Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris running shoes

The Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris running shoe is Asics’ fastest running shoe and one of the lightest running shoes to keep you going for marathons. Despite the high midsole height (39.5mm at the heel), the shoe is surprisingly light at 185 grams, thanks to the improved upper and the new FlyteFoam Turbo Plus foam in the midsole. The FF Turbo+ midsole is a stiffer midsole with good shock absorption and a carbon plate that further increases the speed of the shoe. There’s also another version of the Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris running shoe called the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris. Before we review the Edge Paris running shoe in detail, we will explain the difference between the two running shoes because despite the similarities, running in the two running shoes has a completely different feel and they respond in completely different ways.

Differences between Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris, Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris

Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris vs. Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris

The picture shows a total of 7 differences, only one of which is noticeable, the outsole of the Metaspeed Edge is black and the outsole of the Metaspeed Sky Edge is red. There are some less important differences, but overall it’s a very different ride in the two shoes. If you look closely, here are the differences between the Edge and Sky running shoes (from top to bottom):

1. The upper of the Metasky Edge is slightly narrower at the toes (unnoticeable)
2. The insole has different lettering, which is not a significant change
3. The upper FF Turbo+ foam on the Edge is thicker at the front
4. The carbon plate on the Metaspeed Edge Paris is more curved, with a more aggressive curve under the toes
5. The lower foam layer in the Edge running shoe is lower in the front
6. The outsole on the Edge Paris has a larger hole in the heel, while the Metaspeed Sky Paris has a similar hole in the outsole under the toes
7. The colour of the outsoles is different

Of the differences, points 3, 4 and 5 play a significant role, giving the two running shoes a completely different character. Thanks to the more curved carbon plate, the Edge bounces more in the direction of the run, has a faster rollover, better support for forefoot landing and higher stride rate. The less curved carbon plate of the Sky, bounces more upwards, allowing you to jump higher, so you’re more likely to stride longer and less in this shoe. If you don’t fully understand the relationship between stride length and stride count, you may want to read this article on the subject. When choosing between the two shoes, you need to know whether your running speed is due to longer strides or shorter but more strides. Even if you know the answer to this, it is not clear which one you should choose. You might be taking longer strides than average, so the Metaspeed Sky Paris is a better fit for you, but in that case you might be able to improve your times by taking more strides, which the Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris supports better.

Asics Metaspeed Edge upper

Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris running shoe upper

The upper of the Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris running shoe is designed with Motion Wrap 2.0 technology, which is designed to wrap the foot during rapid motion and the shoe does it perfectly. For the Paris series, Asics has returned to the old Metaspeed, Metaracer-like upper, which is good news. The upper material is a thin mesh with very good breathability. The tongue of the shoe is very thin, not fixed, but it has a loop to lace the laces through so they don’t slip sideways. The shoe tongue hugs the foot well, but it’s worth smoothing it out before a run because it can crease, which can be annoying. Unusually for a racing shoe, the heel collar of the Metaspeed Edge Paris is padded, although only minimally, but it does provide a comfortable and secure fit around the foot in an otherwise rigid heel.

Asics Metaspeed Edge midfoot

Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris Running Shoe

The midfoot height of the Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris running shoe is just shy of the race rules, with a height of 39.5mm measured at the heel. The shoe’s drop is 5 mm, so there’s also a generous 34.5 mm of midfoot under the toes for dynamic kick. The midsole is made from FlyteFoam Turbo Plus material, which debuted in the Paris series and is even more dynamic and lighter than the previous FF Turbo foam material. This foam is basically a harder foam, so those looking for softness may not like the Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris running shoe. The foam has a carbon plate covering the entire sole, which is heavily curved to throw the runner forward in the direction of the run. The shoe feels light and fast to roll through, making it easier to take higher strides in the shoe. The higher stride rate encourages impact on the toes, where the shoe feels very dynamic. The fast rollover is further enhanced by the rocker geometry of the midsole, which is rigidly held by the carbon plate. Overall, the Metaspeed Edge Paris midsole is very supportive for longer paced runs. It can also be used for shorter tempo runs and races, but the shoe is too stiff for slower paced runs, which can be unusual for such training.

Asics Metaspeed Edge Outsole

Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris Running Shoe Outer Sole

The outsole of the Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris running shoe is made from Asics Grip rubber. The outsole covers a larger area of the front of the outsole to provide perfect traction at kick-off, which is essential for fast running. It also covers the outside of the heel, where the outsole tends to wear down the most. The Edge Paris outsole grips very well even on wet surfaces and seems more durable than the outsole of other racing shoes. How quickly it will wear out on your foot depends on your weight and running style. The Edge Paris as mentioned is all about encouraging a faster stride rate, which has a lower vertical oscillation (you stride lower), which tends to wear out the soles of running shoes faster.

Summary

Overall, the Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris running shoe is a running shoe optimized for fast marathon distance races. Very lightweight, with excellent breathability, it keeps the foot secure during faster runs. High shock absorption thanks to the high and advanced FlyteFoam Turbo Plus midsole. The carbon plate in the midsole is heavily curved under the toes, which is very good for fast roll-over and higher stride rates. The Edge Paris, a tight rigid running shoe to help you get the most out of a marathon run.