ASICS Metaspeed LD Review: Flytefoam Turbo-Charged Track Spike
By Matthew Klein
As super stack shoes have clearly taken over the road racing scene, super spikes are just starting to take over the track. What started with the Nike Dragonfly (review) and Adidas Avanti TYO (review) now has a ton of other players either coming to or on the market. The ASICS Metaspeed LD is one of the first super spikes to combine both a carbon plate and a higher stack of super foam. Additionally, it is one of if not the lightest of this group thus far, although the measured weight for my size 10 is drastically different from the listed weight. Whether all that justifies the $250 price tag (making it the most expensive of this group as well) is something we have to discuss.
Price: $249.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 4.2 oz, 181g (Men's size 9/Women's size 10.5)
Measured Weight Men's Size 10: 5.5 oz
Stack Height: Not Provided
Drop: Not Provided
Classification: Carbon Plated Distance Track Spike
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The ASICS Metaspeed LD is a stiff super spike with a narrow fit, carbon plate and full-length Flytefoam Turbo. A secure, slightly long and narrow upper sits up top providing plenty of security around the corners. An extremely stiff carbon fiber plate adds rigidity to the midsole while also providing the base for the pin-less HEXA-CLAW spikes in the forefoot. This works well with the bouncy FF Turbo midsole to provide an aggressive ride that will work for best for 1500m-5000m efforts and longer for those with extremely strong calves.
SIMILAR SHOES: Under Armour Shakedown Elite, Puma EvoSpeed Distance Nitro Elite
FIT
The ASICS Metaspeed LD fits me true to size my normal men's US size 10. Initially, the fit felt almost slightly long, but like most track spikes, the fit is narrow throughout and does have a strong taper at the toes. The taper offsets the slightly long feeling, but I did have to wear normal-thickness socks for this to feel true to size. Those wanting to go sockless may want to consider going down a half size but should be aware of the tapered toebox. The midfoot is also narrow featuring a free-floating thin tongue and sturdy laces. The laces tighten up the midfoot well and although it took a little work, I was able to uniquely adjust each part of the laces securely. The tongue is thin enough that tightening the laces does cause an extreme amount of pressure on the top of the foot. I have not had issues, but had to learn that the upper is snug enough that I didn't have to tie things so tight. The heel is also narrow with no heel collar cushioning, some suede padding at the Achilles and a thin/flexible heel counter. With the snug/narrow fit, the security is quite good. I have not had to lace lock the spike and I have not had any slippage issues. I have tried this shoe sockless and strangely it feels true to size and the inner aspect of the upper is quite comfortable even against bare skin. My only concern with going sockless is the suede material at the heel, but so far I have not had any rubbing issues with it.
PERFORMANCE
The ASICS Metaspeed LD is a super spike for a variety of middle and distance events. The midsole features full-length FF Blast Turbo with an integrated carbon plate that doubles as the outsole/spikes in the forefoot. Despite coming in at 5.5 oz for my men's size 10, the FF Blast Turbo provides plenty of protection underfoot. Heel landings feel slightly soft, cushioned (relative to a track spike) and familiar to those who run in the other Metaspeed shoes. The forefoot is firm and stiff thanks to the plate. This provides an incredibly snappy toe-off. Although stack height measurements are not given, this shoe feels like it has an incredibly low drop (0-4mm). This is offset by the stiff plate and surprising amount of forefoot rocker, which does roll you forward nicely when you are moving quickly. There is a small posterior lateral heel bevel, but fortunately, the FF Turbo foam almost compresses well enough that heel landings are smooth.
The traction is fairly good thanks to the incredible number of small spikes that extend off the forefoot aspect of the plate. This works better on softer track surfaces, but still does okay on firm ones. The small spikes are incredibly slick on smooth hard surfaces, so avoid using these for anything but appropriate places for spikes. The traction is alright on grass, but does not grip well on aggressive surfaces. For muddy surfaces, I would not use this shoe and would suggest an actual spiked shoe.
Use-wise, the ASICS Metaspeed LD has the ability to hit a variety of distances depending on the runner. For those with strong calves and who want a stiff shoe, this will do great from the 1500m up to 10,000m. Otherwise, it will work better from 1500m to 5000m. This is due to how stiff and snappy this shoe is. I have done several hard workouts in this shoe and noticed my calves started to fatigue after 2-3 miles of work. This may also be me getting used to spikes again, but the stiffness of the shoe can be fatiguing if you are not used to it. For running fast, it feels great and may even work for those down to the 800m.
In terms of durability, I am starting to see a little tearing of the FF Turbo outsole in my normal spot after 16 miles. However, this is only in the small piece on the far lateral side of the heel. The HEXA-CLAW spikes are fine minus some slight scuffing due to me trying to run across pavement (for review purposes) The SHARKDUO sharkskin heel piece is completely fine and I expect an average to above-average number of miles out of these.
STABILITY
The ASICS Metaspeed LD is a track spike and not a stability shoe. There are no traditional elements of stability in this spike. The heel and midfoot aspects of the sole are narrow. There is a small sidewall on the lateral side of the midfoot, but nothing on the medial side. The carbon plate does stiffen the sole, adding a ton of torsional and longitudinal bending stiffness. The forefoot is fairly guided given the wider oval plate design and is an incredibly stable place to push off from. Those with neutral mechanics will work best here and those looking for a stable forefoot may also be happy with the Metaspeed LD.
Thoughts as a DPT: Transitioning from Super Shoes to Super Spikes
By Chief Editor Matthew Klein
While track spikes are transitioning to higher stack heights, they are still vastly different than the maximal trainers and racing shoes now seen on the market. Track spikes typically have low heel drops, with some going as low as zero (flat) or negative (forefoot higher than heel). While some of the higher stack racing shoes are getting better at creating stability to compensate for the taller heights and softer foams, spikes are going the opposite way due to still having narrow midsoles but now softer foams. As many high school, collegiate and post-collegiate athletes are getting ready to transition to track season, making fast transitions between such different footwear types is asking for injury.
These complete the trio of requirements for running in lower drop and aggressive shoes: Adequate calf strength/power to generate and absorb force, adequate ankle dorsiflexion to allow the foot and ankle to go through the extra ranges and adequate proprioception/balance for body control and awareness.
RECOMMENDATIONS
While I have enjoyed the Metaspeed LD, I did not find it to be worth $250. I personally would place it in a similar price range to the other super spikes ranging from $150-180. At this very moment it is on sale for as much as half price which does make it a very interesting deal for those looking for a super spike.
It is by far the stiffest track spike I have tried and I have really enjoyed the FF Turbo in this lightweight of a shoe. In fact, I would love to see a road version of this. That said, there are something I still suggest be updated besides the price. The fit is extremely tapered at the forefoot and while that does offset the slightly longer fit, it isn't the most anatomical. While I have no issue with this so far, having the fit be slightly long instead of the slightly snug fit I usually like for spikes doesn't make this shoe feel quite as fast. It does relax it and allow for longer distances, but that is a conundrum with how stiff the plate is. Part of the stiffness might also be the plate not lining up with my mechanics due to the slightly long fit. Regardless, having a bit rounder toe box and adjusting the fit to not be slightly long would be helpful from both an anatomical standpoint as well as a fit/comfort standpoint.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR
The ASICS Metaspeed LD is a unique, stiff, snug-fitting super spike for those wanting an aggressive shoe for 1500m to maybe 10000m if the runner has strong enough calves. A thin, secure upper sits up top featuring a slightly long fit that is offset by a strong toebox taper. This makes this shoe best for those with narrow feet or those wanting a snug fit. The carbon plate creates a stiff and snappy ride making this spike feel better the faster you go. The unique spike design creates plenty of traction without having to worry about spikes getting stuck, breaking or creating uneven pressure. The full-length FF Blast Turbo makes a ride that is best for those who want a softer heel and firmer forefoot. The ASICS Metaspeed LD does have the cushioning to be a distance spike, but also has the stiffness that makes it better for middle-distance events. How it will work for the runner will depend on what they are looking for and their lower body strength.
GRADING
Matt
Fit: B/B+ (Slightly long, narrow fit with tapered toebox. Tough but light upper for a track spike)
Performance: A- (Softer heel and firmer forefoot. Carbon plate makes for a stiff ride that works better the faster you go. Best for 1500m to 5000m and up to 10000m for those with strong calves)
Stability: B/B+ [Neutral] (Track spike, narrow/neutral heel/midfoot, stable forefoot from plate)
DPT/Footwear Science: B/B+ (Unique plate design. Heel/midfoot incredibly narrow with only sidewall at lateral midfoot)
Personal: B (Really unique super spike that I have enjoyed outside of the tapered toe box and slightly long fit. Not worth $250 so look for these on sale and not as light as advertised)
Overall: B+
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Price: $249.95 at Running Warehouse
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FURTHER READING: More Track Spikes
Nike ZoomX Dragonfly
Hoka Cielo X LD
Adidas Adizero Avanti TYO
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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