ASICS Metaspeed Edge review

ASICS Metaspeed Edge review and lab test

I loved the Metaspeed Sky, and this is basically the same shoe for a slightly different runner. 

What’s the difference most ask? The Sky is great for runners who increase their stride length as they speed up, where the Edge is for runners who increase their cadence speed as they hit the gas.  

If I had to pick just one based on feel between the two ASICS super shoes, I would go with the Sky, but if you are a cadence runner, this shoe is also great.

Read on for the full review. 

Who should buy the ASICS Metaspeed Edge

Buy the ASICS Metaspeed Edge if you are a 5K, 10K, or half-marathon racer that demands the lightest shoe on the market. 

If you are a cadence runner who speeds up your legs at faster speeds rather than taking longer strides, this shoe may be perfect for you. 

Who should not buy it 

I don’t think buying this shoe is a good idea if:

• You’re struggling to make your rent payment. It’s a doozy at £260! Almost any other ASICS running shoe is cheaper. 
• If you are a stride runner who elongates your stride to go faster. I recommend the Metaspeed Sky instead. 
• If you want a bouncy, energetic race shoe. This is stiff and stable. I would go for the Sky, or the New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2.
• If you don’t really need a carbon-plated shoe. There are other great options for casual runners who want to speed things up. The ASICS Magic Speed or the ASICS Hyper Speed are great options at much lower price points.

Austere construction leads to solid fit 

I love how this shoe and its twin, the Sky, fit. They are minimalistic in the construction, the lockdown is amazing, and there’s nothing extra that gets in the way. 

The tongue itself is just .6mm thick, compared to the average of 5.5mm, that’s basically paper-thin. 

They fit true to size, although the toe box did feel a bit more constricting than the Sky, if you have really wide feet, try the Sky over the Edge. 

Built for speed not comfort

The Edge is a legit race shoe, it’s not built for comfort. Sorry… Check out the Novablast 2 if that’s what you are most concerned about. 

It’s not as cushioned underfoot as its sibling, and may not be as ideal for long-distance runs, like marathons. For those longer efforts go with the Sky. 

The Edge is stiffer underfoot and performs best at the shorter distance efforts. 

Stiff race-like ride in the Edge

The Edge feels more like a traditional race shoe than a super-sprung, bouncy super shoe. Its main advantage over traditional race those, it’s way lighter. 

The shoe feels less bouncy and a bit stiffer underfoot than the Sky, not sure if it’s just the lower stack height or a combination of a modified carbon plate, but the Edge moves fast underfoot. It doesn't spring you from one step to the next, and you can feel that difference for sure.

At 55.8N on our flex test, it’s obviously way above the average shoe at just 38.9N. So be prepared for it’s rigidity. 

It’s stable and fast, but it’s just not as exciting to run in compared to the Sky which really feels unique. It’s a bit more stable and lower to the ground (stack measured at 23.6mm in the front and 31.6 in the rear (sky: 31.2mm/33.7mm)), which has its benefits for sure. On a windy racecourse with a lot of turns, this shoe would be great. 

One major change compared to the Sky in the ride of this shoe is the drop. The Edge measured in at 8mm drop vs the Sky which had just a 2.5mm drop. To me, this felt too tall in the heel and I caught myself dragging my heel a bit from time to time. 

Break these bad boys in

The upper is a bit harsh at first. It’s not soft and inviting, and it can take a bit to get used to. It feels more like plastic than what most people will be used to in a running shoe.

The ankle collar is tight around your Achilles and very minimally padded too which can take some adjustment to run in. 

Don’t pull these out on race day for your first effort. Break them in. 

Wow to the weight 

Wow!

Even lighter than the lightest shoe I’ve tested so far, the Sky which weighed in at 6.7 ounces (191g). 

The Edge comes in at an amazing 6.2 ounces (176g)!!!

Unfortunately not very durable

There’s not much outsole on the heel and I fear heel strikers will chew through the soft exposed midsole. 

You really need to be on your toes in this shoe which can be a challenge with its 8mm drop design. 

Metaspeed Edge is grippy while it lasts

The rubber outsole tested in at 68.5HC on the durometer which is significantly softer than average outsoles (79.7HC) giving this shoe amazing grip. 

But, the outsole is thin at just 1.9mm. 

These two facts, soft and thin, mean it will wear down fast, but for race day it does the job and is grippy while it lasts.

Breathable and great lockdown

The amazing upper is basically see-through and highly breathable. It doesn’t stretch much or give really, but it’s solid on the lockdown and perfect for hot days and hot efforts!

Lacing a bit of a challenge

One gripe I have is it is a challenge to get the lace tightness perfect in these shoes. There is zero padding or stretch in the upper, and laces tied too tight were felt over the top of my foot, and to loose leads to a sloppy feeling. 

I found myself tying these and the Skys up multiple times before a run to nail down the appropriate tension.  

The laces themselves are a grippy cotton which feels real cheap in hand but holds tight. At 42.8N they crush the average shoe (22.9Nn) on our lace slip test. 

Day runners only

There are no reflective elements on the Metaspeed Edge so stick to daylight hours. 

On the Edge of unaffordable

Expensive at £260, but worth it if you want the top-shelf, lightweight, carbon-plated race shoe.