Adizero Adios Pro 4 vs Metaspeed Sky Paris

The Adizero Adios Pro 4 is adidas at its most focused: a carbon marathon racer built to chase a personal best and little else. At 188g it is light for a shoe with this much stack, and the EnergyRods give it a firm, forward-tipping snap that wants you up on your toes and moving. Pair that with a high, responsive midsole and you get a ride that protects your legs deep into a race while still feeling fast. It is happiest on smooth tarmac at marathon and half pace, where a quick, efficient cadence unlocks the best of it. This is not a do-everything trainer, and it does not pretend to be. If you want one shoe for easy miles and race day, look elsewhere. But if you are after a sharp, single-minded racer for the days that count, the Adios Pro 4 is one of the best around.

If you want a lighter, softer ride for the same job, the Nike Vaporfly 4 is the obvious rival.

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.