We’ve had the chance to hit the ground running with the Asics Metaspeed Sky (and Edge) Paris, and it’s been an intriguing journey. Designed with elite performance in mind, this shoe makes a bold statement with its light weight and responsive midsole. But how does it stack up for those of us who may not be competitive runners but still care about performance and comfort? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what makes this shoe stand out in today’s crowded market. Also, we recognize there are two versions of this, but we prefer the Sky although have included visuals so you can see the difference.
Technical Specs
- Weight – 6.5oz or 184g for a US Men’s 9
- Cushion – 39.5mm of cushion and a 5mm heel/toe drop
- Pricing – $275 USD
- Colors – 1 colors
Upper Construction
Right off the bat, the Metaspeed Sky Paris impresses with its airy upper. The mesh is incredibly light and allows for exceptional breathability, keeping our feet cool during long runs. One thing to note, though, is that the upper has a narrow fit. We had to size up by half to get the perfect fit, especially considering the shorter length and narrower toe-box. If you’ve got narrow, high-volume feet, this might work well for you, but those with wider feet might want to look elsewhere.
The upper isn’t overly padded but does provide some cushioning around the collar, ensuring a secure lockdown without heel slippage. The flat, non-gusseted tongue can slide around a bit, which might be a minor annoyance but isn’t a dealbreaker. Overall, the upper is built for performance with a focus on keeping the shoe as light as possible.
Midsole and Cushioning
The star of the show here is the new FF Turbo+ midsole foam, which contributes to the shoe’s light weight. The foam is slightly softer than its predecessor, though still on the firm side. When we tested it on longer runs, we appreciated the firm platform, but wished it had a tad more softness for added comfort, especially as distances stretched beyond 30 kilometers. Compared to other high-performance foams like Nike’s ZoomX, it doesn’t offer as much bounce or energy return, but for shorter, faster workouts, it does the job just fine.
The full-length carbon plate embedded in the midsole creates an extremely stiff feel, coupled with superb stability. It’s worth noting that the plate sits closer to the foot in this model, making the forefoot feel firmer and the rearfoot a bit softer. This adds to the shoe’s balanced feel but does take some getting used to, particularly for those who are used to a more pronounced forefoot rocker.
Outsole and Durability
When it comes to traction, the Metaspeed Sky Paris shines. The outsole offers excellent grip, even in wet conditions, making it a reliable choice for variable weather. However, we did notice some wear in the middle of the rearfoot after clocking in some significant miles. This suggests that while the traction is great, the outsole might not be as durable as we’d hope for a shoe in this price range.
Performance on Runs
Put simply, the Metaspeed Sky Paris is a versatile performer and overall the shoe feels fast and agile, although its firm ride does stand out. It didn’t blow us away with its propulsion, but its lightweight build made pace pickups feel effortless. For those with long, powerful strides who strike hard on their forefoot, this shoe will feel more responsive and lively.
That said, if you’re a fan of a prominent forefoot rocker or have lighter, shorter strides, this might not be your go-to. The Sky Paris finds its sweet spot in shorter, fast-paced workouts where quick transitions and hard strikes are the norm. We noticed it truly came alive during intervals and stride workouts.
Conclusion
The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris has a lot to offer, particularly for runners who appreciate a lightweight, firm, and stable shoe. Its sleek upper, responsive midsole, and reliable traction make it a strong contender for speedwork and shorter races. While it might not be the most cushioned option for marathon distances, its design and performance capabilities make it well-suited for those who strike hard and want a shoe that can keep up with their pace.
In summary, the Sky Paris excels in delivering a balanced ride with impressive lightweight cushioning, superb traction, and a firm yet responsive feel. For those forefoot strikers with powerful strides, this shoe could make a valuable addition to your running arsenal.
Learn more on the Asics website
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Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
