Our verdict

Soar through the skies with the Metaspeed Sky+ from ASICS. We were drawn to this marathon racer as it's filled with all the responsiveness and pop we need to reach that finish line fast. And if you're looking for something light, this IS light. Even more, it's the perfect pair for race day. We also love that you can lace it up for faster training sessions.

Pros

  • Fast as hell
  • Buttery smooth transitions
  • Protective cushion
  • Comfy for long miles
  • Stable when cornering
  • Very very breathable
  • Heel lockdown is awesome
  • No more heel rubs
  • Fits just right!
  • Grippy on wet roads

Cons

  • Stiffer than before
  • Outsole lacks durability
  • Expensive

Audience verdict

91
Superb!

Size and fit

Size

ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ is true to size (116 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 394 running shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Traction / Grip

Forefoot traction

New

We tested the Metaspeed Sky+ in the lab using our wet-condition setup, and ASICS absolutely nailed it with a stellar 0.84 score. Even with minimal rubber coverage, this outsole delivers grip-loaded performance on soaked concrete.

Naturally, if it sticks this well in wet, grip in dry conditions feels even more secure. In fact, this is one of the few supershoes we’ve tested that delivers this kind of rain-ready traction without compromise.

Test results
Metaspeed Sky+ 0.84
Average 0.46
Compared to 208 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.11
Forefoot traction
0.83

Who should buy the ASICS Metaspeed Sky+

We suggest adding the Metaspeed Sky+ to your buy list if you're craving a:

Asics-Metaspeed-Sky-full-review

Who should NOT buy it

Since the carbon-fibre plate of the shoe has been moved higher up to be closer to the runner's foot, the ASICS Sky+ can feel a tad stiffer. This said, you can opt for the first version instead—ASICS Metaspeed Sky. Alternatively, we highly recommend the PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 2. Even better, it's more durable.

ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ vs. Metaspeed Sky

If you loved the ASICS Metaspeed Sky, then you're in for a treat in the ASICS Metaspeed Sky+. This time around, minor touch-ups done on the original make it an even better marathon shoe: 

  • a snappier ride resulting from moving the carbon-fibre plate closer to the foot
  • a new softer mesh upper amps up comfort
  • more accommodating toebox 
  • smoother and finer in-shoe lining
  • redesigned heel cap supports the foot better

Asics-Metaspeed-Sky-lab-test

A speed expert

Overall, the Metaspeed Sky+ is designed to help you feel your fastest. Its now-repositioned carbon-fibre plate creates a snappier toe-off.

Checking the heel stack (33.5 mm with the insole included), we don't see any difference from the original Metaspeed Sky (33.7 mm). It is still a considerable amount of cushioning, which puts the Sky+ into the max-cushioned range.

Asics-Metaspeed-Sky-heel-stack

On top of this, the shoe has a very smooth heel-to-toe transition, and picking up the pace in it is a real blast!

As light as light can be

Although it's heavier than the original Metaspeed Sky by 38 grammes/1.3 ounces we still find it very light. That's because the shoe is still lighter than the average racer (205 grammes/7.2 ounces vs. 215 grammes/7.6 ounces in US men's 9).

Compared to other plated shoes (227 grammes/8 ounces, on average), it's even lighter.

Asics-Metaspeed-Sky-lightweight

Long distances: Where it performs best 

The ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ feels most at home at half-marathon and full-marathon distances. The shoe's forefoot bounce is felt more at these distances. And the added foam truly amps up the comfort and protection for the miles ahead.

Run with confidence in the ASICS Metaspeed Sky+

When it comes to support, lockdown, and stability, the Metaspeed Sky+ has fulfilled all of our expectations.

We never felt tippy nor did we have to worry about missteps in winding sections and cobblestones. We attribute that to the shoe's wider base and redesigned heel cap.

Looking at the base of the Metaspeed Sky+, the shoe's forefoot width (112.6 mm) proves to be within the average of road running shoes (113 mm).

Asics-Metaspeed-Sky-wide-base

The heel deserves a thumbs-up 

Speaking of the heel cap, it's made more supportive this time. It has more structure, thus creating a better lockdown in the rear. But that's not the only thing about it that's great. It also has a liner that feels smoother.

It's a small change but a very welcome one, especially if you had blister issues with the original Sky.

Asics-Metaspeed-Sky-heel-lockdown

Experience pure goodness from the upper

The upper material creates a very comfortable wrap around the foot as far as a race shoe goes.

And it is also mind-blowingly breathable! See how quickly and easily the smoke passes through the shoe's mesh in our breathability test below:

Race fit that's not harsh

The MetaSpeed Sky+ has a pretty snug, one-to-one fit.

Asics-Metaspeed-Sky-fit

Measuring the shoe's upper at its widest area (92.2 mm), we can confirm that this ASICS shoe is not wide enough to impress someone with wider feet given that the average among our lab-tested shoes is 98.5 mm.

Asics-Metaspeed-toebox-width

But there is a silver lining in the form of more space in front and on top of the toes. It is noticeably less restricting than the first MetaSpeed Sky.

Asics-Metaspeed-Sky-toebox-comfort

The outsole has to be better for this price

It's darn expensive at £250! That's for sure. On average, carbon-fibre plated running shoes cost £200 a pair while racing flats, on average, cost £150 per pair. You have to be willing to pay that much for a shoe that's only good for a race day due to its lack of outsole durability.

Asics-Metaspeed-Sky-lab-measurements

There's just not a lot of rubber coverage for it to last a long time. The rubber layer covering the shoe's forefoot and part of the lateral side is indeed thin. We measured it at 2.0 mm which is less than the average 3.5 mm.

Asics-Metaspeed-outsole-thickness