I wanted to try the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo so bad. The previous Edge Paris was one of my top racing shoes and I ran a lot of good races in it. I was also nervous because I heard the shoe had been heavily updated. Have they changed my beloved favorite?
It’s hard to miss ASICS on the podium lately. From breakthrough marathon wins to consistent top finishes at the Abbott World Marathon Majors, their recent super shoes have proven themselves. And while many assumed the athletes were laced up in the previous Paris models, ASICS quietly debuted something new: the Metaspeed Edge Tokyo. This shoe represents one of three new additions in the Metaspeed line and is tailored for runners who increase cadence when ramping up speed.
With a redesigned midsole and updated geometry, the Metaspeed Edge Tokyo is a serious tool for race day and not just for the pros.
Before trying the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, I had a few questions:
Is the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo good for marathon racing?
Yes. The combination of heel stability and forefoot energy makes it well-suited for the demands of a marathon.
What’s the difference between the Edge Tokyo and Sky Tokyo?
The Edge favors cadence runners, with more heel stability and a quicker forefoot transition. The Sky is better for runners who extend their stride and load the forefoot more. I wrote a whole blog post about the differences here.
Can I use the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo for training?
It’s best saved for race day or key workouts due to its softness and the premium foam. Daily mileage would wear it out quickly. Why spend $270 for a shoe that is going to wear out in a month of daily training.
Does the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo fit wide feet?
Not really. The fit is dialed-in and closer to traditional racing shoes. Runners needing extra room may want to explore other options or try sizing up.
Now, let’s get into an honest ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo review.
Quick Facts
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Price: $269.95
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Weight: 5.9 oz
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Stack Height: 39.5 mm heel / 34.5 mm forefoot
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Drop: 5 mm
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Category: Carbon-plated racing shoe
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Best For: 5K to marathon distances
ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo Fit
The Metaspeed Edge Tokyo fits mostly true to size with a streamlined, race-ready feel. ASICS fit is known to be long and lean and the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo is no different. It’s snug through the heel and midfoot but doesn’t suffocate your foot. The forefoot opens up just enough to accommodate some toe splay, though I wouldn’t call it wide. If you need extra volume or toe box room, this might feel too tailored for your liking. It fits like old school racing flats.
The mesh upper is one of the lightest and most breathable ASICS has created. It holds its shape under pressure, which really helps in sharp turns or when hammering downhills. Despite the airy feel, lockdown is solid…no heel slip, no sliding around, just a secure hold. The paper-thin tongue isn’t gusseted, which can be a bit annoying on the first try, but once adjusted, it stays put.
The best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet and the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo has pretty much done that. If you have wider feet, you’ll likely need to go up a half to full size. It does have a fairly narrow toe box, but other than that, you should be good. Just keep in mind it does fit closer to an old school racing flat then a luxurious wider fit.
ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo Ride
This midsole is where the magic happens and this is where I got nervous. ASICS completely overhauled the midsole with a new foam: FF Leap. Unlike FF Turbo+, which was already lightweight and energetic, FF Leap delivers a softer, even more propulsive feel. In this model, it’s placed above a spoon-shaped carbon plate to exaggerate that bounce on toe-off.
One thing that stands out about the ride is the midsole’s dual-foam construction. The heel retains some FF Turbo+ to increase stability, while the forefoot transitions to the bouncier FF Leap. That combo creates a cushioned landing with a snappy push forward, particularly helpful when fatigue sets in during long races.
The Edge Tokyo still favors a rocker geometry, though it’s not extreme. You’ll notice it more at faster paces, especially when you hit that sweet spot and feel the shoe roll you forward with efficiency. The spooned plate creates a quick drop into the forefoot, where the magic really happens. It’s soft, springy, and genuinely fun to run in…especially at tempo or race pace.
Where does the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo fit into my rotation? Like any carbon plated shoe, it’s designed for hard efforts and races. There isn’t enough cushion or shoe for me to want to use it for easy or daily runs (why spend that much money for a daily run shoe). This is hard, because the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo is very fast and one argues it’s faster than the previous version. BUT I don’t do well with change LOL.
It’s a good shoe and it’s fast, and compared to the Sky Tokyo, the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo is better for shorter races. You can run a marathon in it, but you might want something that feels more cushioned. Unless you were someone who loved 2016 racing flats (hey, that’s me).
Outsole and Traction
ASICS uses a thin layer of rubber strategically placed under the forefoot and heel. While minimal, it’s grippy enough to feel confident during cornering and wet conditions. I wouldn’t take this on trails, but for dry or damp roads, it holds its own. Since it’s a lot less shoe then many carbon plated models, you shouldn’t need to worry about 180 degree turns.
As far as durability, I expect it to last around 100 miles. I got about 100 out of previous models and this feels about the same. Although I am cruious if this super bouncy foam will break down faster. I have about 40 miles on the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo with no signs of it slowing down.
ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo Conclusion:
Is the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo a big update? YES. Is the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo a bad update? No. It’s just different and that’s ok. The addition of FF Leap foam adds a new layer of fun and energy, while the plate geometry continues to encourage fast turnover and fluid transitions.
With so many carbon-plated options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. But if you’re a runner who likes a quick cadence, appreciates a lightweight build, and wants to feel that soft-yet-springy push in the forefoot, the Edge Tokyo is a great option.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Altra Experience Flow 2, Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo?
What is your favorite racing shoe?