M
arathon shoes are a different conversation from everyday trainers. We’re talking about carbon-plated racers built for one job, which is making 26.2 miles as efficient as possible. On the adidas side, the shoe to know is the Adizero Adios Pro 4. On the ASICS side, it’s the Metaspeed Sky line, which comes in Tokyo and Paris versions. Both are top-tier, both retail in the $250 to $270 range, and testers genuinely disagree about which is better. Here’s how they actually compare.
The Specs, Side by Side
According to figures compiled by The Shoe Nerds, the Adios Pro 4 retails for $250 and weighs about 7.1 oz, with a 39 mm heel stack and a 6 mm drop. The Metaspeed Sky Tokyo comes in at $270, weighs just 5.7 oz, and has a 39.5 mm stack with a 5 mm drop. The Metaspeed Sky Paris sits closer to the adidas on price at around $250 and weighs 187 g, according to Find My Footwear.
Both shoes are neutral, both run narrow, and both use a carbon plate. The big spec gap is weight, where ASICS has a clear edge.
How They Feel Different
The design philosophies diverge more than the specs suggest. RTINGS describes the Sky Tokyo as using a flatter, full-length carbon plate placed close to the foot, which gives a direct, propulsive toe-off. The Adios Pro 4 relies on carbon-infused EnergyRods and a more pronounced rocker, which creates a rolling, snappy transition instead.
In practice, that means the ASICS tends to feel more agile and consistent, while the adidas feels a bit more structured, with a slightly firmer midsole and higher drop.
Who Wins? It Depends Who You Ask
This is where it gets interesting, because the reviews don’t agree:
- RTINGS calls the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo the better racing shoe overall, citing lower weight, better cushioning, and a bit more energy return, with the edge holding up late in a marathon.
- The Shoe Nerds rate the Adios Pro 4 slightly higher, 9.3 versus 9.1, and give it the edge on energy return and durability.
- RunningZap scores the Metaspeed Sky Paris 95 against 93 for the Adios Pro 4, with the lead coming mostly from weight.
The honest takeaway is that these two are very close, and the winner depends on which specific version you test and what your body prefers.
Comfort And Stability
This is where the ASICS pulls ahead for a lot of reviewers. OutdoorGearLab found the Adios Pro 4 not especially comfortable at paces slower than marathon pace, noting the foam feels unstable when you’re not running hard. They also point out that even the Metaspeed Sky Paris, which has no standout support, is more stable than the adidas.
Find My Footwear reaches a similar conclusion, saying the Sky Paris is better for comfort and more controlled, with slightly more padded heel collars. The same review notes that the Adios Pro 4 works best when you’re moving fast with locked-in form, and mentions toenail problems for some runners, though not everyone is affected.
Where The Adidas Shines
None of this makes the Adios Pro 4 a weak shoe. Tom’s Guide describes it as faster than its predecessor, with a ride that handles all-out 60-second reps and still feels good cruising at marathon pace. The tester accepted losing a little stability in exchange for that speed, calling it a fair trade for a racing shoe. RunningZap also credits it with a durable outsole with excellent grip, softer and bouncier foam than the previous version, and no more heel slippage.
It’s also a versatile racer, suited to everything from 5K to the marathon, so if you want one carbon shoe for multiple race distances, it fits that role well.
Where The ASICS Shines
The Metaspeed Sky’s main advantages are weight and a smooth, controlled ride. Several testers also give it an edge at faster paces, with OutdoorGearLab noting the Sky Paris does slightly better than the adidas at speeds faster than 10K pace. Its geometry also seems to suit a wider range of footstrikes.
Which Should You Choose?
If marathon-pace efficiency and a lighter shoe matter most, or you want something a bit more forgiving and stable over the later miles, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky is the safer pick. If you value strong energy return, a snappy rolling feel, and a shoe that doubles as a versatile racer across distances, the adidas Adios Pro 4 is a very good choice, particularly if you run fast and tidy.
Fit matters here too. Both shoes run narrow, so if your feet are wide, try them on before you commit to either one.
A Few Practical Notes
These are race shoes, not daily trainers, and most coaches suggest saving them for key workouts and race day to preserve their foam and plate performance. Reviews also lag behind releases, and both brands update these lines regularly, so it’s worth checking whether a newer version has landed before you buy, since a newer version of either shoe may change the comparison above.
The Bottom Line
On race day, this is a near coin flip between two excellent shoes.ASICS leads on weight, comfort, and control, while adidas counters with energy return, versatility, and durability. The best way to decide is to run in both, ideally during a faster workout, and see which one feels more natural at your own marathon pace.
