ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris introduction:
Andy: ASICS have been improving their race shoes for a while now. The creation of the Sky and Edge variants of the Metaspeed series has split runners into two categories. Firstly, we have the Sky version. This is for runners who gain speed by increasing their stride length. On the other hand, we have the Edge variant. This is for runners who gain speed by increasing their cadence. In my instance, despite my high cadence, I think that according to ASICS’ definition I am a stride runner. When running at pace, my cadence will increase by about 10 – 15% while my stride length increases by about 50%. Consequently, the Metaspeed Sky Paris should be the shoe for me.
We are now on the third iteration of the series and I have tried each of the previous two. However, I have never really enjoyed them in their original guise or the + version. I didn’t enjoy the foam or feel that the shoe gave me a particular advantage. Will the most recent version make a difference?
ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris upper:
Andy: As soon as you take the Metaspeed Sky Paris from the box, the lightweight nature of the upper becomes clear. It can be seen through with no impediment. Absolutely no issues with breathability here. Furthermore, the MOTION WRAP 2.0 material is very comfortable. It does as the name suggests and wraps the foot to hold it firm.
The tongue is very thin and is not gusseted but this hasn’t caused any issues with fit. In addition to this, it does a good job of protecting the top of the foot from lace pressure. I received the shoes half a size larger than my normal size. Due to this, I have had to tighten the laces more than usual to reduce the volume of the upper. At no stage have I felt this pressure passed on to the metatarsals despite the length of the run.
Overall, the upper and laces are everything which you could hope for in a race shoe. Light, breathable and out of the way. Furthermore, the laces which are the now customary serrated racing efforts, have never needed a relace or tighten after I have left the house.Good work ASICS
ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris midsole:
Andy: After running in the previous 2 versions of the Metaspeed Sky, I found the new midsole to be a major upgrade. Previous versions, I felt were lacking when compared to competitors. For me, they had neither the bounce nor propulsion offered by shoes like the older Vaporfly or newer gems like the Diadora Gara. However, the Metaspeed Sky Paris is such an easy shoe to run faster in. The geometry of the plate makes the toe-off feel incredibly easy. It is a shoe which is incredibly easy to cover distance, since I received it, I genuinely haven’t wanted to use anything else for workouts.
The FFTurbo+ foam feels lighter and less dense which has really made me fall in love with the Metaspeed Sky Paris. During workouts, the paces come easy and the aftermath is much less stress and pounding on the legs. Whilst it may not be as aggressive as some other shoes out there, it is a very easy shoe to get to pace and cruise in. Durability wise, I am at nearly 160 km in them and they have not degraded to a noticeable degree. The exposed midsole foam has gained a little scuffing and discolouration from road contact but it has not had an impact on the performance at all.
Overall, I think that the change to the Paris version of the Metaspeed has been an excellent upgrade. Whilst I didn’t get many miles in previous versions because my initial efforts put me off, with this, it has been love at first run.
ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris outsole:
Andy: The outsole material on the Metaspeed Sky Paris gives a fairly full forefoot coverage. ASICSGRIP rubber takes on grip duties and does a sterling job. I have used the Metaspeed Sky Paris on a range of surfaces in a range of conditions and haven’t had any cause for concern. Moreover, the durability seems to be very good, Whilst some of the crenulations have worn a little smooth in my high strike areas, this doesn’t seem to have caused any grip deficiencies.
The rubber stretches around the forefoot and back along the lateral side of the shoe. In the heel, the medial side is protected by a smaller strip of white rubber which is positioned appropriately. There is a reasonable amount of exposed FFTurbo+ and wear here will depend on your footstrike.
ASICS Metaspeed Paris conclusion:
Andy: I really love this shoe. Lightweight, bouncy and with a well shaped plate and rocker, it has been my go to workout shoe for a few months now. The comfort factor has been excellent with the MOTION WRAP 2.0 upper. Then, the FFTurbo+ foam gives excellent leg protection and rebound. In addition to that, the curve of the plate gives excellent and effortless toe off. ASICS have really hit the spot with the Metaspeed Sky Paris.
That said, after all the enjoyment I have had with the Sky, I really want to try the Edge now to see whether I am a cadence runner or a stride runner!