Should I buy the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 or the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo?

Choose the Endorphin Pro 5 if you want a wider, more stable platform, an 8mm drop, and strong heel-strike compatibility at $240. Choose the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo if you are a midfoot or forefoot striker who wants the lightest top-tier racer we score at 170g, the highest R.A.C.E. score at 9.6/10, and an aggressive FF Leap plus FF Turbo+ ride at $270.

Which ASICS Metaspeed Sky model does this comparison use?

All scores, specs, and buy links refer to the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo — the 2026 shoe we rate at 9.6/10 with dual FF Leap and FF Turbo+ foam, about 170g weight, and ASICSGRIP outsole.

Is the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 better for heel strikers than the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo?

Yes. The Pro 5 is deliberately engineered for a broader range of strike patterns, with a wider base and 8mm drop. The Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is optimised for midfoot and forefoot strikers; heel strikers who want ASICS should consider the Metaspeed Edge Tokyo or see our guide to carbon plate shoes for heel strikers.

Which shoe is better for 5K and 10K races?

The Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is the stronger pick when every gram counts: it is about 45g lighter than the Pro 5 in the same size class and scores higher on our methodology. The Pro 5 remains a capable shorter-distance shoe if you prioritise stability and a lower price.

How does value compare at $240 vs $270?

The Endorphin Pro 5 at $240 undercuts the Sky Tokyo by $30 while still delivering a 9.1/10 carbon plate package. The Sky Tokyo costs more but leads our overall rankings at 9.6/10 with class-leading weight and outsole grip. Value depends on whether you need maximum stability and savings or maximum score and minimal weight.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 vs ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo

One shoe is the stable workhorse with an 8mm drop and a wider platform. The other is the lightest, highest-scoring racer in our 2026 rankings. Here is how to choose between them.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 5: The Stable Workhorse

The Endorphin Pro 5 is one of the more stable carbon-plated shoes in the current field. It uses an updated carbon plate and a wider base than earlier Endorphin Pro generations, which makes it a strong option if narrow "super shoes" have felt tippy or unpredictable.

Best for: Heel strikers and runners who want a consistent platform more than absolute minimal weight.

Ride feel: Predictable and smooth, with a generous 8mm drop that moves you through the gait cycle without demanding an aggressive forward landing.

Durability: The build and outsole package are typically a bit more forgiving for real-world mileage than the ultra-minimal racers — a practical pick from 10K through the half marathon and beyond when you want one carbon shoe to cover multiple race efforts.

ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo: The Explosive Lightweight

On Racing Shoe Guide, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is the highest-rated shoe we've scored (9.6/10). It is dramatically lighter than the Pro 5 at about 170g, with a dual-layer FF Leap + FF Turbo+ midsole tuned for a bouncy, race-pace ride.

Best for: Midfoot and forefoot strikers — including "stride" runners who gain speed by lengthening stride — who can control a more aggressive platform.

Ride feel: Fast and energetic. The 5mm drop and foam geometry encourage a powerful toe-off rather than a tall-heel, easy-rolling setup.

Performance: The weight class makes it a standout for 5K and 10K where grams matter, and it remains a capable marathon shoe for runners whose mechanics stay forward and stable under fatigue. See our full Sky Tokyo review for grip, upper, and long-run notes.

Three Performance Differences That Decide the Winner

Stability vs. weight

The Pro 5 trades grams for a wider, more planted platform — the kind of shoe that forgives imperfect landings late in a race. The Sky Tokyo is a featherweight racer that rewards controlled mechanics; it is not the first shoe we point heel strikers toward within the ASICS lineup.

Drop height

The Pro 5's 8mm drop is more traditional and tends to feel easier on calves and Achilles for a broader range of runners. The Sky Tokyo's 5mm drop suits runners who already land farther forward and want a lower-ramp, more aggressive racing posture.

Value vs. peak score

At $240, the Pro 5 is one of the better-value elite carbon shoes in our database while still scoring 9.1/10. The Sky Tokyo asks $270 — about $30 more — but delivers the top R.A.C.E. score we publish, class-leading weight, and what we consider the best wet-road outsole grip in the tier.

Who Each Shoe Actually Serves

Endorphin Pro 5 crowd

Heel strikers and mixed mechanics
Runners who want stability in a carbon shoe
Half marathon and marathon racers who fatigue late
Anyone prioritising $30 savings at the checkout
Runners coming from traditional-drop trainers

Metaspeed Sky Tokyo crowd

Midfoot and forefoot strikers
Stride-style racers targeting 5K to marathon PRs
Runners who want minimum weight at 170g
Athletes chasing the highest score in our rankings
Those who will use ASICSGRIP in wet races

Heel strikers & ASICS

Our Metaspeed Sky Tokyo review is clear: heel strikers should look at the Metaspeed Edge Tokyo instead of the Sky, or start from our carbon plate shoes for heel strikers guide. The Pro 5 remains one of the best "default safe" carbon choices if you land on your heel and do not want to experiment.

Full spec comparison

Spec	Endorphin Pro 5	Sky Tokyo
Price USD	$240	$270
Price CAD	C$325	C$350
Race score	9.1	9.6
Weight	215g	170g
Heel stack	38mm	39.5mm
Drop	8mm	5mm
Foam	PWRRUN HG + PB	FF Leap + FF Turbo+
Plate	Slotted carbon	Full carbon
Stability	High	Moderate
Heel striker fit	Strong	Limited

How they sit in the full 2026 rankings

The Sky Tokyo leads our overall best carbon plate running shoes list. The Pro 5 sits slightly lower on score but punches above its price for stability-focused runners. Neither is the wide-width answer — if you need 2E, the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v5 remains the only top-tier carbon shoe we track in Wide.

The final verdict

Choose the Endorphin Pro 5 if…

You want a stable, reliable carbon shoe for heel or mixed striking
You prefer an 8mm drop and a wider platform underfoot
You want strong elite performance at $240
You are racing 10K through marathon with real-world durability in mind

Choose the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo if…

You are chasing a PR with midfoot or forefoot mechanics
You want the lightest top-tier shoe we score at 170g
You value the #1 R.A.C.E. score and ASICSGRIP wet traction
You understand the 5mm drop and aggressive ride — and it suits your stride

Compare all 12 carbon plate shoes

See how the Pro 5 and Sky Tokyo rank against Nike, Adidas, Puma, and more — side by side.

Open the comparison tool →

Frequently asked questions

Which is better for a marathon?

Both can race the marathon. Choose the Pro 5 if you need more stability when form slips after mile 18. Choose the Sky Tokyo if you hold a forward strike and want minimum weight and maximum energy return — read the marathon section of our Sky Tokyo review for caveats.

How does the Pro 5 compare to the Nike Vaporfly 4?

The Vaporfly 4 scores 9.2/10 and is lighter at 167g with a 6mm drop, but its narrow waist is less forgiving for many heel strikers. The Pro 5 trades some weight for a wider, more stable base. For Nike vs the Sky Tokyo at the same $270 price, see Nike Vaporfly 4 vs ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo. See our best carbon plate running shoes rankings for the full field, or Pro 5 vs Elite 2 if you are deciding inside Saucony.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 vs ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo: Stable Value or #1 Speed?