Asics didn’t rush to bring out a successor to the Metaspeed Sky+ racing shoe, which was launched in spring 2022. However, taking its time has paid off because the Metaspeed Sky Paris includes important upgrades and is now clearly one of the best carbon plate running shoes. I put it at the top of the tree—even ahead of the Nike Alphafly 3—and the fact that it’s cheaper than many super-shoes is a bonus.
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris: Price And Availability
The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris launched in February 2024 and costs $250 in the US and £220 in the UK. That’s the same price as the Metasped Sky+ in the US, and £5 cheaper than the older shoe in the UK. The Metaspeed Sky Paris is at the cheaper end of the super-shoe spectrum: the Nike Alphafly 3 costs $285/£285. Asics also has the Metaspeed Edge Paris in its line-up, another carbon super-shoe designed to suit higher-cadence runners.
How I Tested This Running Shoe
I’ve run 60 miles in the Metaspeed Sky Paris, using it for a range of marathon training runs, including a 20-mile long run and an all-out parkrun. I have also tested the Metaspeed Sky and Metaspeed Sky+, along with the older models in the Edge line-up. I'm yet to review the Metaspeed Edge Paris but will be testing it soon. Aside from the Adidas Pro Evo 1, I have also tested all the leading carbon plate running shoes from other brands.
Design And Fit
The Metaspeed Sky Paris is one of the lightest super-shoes I’ve tested, weighing just 6.6oz/188g in my UK size 9. That’s a drop of 0.7oz/20g from the Metaspeed Sky+ and, while weight isn’t everything even with racing shoes, it’s significant how light the Metaspeed Sky Paris is. Most super-shoes, including the Nike Vaporfly 3, are more than 7oz/200g in my size.
Despite this, Asics hasn’t skimped on the cushioning. The stack height is 39.5mm at the heel and 34.5mm at the forefoot for a 5mm drop. Key to the reduction in weight is the new FF Turbo+ foam in the Metaspeed Sky Paris, which is softer, lighter and bouncier than the FF Turbo used on previous Metaspeed shoes.
The Motion Wrap 2.0 upper is lighter than the material used on the older shoes, though Asics has still been able to add a touch of padding at the heel for extra comfort over long distances. The shoe fitted well in my usual running shoe size, the same size I’ve used for all previous Asics racing shoes.
Asics has made weight savings on the outsole. The forefoot is well covered with rubber that has lots of holes in it to reduce weight, though the strips of rubber running towards the back of the shoe stop short of the heel to leave some exposed foam. With previous versions of the Metaspeed, I’ve ripped this foam a little as a heel-striker; after 60 miles I’ve not seen the same wear on the Metaspeed Sky Paris, but it’s something to look out for if you do land on your heels.
The Metaspeed Sky Paris is Asics’ super-shoe for “stride” runners, who mainly increase their stride length when running faster. The Metaspeed Edge Paris is for “cadence” runners, who mainly increase their cadence (number of steps per minute) when running faster. The Paris editions have fewer differences than older models of the two shoes did. The shoes have the same stack height and drop, and similar weights, while the main differences are that the Edge has a longer rocker at the forefoot and more scooped carbon plate to aid turnover with a higher cadence. The Sky’s plate sits higher in the foam to give more energy return to bounding runners.
Running Performance
I’ve been a fan of the last two versions of the Metaspeed Sky and my PRs for the 10K and half-marathon were set in them (10K in the Metaspeed Sky, half-marathon in the Metaspeed Sky+). Although I’m a cadence runner with a shuffling gait, I’ve preferred the bouncier Sky to the Edge, though I’ll reserve judgment on comparing the Edge Paris and Sky Paris until I’ve tested the former.
However, it’s going to take something special to make me like it more than the Metaspeed Sky Paris, which I’ve found sensational. I’ve done a variety of sessions in it: three long progression runs including a 30km with 10K at 3min 30sec/k pace, along with probably the best track workout of my life running 6 x 5min 20sec/mile reps with float recoveries and a parkun in 15min 51sec.
On every run it’s felt amazing. The light design comes across late on fast runs when it helps to keep turning over your feet, but the shoe still has the spring you expect from a high-stack super-shoe. It’s less bouncy than some racers, like the Nike Alphafly 3 and Hoka Cielo X1, but the Metaspeed Sky Paris has a faster transition and a more aggressive feel while still being comfortable for long distances.
Some may prefer a softer super-shoe for the marathon, but I had no discomfort even when running hard up to distances of 20 miles and would have no fears about going the full 26.2 in it. Over shorter distances the lightness and aggressive design is an obvious boon, especially when accelerating out of corners; while it’s not a stable shoe, I found the Metaspeed Sky Paris nimble enough on a parkrun course with a few sharp turns. The grip was good when running fast in wet conditions, despite the relatively small amount of rubber on the outsole.
Is The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris Worth It?
The Metaspeed Sky Paris is a perfect modern racing shoe for all distances. It’s light, but still springy and cushioned enough for the marathon, and the updates Asics has made put it at the top of my list of carbon racers. There are, however, still excellent alternatives to consider, including the Nike Alphafly 3 and Nike Vaporfly 3, which are equally impressive all-distance racers. There is also the bouncy Hoka Cielo X1 for the marathon.
Everyone needs to find the racer that suits them, so I’m not saying the Metaspeed Sky Paris is objectively the best, but it’s my preferred pick right now. The shoe is cheaper than many top racing shoes, and it’s welcome news that Asics didn’t raise the price compared with the Metaspeed Sky+ despite making significant updates to the shoe.
