Step into your next level of speed with the ASICS METASPEED Sky carbon-plated racer. ASICS athlete and professional marathoner Sara Hall sported an early prototype of the METASPEED Sky as she became the second fastest American marathoner, finishing her 26.2 at a blistering 2:20:32 at the Marathon Project in Chandler, Arizona. But even if you’re not a pro marathoner, or prefer shorter races, the ASICS METASPEED Sky has a lot to offer to runners looking to kick it up a notch on the roads or tracks. A strong rocker design built from ASICS’ lightest and softest FF Blast Turbo cushioning works with a full-length carbon plate to create a snappy and speedy ride. ASICS designed the upper to be feather light and streamlined. Plus, it’s engineered from 100 percent recycled polyester. “Every part of the METASPEED feels so purposeful. It’s lightweight and streamlined. There’s no excess cushioning or structure in the upper. It gives you exactly what you need to run fast,” said one Fleet Feet reviewer. Our reviewers put the ASICS METASPEED Sky to the test through miles of speed work and tempo runs. Here’s what they thought.
The METASPEED Sky capitalizes on a robust curved sole design, which incorporates a natural rocker into the shoe. This helps to reduce ankle flexion while running, which lets runners expend that energy elsewhere, i.e. chasing down the competition. In addition to the physical shape of the shoe, ASICS incorporated a full-length carbon plate into the Metapeed Sky, providing a responsive, snappy ride over a wide range of distances. Fleet Feet reviewers were quick to pick up on the nuanced design of the ASICS METASPEED.
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Don’t let the stack of cushioning fool you, though: This lightweight foam is built for speed. This plush, bouncy foam helps cushion landings and provides the compression you need for effective, stable toe-offs.
“This is the lightest and most responsive foam I’ve ever experienced from ASICS,” says one Fleet Feet reviewer.
Reviewers loved the buttery smooth transitions the FF Blast Turbo foam facilitates, and that it doesn’t compromise the responsiveness of the carbon fiber plate.
ASICS designed the METASPEED Sky to be fast and functional, with every aspect of the racer’s sleek construction serving a purpose. Fleet Feet reviewers instantly picked up on the mindful design. One reviewer immediately referred to the shoe as minimalist, saying, “Every part of the upper feels necessary. It’s thin and lightweight, which is perfect for a racing shoe like this. The tongue is equally thin and molds nicely over the top of my foot.” The engineered mesh upper is constructed completely out of 100 percent recycled polyester material, making it super-lightweight and breathable.
ASICS homed in on improving the airflow through and over the METASPEED Sky to make sure wearers stay comfortable and well-ventilated while they bring the heat on the track. Alongside fast tech underfoot, ASICS emphasized a secure, yet flexible feeling up top to give wearers the fit they need to pursue fast times.
Reviewers noted the secure feel throughout the heel and the midfoot.
“This shoe runs rather snug, which makes sense for a race shoe. My standard size fits, but they feel best with thin socks,” says one reviewer. “I like the soft padding around the heel collar and the way the upper is super minimal. It has all the structure it needs for race day and nothing more.”
