ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo vs HOKA Cielo X1 3
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Sky Tokyo is unbelievably light, bouncy but not as exaggeratedly bouncy as Cielo X1 3.0; Mark prefers it for his high-cadence style.
ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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A popular, versatile race shoe that works well for most runners, though this reviewer personally struggles with blistering in it.
Fit:This reviewer personally gets blistering in this shoe due to its setup, despite generally getting on well with other ASICS shoes.
In their words: "a bit of a bargain"
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Ran a 2:24 marathon at Loch Ness in the Sky Tokyo; the dual-density FF Leap/Turbo Plus midsole and high forefoot plate give a very bouncy ride he rates just behind the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3.
In their words: "really bouncy shoe" · "a lot of spring"
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A great marathon-paced racer, though the softer midsole and flatter plate feel less versatile across paces than the previous Sky, with foam durability a slight concern. Tier B.
In their words: "a great shoe, though very much anchored in marathon pace" · "the foam does really take a beating"
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A very fast, lightweight racing shoe the reviewer uses for shorter race distances (5K/10K), while preferring the Edge for half marathon and marathon.
In their words: "extremely fast and very lightweight"
HOKA Cielo X1 3 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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EDDBUD flags the Cielo X1 3.0 as possibly one of Hoka's best race shoes yet, citing the cushioning, grip, and a much-improved upper fit.
Fit:Upper fit, previously a weak point, has been notably improved.
In their words: "best race shoes ever" · "quite a bevel to the heel" · "a little bit lighter"
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The Run Testers name the Cielo X1 3.0 their third pick for best racing shoe — a lighter, springier PEBA-foam evolution of the Cielo line, with an aggressive rocker that makes fast running feel effortless, raced up to marathon distance.
In their words: "running fast feels almost effortless" · "the best yet" · "big bouncy racing shoe"
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Called HOKA's best race day shoe ever — light, fun, with an aggressive rocker and full-PEBA stack that both reviewers say is their favorite on the table.
Ride:Aggressive rocker with soft PEBA foam used throughout (rather than two densities) plus a carbon fiber plate, giving a light, bouncy race-day ride.
In their words: "Hoka's best race day shoe ever" · "It just sings"
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An honorable mention for racing shoe of the year; the tester has logged plenty of training miles but hasn't raced in it yet and is weighing it against other options for an upcoming mile race.
Ride:Wild, aggressive rocker geometry that rewards landing on the anterior midfoot/heel rather than forefoot striking; requires good ankle stability to control.
Fit:Snug, low-volume fit that opens up over time; flexible heel counter, close race-shoe-style upper fit.
In their words: "bounces you along really great"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo if
- A versatile, lightweight race shoe for a range of distances, including marathons. — Ben Parkes
- 5K, 10K, and half marathon racing — particularly when going at top speed and striding out for a PB attempt — FORDY RUNS
- Racing from 5K up to the marathon — The Run Testers
- Races from 5K to marathon for runners who prefer a light, responsive, and poppy carbon plate shoe — The Run Testers
- Marathon racing and any distance where a softer, bouncier carbon-plated feel is preferred, especially on undulating courses. — The Run Testers
- Lighter runners who can maintain form over long races — EDDBUD
Consider the HOKA Cielo X1 3 if
- Top-of-the-line race day shoe in HOKA's lineup. Best road speed shoe HOKA has ever made (per BITR podcast). — Believe in the Run
- Sustained marathon efforts and as a fun, durable long-run shoe. — EDDBUD
- Race day from 5k through marathon for runners who love a big bouncy, propulsive ride and have efficient form. Better marathon option than v2 thanks to added stability. — The Run Testers
- 5K to half marathon racing for runners who want a bouncy, propulsive ride with good road protection — The Run Testers
- Half marathon and marathon racing for midfoot strikers wanting a bouncy lopey rhythm. Now on FORDY's marathon contender shelf. — FORDY RUNS
- Race day for midfoot/forefoot strikers wanting a light, bouncy, aggressive carbon racer. Sweet spot when you pick up the pace. — Believe in the Run
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo and the HOKA Cielo X1 3?
The ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo is a race shoe and the HOKA Cielo X1 3 is a race shoe. By the numbers, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo weighs 159g, has a 40mm heel stack and a 5mm drop, while the HOKA Cielo X1 3 weighs 198g, has a 48mm heel stack and a 7mm drop. MSRP is $270 for the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo and $275 for the HOKA Cielo X1 3.
Should I buy the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo or the HOKA Cielo X1 3?
Ben Parkes on the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo: A versatile, lightweight race shoe for a range of distances, including marathons. Believe in the Run on the HOKA Cielo X1 3: Top-of-the-line race day shoe in HOKA's lineup. Best road speed shoe HOKA has ever made (per BITR podcast).
Per Ben Parkes, Believe in the Run.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo and the HOKA Cielo X1 3?
Yes — The Run Testers directly compared the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo and the HOKA Cielo X1 3 in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers.
Which is lighter, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo or the HOKA Cielo X1 3?
The ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo is lighter, at 159g versus 198g (men's 9) — about 39g less.
Which is more cushioned, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo or the HOKA Cielo X1 3?
Measured by stack height, the HOKA Cielo X1 3 has more underfoot foam — 48mm at the heel versus 40mm.