The Asics Sky Elite FF is a volleyball shoe that was introduced by Asics in 2019. At $130, it’s a high-end shoe in the Asics range. I first heard about this via a tip from Jess, who said some shops around the US are touting this as a top-of-the-line squash shoe. We’ll have to wait and see.
Update: this shoe has been replaced by the Asics Sky Elite FF 2
Here’s the marketing blah-di-blah:
Feel the energy to return every shot with the men’s SKY ELITE™ FF volleyball shoe by ASICS. Designed for indoor courts, its N.C. RUBBER™ outsole boasts high abrasion resistance and excellent grip, meaning you can make quick turns and jumps with ease. TRUSSTIC SYSTEM® technology in the midfoot works to control twisting, while GEL® technology in the rear of the shoe provides shock absorption and cushioning. The midsole is made from FLUIDRIDE® technology meaning it contains lightweight fibres that bounce back into shape in the space of each stride to create adaptive cushioning underfoot. An added layer of comfort comes from the mesh insole, while the ORTHOLITE™ sockliner provides extra cushioning and effective moisture management, so you don’t need to worry about sweat even during the most intense matches. The sockliner is also removable, to allow space for your own orthotics if needed. We’ve packed all this technology into a lightweight, streamlined shoe that’s sure to become an essential part of your matchday collection.
Reviews
Here’s a review of the Sky Elite from weplayhandball.de. You can click the CC for captions and then click the settings wheel to choose subtitles translated into English or another language.
So we learn from that video, among other things, that this is the successor to the Asics Gel Volley Elite.
Here’s a review from Paul at PDH Sports:
Men’s Asics Sky Elite FF
Here are the men’s versions of these shoes.
Tokyo
Here’s the “Tokyo” style that Asics put together for the Tokyo Olympics:
Image via pdhsports.com
Product Info
Release year: 2021
Price: £105
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (Canada): racquet-science.com
Buy (US): zappos.com
Spotted
Donna Lobban getting her pair from PDH Sports:
Photo via PDH Sports →
Blue
This version was first spotted around January 2021:
Red / Black
Spotted August 2020.
Purple
Another one from August 2020. I guess this is purple or navy or both?
Classic Red / White
Black / White
Black / White Mid-Top
Asics Blue / Sour Yuzu
Women’s Asics Sky Elite FF
White / French Blue
White / Purple
Image via handballshop.com →
Product Info
Release year: 2021
Price: €135
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (US): asics.com
Navy / Purple
This looks like navy with purple accents? Spotted August 2020.
Blue
Spotted this blue one in 2020:
Image via handballshop.com →
Product Info
Release year: 2020
Price: €135
Sponsored Links ↓
Buy (US): squashgalaxy.com
Here’s a women’s version from July 2019:
Tor says
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Superb shoes. True to normal Asics sizing. Lots of cushioning and I suspect it might be easier for my lower back when doing lunges. Had less lower back pain after I started using these. There is a good amount of heel to toe drop, so you feel little bit like you are ready on your toes. Doesn’t feel as speedy as let’s say Blade or Fastball’s, and not as much in touch with the floor, but honestly I don’t think it matters much
Josh says
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What’s the sizing like on the sky elites ffs men? I’m a us 9.5, do I get the same size, go lower or higher? Thank you
Alex says
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I have been on US9.5 for all Asics shoes – and these are no exception.
Josh says
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Okay so I should stick with a 9.5 us? Do you still have a little room or is it just right?
Alex says
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I have a little room
Alex says
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I have used these shoes twice on court and have grown to love them. They really cost quite a lot – here in Asia especially – but I think it’s money well spent. There is lots of cushioning particularly at the sole – the shoe wears pretty soft but it feels sturdy. The top part of the shoe is breathable and soft, and while it feels good, I am unsure how durable they will be.
Overall, this is one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve worn since the Gel Progressive 2 and Gel Blast 4 – top two on my list.
Dima says
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Hey Alex, those are exactly my thoughts!
They are a little bit of a heavier side if we compare them with GelBlast FF.
Around 30-40 grams more (10%). And that’s probably the only minus for me.
They are super soft, I have fewer feet sore after intense games.
They are super breathable, which is a big plus for some heavy sweating guys like me. In terms of durability, I am probably around 3 months with them — so far so good.
They probably won’t work for guys who like to enjoy the feeling of Salming Viper or similar low cushion shoes, but being just 10% heavier — damn, how comfortable they are.
P.S. Top Japanese Volleyball players use them, and I doubt they know their thing.
Alex says
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Hey Dima, Good to know they are lasting you for over 3 months now. Let’s see how they do for me – I am in court 5-6 days a week so might be a little more court time there. The other pair you should check out (and even more expensive here in Asia!) are these Netburner Professional FF. They are netball shoes, but work great on the squash court – somewhat similar feel.
https://www.goalinn.com/football/asics-netburner-professional-ff/137200189/p
kieran says
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Hi Alex, how are they holding up? My shoes are on their last legs and I’m having a tough time choosing between these and the Blast FF…the blast certainly look more durable but the sky’s look sweet!
Alex says
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They’re holding up very well – but to be fair, the last two months, I haven’t played as much as I usually do. Yeah I can’t agree more – they look amazing and so softtttttt.
Dima says
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Anyone tried them?
Looking to buy something instead of my Gel Blast FF that are slowly dying 🙂
Like that these are breathing.
JK says
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Wow. These look fucking amazing and slick as hell. Any feedback on these guys?