Wondering if the Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris is worth adding to your racing arsenal?
This comprehensive Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris review covers everything from performance and comfort to how it stacks up against competitors like the Nike Vaporfly 3.
As a 31-minute 10k runner, 15:09 5k runner, UESCA certified running coach, and multiple half marathon race winner, I'm excited to share my hands-on experience with this elite racing shoe.
Key Takeaways
- The Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris is a premium racing shoe designed for elite and competitive runners seeking personal best times
- It features FF TURBO PLUS foam and a carbon plate design that delivers exceptional energy
- The price point (£220/$250) positions it in the super shoe category alongside the Nike Vaporfly and Adidas Adios Pro
- Performance is optimal at race paces for 5k through half marathon distances
Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris Review: What is the Metaspeed Edge Paris?
The Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris is a high-performance racing shoe launched in March 2024.
It represents Asics' most advanced racing technology, specifically engineered for runners seeking to break through performance plateaus on race day.
This addition of the Metaspeed Edge continues Asics' dual approach to super shoes, with the Edge designed for cadence-based runners who increase their turnover when picking up the pace.
Whereas, the Metaspeed Sky, caters to stride-based runners who lengthen their stride to increase speed.
What makes the Edge Paris special is its ability to deliver exceptional energy return while maintaining a secure, comfortable fit—essential qualities for races where every second counts.
After testing the shoe I think it can certainly compete directly with established super shoes like the Nike Vaporfly 3.
Who Created The Metaspeed Edge Paris?
The Metaspeed Edge Paris was created by Asics, a brand with a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality running footwear.
This particular edition celebrates the 2024 Paris Olympics, reflecting Asics' commitment to outfitting elite athletes for major competitions.
The Metaspeed line has evolved significantly with each iteration, becoming increasingly competitive in the carbon-plated super shoe market.
The Edge Paris benefits from Asics' extensive research into running biomechanics, particularly focusing on runners who increase their cadence rather than stride length when accelerating.
Top Benefits Of The Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris
Optimized for cadence-based running: The curved sole design and angled carbon plate work in harmony to support runners who increase their turnover rate during faster efforts, providing a natural transition that encourages rapid foot turnover.
Lightweight performance: At just 185 grams for a US size 9, the shoe feels incredibly light on foot, contributing to the sensation of effortless speed during races and high-intensity workouts.
Exceptional energy return: The updated FF TURBO PLUS foam delivers softer landings while providing superior energy return, helping maintain pace with less perceived effort, especially during longer races.
Leg preservation: One of the most significant advantages I experienced was how the shoe leaves your legs feeling relatively fresh even after hard running, ideal for racing or when you need to recover quickly between training sessions.
The Best Features of The Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris
Midsole Technology
The Metaspeed Edge Paris features the updated FF TURBO PLUS foam, which provides both softness on impact and remarkable energy return. This foam-plate combination creates a responsive platform that truly comes alive at faster paces, particularly at 5k to half marathon race efforts.
Carbon Plate Design
The angled carbon plate is strategically positioned to enhance forward propulsion, working in concert with the curved sole design. Unlike some carbon plates that feel overly aggressive, the Edge Paris offers a balanced approach that supports natural running mechanics while providing that crucial "pop" off the ground.
Upper Construction
The ultra-light MotionWrap 2.0 upper delivers exceptional breathability while maintaining a secure fit. The material adapts well to different foot shapes and allows for excellent lockdown without creating pressure points.
Outsole Traction
The Asicsgrip outsole rubber provides reliable traction for cornering and descending, allowing for confident running at high speeds. During my testing on dry road surfaces, the grip felt secure and predictable, though additional testing in wet conditions is still needed.
Comfort and Fit
The Metaspeed Edge Paris fits true to size and accommodates my narrower feet exceptionally well. The heel collar deserves special mention—as someone who has experienced Achilles issues in the past, I found the generous padding and supportive design to be among the best I've tried in a racing shoe.
Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris Review: Pros and Cons
Pros
Race-day performance: The shoe excels at race paces, delivering an exceptional ride that encourages faster turnover and efficient form.
Comfort: Despite being a racing shoe, the Edge Paris provides surprising comfort through well-designed upper materials and strategic cushioning in the heel collar.
Lightweight design: At 185g, it's among the lightest super shoes available, contributing to the feeling of effortless speed.
Energy return: The combination of FF TURBO PLUS foam and carbon plate creates impressive propulsion that becomes more noticeable as pace increases.
Quick transition: The shoe provides a responsive toe-off and minimal ground contact time, allowing for rapid cadence, ideal for runners who prefer to increase turnover rather than stride length.
Cons
Limited versatility: Like most super shoes, the Metaspeed Edge Paris performs best at faster paces and feels less impressive during easy runs or recovery days.
Premium price point: At £220/$250, it represents a significant investment that may be difficult to justify for casual runners.
Specific running style: The Edge is optimized for cadence-based runners, so stride-based runners might find the Metaspeed Sky more suitable for their running mechanics.
Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris Alternatives
If you're considering other options in this category, there are several competitive alternatives:
Nike Vaporfly 3: The Vaporfly offers similar energy return characteristics and slightly more cushioning. The Edge Paris provides comparable performance with potentially better durability and a more secure fit for narrow-footed runners.
Adidas Adios Pro 4: Features energy rods rather than a full carbon plate. The Metaspeed Edge Paris offers a more traditional super shoe feel with better stability for many runners.
Nike Alphafly 3: Provides maximum cushioning for marathon distances but may feel less agile for shorter races compared to the Metaspeed Edge Paris.
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris: The companion shoe designed for stride-based runners rather than cadence-based. Consider this if you tend to lengthen your stride rather than increase cadence when picking up the pace.
My Experience Using The Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris
With my background as a competitive runner (15:09 5k, 31-minute 10k) and UESCA certified coach, I've tested numerous racing shoes throughout my career. The Metaspeed Edge Paris immediately distinguished itself during my first speed workout.
My testing began with a demanding 10 × 1 minute session, where the shoe's responsive plate and foam combination provided noticeable propulsion during each interval. The lockdown felt secure and the energy return became increasingly apparent as fatigue set in during later repeats.
Data from Coros App
For my second test, I incorporated the Edge Paris into a 6 × 1km workout at 10k race pace. This is where the shoe truly shined, although going in to the workout my legs were tired, the combination of lightweight design and propulsive feel made maintaining pace significantly less taxing, particularly in the later intervals when form typically deteriorates.
What most impressed me was how relatively fresh my legs felt the following day. The protective qualities of the FF TURBO PLUS foam seemed to reduce the muscular damage typically associated with hard track sessions, allowing for quicker recovery between quality workouts.
Data from Coros App
What was really interesting following this workout was that I had a perfect 120% efficiency score on the Coros app - this basically measures how the effort on your activity compares to your fitness level, using my heart rate data, anything between the 105% and 120% is considered excellent so this is really encouraging.
Data from Coros App
I use the Coros pace 2 and Coros Heart Rate strap to collect this data.
How Does The Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris Perform Over Different Conditions?
Race Pace Running: The shoe performs exceptionally well at 5k, 10k, and half marathon race paces, offering the perfect balance of responsiveness and energy return.
Different Surfaces: My testing has primarily been on roads, where the shoe excels. The outsole provides good traction on dry surfaces, and the Edge Paris feels stable and confident when cornering at speed.
Hills: The shoe performs admirably on both ascents and descents. The lightweight nature helps on climbs, while the secure fit and good traction provide confidence when running downhill at speed.
Varied Paces: While the shoe comes alive at faster paces, it doesn't feel awkward during warm-up or cool-down segments. However, for purely easy or recovery runs, a daily trainer would be more appropriate.
Classification as a Super Shoe
The Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris earns its classification as a super shoe through its integration of cutting-edge racing technologies:
- Lightweight construction (185g for US size 9)
- Advanced FF TURBO PLUS foam for enhanced energy return
- Full-length carbon plate
- Curved sole geometry to optimize running mechanics
- Stack heights approaching the legal limits for competition (39.5mm heel, 34.55mm forefoot)
These elements combine to deliver the performance benefits typical of super shoes: reduced energy cost of running, enhanced propulsion, and potentially improved running economy during race efforts.
How Does The Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris Fit Into My Current Shoe Rotation?
The Metaspeed Edge Paris has earned a specific place in my current rotation:
Race Day: The Edge Paris is now my primary race day shoe for 5k through half marathon distances, replacing my previous favorite, the Nike Vaporfly 3.
I recently ran a park run 5k and finished 1st in 16.19 while testing the shoe.
Photo Credit: Bea Wilkey
Speed Workouts: While I'll continue using the Nike Vaporfly 3 for many workout sessions to preserve the Edge Paris for races, I'll deploy the Metaspeed for final tune-up workouts before key competitions.
Tempo Runs: For threshold workouts and tempo runs, I'll rely on the Nike Zoom Fly 6, which provides many super shoe benefits with greater durability for regular training.
Easy/Long Runs: For recovery and standard training runs, I'll use more conventional daily trainers that offer comfort and durability rather than the race-specific Edge Paris.
This strategic approach allows me to maximize the lifespan of the Edge Paris while still benefiting from super shoe technology throughout my training cycle.
Should You Buy The Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris?
I recommend the Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris for:
Competitive runners: If you're targeting PRs from 5k through half marathon, this shoe delivers exceptional performance benefits that justify the investment.
Cadence-based runners: Those who naturally increase their turnover rather than stride length when running faster will find the Edge Paris particularly well-suited to their mechanics.
Narrow-footed runners: The secure fit and midfoot lockdown work especially well for runners with narrower feet who sometimes struggle with security in other super shoes.
However, more casual runners or those on a budget might consider more versatile options like the Nike Zoom Fly 6, which offers some super shoe benefits at a lower price point with greater versatility across training scenarios.
For serious racers who understand the marginal gains that equipment can provide, the Metaspeed Edge Paris represents a worthy investment in your racing arsenal.
FAQ
Is the Metaspeed Edge Paris good for marathons?
While I've primarily tested it at shorter distances, the Metaspeed Edge Paris should perform well for marathon racing, particularly for more efficient runners. The cushioning is adequate for the full distance while maintaining the responsive feel that cadence-based runners will appreciate.
How durable is the Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris?
While I've only put 15 miles on the shoe so far, the construction quality suggests it should last for a substantial time, when used primarily for races and key workouts.
Is the Metaspeed Edge Paris worth the price?
For competitive runners seeking performance gains on race day, the £220/$250 investment can be justified by the tangible benefits in energy return and reduced fatigue. However, recreational runners might find better value in more versatile, less expensive options.
Should I choose the Edge or Sky version of the Metaspeed?
Choose the Edge if you tend to increase your cadence when running faster, and the Sky if you naturally lengthen your stride. The Edge is optimized for runners who maintain a higher turnover rate, while the Sky accommodates runners who take longer strides when accelerating.
