ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo Review: Lighter, Softer, and Built for Race Day

Introduction

The ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is a new and improved version of the Metaspeed Sky, and the headline change is a serious one: new foam and a lighter package with the same low drop. In a UK 11 / US 12, the shoe weighs just 190 g, roughly 18 g less than the previous version for the same size, which is a striking reduction for a shoe that was already light. Stack height comes in around 42 mm at the heel and 36 mm at the forefoot, for a drop of about 6 mm.

Underfoot there are two foams: FF Turbo Plus on the top layer, closest to the foot above the carbon plate, and a large section of FF Leap below the plate. The FF Leap is very soft, and the result is a noticeably more compressive ride than before, particularly in the heel. Measured softness across both foams lands in the 22 to 24 Shore A range, so the two layers feel similarly plush despite their different roles.

Who This Shoe Is For

This is very much a shoe for stride-length runners. The best results come when you lengthen your stride and almost bound along; run it at a relaxed, easy effort and you simply will not get much out of it. Once you increase stride length, the shoe starts delivering, and at faster paces it feels like it throws you forward.

It is a narrow shoe, with 11.7 cm of width at the widest point of the forefoot and about 8.1 cm in the heel. Runners with wider feet may find extra space in the toe box but a snug midfoot, so sizing and sock choice are worth thinking about before you commit.

Main Strengths

The upper is an exercise in subtraction. It is thin, extremely breathable, and reinforced only where needed, with some added strength around the final eyelets. The toe box is generous in height, so you may need to cinch the laces down, but the serrated laces hold a consistent lockdown without needing re-tightening mid-run. The tongue is thin and flat, with just enough structure to run a runner’s knot without pressure on top of the foot, and the heel has minimal padding with a very thin counter.

At race pace the shoe is genuinely exciting. At marathon pace it feels great, at half marathon pace it feels almost too quick, and at 10k or 5k pace it is blisteringly fast. The foam also does a remarkable job of protecting the legs: after one of the hardest sessions in months, the legs felt barely used the next day.

Traction is excellent too. The soft, tacky rubber grips confidently around corners and delivers strong traction on toe-off, and the outsole design is essentially a direct carryover from the previous version, which had already proven itself. Build quality out of the box is also very good, with no misaligned foam sections or sloppy stitching.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The ride is softer than the previous version and arguably a little less responsive. It is also less stable than some rivals: there is less heel width than some competing shoes, and on one run the narrow heel nearly caused a wobble. At speed you barely notice, but cadence-style runners or those who prefer a planted feel should think carefully.

Durability is the other caveat. The exposed midsole foam takes a pounding, and the lateral forefoot rubber was already showing wear after early toe-off. This is a use-it-and-enjoy-it shoe rather than one that will look new for months. Keep it to concrete and road only, because gravel will mulch up the foam. The long-term resilience of the FF Leap foam also remains to be seen.

Fit leans normal to narrow. True to size works for most, and the extremely thin upper means there is nothing to rub, but the tall toe box means a glove-like fit takes some lace tuning.

Buying Advice

Value is a strong point. The shoe is expected to retail at £220, the same as the previous version, which is refreshing in a category where prices keep climbing. For perspective, you could effectively buy two pairs for the price of one competitor’s premium racer, and this shoe is also 20 g lighter than another popular racing option.

If you liked the Metaspeed Sky Paris, you will likely like the Tokyo as well. If you are a cadence runner, or you want a shoe for easy miles and long-term durability, look elsewhere. This one belongs in the race-day rotation, stored ready for premium sessions and goal races.

Conclusion

The Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is a lighter, softer, purpose-built racer that rewards aggressive stride-length running with genuinely fast legs at tempo, marathon, and shorter race paces. It trades away some stability, some durability, and a touch of responsiveness for that speed, but with an 11.6 out of 12 overall score, it is one of the most compelling race shoes available for runners who match its style.