Asics METASPEED Edge Tokyo Introduction

ASICS named it the Metaspeed Edge because it gives you an edge if you’re a runner who relies more on cadence than a long stride to pick up the pace. In other words, runners who spin their legs like sewing machines rather than gazelles.

I like to think that they named it the Edge because its forefoot rocker tips you forward and makes you feel like you’re going off an edge. This feature is one of the main differences between the Edge and the Sky.

The Metaspeed Edge was first launched in 2021 and that first version was seen as inferior to the Metaspeed Sky. It was firmer, had less cushioning and didn’t have the springboard propulsion that the Sky had.

In the versions that followed, the Edge became more like the first version of the Sky. Its carbon plate plate became S-shaped, its midsole became thicker and it received a higher toe spring. Today, the Edge is equal in popularity to the Sky.

The difference between this year’s Edge and Sky is the most significant to date. While they both get dual density midsoles for the first time, the placement of the foams make a huge difference to the rides.

Last year’s Edge Paris was a fast racer but I found it a tad too firm for the marathon distance. I had heel pain after using it for a 35 km training run. I wished its ride was a bit plusher and a bit more energetic- its PEBA midsole didn’t feel as bouncy as the other brands.

The Metaspeed Edge Tokyo weighs 170 g (6 oz) for a men’s US 9. This is a significant weight decrease of 15 grams (0.5 oz) from its predecessor. It still has a 5 mm drop but its price has risen by a substantial $20.

Testing Details

41 km long run at 5:58 per km.
5 km cool down at 6:25 per km.
10 km workout (10 x 1 km) at 4:01 per km.
5 km warm up at 5:53 per km.
22 km steady run at 6:07 per km.

Asics METASPEED Edge Tokyo First Impressions

I had to go up a half size for the Paris version but when I tried the Tokyo version in the store, the toe box felt shorter and wider so I was able to go with my normal 27 cm size.

My first run was 22 kilometres (14 miles) at a moderate pace. It felt pleasantly plusher and more stable than the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo thanks to the soft FF Leap being directly under my feet.

The ride felt more energetic than any previous version of the Edge and the lighter weight was noticeable- it felt nimbler and more agile. I was impressed with the updates during my first run.

Asics METASPEED Edge Tokyo Upper

The Edge Tokyo upper has been improved in 2 main areas: breathability and fit. The mesh is thinner and more porous so breathability is slightly better than the Edge Paris.

The toe box is also wider and there’s no need to size up like its predecessor. It has a very spacious interior so if you have narrow, low volume feet, you might struggle with the excess material in the forefoot. I still recommend you buy your true size because the length will be too short if you size down.

Heel lockdown is good although I do need to use a runner’s knot and cinch the laces really tight. I wish they would add a semi-gusset to the flat tongue because it folds over when I’m putting the shoes on. There’s also some downward tongue slide during runs due to how flat it is.

Asics METASPEED Edge Tokyo Sole Unit

The ride of the Metaspeed Edge Tokyo feels similar to the Edge Paris but more modern and more forgiving. I can feel the difference most when I’m going at marathon pace or faster. The Edge Tokyo doesn’t feel as slappy as previous versions because my feet can sink down into the soft FF Leap (A-TPU) layer.

The firmer layer of FF Turbo+ (PEBA) underneath the FF Leap provides a really nice, stable platform. I’m a heel striker, and the Edge Tokyo feels more forgiving and more supportive than the Sky Tokyo which has the soft FF Leap underneath the FF Turbo+.

I did a 41 km long run in the Edge Tokyo and it felt great. I didn’t experience any heel soreness like I did in the Edge Paris and it felt stable so my ankles didn’t feel overworked. It’s definitely a potential marathon racer for me.

Another noticeable improvement is the midfoot width. The Edge Paris made my arch sore after some runs in it. The Edge Tokyo has a slightly wider midfoot so I don’t have that issue anymore. It is however still narrow compared to other new racers like the Rocket X 3 , Fast-R 3 and Hyperion Elite 5 so if you have flat arches, it might be one to avoid.

The Edge Tokyo has a really propulsive ride with a high level of speed assistance. I can feel the curve of the carbon plate under my toes and it reminds me of how the original Metaspeed Sky felt. It feels superb at all uptempo paces, from moderate paces all the way down to 5K pace. The foam has the perfect amount of give and the forefoot feels snappy.

The forefoot of the Edge Tokyo is more flexible than the Edge Paris but it’s hard to tell if it’s due to a new carbon plate design or due to the addition of the soft FF Leap in the midsole. The less rigid forefoot results in more pleasant transitions during slower paces so I find the Edge Tokyo more versatile.

The Edge Tokyo has the same outsole design as the Paris version and I really like how grippy the ASICSGRIP rubber is, even on wet surfaces. I find durability good so it can be used for key training workouts and not for races only.

The exposed FF Turbo+ is more abrasion resistant than the FF Leap outsole of the Sky version so if you’re hard on outsoles, the Edge is the better option.

Asics METASPEED Edge Tokyo Conclusions

The Metaspeed Edge Tokyo is a brilliant update. They’ve improved the Edge in a number of important areas, including a softer and more energetic ride, a wider midfoot and a better fitting upper. The Edge Tokyo is now a top-tier racer for me and I would use it in a future marathon.

Compared to the other flagship super shoes that were released this year, the Edge Tokyo is far more stable than the likes of the PUMA Fast-R 3, Adios Pro 4 and Metaspeed Sky Tokyo which means that it’s easier on your ankles, calves and Achilles during long-distance races. It’s also much lighter than the Hyperion Elite 5 and the SC Elite 5 so it feels more nimble.

Runners who liked the Edge Paris will like the Edge Tokyo even more. It’s significantly lighter and it provides more speed assistance. It feels like a step up but the only downside is that you have to pay $20 more for the Edge Tokyo- I would pay the extra $20.

Unlike the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo, the Edge has a relatively stable ride and it has more long distance comfort. The Edge Tokyo is the Metaspeed that I would recommend to most runners, unless you’re someone who has powerful, long, loping strides with a relaxed cadence.