ASICS Metaspeed Edge
Buy ASICS Metaspeed Edge at today's best price (men's/women's)
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Overview
The ASICS Metaspeed Edge is a high-performance running shoe designed for speed and efficiency. Crafted with the latest innovations, this shoe is part of the ASICS Project Speed line, aimed at runners who seek to improve their performance without altering their natural running cadence.
Key Features:
- FF Blast Turbo Midsole: This cushioning foam enhances compression and responsiveness with each stride.
- Carbon Fiber Plate: Integrated into the midsole to promote forward momentum and encourage a quick transition.
- Engineered Mesh Upper: Offers a breathable and secure fit, optimizing comfort and performance.
- ASICSGRIP Outsole: Provides increased traction (grip on the ground) and durability, ensuring a confident grip on various surfaces.
The ASICS Metaspeed Edge is tailored for runners who prioritize a lightweight, responsive shoe that complements a high-cadence (number of steps taken per minute) running style. Its innovative design and materials make it a strong contender for races up to half marathon distances.
With an average review score of 80%, it's rated just below the median rating of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 10% of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the ASICS Metaspeed Edge
The ASICS Metaspeed Edge has garnered attention for being one of the lightest racing shoes, offering a firm ride and smooth transitions. It's designed for runners who increase their cadence rather than stride length when accelerating. The shoe's 8mm drop (the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot) provides a more natural feel, and the grippy outsole ensures stability. However, it may lack sufficient cushioning for full marathons, and the cotton laces have durability concerns. Overall, the Metaspeed Edge is a top choice for half marathons and shorter races, particularly for cadence-style runners seeking a lightweight and stable shoe.
Comparable Shoes
The ASICS Metaspeed Sky is often compared to the Metaspeed Edge due to their similar design intentions. However, the Sky is better suited for runners who increase their stride length to gain speed, offering more cushioning and a bouncier ride, making it preferable for longer distances like marathons.
Compared to the Metaspeed Edge, the New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2 offers a bouncier and more cushioned experience, which some runners may prefer for longer races. It's also a carbon-plated shoe but caters to a different running style.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option within the ASICS lineup, the ASICS Magic Speed is a viable alternative. It provides a carbon-plated experience at a lower price point, though it may not match the Metaspeed Edge's focus on high-cadence efficiency.
Special versions of ASICS Metaspeed Edge
The ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ is a special version that builds upon the original Metaspeed Edge's design. It maintains the same focus on high-cadence runners but introduces enhancements that may include updated materials or technologies to further optimize performance. ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ aims to offer an even more refined racing experience.
6 ASICS Metaspeed Edge Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The ASICS Metaspeed Edge features an engineered mesh upper that is highly breathable, ensuring a well-ventilated experience. However, the material can feel a bit harsh and may cause discomfort with expensive socks or when worn barefoot. The fit is accommodating, even for wide-footed runners, and the lockdown (the way the shoe secures the foot in place) is secure without any heel lift, despite the minimal padding.
Midsole
The midsole of the Metaspeed Edge, made with FF Blast Turbo foam, offers a responsive feel that is firmer compared to other super shoes. The full-length carbon plate is rigid, contributing to a controlled force from footstrike (when the foot first makes contact with the ground) to toe-off (when the toes leave the ground). This design is more suited to shorter races, as it may not provide enough cushioning for the demands of a full marathon.
Outsole
Equipped with ASICSGRIP, the outsole delivers excellent traction on both dry and wet surfaces. The soft, light rubber provides a confident grip, although it may not be as durable as heavier rubbers like AHARPLUS. The outsole's design also contributes to the shoe's overall stability.
Size/fit
The ASICS Metaspeed Edge runs true to size, but some runners may find the toe box (the space around the toes) slightly constricting compared to other models. It's recommended to try them on before purchasing to ensure the best fit, especially for those with wider feet.
Comfort
While the Metaspeed Edge is not designed with comfort as its primary focus, it does offer a secure and breathable fit. The minimalistic construction contributes to its lightweight feel, making it ideal for fast-paced races rather than leisurely runs.
Cushioning
The shoe's cushioning is on the firmer side, which may appeal to runners looking for a more traditional race shoe feel. However, those seeking a bouncy, energetic race shoe might prefer the Metaspeed Sky or another model with a softer underfoot experience.
Breathability
The engineered mesh upper of the Metaspeed Edge allows for excellent airflow, keeping feet cool during races. This high level of breathability is a standout feature for runners competing in warmer conditions.
Stability
Despite being a racing shoe with a carbon fiber plate, the Metaspeed Edge offers good stability. Its wide midsole base and lower stack height (the total height of the shoe's sole) contribute to a secure and grounded feel during runs.
Durability
While the Metaspeed Edge is built for speed, its durability is a concern. The soft outsole rubber may wear down quickly, especially for heel strikers (runners who land on their heels when they run), and the upper material may not withstand extensive use without showing signs of wear.
Grip
The ASICSGRIP outsole provides a reliable grip on various surfaces, ensuring runners can maintain their pace confidently. This grip is particularly beneficial in wet conditions or on racecourses with multiple turns.
Who should buy the ASICS Metaspeed Edge?
The ASICS Metaspeed Edge is ideal for 5k and 10k racers or those targeting a half marathon. It's especially suitable for runners who naturally increase their cadence rather than stride length when speeding up. If you value a shoe that is lightweight, stable, and designed to complement a high-cadence running style, the Metaspeed Edge may be the perfect fit for you.
Who should not buy the ASICS Metaspeed Edge?
Runners looking for a plush, cushioned shoe for long-distance comfort, such as a full marathon, might want to consider alternatives like the Metaspeed Sky. Additionally, if you're on a tight budget, there are more affordable options available that still offer quality performance. Those with a stride-based running style (who increase the length of their steps to gain speed) may not benefit as much from the design of the Metaspeed Edge.
ASICS Metaspeed Edge: What's it good for?
The ASICS Metaspeed Edge excels in short to mid-distance road races, such as 5k and 10k events, and is a strong contender for half marathons. Its lightweight design and responsive cushioning make it a top choice for runners focused on speed and efficiency.
4 ASICS Metaspeed Edge FAQs
Is the ASICS Metaspeed Edge suitable for marathon distances?
The ASICS Metaspeed Edge is designed for shorter races like 5k, 10k, and half marathons. Its firmer cushioning may not provide the comfort needed for a full marathon.
How does the ASICS Metaspeed Edge fit?
The shoe generally fits true to size, but some runners may find the toe box slightly narrow. It's recommended to try them on to ensure the best fit.
What is the main difference between the ASICS Metaspeed Edge and the Metaspeed Sky?
The Metaspeed Edge is tailored for cadence runners who increase their step frequency, while the Metaspeed Sky is for stride runners who lengthen their steps when speeding up.
How durable is the ASICS Metaspeed Edge?
The shoe's durability is a concern, particularly the soft outsole rubber, which may wear down quickly for heel strikers.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | |||
| released | ReleasedJun 2021 | Feb 2020 | Jan 2024 | Jul 2023 | Mar 2024 | Feb 2024 |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 190 g W: 159 g | 196 g | M: 218 g W: 184 g | M: 221 g W: 193 g | M: 215 g W: 187 g | M: 215 g W: 179 g |
| Forefoot | ForefootM: 21 mm W: 20 mm | 32 mm | 29 mm | 36 mm | 37 mm | |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop8 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm | 5 mm | 4 mm | 3 mm |
| Heel | HeelM: 29 mm W: 28 mm | 40 mm | 34 mm | 40 mm | 38 mm | |
| Usages | UsagesRacing | Racing | RacingSpeed training | RacingSpeed training | RacingSpeed training | RacingSpeed training |
| Brand | BrandASICS | Brooks | Saucony | ASICS | New Balance | Mizuno |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeBreathableComfortableLightweightMaximalist | BreathableLightweight | BreathableComfortableLightweightMaximalist | BarefootBreathableComfortableLightweightMaximalist | BreathableComfortableLightweightMaximalist | BreathableComfortableLightweightLow dropMaximalist |
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Carbon fiber plate | Carbon fiber plate | |||||
| Carbon plate | Carbon plate | |||||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Techs | Techs | New Balance FuelCell | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Sustainable | ||||
Common characteristicsRoadNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh archRocker |
