ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo Review
By David Salas
ASICS Metaspeed Edge TokyoPrice: $269.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 5.9 oz, 170g (men's size 9), Not provided (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 39.5 mm heel / 34.5 mm forefoot
Drop: 5 mm
Shoe Purpose: Racing Shoe, Super Shoe
Pros: Incredibly Lightweight and Responsive, Good heel stability,
Cons: Very "normal" fitting, may not be the best for those who need a more spacious fit. Price... but I feel the 20 dollar increase is warranted here (David)
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo is one of the three new super shoes releasing from ASICS. The Edge series continues upon similar DNA with some big new updates. The largest update is the new midsole. The Edge Tokyo will now be using FF Leap, an ATPU based midsole that is significantly more compliant and bouncy than FF Turbo+. This will sit superior to the spooned plate design, with the majority of it in the forefoot. The heel is a bit more stable and uses FF Turbo+ for the majority. The rockered geometry and upper fit are similar in many ways to the previous version. The Edge Tokyo will continue to be a top shelf racing option.
SIMILAR SHOES: New Balance SC Elite 4
PAST MODEL: ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
David: The ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo fits true to size in my men's 9.5. The general fit feels very "normal" throughout, especially for a racing shoe. The heel and midfoot fit normal to slightly narrow, with the forefoot having a little more room. I would not classify the forefoot as "wide" but it certainly isn't narrow. The shoe does have a decent amount of forefoot volume, which feels noticeably more than its predecessor. The tongue is very thin, but does just enough to protect your foot from the laces. The tongue is not gusseted, and can be a little bit tricky placing it on top of the foot at first, but once you have it there it holds really well. The laces are textured and I had no issues with them coming undone or sliding.
The mesh upper is incredibly lightweight and holds its structure surprisingly well under load. Even in turns or steep uphills and downhills, I had no issues with foot or heel slippage and translation. This is one of the better fitting uppers on a super shoe that I have worn. Could the forefoot be a little wider? Probably, but I had no issues. I think the only thing I'd like to see cleaned up here is how the tongue sits, but that is me being picky.
David's Typical Size: Men's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit David well: Nike Vomero 17, Saucony Ride 16, Puma Velocity Nitro 3
Shoes that have fit snug: HOKA Arahi 7
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon Aero Glide
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: No
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: No
Is the Forefoot Flexible: No
How Flexible is the Shoe: Stiff, Racing Shoe, Carbon Plated
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: Maybe
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Above Average
PERFORMANCE
David: If you have been reading with us for some time, you know that I was a massive fan of the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris. That continues with the Tokyo. The geometry feels familiar, even with some of the massive changes. For those wondering, the main changes are the heel stability and in the new midsole. In comparison to the previous version, the heel has a lot more sole flaring, and the new model debuts FF Leap, an ATPU based midsole that is much more compliant and resilient than FF Turbo+. This is a VERY soft and bouncy foam. The FF Leap portion of the shoe is placed above the plate, and since this plate design is highly spooned, you will see the majority of it placed in the forefoot.
With that noted, the new Metaspeed series performs incredibly well. The rocker geometry is still similar to the previous version. It doesn't have the largest heel bevel or forefoot rocker, but it is just noticeable enough to work. The Metaspeed Edge Tokyo uses FF Turbo+ in the heel, giving it a firmer platform without sacrificing responsiveness. The plate sits really high up in the heel region, but it does not feel overly hard or stiff upon landing. The plate is spooned at a pretty large angle, and you definitely feel like you are dropping into the forefoot after the initial contact at the heel. The plate design gives you a very quick transition through the midfoot and crashes you into a much softer and bouncy forefoot. FF Leap is incredibly soft and bouncy, and this is immediately noticeable. With the shoe weighing in at 5.9 ounces, this shoe is very fun to pick up the pace in. Outsole traction is quite good as well, and I had no issues with grip on the roads (no trails yet).
For me, the shoe does perform well at all paces. I can easily see this running both a strong 5k and marathon. I feel like this shoe has two identities though. The first is for those that want a stable heel and a lively forefoot. This feels nice when you settle into marathon type paces, or when you are starting to get tired. The second identity lives in the shorter distances. The lively forefoot is almost addicting when slamming into it at faster paces. There is a tipping point in paces, where I feel like I need make a choice. When going quicker, the shoe eats up the ground and wants to push, whereas slower paces settle in nicely into the stable heel. Thankfully, those paces are different enough that they do not clash with each other. This will be one of my favorite racing shoes again in 2025.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
David: Being a super shoe, the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo is not necessarily designed for stability, but the heel stability does come across. They added a lot more sole flare to the platform, and this gives you a bucket sensation through the rearfoot. The midfoot and forefoot are very neutral, but the shoe does a good enough job of keeping you on the platform and moving forward without too much instability. The upper lockdown is very good and I had no issues with slippage. The outsole traction was also good. FF Leap is so soft, that it is hard to call the forefoot "stable", but it does a good enough job for a large majority of uses.
Thoughts as a DPT: How to Play with Dual Density Midsoles
By David Salas, PT, DPT, CSCS
The new ASICS Metaspeed series is interesting. For the sake of short comparison, the ASICS Metaspeed Edge and Sky Tokyo models place the new FF Leap midsole differently, while also using different plate designs. The Edge is designed for "cadence" runners, meaning that these individuals increase the amount of steps they are taking when they are picking up the pace. The Sky is for "stride" runners, meaning they increase their stride length as they pick up the pace. Whether or not that's how someone actually chooses their given shoe... I don't know. But. In theory, the cadence runner takes slightly shorter steps with a little less heel lift, while the "stride" runner has a more lope like stride with long steps and a high heel rise. With this in mind, the Edge plate sits high in the heel, and spoons downwards into the forefoot aggressively so that the runner "drops" into that forefoot quickly from the initial contact at the heel. The "stride" runners tend to be a little more forward with their weight distribution, and load those anterior regions of the foot a little bit harder. This is why the plate is a little more flat in the Sky model.
This is where it gets interesting. The placement of the FF Leap is different in the two models. In the Edge, the FF Leap is placed above the carbon plate, and... you guessed it. In the Metaspeed Sky it is below the plate. In the Edge, the plate sits so high in the heel, there really is not much FF Leap in the heel region. However, it spoons down so aggressively that there is quite a bit of it in the forefoot. They did this to create a more stable heel in the Edge, knowing that FF Leap is much softer than the previous FF Turbo+. This gives a firmer and more stable heel that drops into a crazy responsive forefoot. The Sky Tokyo focuses more on having that snappier and more stable forefoot, as that is where the "stride" runners are placing most of their load. Because of the flatter plate, and the placement of FF Leap, the heel is much softer and unstable in the Sky. However, when you slam the midfoot, that shoe feels like a trampoline as you move through the more stable forefoot. Neither design is "better" or "worse", but provide a different option based on your preferences.
Both shoes provide unique and noticeably different experiences. It is good to see ASICS continue to differentiate these models. As the runner, I think you will be able to discern which works best for you pretty quickly now.
 |
| Sky Tokyo, right. |
RECOMMENDATIONS
David: The ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo will continue to be one of my favorite racing shoes on the shelf, but there are some small things that I would recommend. The first is the tongue. It takes a little bit of work to get it to sit right, but once it is on, it holds well. Perhaps gusseting it, or finding a way for it to hold its shape a little more could help. The other would be to round the heel a tiny bit more. It works well as is, but especially for those coming for rearfoot stability, I think a slightly larger heel bevel to ease that initial contact would be appreciated.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
David: The ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo is a super shoe that will work best for someone that is looking for a more stable heel and a highly spooned plate design. The shoe feels firmer and more structured in the rearfoot, with a really soft and bouncy forefoot to open your stride up. The heel has a lot of sole flaring underfoot and feels very "structured," while the forefoot feels very lively and explosive. The weight and responsiveness of this shoe is highly versatile and could definitely race 5k to marathon.
 |
| Sky Tokyo, Right. |
GRADES
David
Fit: A- (Dimensions are dialed in very well, great lockdown, good forefoot volume, tongue doesn't sit super well initially, but once it is placed it holds well.)
Performance: A (For how stable the heel is, this shoe rips. Transitions feel smooth for longer efforts, while still being aggressive and responsive enough for shorter efforts)
Stability: A- (Heel stability is very good, and decent for the remainder of the shoe. Midfoot and forefoot are very neutral. Upper and outsole do their jobs well.)
Value: A (It's $270... but this genuinely is a different experience and very competitive with other shoes at similar pricepoints. I do think the outsole and ride will hold up for a while too. It's crazy expensive, but this feels different enough to warrant it.)
Personal: A (I might be writing about this later in the year. We'll see. But one of my favorite racing shoes so far.)
Overall Design: A-/A
SHOP | SUPPORT DORASICS Metaspeed Edge TokyoPrice: $269.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
*Using the link to purchase helps support Doctors of Running. Thanks so much!
Check out Gear We Love
Naked Belt The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist.
Saysky Running Gear: We were really taken aback by this Scandinavian company's ultra-thin, durable performance clothing
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
goodr Sunglases: Run in style with goodr's super fun sunglasses.
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!
Fractel Hats: Our team's wider fitting running hat of choice!
FURTHER READING
ASICS legacy stability trainer
Brooks plated lightweight trainer gets taller and taller.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
Thanks for reading!
FOLLOW DOCTORS OF RUNNING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: Doctors of Running
Youtube Channel: Doctors of Running
Instagram: @doctorsofrunning
LinkedIn: Doctors of Running
Strava: Doctors of Running
Podcast: Virtual Roundtable
Pinterest: Doctors of Running
PODCAST
Check out the Doctors of Running Podcast to find more reviews, interviews, and running features from the team.
Visit our Podcast Page
Find us on Apple
Find us on Spotify
Contact us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
NEXT: ASICS Gel-Kayano 32
