The ASICS Metaspeed Ray is the newest marathon shoe to hit the market. Priced at $300, it’s designed to be the lightest and most innovative option in ASICS’ race lineup, sitting alongside the Sky Tokyo and Edge Tokyo (both $270). With this release, ASICS has created the lightest marathon shoe currently available. It’s even lighter than the Adidas Pro Evo 2 and actually weighs the same as the Nike Streakfly 2—which is mind-blowing. The Ray features over 40mm of ASICS’ new ATPU race foam, FF Leap, paired with a lightweight carbon-fiber plate that stops short of the very end of the forefoot. (Yes, it still meets World Athletics’ legal stack-height requirements). Step-in feel is excellent—the insole is soft and bouncy, and the fit is dialed in, with a little more toebox room than the Sky or Edge Tokyo. The upper is extremely lightweight yet comfortable, and the shoe feels surprisingly stable for how minimal it is. On the run, we found the Metaspeed Ray to be highly energetic, with a soft, springy foam that creates a distinct sensation of having a lot of foam underfoot. It’s fast, but the forefoot doesn’t deliver as much snap or bite as we typically want from a race shoe—something we get more of in the Puma Fast-R 3 or Metaspeed Sky Tokyo. Instead, the Ray leans into a cushioned, bouncy ride that feels like a softer, elevated version of the Metaspeed Edge Tokyo. It’s light, fast, bouncy, and fun, with an airy, smooth ride that’s unlike anything else. However, the foam’s softness makes it less appealing for race day, at least for us, and durability is a concern—the exposed foam started fraying after just one run, and the shoe overall feels delicate. At $300, the Metaspeed Ray is a great option if you prefer soft, highly cushioned race shoes and want to experience ASICS’ latest innovation.
