The Asics Metaspeed Edge Shoe is the second carbon-plated shoe from Asics. It was only last year that Asics had a “lackluster” carbon-plated shoe. Now they have two very good ones.
The Metaspeed Edge is a lightweight shoe with one of the best ground feels of any running shoe. It helps runners elongate their stride. So if you have a short choppy stride (like me), the Edge is designed to help make it longer. So they say…but does it really?
What is the difference between the Asics Metaspeed Edge and the Metaspeed Sky?
In short, there is less cushioning in the Metaspeed Edge, and it’s better for half marathons and below.
Asics Metaspeed Edge Quick Facts:
Weight: 6.6 oz
Heel to toe drop: 8 mm
Price: $250
Asics Metaspeed Edge Intro:
Asics has come out with two super shoes in the last few months. Clearly, they work well because Sara Hall has consistently run fast. The Metaspeed Sky is among my favorite carbon plated shoes, and I strongly believe Asics made a great model. So why even make a second carbon-plated shoe? How many do they need?
The Asics Metaspeed Edge is designed for different runners and races. The Edge is designed more for runners who already have a short stride and could benefit from elongating their stride. This is the more uncommon of the two. It is also lighter with less cushion to be better for shorter races like a half marathon. I appreciate that Asics has two different options because, as you know by now, all feet are different.
Weirdly enough, the launch of the Asics Metaspeed Edge snuck right under the radar. That wasn’t a lot of hype to it. It just kind of showed up on the Asics website. I wish Asics had launched a different color of the Metaspeed Edge because it’s nearly impossible to differentiate between the Sky versus the Edge.
Asics Metaspeed Edge Ride:
At just 6.6 oz, the Metaspeed Edge is much lighter than other carbon-plated shoes. There is also a lot less cushioning. It reminds me a lot of 2016 racing flats but with a carbon plate. I thought the Asics MetaRacer felt like that too, but the Metaspeed Edge feels like Metaracer but with a little more oomph and cushioning.
The carbon plate in the Asics Metaspeed Edge is also a lot less noticeable. It feels a lot flatter, and you don’t feel that rolling sensation like many other carbon-plated shoes. It’s both lower to the ground with more ground contact. Even with the lower profile, the transitions from the Asics Metaspeed Edge are smooth, and you don’t feel like you are clunking along.
As far as the actual ride, the Metaspeed Edge is much firmer. If you are looking for a soft and marshmallow carbon plated shoe, you won’t find it with the Asics Metaspeed Edge. It’s a firm and low to the ground flat.
The Metaspeed Edge uses FlyteFoam Blast Turbo foam which is the same as the Metaspeed Sky. The FlyteFoam Blast Turbo creates a responsive and unmushy feel underfoot.
According to Asics, the Edge is designed to help cadence-type runners go faster by extending their stride length and allowing them to easily control their cadence.
Traction and Durability: Like many Asics running shoes, the Metaspeed Edge uses ASICS Grip, which is a soft and light rubber. It has great traction, and I’m not worried I’ll lose traction and roll down a sand dune or slide around on a rainy day, especially if it’s a rainy race day.
The Asics Metaspeed Edge is designed as a fast workout and race day shoe. I haven’t done anything other than faster workouts to preserve the cushion, but it performs well for workouts and races. If you are looking for a workout or race shoe with less cushion than the traditional carbon plated shoe, consider the Asics Metaspeed Edge.
Asics Metaspeed Edge Fit:
Asics is known to fit long and narrow, and the Metaspeed Edge is no different. The engineered mesh of the Edge is porous and lets quite a bit of air and moisture in and out. It’s not a traditional upper, but it breathes well. With the minimal material upper, it doesn’t absorb water in heavy rain either and drys quickly.
The heel tab and collar have minimal lining and padding. There is no physical heel counter (which I assume to remove weight). I don’t notice the lack of a heel counter, and my foot still stays secure.
The rest of the shoe is fairly unnoticeable on foot. It does have a shorter tongue and laces but nothing you notice.
Typically I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. In Asics running shoes, it’s almost always been a size 11, and the Asics Metaspeed Edge is no different. At size 11, the Asics Metaspeed Edge fits well.
Asics Metaspeed Edge Conclusion:
The Metaspeed Edge is a great half marathon and below show. If you are someone who finds most all of the carbon plated offerings too bulky (I am one of them), you might really enjoy the Metaspeed Edge. Right now, it’s one of my more favorite running shoes. If I were training for a full marathon, I would probably prefer the Metaspeed Sky over the two.
The Edge is a firm, lightweight, carbon-plated shoe that I do believe is worth the value. I am shocked with how good Asics shoes are quickly becoming. This might be a contender for one of my more favorite shoes of 2021.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Brooks Ricochet 3, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7,
Speed Work: Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Asics Metaspeed Edge, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the Asics Metaspeed Edge?
What is your favorite carbon-plated shoe?