ASICS
Metaspeed Ray
Product Judgment
Strong
8.6
Category: Race
Release year: 2025
Price Judgment
Overpriced
Common retail price: ~$270
Availability: Widely Available
Description
The ASICS Metaspeed Ray is a radical, featherweight carbon-plated racing shoe designed for elite speed and maximum energy return. Positioned at the top of ASICS' racing range, it targets runners seeking the lightest, softest, and most responsive ride possible for race day.
Running in the Metaspeed Ray is exhilarating, with its trampoline-soft FF Leap foam and flexible carbon plate delivering a uniquely bouncy, propulsive ride. The shoe's comfort and breathability are outstanding for a racer, but its narrow geometry and extreme softness make stability a clear tradeoff.
This Strong-tier racing shoe is best reserved for experienced, neutral runners who maintain a forefoot or midfoot strike at high speeds. It excels in marathons and tempo efforts on flat, straight courses, but its instability and limited durability mean it should be saved for race day and key workouts.
Performance Scores
Comfort
9Ultra-soft FF Leap foam and breathable Matryx upper deliver outstanding comfort for a racing shoe.
Energy Return
10Exceptionally bouncy and responsive midsole provides top-tier propulsion at speed.
Stability
4Narrow geometry and soft foam result in notable instability, especially for heel strikers or on turns.
Durability
5Minimal outsole and soft foam limit lifespan to race and workout use only.
Fun to Ride
9Featherweight build and trampoline-like bounce create an exhilarating, unique ride.
Run Fitness
Daily
3Low durability and minimal stability make it unsuitable for daily training.
Long
8Excels at marathon pace on flat, straight courses for forefoot strikers.
Tempo
10Responsive foam and plate excel at fast, sustained efforts.
Race
10Designed for peak performance in races with maximum speed and energy return.
Recovery
4Softness is pleasant, but instability and minimal support limit recovery suitability.
Pros & Cons
- Ultra-lightweight build
- Exceptional energy return
- Plush, bouncy cushioning
- Breathable Matryx upper
- Roomy toe box for a racer
- Poor stability
- Limited durability
- Not for heel strikers
The ultra-lightweight construction makes the shoe feel nearly weightless at race pace.
FF Leap foam delivers outstanding energy return and bounce for explosive speed.
Soft, trampoline-like cushioning provides surprising comfort for a racing flat.
Matryx upper is highly breathable and keeps the foot cool during hard efforts.
Roomier toe box allows for toe splay and swelling, rare in racing shoes.
Narrow platform and soft foam create instability, especially on turns or for non-neutral runners.
Minimal outsole and soft midsole restrict the shoe's lifespan to races and select workouts.
Heel strikers will not benefit from the plate and may experience discomfort or instability.
Specifications
Best for paces
2:30–4:30 min/km
Drop
5 mm
Stack height
39.5 mm heel / 34.5 mm forefoot
Weight
130 g
Drop
5 mm
Stack height
39.5 mm heel / 34.5 mm forefoot
Weight
130 g
Pronation
N/A
Width
narrow
Terrain
Road
Technologies
FF Leap midsole foam, Three-quarter carbon plate, Matryx upper
Plate
Carbon
Best for paces
2:30–4:30 min/km
Comparable Models
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5: Softer, more forgiving ride
ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris offers a firmer, more stable ride with a full-length plate, better suited for a wider range of runners.
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Nike Alphafly 3 provides greater stability and durability but is heavier and less flexible than the Ray.
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Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is firmer and more versatile, with better stability for longer races.
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New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 delivers a similarly soft ride with a broader fit and improved stability.
View details