Asics Metaspeed Sky

What’s the story?

The first Asics shoe packing a full foot-long carbon plate and new nylon-based FF Blast Turbo foam, the Metaspeed Sky is built to provide a killer combination of soft landings and explosive push-offs, and to increase your stride length when racing. The lightweight mesh uppers also offer decent space for wider feet and the grippy rubber outsoles are great on tighter turns.

Is it any good?

It took a while but Asics finally has a contender to rival the top-tier carbon shoes… and to offer something a bit different too. They’re a shade more stable than some high-stacked racers, and the balance of cushion and response makes this a good option over shorter distances and fast rep interval sessions. They’ll happily eat marathons as well, mind.

Price £225 / stuff.tv/metaspeedsky