ASICS made serious waves in the carbon-plated super shoe game with the launch of their Metaspeed series, offering not just one, but two elite-level racing shoes: the Metaspeed Sky and the Metaspeed Edge. At first glance, they might look identical—lightweight, propulsive, and race-day ready—but they’re built for entirely different types of runners. That’s where ASICS did something no one else had done before: they designed racing shoes based on running style.
With the launch of their latest collection - Tokyo - we dived deeper into the differences between these shoes.
The Key Difference: Stride vs Cadence
ASICS found that elite runners typically increase speed in one of two ways: by either lengthening their stride (stride runners) or increasing their cadence (cadence runners). After analysing thousands of athletes using motion capture and biomechanical data, ASICS tailored each shoe accordingly:
- Metaspeed Sky is built for stride-style runners. These athletes tend to be mid- to forefoot strikers who open up their stride as they accelerate. The Sky’s higher stack of FF Turbo foam and more forward-leaning carbon plate help maximise forward motion and bounce. Think: maximum propulsion with every stride.
- Metaspeed Edge is designed for cadence-style runners. These runners increase turnover to go faster, often with a slightly more upright posture. The Edge has a slightly firmer feel and the carbon plate sits lower and flatter in the midsole. This helps stabilise quicker foot strikes and allows for efficient pacing. Think: snappy, rhythm-focused performance.
Who Wears Them?
- World-class marathoners like Vicoty Chepngeno (Sky) and Brigid Kosgei (Edge) have been spotted racing in Metaspeeds.
- ASICS elite athletes are biomechanically assessed to determine their “style”, and then matched with the appropriate shoe.
- Everyday runners can also identify their style by filming themselves running or simply noticing whether they increase stride length or cadence when picking up pace.
Fun Facts About the Metaspeed Line
- The original Metaspeed Sky helped athletes set over 70 personal bests in its debut racing season alone.
- The latest versions are Lighter, with an improved fit and more breathability, optimised carbon plate positioning and FF Leap™ foam.
- ASICS’ Race As You Train ethos encourages athletes to race in a shoe that matches how they naturally run, reducing injury risk and improving performance.
Which One Is Right for You?
If you feel like you bound forward when racing, you run mid - forefoot, you’re all about stride and you like a plush, springy feel underfoot, the Metaspeed Sky is your go-to.
If you’re all about fast cadence, you heel strike and you’re craving a bit more control then the Metaspeed Edge might be your perfect match.
Final thoughts
In a market full of one-size-fits-all super shoes, ASICS broke the mould by creating a dual-path to speed. The Metaspeed Sky and Edge aren’t just about carbon plates and foam—they’re about understanding how you run, and giving you the tools to race your way.
So whether you’re chasing a parkrun PB or lining up for your next marathon, choose the one that fits your stride—or your rhythm—and run like never before.