ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo Multi Tester Review: 7 Comparisons

First impression, higher materials, and match

Nils: At first look, the brand new Metaspeed seems virtually equivalent to the outdated one. Not a lot has modified when it comes to design: the higher materials nonetheless shines in aggressive and fast-looking “Flash Crimson” and the ASICS brand is utilized in contrasting black. Solely the coloured stripe on the midsole has been given a brand new coat of paint, and I actually just like the purple-red shade transition. 

The 2-part and due to this fact two-tone midsole can be the most important visible distinction to the earlier mannequin – however extra on that later. 

The higher materials, referred to as Movement Wrap 3.0, has been constantly developed in keeping with the Japanese Kaizen method and impresses above all with its extraordinarily excessive breathability and cooling properties. I can nonetheless bear in mind how ASICS promoted a research a couple of years in the past for the launch of the “Metaracer” that highlighted the affect of well-ventilated ft on athletes’ efficiency. This connection has definitely not been forgotten since then! 

The differentially woven materials is designed to be so open-pored over all the size of the shoe that it’s fully translucent. The suede-like tongue is perforated for weight discount and airflow, as are the minimally strengthened heel and even the (glued) insole. No different model does this as constantly as ASICS.

The heel is surprisingly properly padded for such a minimalist shoe. The seam at this level stiffens and stabilizes the fabric, however because of this padding, it doesn’t trigger any irritation. The one noticeable downside when it comes to consolation is the very skinny tongue. For those who pull the great, perforated laces too tightly with out considering, you’ll inevitably expertise issues with strain on the instep. Cautious lacing is due to this fact beneficial – the lockdown across the midfoot will stay excellent.

Key phrase: lockdown. There may be an especially great amount of quantity within the forefoot of the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo. On the one hand, that is commendable—strain from above on the toes is nearly eradicated—however on the similar time, it reduces the shoe’s assist across the forefoot. Sadly, this proved to be my undoing in the course of the Berlin Marathon, as one of many toes on my proper foot sadly hit the entrance of the shoe on the reasonable downhill sections. And this was certainly not as a result of match of the take a look at mannequin, which was the fitting dimension, however slightly to the truth that my foot had slipped ahead barely.

That apart, I’ve completely no complaints in regards to the higher materials. Contemplating the extent of efficiency it provides and its extraordinarily low weight, the shoe is surprisingly comfy and, in my view, is just crushed by the Alphafly 3 on this regard. In my opinion, the latter nonetheless has one of the best higher materials of any long-distance racer, however the Alphafly additionally weighs a superb 50g greater than the Sky Tokyo in my dimension US 10.5.

Marcel:

I additionally actually just like the “Racing Crimson” colorway of the ASICS Metaspeed Sky within the Tokyo model! For me, it is the right shade for race day! And for many who need a bit of extra selection on this regard, ASICS has as soon as once more provide you with a number of further colorways, so there must be one thing for everybody.

The Sky Tokyo additionally impresses when it comes to match. The beneficiant quantity within the toe field provides ample house even for barely wider forefeet. The peak can be greater than satisfactory. 

In comparison with the OG and the Sky+, the match has already been considerably improved within the Paris model and is now much more comfy with the Sky Tokyo, particularly since actual downhills are slightly the exception in street races. Particularly in the direction of the tip of a race, this further house within the toe field could be very welcome when your ft begin to swell.

In designing the higher materials, ASICS has achieved the right stability between most weight discount and luxury.

The heel cup is comparatively minimalistic, but comfortably padded throughout. As well as, the heel cap on the Sky Tokyo is minimize considerably wider than on the earlier mannequin. Anybody who has skilled issues on this space can due to this fact doubtlessly anticipate aid for his or her Achilles tendon.

For me, the Sky Paris already match completely, and the identical is true for the Sky Tokyo with its new heel cup.

The higher materials can be very ethereal and breathable. On the similar time, it is extremely comfy, but sturdy. This has a number of benefits: in summer season or in the course of the warmth of competitors, the foot is cooled as successfully as potential. As well as, the aforementioned development signifies that the higher materials hardly absorbs any water when it rains or from sweat, as the material content material is minimal.

The sawtooth laces additionally work excellently with the Sky Tokyo and guarantee a rock-solid maintain.

The tongue isn’t sewn on on the sides and, just like the earlier mannequin, is extraordinarily skinny. This mixture requires a specific amount of finesse when lacing up the shoe. Firstly, you will need to easy out the tongue earlier than lacing up. As well as, the laces must be tightened cleanly from backside to prime in order that the strain is evenly distributed. On the similar time, the noticed enamel of the lacing mean you can intentionally take strain off particular person areas of the foot. It is best to positively take a couple of seconds to regulate as you would like, particularly on competitors day!

Midsole

Nils: As talked about in the beginning, the adjustments to the midsole are instantly obvious. It’s divided into two components within the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo: the higher part options the “outdated” FFTurbo Plus materials, which sits instantly beneath the insole in a cream shade. It is a PEBA foam that we already loved within the Paris fashions and which is slightly agency and significantly resilient in comparison with different competitors foams (i.e., it returns its vitality in a short time). 

The decrease a part of the midsole, alternatively, options the brand new, brilliant white FFLeap materials. After Puma, ASICS is the second main model to make use of A-TPU foams (aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane). In comparison with the cushioning foams used beforehand, A-TPU appears to supply a good higher weight-to-energy return ratio.

A carbon fiber plate is included between the 2 layers. The plate is comparatively flat and sits comparatively excessive within the midsole. It’s also fairly huge within the forefoot space. That is to make sure that as a lot of the delicate FFLeap foam as potential is compressed in a managed method beneath the forefoot, offering a bounce that’s each giant and focused. In response to ASICS, stride-style runners particularly will profit from this geometry—those that acquire disproportionate working efficiency from extending their stride size.

In distinction to this design, the sister mannequin Metaspeed Edge Tokyo has a considerably extra curved plate that additionally sits deeper within the shoe. This promotes sooner rolling kind strides, which, in keeping with ASICS, significantly advantages cadence-style runners. These are runners who generate their efficiency by a considerably elevated stride frequency. ASICS has offered a determine for this for the primary time this yr: a cadence-style runner runs at a stride frequency of greater than 180 steps per minute.

Marcel: In response to ASICS, the midsole of the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is nearly 20% extra vitality environment friendly than its predecessor.

The FFLeap midsole foam (decrease layer) can be 15% lighter, 14% bouncier, and 30% softer than the well-known FF Turbo Plus foam.

ASICS has made the rear part of the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo considerably extra steady than its predecessor. From behind, the rear part now seems virtually “blocky.” Nonetheless, that is positively a constructive characteristic when working, as you’ll be glad and grateful for the extra stability throughout longer runs and particularly on the finish of a marathon.

Outsole

Nils: At first look, the outsole of the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo seems unchanged from its predecessor. It nonetheless consists primarily of a big patch of ASICSGRIP rubber that extends from the forefoot throughout the lateral facet of the shoe to the heel. Small, spherical recesses type a profile beneath the forefoot and likewise save a bit of weight. That is complemented by a small white rubber software beneath the medial facet of the heel, which primarily protects towards abrasion and gives some stability.

For those who look intently, you may see that the massive cutout beneath the little toe is pulled again a bit of additional than on the Sky Paris. It’s due to this fact a superb centimeter longer. Nonetheless, its operate stays the identical—it initiates the rolling movement of the much-talked-about stride-style runner, which usually tends to land in a barely supinated place. The foot is due to this fact picked up early earlier than it rolls backward alongside the outsole.

The second distinction is, after all, that the Sky Tokyo is the primary shoe to characteristic the brand new FFLeap materials in touch with the street. Since this can be very delicate, I used to be initially involved about potential put on and tear. Nonetheless, after a superb 70 kilometers of testing and competitors, the froth nonetheless seems nice, so the Sky Tokyo must be good for one more 2-3 marathons.

Marcel: Since there should be individuals who have not adopted our take a look at studies in recent times, I might prefer to repeat it right here: the grip offered by the ASICSGRIP rubber compound is great, particularly in moist situations! I used to be capable of take a look at this myself rather more typically than I might have favored in the course of the summer season. 

The Sky Tokyo’s outsole additionally leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to abrasion resistance. Because of the recesses within the outsole, the midsole is just partially protected towards stones, branches, and many others. Nonetheless, a contest shoe like that is primarily meant to be used on the street and/or observe, and right here the outsole works splendidly, even when the observe isn’t clear.

Working Really feel& Conclusions

Nils: As is usually the case, I made fairly a science out of selecting my competitors footwear for this yr’s Berlin Marathon. And though I’ve many fashions to select from as a shoe tester/reviewer, and shopping for further fashions was not out of the query—in spite of everything, I wished to set a brand new PB! However after my first run within the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo, I now not wanted to fret about selecting footwear—I had discovered my marathon shoe!

What did this important coaching session appear to be? The final long term earlier than the marathon – 28 km, the final 15 km of which had been at marathon tempo (which for me must be round 3:45 min/km). I used to be visiting house for this run and accomplished it on a Sunday morning that was a lot too heat for my liking alongside the Fulda River in Kassel. 

After only a few meters, it was clear to me that I had one thing very particular on my ft. The large bounce of the FFLeap materials beneath the forefoot was pleasant from the beginning and, together with the noticeably low weight, is essentially the most attribute attribute of the Sky Tokyo. 

What’s particular is that not solely is numerous vitality returned, but it surely’s additionally significantly quick, because the FFLeap foam appears to be particularly reactive. Together with the high-set, flat carbon plate and the only geometry with a comparatively late however steep forefoot rocker and 5mm drop, the Sky Tokyo instantly jogged my memory of my beloved Alphafly 1, which has now lastly arrived within the current because of ASICS’ state-of-the-art supplies. I instantly felt at house within the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo – the motion felt very pure to me.

After the run, a fast look on the information on my Garmin was sufficient to dispel any remaining doubts. Regardless of the solar and warmth, my coronary heart charge was the place I wished it to be for the marathon tempo sections. And my final skepticism—lack of stability—was additionally dispelled. The truth is, the forefoot space with the huge carbon plate and the aforementioned cutout within the outsole is so steady that the stability of floor contact time on my Garmin was reported as precisely 50/50.

As somebody who’s barely overpronated on one facet, that is extraordinarily uncommon for me and satisfied me that I ought to have the ability to cope properly with the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo even within the remaining kilometers of the marathon.

And that is precisely the way it turned out! I solely have one grievance in regards to the Berlin Marathon: regardless of the shoe being lengthy sufficient, I ended up with a black toenail. However aside from that, I used to be fully pleased with the efficiency of the Sky Tokyo. And although I missed a brand new private finest by two minutes on this yr’s warmth battle, the shoe carried me to my strongest marathon efficiency up to now. It can due to this fact even be my shoe of alternative for the subsequent 42.195 km.

Nils’ Rating: 9.78/10

Experience: 10 – Match: 9.5 – Worth: 9.5 – Model 10

Marcel:

Regardless of lower than very best preparation, I not solely ran a “huge” PB of over 10 minutes within the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris, and I used to be additionally capable of break the magical 3-hour mark a lot sooner than I had anticipated. Regardless of the slightly minimalist heel part, the shoe carried me pain-free to the end line and at all times offered the required stability, even after I was drained. I used to be initially skeptical about how ASICS might enhance this competitors shoe even additional, and to be on the secure facet, I purchased one other pair of Sky Paris footwear as a backup. As a shoe tester, you might have loads of fashions to select from, so a purchase order like this can be a particular accolade.

Nonetheless, after the primary take a look at runs within the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo, it rapidly turned clear that ASICS had really made one thing excellent even higher. The midsole is noticeably bouncier and softer, however remains to be very steady for an excellent shoe. That is due partly to the comparatively huge forefoot and partly to the considerably extra steady heel part.

ASICS has thus succeeded in surpassing its already excellent predecessor. This was achieved primarily by the mixture of the brand new and revolutionary FFLeap midsole foam, additional weight discount, and glorious stability. So if you’re an formidable runner searching for a contest shoe in your subsequent half or full marathon, you may’t go flawed with the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo!

Marcels Rating: 9.89/10

Experience: 10 – Match: 9.75 – Worth: 9.75 – Model: 10

7 Comparisons

ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris (RTR Evaluate)

Nils: I’ve mentioned this comparability at size. For me, the Paris was already an excellent shoe and was my race shoe of alternative for half marathons. The Tokyo is now even lighter, extra steady, and has much more punch because of the FFLeap foam. A profitable replace and improve! Each are true to dimension EUR 44.5.

Marcel: This comparability runs all through all the take a look at report; in abstract: The Metaspeed Sky is a wonderful shoe, however the Metaspeed Tokyo is even higher when it comes to working consolation and bounce, (heel) stability, and even lighter weight. Each are true to dimension in US 10.5 and EU 44.5.

ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo (RTR Evaluate)

Nils: I purchased the Edge Tokyo privately whereas looking for my excellent marathon shoe. And I feel it is simply pretty much as good for the fitting working fashion (cadence fashion). The distinction remains to be within the extra curved plate that sits deeper within the shoe. This promotes sooner rolling. ASICS has additionally swapped the 2 midsole layers in comparison with the Sky. Within the Edge, the foot initially sinks into the higher FFLeap layer, which makes the shoe really feel softer, particularly within the forefoot. On the similar time, there’s a bigger wedge of the firmer FFTurbo Plus materials beneath the heel, which stabilizes the foot within the rear space and guides it into the rolling movement extra rapidly. Each are benefits for heel placing runners. Finally, the Sky and Edge have moved nearer collectively this yr than in earlier years – the distinction is maybe 5-7%, which may tip the stability in a single path or the opposite relying on private desire. You positively cannot go flawed with both shoe, as each are actually good! Each are true to dimension EUR 44.5.

Marcel: This comparability is thrilling as a result of my measurement information could be very related in each fashions, though additional take a look at runs in Edge Tokyo are wanted to verify this. As a stride runner, i.e., somebody who will increase their stride size greater than their stride frequency, I really feel that the Sky provides me considerably extra propulsion as a result of I really feel the bounce beneath the touchdown pad rather more strongly when pushing off. That is why the Sky has the sting for me in competitors. Nonetheless, the upper your stride frequency and the shorter your strides, the extra possible I might be to decide on the Edge, no matter whether or not you classify your self as a stride or cadence runner.

Puma Quick-R Nitro Elite 3 (RTR Evaluate)

Nils: The Quick-R is at the moment in all probability the quickest shoe you may strap onto your ft for working competitions. Its uncommon geometry, with the forefoot and heel sections of the midsole decoupled from one another and the carbon fiber plate protruding ahead, merely works. I can verify this from my very own expertise—the Puma is my weapon of alternative for distances from 5 km to half marathons, and I’ve already run a number of 5 and 10 km PBs in it over the summer season. 

Nonetheless, for me, it has two weaknesses with regards to marathons: firstly, the heel part is mainly non-existent, which results in instability on the again, and secondly, it has an especially aggressive geometry that places numerous pressure on my calves – that is significantly noticeable throughout exercises longer than 20 km. 

In direct comparability, the Sky is far much less demanding on my musculoskeletal system. It’s also extra steady and cozy from entrance to again, making it the higher alternative total for the total marathon distance. On this case, I’m comfortable to commerce a bit of working effectivity for the added consolation and stability. The truth that the ASICS can be lighter, €30 cheaper, and far simpler to search out does the remainder. Two prime footwear that I would not need to be with out! Each are true to dimension EUR 44.5.

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 (RTR Evaluate)

Nils: The DNE 3 is Puma’s different tremendous shoe. Not solely is it extra inexpensive, but it surely additionally has a way more basic design. It’s extra steady, much less aggressive, and options the identical nice supplies such Nitro Elite foam and PUMAGRIP. It’s an absolute discount—not solely due to its excessive sturdiness—and is appropriate for a really wide selection of paces and efficiency ranges. It is a shoe that I typically advocate, particularly for much less skilled runners. Nonetheless, it is clear that the Sky Tokyo comes from a brand new era of tremendous footwear. It is even lighter, bouncier, and supposedly extra environment friendly. It is the sooner and extra environment friendly shoe and wins this comparability. Each are true to dimension EUR 44.5.

Nike Alphafly 3 (RTR Evaluate)

Nils: The Alphafly is THE marathon shoe par excellence. In my checks, it was simply as environment friendly at marathon tempo because the Sky Tokyo, however feels rather more substantial and considerably extra mechanical than the ASICS. In direct comparability, the Sky Tokyo feels as mild as a feather (170g vs. 221g!), the roll-off is rather more pure, and the punch beneath the forefoot is nearly equivalent in each footwear. The Alphafly has the benefit of offering further stability and safety for the musculoskeletal system. It’s due to this fact in all probability the higher alternative for heavier or much less skilled runners. As well as, the Alphafly has one of the best and most comfy higher of all present marathon footwear. As compared, nevertheless, the Sky Tokyo feels considerably extra agile and fashionable – you may inform that there are about 1.5 shoe generations between the 2 fashions. For carefree cruising, I might select the Alphafly, however for a PB try, positively the Sky Tokyo. Each are true to dimension EUR 44.5.

Marcel: The Alphafly 3 is an efficient racer, however the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is best in virtually each respect. This isn’t only a private opinion, as could be seen more and more on the beginning strains of any marathon, the place the Alphafly has dominated for years. And there are causes for this: the Metaspeed Sky has extra bounce, is considerably lighter, and, when it comes to stability, has virtually caught up with the Alphafly. Each are true to dimension in US 10.5 and EU 44.5.

Nike Vaporfly 4 (RTR Evaluate)

Nils: Nike has diminished the stack peak of this yr’s VF, creating an analogous differentiation in its product portfolio to that achieved by adidas with Takumi and Adios Professional. The Vaporfly is the selection for 10km and half marathons, whereas the Alphafly is the marathon racer. 

ASICS, alternatively, differentiates in another way, speaking about working varieties slightly than competitors distances. And rightly so, because the Sky and Edge Tokyo may also be worn with out hesitation in shorter competitions. They’re just so extraordinarily mild and supply a lot punch because of FFLeap that they’re among the many quickest footwear in the marketplace even over 5-10km. The truth is, regardless of its diminished stack peak, the VF is heavier than the Metaspeeds. Due to a really highly effective toe strike, you at all times really feel in management within the VF – you management the shoe, not the opposite manner round. Within the Metaspeed, alternatively, you get a bit of extra cruise management and fewer really feel for the working distance. For those who’re searching for the latter, you may’t go flawed with the VF. However the ASICS is solely the extra fashionable and higher shoe. Each are true to dimension EUR 44.5.

Adidas Adizero Adios Professional 4 (RTR Evaluate)

Nils: The AP4 is a superb shoe. Adidas has finished rather a lot proper with the introduction of the brand new Lightstrike Professional foam and the tremendous comfy Lightlock higher. Nonetheless, ASICS has merely made many issues even higher: FFLeap is solely the higher and extra fashionable midsole materials. The higher of the ASICS is considerably extra breathable with out compromising on consolation. The geometry of each ASICS fashions (Sky and Edge) would not pressure my calves as a lot because the AP4. The medial cutout and slim heel part of the adidas result in instability, which I can not use over the total marathon distance. General, the ASICS is the extra steady, lighter, and sooner shoe. The one factor in favor of the adidas is the immense shade palette of the consistently new variations and the corresponding costs that may be discovered on-line. At full value, nevertheless, the ASICS is certainly the higher alternative. Each are true to dimension EUR 44.5.

Our earlier multi tester evaluate of the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo: HERE

All RTR Evaluations: HERE

Translated from the unique German with help from Deepl.com

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