ASICS METASPEED Edge Paris Review
Updated: March 19, 2024
Unleash Your Marathon Potential
Likes
- Extremely lightweight
- Highly propulsive underfoot experience
- Well-fitting upper
Dislikes
- Midsole is just a bit firm
- Sky vs. Edge may create buying confusion
- Aesthetic is too similar to previous version
What's New
In the past few years, we have seen ASICS release one great running shoe after another, so needless to say, the new-and-improved METASPEED racing series has been highly anticipated for a while. Ever since its inception, the METASPEED series has been known for its unique approach to racing shoes. Rather than a one-shoe-fits-all scenario, ASICS has carefully crafted two different options for two different styles of running: the Edge for cadence-style runners who increase cadence when picking up the pace, and the Sky for stride-style runners who increase their stride length.
The METASPEED Edge Paris represents a major update to the METASPEED series and features upgrades that are sure to get fans of the Edge excited. First and foremost, the midsole is comprised of two layers of an all-new foam compound called FF BLAST TURBO Plus. This midsole foam promises to deliver a more responsive and more cushioned underfoot experience than the previous version. Sandwiched between those two layers of foam is a full-length carbon plate that is angled at the forefoot to increase forward propulsion.
In the outsole, we see a return of ASICS GRIP that offers the durability and traction needed to take on multiple races and all the training miles in between. Finally, the updated MOTION WRAP 2.0 upper delivers a highly breathable, lightweight, yet secure sit. And speaking of lightweight, the METASPEED Edge comes in at just 6.5 oz (184 g), which makes it one of the lightest marathon racing shoes on the market.
The Bottom Line
Let's be real, there are some updates that don't quite move the needle for us runners, at least enough to justify moving on from a model that we know works for us. And for those of us who are always in search of the best deals, sometimes hunting for an older version on sale is the sensible approach. Well people, that approach needs to be abandoned when it comes to the latest update of the METASPEED Edge Paris, which sees the type of updates that make upgrading worth it!
Just take a look at Exhibit A, the midsole setup. Not only does the Edge Paris feature an all-new and more responsive foam compound, FF BLAST TURBO Plus, but it packs more cushioning in the forefoot thanks to the change to a 5-mm drop (previously 8 mm). That extra cushioning adds to the propulsive feel of this shoe and had our testers really experiencing the energy return, which made running faster easier. While very protective underfoot, this shoe was on the firmer side, maybe a bit firmer than the adidas adizero Adios Pro 3 for comparison. So if you want something that's going to be more compressive, the Edge Paris may not be the racer for you.
One of the real highlights of the Edge is that even with the additional cushioning, the Edge Paris still managed to shed some weight from the previous version, and at 6.5 oz, it is literally right there with one of our other favorite marathon racing shoes, the Nike Vaporfly 3. As the saying goes, "if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best," and it's clear that the METASPEED Edge has its eye on the prize.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 6.5 oz | 184 g (size 9) | Women's: Coming Soon (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 39.5 mm (Heel), 34.5 mm (Forefoot) | 5 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Jon: The MOTION WRAP 2.0 upper is fantastic. It is very minimal, but still nicely accommodating thanks to the reinforced toe box and heel counter. The material is highly breathable, but the strategic structuring throughout makes for a comfortable and secure fit.
Kaleb: The METASPEED Edge Paris' jacquard mesh upper with MOTION WRAP 2.0 was impressively minimal, providing a lightweight feel that screams race-day super shoe. Even so, it does not lack comfort, and I had no trouble going long distances in this shoe. I found the fit to be true to size with a snug (but not narrow) feel, which I really enjoyed at fast paces. That said, I do not think this is the most accommodating upper compared to some of the other marathon racing shoes.
The biggest criticism I have for this upper is the aesthetic. This is not to say that the aesthetic is not good, but it looks very similar to the Edge+ and I just feel like ASICS missed the opportunity to make this a more Paris-y colorway in prep for the Olympic Games this summer.
Midsole
Jon: There's no doubt that a lot of thought was put into the midsole of this shoe. After all, the primary difference between this shoe and its counterpart (METASPEED Sky Paris) is the makeup of the midsole. The consideration and care put into the midsole of the Edge Paris paid off, and it really delivered for a cadence-style runner like myself. Cadence (or steps per minute) is one of the primary metrics I pay attention to during my runs. I haven't done the independent research to verify this, but I have seen enough people on social media say that I should strive for 180 steps per minute for it to stick with me. Thus, whether I am naturally a cadence-style runner or not, I have spent years training like one, so to have a super shoe specifically designed to cater to that style is pretty cool. And the scooped plate design worked really well for me. The plate positioning along with the extra foam in the forefoot combined to offer a highly propulsive and energetic toe-off. It was easy for me to fall into a rhythm during my runs, which made me feel faster with less effort.
The only potential issue I foresee with the midsole is the firmness of the new FF BLAST TURBO Plus cushioning. I personally don't seek out a squishy foam for my marathon racing shoe so I didn't mind the feel of the FF BLAST TURBO Plus. I enjoyed the responsiveness and pop the Edge Paris offered, but I do wonder if the foam would end up feeling too firm past mile 12 or so. The jury is still out on that, so I'm not saying this would not work for me over the course of a marathon, but I do have questions.
Kaleb: The METASPEED Edge+ was a highly efficient racer with a midsole that leaned toward the firmer, snappier side of our scale, especially compared to some of the other marathon racing shoe options. The Edge Paris is similar in that it delivers a highly efficient ride with a snappy toe-off, but the Edge Paris' FF BLAST TURBO Plus foam definitely feels softer underfoot than previous models. The Paris also feels like it does a better job of absorbing the impact of foot strikes, which is a huge positive for a runner like me.
I did a mix of shorter efforts and longer runs while testing the Edge Paris, and it really impressed me with its speed and efficiency. Out of the box I ran a 10K training run, and without trying, I was teasing a PR, so the proof is in the pudding with this shoe. For marathon races, I would personally opt for a shoe with more protection underfoot, just so I could assure myself a finish line, but for any other shorter distance, the METASPEED Edge Paris is going to be a top contender for me.
Outsole
Jon: Not a ton to talk about with the ASICS GRIP outsole coverage here and that's a good thing. It gives you all the traction you need to get through a marathon in any type of weather without compromising weight.
Kaleb: The ASICS GRIP outsole performed well throughout testing and has also held up well from a durability standpoint. Even in wet conditions, the METASPEED Edge Paris could not be slowed down, and thanks to the grippy outsole, I could always run confidently no matter the pace.
Comparable Shoes
ASICS METASPEED Edge Paris vs. ASICS METASPEED Sky Paris
Jon: The obvious comparison to make here is the Edge Paris versus the Sky Paris. If you're interested in the METASPEED racing models, then in all likelihood, your first question is going to be, "Which one should I get?" After all, not every runner is acutely aware of their running style and may not know which one works best for them. And full transparency, even though I focus more on my cadence data than my stride data, I honestly would have selected the Sky Paris over the Edge Paris because I saw more people talking about the Sky+ than the Edge+ and assumed it was better. So even though these two shoes feature the same technology, they offer two very different experiences, so it's crucial you know whether you're more of a cadence-style runner or a stride-style runner. If you prioritize a shoe with a more forward-rolling feel that helps with faster cadences, the Edge is the shoe for you.
ASICS METASPEED Edge Paris vs. HOKA Cielo X1
Kaleb: I like both shoes, and deciding between them really comes down to how my body is feeling and what I am trying to accomplish on the run. If I am looking to PR in any distance from 10K to half marathon, then I believe the METASPEED Edge Paris is a bit more explosive underfoot. The HOKA Cielo X1 would be my choice for the marathon over the Edge Paris, because it is a little more forgiving underfoot and has a more accommodating fit, which for the marathon distance, is something I need.
Individual Thoughts
JonOverall Score: 8.5/10
With a major overhaul from its previous version, the ASICS METASPEED Edge Paris looks to shake things up atop the racing shoe category in 2024. To have a seat at the elite table, you've got to have a highly responsive foam, a full-length carbon plate, and you've got to be lightweight. The METASPEED Edge Paris checks all those boxes and brings the added bonus of being specifically designed for cadence-focused runners. As a cadence-style runner, this shoe worked very well for me. Having that additional foam under the forefoot (as compared to the previous version) along with the curved carbon plate delivered an extremely propulsive and energetic underfoot experience for me from start to finish. This shoe is built to go fast, and go fast it does. I would recommend the Edge Paris to dedicated runners who are chasing personal bests in the marathon and want a shoe that is aggressive with a firmer, snappier ride, and one that is extremely lightweight (6.5 oz)!
KalebOverall Score: 8.5/10
The METASPEED Edge+ received a complete redesign, and I really enjoyed all the changes. The FF BLAST TURBO Plus feels softer underfoot than the previous Edge, providing a little more impact absorption and a more comfortable running experience, in my opinion. Though it's slightly softer underfoot, I do not believe the Paris lacks any speed, and on most of my testing runs, I found myself consistently running faster splits than intended. Also, with the cadence-assisting plate design, I found it really easy to maintain pace, especially on longer, faster runs.
The upper delivers a very secure wrap that can handle speed, and those who love a lightweight, minimal upper will absolutely love this jacquard mesh design. The only criticism I have is that I feel like ASICS missed an opportunity with the aesthetic. The Edge Paris does not look much different from previous models, and especially with this being the Paris model leading into the Olympics, I just feel like ASICS could have made a really epic colorway.
I do not think the METASPEED Edge Paris is the most friendly option for less experienced runners, and I would probably go with the HOKA Cielo X1 for my marathon races due to its higher level of protection and more accommodating upper, but there is no denying that the METASPEED Edge Paris can get you moving, and it is my top choice for the half-marathon distance at the moment.
ASICS METASPEED Edge
The ASICS METASPEED Edge is a road racing shoe that is designed to help runners go faster by increasing their cadence and propelling them towards new personal bests.
