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3 New Models Debut in the ASICS "METASPEED" Series!
Thick-soled running shoes featuring carbon plates have now become standard for racing shoes. As the development race between manufacturers heats up, ASICS has continued to roll out two kinds of running shoes aimed at elite athletes.
For stride-type runners (those with long strides), they have recommended the "METASPEED SKY," and for cadence-type runners (those who take quicker, shorter steps), the "METASPEED EDGE".
In the lead-up to the World Athletics Championships, to be held in Tokyo this September, ASICS has introduced the latest models in their "METASPEED" series: "METASPEED RAY", "METASPEED SKY TOKYO", and "METASPEED EDGE TOKYO". What sorts of shoes are these models exactly?
Approximately 129g—The "METASPEED RAY" Achieves Remarkable Lightness
The newly added "METASPEED RAY" is designed with lightweight performance as its central concept. Despite being a thick-soled running shoe with a carbon plate, it achieves an astonishing weight of about 129g (27.0cm, single shoe).The name "RAY" draws inspiration from both the speed associated with rays of light and the idea of "zero" weight, as implied by the Japanese word "零 (rei)." It's truly a super-lightweight, speed-oriented model. But why the drive for such an ultra-light build? This, it turns out, came straight from the voices of athletes themselves.
"Since the launch of the C Project (an organization directly overseen by the president [now chairman] to develop shoes enabling top athletes to win) in November 2019, we've conducted various research and tests based on athlete input, consistently developing products with athletes at the center.
I communicate with athletes regularly, and through their feedback on the METASPEED series, there was a recurrent request to try even lighter models.
Because the C Project was founded to innovate for athletes, not bound by traditional approaches, their desire for greater lightness became our starting point, which led to the development of the 'METASPEED RAY,'" explains Shuhei Takemura, C Project leader at ASICS Corporation.
One major factor behind the "METASPEED RAY"'s extraordinary lightness is the debut of FF LEAP, the lightest and most resilient midsole foam in ASICS history.
One major factor behind the "METASPEED RAY"'s extraordinary lightness is the debut of FF LEAP, the lightest and most resilient midsole foam in ASICS history.
Compared to the FF TURBO PLUS used in "METASPEED SKY PARIS" and "METASPEED EDGE PARIS",FF LEAP is about 15% lighter, with rebound boosted by approx. 13.7% and cushioning improved by approx. 30.0%.
"METASPEED RAY" uses FF LEAP throughout the midsole, with a lightweight carbon plate inside. The upper features MATRYX, a material prized for its lightness and breathability.
3 New Models to Choose from to Suit Your Preferences
The "METASPEED SKY" for stride-type runners and the "METASPEED EDGE" for cadence-type runners have also evolved considerably with these updates.The midsole of the "METASPEED SKY TOKYO" now features a double-layer structure of both FF LEAP and FF TURBO PLUS. The FF LEAP sits at the bottom, FF TURBO PLUS is on top, and a flat carbon plate is sandwiched between them. This design compresses the foam across the entire plate to create a dynamic, powerful rebound.
Similarly, the midsole in the "METASPEED EDGE TOKYO" employs a two-layer structure but is arranged differently than the "METASPEED SKY TOKYO": here, FF TURBO PLUS is at the bottom, FF LEAP is on top, and the carbon plate slopes downward toward the toes. This setup enables runners to generate large propulsion with minimal effort for a highly efficient stride cycle.
In addition, compared to "METASPEED SKY PARIS", "METASPEED SKY TOKYO" boasts about 18.8% higher energy return. Likewise, "METASPEED EDGE TOKYO" shows an energy return improvement of about 21.4% over "METASPEED EDGE PARIS".
"Both METASPEED SKY TOKYO and METASPEED EDGE TOKYO achieve weight reduction as well. The previous models, METASPEED SKY PARIS and METASPEED EDGE PARIS, weighed approximately 185g (27.0cm / per shoe), but the latest models are approximately 170g (27.0cm / per shoe), making them about 15g lighter.
"Both METASPEED SKY TOKYO and METASPEED EDGE TOKYO achieve weight reduction as well. The previous models, METASPEED SKY PARIS and METASPEED EDGE PARIS, weighed approximately 185g (27.0cm / per shoe), but the latest models are approximately 170g (27.0cm / per shoe), making them about 15g lighter.
With three main pillars to choose from—the lightweight-focused METASPEED RAY, the stride-type METASPEED SKY TOKYO, and the pitch-type METASPEED EDGE TOKYO—we hope runners can find the perfect shoe to match their running style and preference."
In the C Project, top athletes’ training and next-generation athlete development are supported at "Chojo Camp" in Kenya and France, and "Mammoth Track Club" in the United States. Athletes’ feedback gathered there is reflected in product development.
In the C Project, top athletes’ training and next-generation athlete development are supported at "Chojo Camp" in Kenya and France, and "Mammoth Track Club" in the United States. Athletes’ feedback gathered there is reflected in product development.
We look forward to seeing athletes perform in the new "METASPEED" series shoes.
PROFILE
Shuhei Takemura
Leader of the C Project at ASICS Corporation. From January 2025, will also serve as the head of the Sports Engineering Research Institute. Has been involved in the planning and development of the METASPEED series since its launch in November 2019. Has a long track record developing ASICS' leading running shoes, including the GEL-Kayano series. Currently working earnestly on the C Project. On weekends without tournaments or business trips, spends time cheering at his children’s soccer games. No matter how busy, makes sure to run at least 10km a week.
Text by Fumihito Kouzu
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