ASICS Metaspeed Ray vs Nike Vaporfly 4

Comparison Overview

Both are top contenders in the racing category. Try both to find your preference.

How the ASICS Metaspeed Ray and Nike Vaporfly 4 differ

The ASICS Metaspeed Ray and the Nike Vaporfly 4 sit in the same racing bucket, so the question isn't what you'd use them for — it's which one matches your stride, your weekly mileage, and your budget.

Where they actually differ: the ASICS Metaspeed Ray comes in roughly 2.1 oz lighter (4.6 oz vs 6.7 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the drop differs (5mm on the ASICS Metaspeed Ray, 6mm on the Nike Vaporfly 4) — higher-drop shoes tend to feel friendlier to heel strikers and tight calves, while lower drops favor a midfoot landing; and the Nike Vaporfly 4 is $30 cheaper at MSRP ($300 vs $270).

Head-to-Head Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is lighter, the ASICS Metaspeed Ray or the Nike Vaporfly 4?

The ASICS Metaspeed Ray is the lighter shoe at 4.6 oz versus 6.7 oz.

Which costs less?

The Nike Vaporfly 4 is the more affordable option at $270 compared to $300.

Do they have the same heel-to-toe drop?

No. The ASICS Metaspeed Ray has a 5mm drop and the Nike Vaporfly 4 has a 6mm drop, which can change how each shoe loads your calves and Achilles.

Are these carbon-plated racing shoes?

Yes — both the ASICS Metaspeed Ray and the Nike Vaporfly 4 use a carbon plate, so they're built primarily for race day and key workouts rather than daily mileage.

Can I rotate both shoes in the same training block?

Yes — many runners pair complementary shoes like these to spread load across different muscles and tendons. Use our rotation planner to build a mileage split that fits your schedule.

Read the full reviews

• ASICS Metaspeed Ray — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
• Nike Vaporfly 4 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
• Browse the full running shoe database
• See more shoe comparisons