hard to believe that a 40 mm-stack shoe can weigh only 176 g/6.3 oz, have excellent shock absorption, and deliver tremendous responsiveness!

But they’ve done it with the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris, and it’s clearly one of the best running shoes on the market today, especially for marathon racing. There’s no doubt that many athletes will break their PB with such a technological wonder!

Facts

Technical Specs

Cushioning

Technologies

Use