REVIEW: ASICS Metaspeed Edge

The ASICS Metaspeed line is shaking up the carbon-plated shoe market. Their two newest shoes, the Edge and the Sky, are race-day footwear designed to propel you to new speeds by improving your economy. The Edge is ideal for runners who gain speed by increasing their cadence, and the Sky is best for the runner who lengthens their stride. 

I wore the Edge for the first time and immediately noticed a lovely pop with a smooth ride. Wearing these shoes encouraged me forward and promoted high turnover (two key elements of any smooth stride). 

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The upper

The upper on the Edge is light, highly breathable and well padded, but not particularly pliable. The mesh is very finely woven, giving the shoe an impressively locked-down feel, however, it makes purchasing the right size even more important than usual. I found the Edge fit a little small, and due to the tight mesh, there wasn’t much wiggle room. I’d recommend going up half a size from what you normally wear and trying the shoe on before you buy — because this shoe is worth it, but as all runners know, fit is key. 

The midsole

The Flytefoam Blast Turbo midsole, coupled with a full-length carbon plate, is the ASICS secret sauce. While the Edge has a little less foam underfoot than the Sky, this is intentional and will ultimately benefit its ideal wearer. Less foam and lower plate curvature allows for a quick step to become even quicker, promoting faster turnover. While the Edge has a little less cushion than the Sky, I certainly didn’t feel like I was lacking protection. After every run, my legs felt well recovered the next morning (the hallmark trait of a good carbon-plated shoe). 

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The outsole

Much like ASICS’ first carbon-plated racing shoe, the outsole is a real highlight, and possibly the best road-racing outsole on the market. I wore the Edge on a rainy run. And it wasn’t just a little bit rainy – it was pouring rain. Like, fried-my-waterproof-earbuds rain. And the shoe still held the ground. I can’t say enough about the outsole – even with such a small amount of rubber, this outsole can handle anything that road racing can throw at it. 

Final thoughts

True to ASICS’ carbon-plated origins, this shoe isn’t as built up as many of its competitors, which is something I love. The Metaspeed Edge allows you to feel close to the ground and stable, while providing the pop you want at the end of a hard run. Its outsole is remarkable, and the ride is, as well. My only note is to double check the fit before you buy, because the shoe runs small and a little narrow. Wear it on race day or for your hardest road workouts, and pair it with the Gel-Kinsei Blast for a perfect marathon-build companion.