Nike Vaporfly 4 vs ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 5 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.
Metaspeed Tokyo is far better with lightness, speed, bounce, and propulsion
Vaporfly 4 is lighter and quicker but less bouncy and less versatile
Metaspeed Sky Tokyo feels just as light but with more bounce — preferred over the Vaporfly 4
Beast of traction compared to Vaporfly 4
More bounce, more energy return, and more versatility across distances
Sky is comparable to or lighter than the Vaporfly, one of the lightest race-day shoes
Vaporfly has a more curved plate; ASICS shoes have a lower 5mm drop vs most competitor race shoes
Nike went the opposite direction, reducing midsole stack.
Nike Vaporfly 4 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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A well-regarded race shoe for half marathon and below, but not one this reviewer would use for the marathon distance.
In their words: "snap off the forefoot"
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Initially unimpressed by the price, but grew to love it for 10K/half marathon/5K distances thanks to its light weight — now one of the most overlooked race shoes, especially at a discount. Tier A.
In their words: "one of the most overlooked race shoes" · "the more I used the shoe the better and better it got"
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#4 carbon racer. Brings Vaporfly closer to Alphafly aesthetic — execution issues but still fun at fast paces. Extremely lightweight.
In their words: "still very fun for running very fast" · "extremely lightweight shoe" · "execution issues going on with this shoe"
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A solid but limited race shoe that feels light and quick at shorter distances but lacks the midsole and bounce for longer races, especially the marathon.
Ride:Lighter and closer to the ground than Vaporfly 3 with snappy, responsive ride and reliable landings; lacks midsole bounce and feels limited at longer distances; works well for shorter, faster efforts.
Fit:Roomier than expected for such a lean, small-looking shoe with plenty of space for the big toe; race-hugging without feeling cramped, with some heel slipping fixable with attentive lacing; stay true to size.
In their words: "designed for shorter distances" · "doesn't have enough midsole for me" · "a half marathon sweet spot"
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"
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 Nike Vaporfly 4 if
- Racing for runners seeking a light, fast marathon/road racer at a bargain price, especially those with smaller/lighter feet who get the most 'explosive feel' from it. — EDDBUD
- 5K to half marathon; viable marathon option for seasoned runners — The Run Testers
- Runners wanting one lightweight super shoe that covers easy through race day — especially those new to carbon — Doctors of Running
- Runners who want a lightweight, snappy, ground-connected race shoe for 5K to half marathon distances — The Run Testers
- Track workouts and shorter races where breathability and a narrow, light, fast platform matter — Seth James DeMoor
- 5K and 10K racing for runners wanting a light, direct, snappy carbon racer — Ben Is Running
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
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Nike Vaporfly 4 and the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo?
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is a race shoe and the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo is a race shoe. By the numbers, the Nike Vaporfly 4 weighs 167g, has a 36mm heel stack and a 6mm drop, while the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo weighs 159g, has a 40mm heel stack and a 5mm drop. MSRP is $240 for the Nike Vaporfly 4 and $270 for the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo.
Should I buy the Nike Vaporfly 4 or the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo?
EDDBUD on the Nike Vaporfly 4: Racing for runners seeking a light, fast marathon/road racer at a bargain price, especially those with smaller/lighter feet who get the most 'explosive feel' from it. Ben Parkes on the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo: A versatile, lightweight race shoe for a range of distances, including marathons.
Per EDDBUD, Ben Parkes.
Has anyone reviewed both the Nike Vaporfly 4 and the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo?
Yes — The Run Testers, EDDBUD, and Believe in the Run directly compared the Nike Vaporfly 4 and the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers, EDDBUD, Believe in the Run.
Which is more cushioned, the Nike Vaporfly 4 or the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo?
Measured by stack height, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo has more underfoot foam — 40mm at the heel versus 36mm.
Which is cheaper, the Nike Vaporfly 4 or the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo?
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is cheaper at $240 versus $270 MSRP — about $30 less.