ASICS Metaspeed Sky vs Edge Tokyo Review

A comparison of the newest Asics Metaspeed Edge Tokyo and the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo. General differences will apply to all past models, so let’s find out which style works for you.Sometimes I wonder if running shoe brands are just trying to make shoe buying more confusing. Things are now in silos and shoes all share the same name, in this case just shifting by 1 word. But of course that shift makes a difference in what you’re getting…but they also look the same.

If you have a long wondered about the Asics Metaspeed Sky vs Edge, then we’re going to enlighten you today.

Instead of using version numbers, they have labeled each iteration of the shoe with a city. So it’s not just the color that’s been changing, there are updates with each new model and we think the Tokyo is the best yet.

Technically there is one more model in this line up called the Ray, but it’s truly elite level, so let’s stick with what the rest of us can really utilize well.

We really enjoy both shoes and think they’ve got that bounce and speed to excite a range of running paces….but definitely the front of the pack. Guess what’s why we saw so many of them on the elites at the Boston marathon!

ASICS Metaspeed Sky vs Edge

Consider this your quick comparison and then we’ll dive in to some additional details and reviews. The shoes have often been thought of as forefoot vs heel striking and it’s kind of true. Asics just says it in different terms.

If you follow the line of the midsole foam, you can see where the plate sits and the way the types of foam are shifted.

Both shoes are getting the updated FF Leap foam, making them lighter and bouncier
Both shoes have a bit more volume in mid-foot than past models
Sky is for those with a longer stride (potentially forefoot striking)
Edge is for those with a higher cadence (potentially heel striking)
Sky starts the metarocker farther forward
Sky carbon plate sits a little higher in the shoe and is flatter
Edge the plate is closer to the outsole and more curved

The amount of each foam from heel to forefoot is the biggest difference in the two shoes. It changes where the energy return is coming from based upon footstrike. Where you land makes a difference in how they position the heel foam and the carbon plate because your impact and force change based on landing.

Take a slow mo video of yourself doing some sprints to see just which style would best suit your gait!

Of course the real question is can you actually feel a difference? Yes.

I’ve done speed workouts in both and while I enjoy both shoes, there was a clear difference in the pick up I received from one because it better suited my gait.

ASICS Metaspeed Feel

Flyte Foam Leap is designed to be both lighter and bouncier. I would compare the bouncy feel to that of the Vaporfly (which I love for up to the half marathon distance). BUT better than the Vaporfly you don’t feel that instability or like you’re running on a rail.

The additional bonus to this new foam is being TPU it will have a better lifespan than a lot of super shoes. Both shoes will also have the FF Turbo+ super critical foam that is denser..

In the Sky the FF Leap is on bottom and in the Edge it’s on the top. Again adjusting to how you land to get the most from the foam.

ASICS Metaspeed Fit

Both shoes also share the same Motion Wrap 3.0 upper, heel collar, tongue and laces.

The super thin upper and tongue fit well. It’s not a wide foot shoe, but there feels like enough height for most people. We have gotten used to the gusseted tongue in so many models and would love that here too, it’s just one less to worry about moving on race day and creating a hot spot.

The heel collar is almost unpadded, which was concerning at first glance, but actually created zero issues. I think the overall locked in feel of the shoe prevented any pulling without even doing a heel lock lacing.

ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo Overview

If you’ve run in a previous version like Paris, we think this is an upgrade and we liked that version! Because this version feels a tad less stable than the Edge we do think it’s suited more towards mostly those aiming for 7:30/mile and faster paces.

As noted the  carbon plate sits a little higher here, allowing you to get off the forefoot faster. This also means that you’re getting less of the Flytefoam Turbo Plus under the forefoot.You’ll also notice the outsole has a slightly different cut out torwards the forefoot. This is again a very specific design choice to allow the foam to move and expand based on where you are placing the most weight in your stride. Honestly, it’s a pretty impressive amount of thought put in to the little differences.

ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo Overview

All right now we’re swapping places with our foam and getting in to a model that might feel a bit more stable for some because you’re getting more of that denser foam in the heel.

That switch in foam means the edge can feel softer, but actually be more stable with the denser foam on bottom.

Focused on the heel striker, the carbon plate is curved to help provide more of that rolling vertical propulsion.

I just had a lot of fun running in both of these shoes from my 7 Minute paces to longer duration mile repeats around 8 min pace. I wouldn’t hesitate to pull them out for a goal 5K or marathon distance.

All right did this help to clear up your confusion? Do you know the difference in the Asics metaspeed edge vs sky?

Have you run in them, we always love to get more feedback.

Previous models we took out for quick spins, but these we’ve put in quite a few workouts and will be updating our Best Carbon Running Shoes list to include because they’re that good.