Metaspeed Ray, lightest Asics racing shoe yet, tested by running 10 miles to evaluate the feel
==========================================================================
The running world has a new speedster in town, with the launch of the Asics Metaspeed Ray. Scheduled for sale on August 12th, 2025, for $300 / £265, this shoe is designed to be the speediest on the market.
The Metaspeed Ray was unveiled earlier this year in Tokyo, and it's making waves with its innovative design. The midsole is entirely made from FF Leap, a new foam that's softer, lighter, and bouncier than the FF Turbo+ Asics previously used in its race shoes. This change results in a shoe that's exceptionally lightweight at about 4.8 oz (136 g) in a US men's size 10, making it lighter than most other carbon plate racing shoes.
The Metaspeed Ray's lightweight design and high stack of springy FF Leap foam, combined with a carbon plate, aim to provide a bouncy ride that aids in faster and more efficient running. Compared to shoes like the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 and Metaspeed Sky Tokyo, the Metaspeed Ray feels notably lighter, making it easier to hold pace.
However, the Metaspeed Ray's design prioritizes extreme lightness, which may offer less stability compared to more structured models. This could be more of a problem over longer distances or for runners needing extra support. During a 45-minute run at just under 6min/mile pace, the average heart rate in the Metaspeed Ray was 133bpm, lower than expected and compared to runs in the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo and Saucony Endorphin Speed 5.
Comparing the Metaspeed Ray with the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3, Nike Alphafly 3, and Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, we see that the Metaspeed Ray is exceptionally lightweight, with a more stripped-back design aimed at speed and efficiency. The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 uses Puma’s Nitro foam, known for a balance of lightness and cushioning but less springy than Asics’ FF Leap. The Nike Alphafly 3 uses a thick layer of ZoomX foam combined with visible Zoom Air pods, providing large energy return but adding weight. Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 uses PWRRUN PB foam known for lightness and a nylon plate for propulsion, typically less stiff than a full carbon plate.
In terms of stability, the Metaspeed Ray’s carbon plate is slightly elevated above the midsole foam, and its foam profile is softer and more springy, offering less stability compared to more structured models. The Alphafly 3, with its more robust foam and carbon plate structure, typically offers greater stability and energy return. The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 and Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 tend to balance stability and speed but are generally more cushioned and stable than the Metaspeed Ray.
Here's a summary table to compare the four shoes:
| Shoe | Weight (approx.) | Midsole Foam | Carbon Plate | Stability Notes | |--------------------------|----------------------|----------------------------------|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Asics Metaspeed Ray | 4.8 oz (136 g) | FF Leap foam (springy, light) | Carbon plate, slightly tapered | Lightweight, less stable, focused on speed | | Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3| Slightly heavier | Nitro foam (balanced cushioning) | Carbon plate | Good stability, balanced response | | Nike Alphafly 3 | ~7.5 oz (estimated) | ZoomX foam + Zoom Air pods | Full carbon plate + Air pods| Higher stability, more energy return | | Saucony Endorphin Speed 5| Slightly heavier | PWRRUN PB foam | Nylon plate (less stiff) | Stable, cushioned but slightly less stiff |
The Asics Metaspeed Ray is a game-changer for runners seeking speed and lightness, but potential buyers should consider its reduced stability compared to other high stack super-shoes.
In the realm of technology and sports, the Asics Metaspeed Ray, set to hit stores on August 12th, 2025, showcases the innovative use of gadgets in the world of running. Its lightweight design and advanced FF Leap foam technology make it stand out from other sports gadgets like the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3, Nike Alphafly 3, and Saucony Endorphin Speed 5.
