The Metaracer added a carbon plate, a unique rocker and a wonderfully airy upper. The outsole uses ASICSGRIP which is a very soft, flexible type of rubber that feels really tacky on all types of surfaces.
NextI ended up using my Metaracers for mostly short, interval speed workouts.
This adds gentle stability to the midfoot, despite the narrowed last. This geometry is unique from the GUIDESOLE technology, which is only carried through in the Magic Speed.
NextSome users found the toe box a bit too roomy on that last point.
Partnership will not affect the honesty of our reviews. The upper has a bit higher volume in the heel and midfoot, with a slight taper at the toebox, so those wanting a very breathable but flexible upper will enjoy the fit. I was always able to remain comfortable and happy while running in the MetaSpeed Sky.
NextIn the midsole, ASICS introduces FLYTEFOAM Turbo which is the brand's lightest and most responsive foam to date.
Also, the MetaSpeed Sky was unbelievably efficient through the gait cycle and allowed me to get even more energy and power with each foot strike. Highly recommend these shoes for endurance running! Combine it with a first-class upper design that is comfortable, lightweight, and secure. The unique midsole geometry is another major highlight of the MetaSpeed Sky as it allows runners to extend their stride without adjusting their cadence, which further accentuates the propulsive speed of these racers.
NextIt almost feels like a fast landing into a paw like pulling sensation on the ground with a big powerful bounce at toe off.
The ASICS METASPEED Sky does feel heavier at slower speeds likely due to how softer shoes effect leg stiffness. For trainers and performance trainers, we take them on daily runs, workouts, recovery runs and a long run prior to review often accumulating anywhere from 20-50 miles in the process.
NextTo accommodate for this, ASICS has created an exceptional midsole geometry that works with the stiffness to create an unbelievably smooth ride that is beyond efficient through toe-off.
On my runs, I loved the soft and plush underfoot feel and felt like I could cruise at fast paces for a ton of miles no problem.
NextAlthough it has a high stack height, I feel like the MetaSpeed Sky still feels nimble and not quite as bulky as some of the other plated racers that feature a similar stack height.
That creates a more even compression across the full width of the midsole with each step and produces a high bounce. There is a large amount of research regarding how softer shoes increase lower limb stiffness and in many cases actually increase impact loading Baltich et al.
You get more targeted compression where your foot strikes the road, less overall midsole surface compression and a little more guidance for the foot from first contact to toe-off.
It is an efficient, fast ride that lets you focus on the run. However, this is where the shoes differ.
NextOverall, I think ASICS has knocked it out of the park with the MetaSpeed Sky.