ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ Review: Creating a Real Contender
By Chief Editor Matthew Klein and Senior Contributor David Salas
The original Metaspeed Edge was unique, but somewhat disappointing. In an age of high-stack racing shoes, it was overshadowed by the Metaspeed Sky due to not having a maximal stack height. This has been completely rectified with the Edge+ as it now features a 39mm/31mm midsole but creates a different enough ride that the two Metaspeed shoes address different needs. How these match the needs of different runners is another conversation though...
Price: $249.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 7.4 oz, 210 g (men's size 9), Women's Weights Not Provided
Stack Height: 39 mm / 31 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Classification: Distance Racing Shoe (Super Shoe)
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
Matt: The ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ is a carbon fiber plated racing shoe for 5k to the marathon. As part of a pair of max stack height racing shoes from ASICS, the Edge+ differentiates itself with a slightly higher 8mm drop and a smoother/rockered ride. A snug, comfortable, thin, and secure upper sits up top and will work best for those with normal to narrow feet. Meanwhile, a large amount of Flytefoam Turbo sits underneath at a maximal stack height. Combined with a curved carbon plate, the shoe provides a responsive, slightly firm and rolling ride underfoot that handles both workouts and longer efforts. Best for those wanting a fast, efficient shoe over longer distances, the ASICS Metaspeed Edge + has finally become a super shoe.
David: The ASICS Metaspeed Edge Plus is a premium racing shoe that continues upon the stride vs. cadence lineage ASICS has created. The Edge+ is geared towards those that like a quicker cadence and features a little bit sharper of a toe spring in the forefoot and more balanced transitions from the rearfoot and midfoot. This model gained stack height from its predecessor and now has 39mm/31mm heel to toe offset. The offset is noticeable but still feels really balanced. The addition of more Flytefoam Turbo creates more protection underfoot and even more responsiveness. This in a lot of ways is a slightly more like a stable Vaporfly Next% 2 in feel to me.
FIT
Matt: The ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ fits me true to size in my normal men's US size 10. The fit is slightly snug throughout the length of the shoe. This is due to a light, but durable and slightly see-through mesh that runs from the midfoot through the forefoot. The heel has a slightly more structured material that is still thin with a healthy dose of cushioning only around the top of the heel counter and the back-most part of the counter. There is a flexible heel counter that gives some structure to the rearfoot. Thanks to the flexibility and the additional space for my heel bone, I had no issues even over longer runs. Due to the excellent lockdown, I did not have to lace lock the shoe. The laces are on the thinner side and the tongue is extremely thin. I had to spend extra time getting the tongue to lay flat as it would consistently bunch up. Fortunately, it did not slip thanks to being locked in place by the laces. While the upper is comfortable with socks, it is not one I would advise going sockless in. The upper mesh is a bit scratchy in the midfoot and forefoot, but this is easily fixed with socks. Overall the fit is slightly snug and (finally) true to size, with a lightweight and secure feel.
David: Those that ran in the Metaspeed Edge v1 found that the shoe almost leaned a good half size smaller than the listed size. The sizing seems to be cleaned up in the Edge+ and the fit is much more true to size. The shoe still has a performance fit, hugging the foot nice and snug throughout. With that said the midfoot is a little more generous in width than some other racing shoes without sacrificing any excessive space thanks to the upper material. The mesh does not have much stretch to it and is consistent with the previous version. The material reinforces itself very well while still remaining very breathable. The forefoot has a little bit more width than some other racing shoes as well but still holds the foot nice and snug without irritation. The integration with the platform is done really well and you do feel very connected to the midsole. The tongue is thinner and softer than the previous version and the shoe locks down well with no slippage. The lacing material can be a little slick, but the little ridges in the laces seem to lock down well enough. Overall it is a really well done upper that I enjoyed from both a security and comfort standpoint.
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ is a max stack height, carbon fiber plated, rockered racing shoe. The quickest way to describe it is a 8mm drop, slightly firmer and better-rockered version of the original Metaspeed Sky. The full Flytefoam Turbo midsole is slightly firmer initially, providing a solid, cushioned and rockered ride. The heel bevel is positioned slightly lateral, which makes heel transitions fairly smooth. The forefoot rocker starts a little farther back than other shoes, making for a solid toe-off at both easy and fast paces. There is an 8mm drop, which provides enough cushioning and ease on the calves to feel comfortable wearing during warm-ups and cool-downs. The midsole feels slightly firmer during easier paces, during which the rockered ride becomes more apparent. When the pace picks up, the FF Turbo becomes more bouncy and responsive. This gives the midsole a dual personality, making it an excellent choice for workouts like intervals and tempo runs as well as longer efforts. The slightly firmer but bouncy ride responds well to high speeds, which combined with the lighter weight (7.4 oz men's size 9) makes it easy to turn over the legs. The well-rockered ride and solid amount of cushioning also makes the Edge+ great for tempo runs and longer runs. I have taken the Edge+ on a 14-mile hilly long run that included a 15 min uphill and came away feeling solid. Due to these experiences, I would put the Edge+ as an excellent choice for those wanting a workout/race shoe that can handle 5k to marathon efforts. The outsole has been incredibly durable, with zero wear after 30 hard miles in this shoe. The midsole has continued to soften and break-in, becoming more bouncy as the miles pile on. So those wanting a durable workout/racing super shoe that can also handle long runs/uptempo efforts with a slightly firmer but well-rockered ride and a more moderate drop will enjoy the ASICS Metaspeed Edge+.
David: The Edge Plus performs quite well. The Flytefoam Blast is a tiny bit firmer than say ZoomX but still provides plenty of bounce and protection underfoot. There is 39mm of stack in the heel and 31mm of stack in the forefoot. A lot of the specifications are very similar with that of the Vaporfly with the Edge + being a tad heavier at 7.4 ounces. I don't mind the added weight though. The Edge+ has a little bit of wider platform with good moderate sole flaring in the heel and forefoot. The shoe feels like it still transitions quick like a racing shoe but stable enough to run any pace in it. The traction underfoot is still pretty good like it was in the original Metaspeed models. The 8mm drop is noticeable but balanced very well with geometry, foam, and plate placement. The Edge's plate sits a little bit lower than it used to with a sharper toe spring. The feeling is much more natural now loading the softer foam above and then transitioning into a sharper and poppy forefoot. In a lot of ways this is what I wanted the Vaporfly Next% 2 to be (sorry Nike). The feeling underfoot is very balanced but still quick transitioning. The shoe has done great for me at both warm up and cool down paces, all the way down to about 10k pacing. I've had two longer runs over 10 miles and the shoe can certainly take you 26.2 without issue as well. This is going to be one of those shoes that can do a little bit of everything at every distance like the Vaporfly, original Metaspeed, and the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite. None of the transitions feel over done in this shoe and the platform feels way less "slappy" than the previous version. The only thing I'd change is maybe just the plate placement through the distal midfoot... for it still comes off a little slap like in that region before a really fast and quick toe off in the forefoot. Otherwise a great option for race day.
STABILITY
Matt: The ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ is a neutral racing shoe. There are no traditional methods of stability, although there are some mild sidewalls in the anterior midfoot on both the medial and lateral sides. The forefoot shoe is fairly wide with a moderate-width heel that has some additional medial flare. The midfoot narrows quite a bit and I could feel my ankle hanging off the side at slower paces. At uptempo efforts, I was able to get to the mild midfoot sidewall quick enough that it felt relatively fine. The slightly firmer midsole and curved plate/sole help facilitate forward motion as long as the pace is normal to fast. Those needing forefoot stability will do well in the Edge+ thanks to the wider shape, forefoot rocker and plate. Those with neutral to mild stability needs will be able to tolerate the heel and anterior midfoot of the Edge+ thanks to the amount of midsole flare at the heel and the small anterior sidewalls at the midfoot.
David: The Metaspeed Edge+ is not a stability shoes but does some things well for a new generation racing shoe. The shoe has a slightly wider platform underfoot than a lot of other racing shoes and a well integrated plate to keep things feeling steady. The FF Turbo foam is very responsive and provides plenty of bounce without feeling overly soft either. Traction from the outsole is really good for a shoe in this category and I've even been able to take in dirt with decent confidence. The upper has hardly any stretch to it and secures the foot really well. Really the only thing someone might find is a tiny bit of midfoot stability medially, but I find this is pretty common for the high stack racing shoes. I wouldn't put too much stock into that comment, this shoe does a pretty good job.
THOUGHTS AS A DPT / FOOTWEAR SCIENCE
A Shoe for Masters Runners?
By Chief Editor Matt Klein
ASICS is marketing that the Edge+ and Sky+ are meant for those who increase their cadence vs increasing their stride length as they run faster, respectively. I can understand this somewhat from the fact that the Edge + is more rockered, slightly firmer and has a higher drop. Meanwhile, the Sky + has a much softer, has a bouncier ride and has a lateral stage, aggressive rocker but less overall curve to its geometry. As opposed to the cadence vs stride runner, I believe that runners will choose between the two based on the above characteristics.
The Edge+ design makes me think of the masters runners I am studying at the moment. With increasing age, there are several changes that occur. The most notable biomechanical difference from younger runners is that the stride length of older runners tends to decrease, while cadence increases (Willey & Paquette, 2019). It is suspected that this strategy may occur to compensate for decreasing strength and shock absorption capabilities known to occur in the lower extremity with age (Schubert et al., 2014; Musgjerd et al., 2021). The other major things that occur are a loss of range of motion and strength at the ankle (Devita et al., 2014; Fukuchi et al., 2014). Dorsiflexion in particular is often lost, which may be compensatory for the decreased plantar flexor strength.
With the increased cadence, shorter stride, loss of plantar flexor strength and possible loss of dorsiflexion (this last one varies), a shoe that is more rockered and has a slightly higher drop may work better. Facilitating that higher cadence and potential loss of plantar flexor strength means a solid forefoot rocker is necessary. The potential limitation in dorsiflexion range of motion means a shoe with a higher drop may work better to reduce strain on the Achilles tendon and other posterior structures.
For those reasons, the ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ may be a solid option for masters runners who have found many super shoes too low drop or stiff to be comfortable. Each individual is different during the aging process, but these are things to consider when choosing shoes/tools for training and competition.
References
DeVita, P., Fellin, R. E., Seay, J. F., Ip, E., Stavro, N., & Messier, S. P. (2016). The relationships between age and running biomechanics. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 48(1), 98-106.
Fukuchi, R. K., Stefanyshyn, D. J., Stirling, L., Duarte, M., & Ferber, R. (2014). Flexibility, muscle strength and running biomechanical adaptations in older runners. Clinical Biomechanics, 29(3), 304-310.
Musgjerd, T., Anason, J., Rutherford, D., & Kernozek, T. W. (2021). Effect of Increasing Running Cadence on Peak Impact Force in an Outdoor Environment. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 16(4), 1076.
Schubert, A. G., Kempf, J., & Heiderscheit, B. C. (2014). Influence of stride frequency and length on running mechanics: a systematic review. Sports Health, 6(3), 210-217.
Willy, R. W., & Paquette, M. R. (2019). The physiology and biomechanics of the master runner. Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review, 27(1), 15-21.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: I have greatly enjoyed the Edge+ more than the Sky+. For me, the Edge+ adds what I eventually wanted out of the original Sky. The relatively higher drop (8mm) is easier on my calves, while the max stack height and slightly firmer ride provide a responsive feel that can handle both long runs and workouts. The Edge+ is going to be for those who want a slightly firmer super shoe, but the FF Turbo does start to break in with more miles. I do wish that the midfoot was not narrowed so much as it does contribute to feeling like my is hanging off the side at slower paces or when I fatigue. I recognize this is an easy way to save weight, but this can also be accomplished through other methods, including strategic geometric gaps like those used in the Adidas Adios Pro series or decreasing the density of the foam. This could also be compensated for with sidewalls that extend further back in midfoot, rather than just the anterior portion. Finally, something needs to be done about the tongue. A slightly thicker or gusseted tongue may solve the bunching, which takes far more time than I would like to flatten. Overall, I encourage ASICS to think about filling in the midfoot to improve inherent stability and to fix the tongue for comfort/ease of putting them on.
David: I really enjoyed the ASICS Metaspeed Edge+. This is going to be one of the shoes on my radar for the year. The transitions are much more fluid than the previous version and the shoe has more pop to it as well. The only thing I'd look it is just the transition from midfoot into forefoot. From forefoot to toe off and from heel to midfoot the shoe is really smooth. There is still a moment where I can feel my foot slapping the platform just before the fast and quick toe off. If that gets cleaned up that will make this shoe lethal. Otherwise the Metaspeed Edge+ is a really well done new generation racing shoe.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR
Matt: The ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ is for those who want a secure and snug-fitting, slightly firmer, moderate heel drop, rockered super shoe for races and longer workouts. The fit is slightly snug with a secure fit that feels great for a racing shoe but still breathes well enough for longer efforts. The well-rockered sole, slightly firmer ride, FF Turbo midsole, and 8 mm drop provide a snappy and smooth ride that runs well over faster and longer efforts. The design of the shoe makes it comfortable during workouts, races and even warm-ups/cool-downs. The Metaspeed Edge+ finally evolves into a super shoe, but still creates a unique niche that sets it apart from the others.
David: The ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ is a premium racing shoe that will work for a decent amount of people. The 8mm drop is noticeable but balanced out very well. None of the transitions feel overdone and the ride remains balanced with a nice rolling toe off thanks to the toe spring. The upper is more true to size than the predecessor but still locks down with the performance fit in a racing shoe. The platform is a little wider and the additional FF Turbo provide a bouncy and protective ride underfoot without being overly soft. The Edge+ to me is like a slightly heavier but more stable Vaporfly Next% 2.
GRADING
Matt
Fit: A- (Slightly snug and highly secure fit that feels comfortable over a variety of mileage. Tongue does bunch up)
Performance: A-/A (Excellent ride with well-beveled heel and solid forefoot rocker on top of max cushioning. 8mm drop gently offloads calves while the FF Turbo provides a slightly firmer ride that can handle faster and longer efforts)
Stability: B+ [Neutral] (Neutral shoe with mild anterior midfoot sidewalls. Midfoot does narrow a significant amount)
DPT/Footwear Science: B+/A- (Excellent redesign of the Edge, with a higher stack but still rockered ride. Midfoot did not need to be narrowed so much and needs to be appropriately widened for a high stack shoe. New redesign with higher drop may work for a larger variety of people)
Personal: A- (What I wanted the original Sky to be. Faster transition with higher drop works much better for me over longer efforts. I have done everything from intervals and to long runs and the Edge+ works well as a reliable racer that can also handle warm-ups and cool-downs)
Overall: B+/A-
David
Fit: A- (Good fit throughout with solid breathability and security. Lockdown is good. The tongue can slide a tiny bit but only thing really.)
Performance: A-/A (Very balanced underfoot with forgiving 8mm drop. The additional FF Turbo provides good protection and responsiveness. Traction adds versatility. Still a tiny bit slappy at distal midfoot.)
Stability: B+ (Neutral performance racing shoe but good upper security, traction, and platform. Tiny bit midfoot instability.)
DPT/Footwear Science: A- (I like the addition of stack height and the lowering of the plate and sharper toe spring. I think it gives the runner a chance to load the plate without feeling like it is jamming into their foot. Distal midfoot could be smoothed out a tad.)
Personal: A- (A very versatile super shoe providing a smooth ride at all paces and decent traction for different terrains. The Edge + is certainly a top shelf option for those that like a balanced transition early and a little roll at the forefoot.)
Overall: A-
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