The Asics Metrolyte Review: Ultralight and Versatile Travel Shoes

Over the years, I’ve searched for a pair of shoes that would fit multiple needs while still looking cute. I’ve packed running shoes for trips where I would do a lot of walking, but they still didn’t suit my attire. I’ve packed my Converse All Stars, which look good, but don’t have much arch support. After reading about Amanda’s Reebok Skyscape Runaround shoes, I sought to find my own pair of city-appropriate travel shoes.

After browsing a number of websites, I found the Asics Metrolyte shoes and, best of all, on sale on Hautelook for $10 cheaper than anywhere else. They’ve since become one of my favorite pairs of shoes for both my travel and real life, coming with be to Colorado, Wyoming, Alabama and, most recently, Nevada. They’ve replaced both my running shoes and sneakers, serving both needs in one.

Features

Lightweight
The Metrolyte line of shoes are Asics’ most lightweight walking shoe at only 4.8 ounces. This means they won’t add unnecessary weight onto your bag!

Arch Support
Memory foam lining makes these shoes much better for long walks than my beloved Converses or Toms. I’ve had many pairs of Asics over the years and can attest to their quality.

Traction
The shoes are somewhere in between standard athletic shoes and simple slip-ons like Toms when it comes to traction. While they will keep you from slipping on a sidewalk, they aren’t necessarily appropriate for hiking.

What I Like

Sleek Look
I’ve had many other pairs of athletic shoes, especially running shoes, and because of their purpose, they can look large and clunky in order to support your joints. But for simple walking shoes, the Metrolytes are thinner in material.

Comfortable
I’ve worn these shoes for extended periods while traveling and they’re also my shoes for a rowing class I take at home. They are appropriate for some types of cross training and long walks around destinations without causing you to return to your hotel to change. I also found them to be true to size.

Fashionable
These shoes work for both athletic and standard outfits. As you can see in the photos, I’ve paired them with casual looks like my bright leggings as well as with jeans and a top.

Affordable
I browsed a number of websites before finding them for less than $50 USD, but even when you purchase directly from Asics they’re $70 USD, much less than athletic shoes or similar types of city shoes.

Packable
At less than 5 ounces, these shoes are extremely lightweight and packable. They also don’t have an internal frame and can fold flat to fit into your luggage.

What I Don’t Like

Color
My chosen pair, navy and white, wasn’t my first choice for colors, but was limited based on the fact that I wasn’t buying them directly from the manufacturer. I would have preferred black, but navy seems to go with plenty as well. The current range of colors are a bit bright for me, especially when it comes to pairing with different outfits.

Tight Fit
As I mentioned earlier, they’re sleek and not bulky, but with this comes the fact that they aren’t easy to slip on and off, which can be a pain at airport security. You might need to do a bit of pulling on the heel tab and adjusting the laces before fitting your foot inside.

Outfits

As I’ve mentioned throughout this post, Metrolytes work for just about any outfit. I frequently wear them with exercise clothing, specifically leggings and casual tanks or t-shirts as well as with jeans, a top, and a jacket. I haven’t yet paired them with a dress, but I think it would be possible with the right ensemble.

American readers can find ASICS Women's Metrolyte Walking Shoes,Black/Flash Pink/White,8 M US on Amazon and Zappos as well as the slip-on and patterned models. For UK readers, and styles are similar to Metrolyte. For Australian readers, try Nitrofuze and .