Adizero Adios Pro 4 vs Metaspeed Sky Paris

Reviewers mostly liked how the Adios Pro 4 runs, and their complaints were about their toes. On speed they're close to unanimous: softer and bouncier than the Pro 3, a lot lighter, and properly quick once you're at 10k to marathon effort. The Run Testers found it lighter and cheaper than the Alphafly 3, if a little less springy. On fit, the toe box tapers, it runs a little short, and several testers had sore toes by the end of a marathon. So this is a carbon racing shoe for neutral runners with normal to narrow feet who race with some intent, from 5k up to the full distance. It's less happy at jogging pace or under a heavy heel strike. The newer Adios Pro 5 has a lower RRP and more padding at the heel, so check the price table before paying full whack for the older shoe.

The Metaspeed Sky Paris is ASICS at full race trim: a carbon racing shoe built for one job, chasing a personal best on the road. It is the cadence runner's racer, the half of the Metaspeed line tuned for runners who get faster by keeping their stride length and turning their legs over quicker, while the Metaspeed Edge Tokyo handles those who lengthen their stride. At 215g with a full-length carbon plate and a 5mm drop, it is light, aggressive and unmistakably a marathon shoe rather than a do-everything trainer. The bouncy, springy foam and stiff plate work together to roll you forward and reward a committed effort. Hold goal pace and it comes alive. Jog it easy and you will wonder what the fuss is about. In our view it sits right at the top of the carbon racing shoe pack alongside the Nike Vaporfly 4, and at £260 it is priced like the elite tool it is.