How Good is the ASICS Metaspeed™ Ray on Race Day?

Did you sign up for a race and are now searching for the perfect shoe to help you achieve your next PB? The ASICS Metaspeed™ Ray might be just what you need. Known for its incredible lightness, this racing shoe is designed for runners who want to start fast and finish faster. 

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French elite runner and SportsShoes ambassador Nicolas Dalmasso laced them up for the French Half Marathon Championships in Vannes, crossing the line in an impressive 1:06:42. We asked him to share his impressions after putting the shoe through its paces.

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First Impressions & Design

At first glance, the Metaspeed™ Ray makes a strong statement. Its predominantly white colour gives it a sleek, premium look, while the aerodynamic silhouette instantly suggests speed. Nicolas describes it as a fast, race-oriented model that feels as light as it looks.

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“As soon as you pick it up, you are struck by how light it is. The shoe fits the foot perfectly and, despite the absence of reinforcement anywhere, it is comfortable to wear. From the very first strides, you feel as if you are wearing nothing at all — that’s how comfortable the shoe is.”

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Fit & Feel

Weighing in at just 130 grams, the Metaspeed™ Ray delivers a lightweight, race-ready fit. The shoe is true to size and offers a comfortable toe box that adapts well to the shape of the foot. Nicolas appreciates the excellent breathability of the mesh upper and how it stretches without feeling restrictive.

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“The shoe is comfortable overall, but the back of the shoe is bevelled, so there are no pressure points there. When walking to the starting line, for example, the feeling is very surprising — but you forget about it as soon as you start running.”

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Performance

On the run, the Metaspeed™ Ray shines brightest at high speed. 

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“The energy return is excellent with a noticeable combined foam and carbon plate effect, making the Metaspeed™ Ray very high-performing,” Nicolas says. “The cushioning is very good, offering a flexible and responsive stride. To the touch, you can already feel that the foam is quite soft, much more so than on the Metaspeed™ Sky, for example. Over time, this softness reduces muscle fatigue, which is always an important factor at the end of a race.”

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Nicolas recommends the shoe exclusively for competition or interval training, with its optimal range being 5K to half marathon distances. Specialized for speed, it is not designed for jogging or recovery runs.
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Final Thoughts

After 65 kilometres of testing, Nicolas sums up the Metaspeed™ Ray as a specialist racing weapon, with lightness and flexible cushioning as its standout features. He considers it an elite-level shoe, ideal for efficient, fast runners who strike on the midfoot or forefoot. Compared to the Metaspeed™ Sky, it’s lighter, softer, and more agile. The only trade-offs are reduced stability and limited outsole durability. 
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“Durability is not the shoe’s strong point and stability can be a hindrance if the race course has a lot of turns, especially U-turns. The outsole is reduced to the bare minimum, but that’s the price you pay for incredible lightness.”

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