The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO is a plated, ultra-light racer marketed for cadence-driven speed, using a dual-foam setup with FF Leap directly underfoot, a spooned carbon plate, and FF Turbo+ as a stable carrier to keep landings composed and turnovers quick. It feels bouncy and cushioned, while the firmer bottom layer and wider rear platform add some confidence at marathon and half-marathon pace, especially for heel-to-midfoot strikers who want a relatively predictable transition. Compared to the ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO and the ASICS METASPEED RAY, it trades a bit of toe-off bounce and adds some weight for a more predictable ride at marathon effort that's still fully PR-ready.
Our Verdict
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO is an amazing marathon racer that pairs a featherweight build with a high stack and a full-length carbon plate to keep you rolling forward when the miles add up. Its underfoot feel is lively, with quick rebound that helps you settle into rhythm, and with great protection that stays consistent late in the race. Heel-to-midfoot strikers, in particular, get a composed landing and smooth roll from the dual-foam layout and somewhat approachable geometry, although the platform isn't among the most stable, even by super-shoe standards.
FF LEAP over FF TURBO+ gives quick rebound.
Exceptionally light build.
Spooned full carbon plate drives forward momentum.
Effective cushioning softens landings.
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO is a strong 5K/10K option thanks to its very light weight and a carbon plate that starts quite high at the heel and scoops down towards the forefoot. This results in a moderately firm forefoot, so the toe-off doesn't feel overly snappy, making it better suited for locking into a race pace than for all-out surges. Overall, it's great for shorter races due to the nimbleness and energetic foam, which makes for an efficient experience when running at fast paces.
FF LEAP over FF TURBO+ gives quick rebound.
Exceptionally light build.
Spooned full carbon plate drives forward momentum.
Toe-off isn’t as snappy as more aggressive racers.
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO returns energy really well, with a springy heel that feeds momentum towards the toe and a forefoot that rebounds even more dynamically. The result is a ride that feels efficient over time, with a consistent bounce that helps maintain a high cadence deep into workouts and races.
FF LEAP over FF TURBO+ gives quick rebound.
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO delivers great, well-balanced cushioning that protects your feet without feeling marshmallow-plush either. The FF Leap layer directly underfoot compresses very well, but the bottom layer of FF Turbo+ carrier foam is also very protective.
Effective cushioning softens landings.
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO offers only moderate lateral stability. The narrow and soft heel foam, as well as the minimal upper structure, can lead to some wobble on technical courses or when form fades, even though the midfoot platform is reasonably wide. The shoe also features a full-length carbon plate, which adds some structure to the midsole.
Spooned full carbon plate drives forward momentum.
Performance Usages
Changelog
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Updated Oct 31, 2025:
We added the full text to the review.
- Updated Oct 28, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.9, which adds a Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test to our performance section. Read more in our changelog.
- Updated Oct 24, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.2, which updates our methodology for the impact force range used in our compression tests to improve their accuracy. This also affects all usage and performance usage boxes using those compression tests as score components.
- Updated Oct 24, 2025: Review published.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We bought and tested the ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO in men's US size 9, as noted on the label for our pair. The pair we purchased is the Flash Red/Black colorway. At the time of testing, there are no wide variants available. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO is a top-tier plated racer tuned for cadence-driven runners (those who naturally increase speed by taking quicker steps rather than lengthening their stride). It's optimized for longer distances, delivering quick rebound from the FF Leap foam directly underfoot, a full-length carbon plate beneath it, and a firmer FF Turbo+ carrier that steadies the ride without feeling harsh. The fact that FF Turbo+ now serves as the carrier foam highlights how quickly midsole technology is evolving, as it was the primary midsole compound in the previous ASICS METASPEED EDGE PARIS, but since then, A-TPU foam is cementing itself as an even lighter and more energetic replacement. Compared to the broader market, it's not as aggressive or snappy as the PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 in terms of geometry or pop, but it remains highly efficient and performance-focused, without the more obvious compromises seen in more comfort-oriented racers, such as the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5.
Within ASICS' race lineup, the EDGE TOKYO sits alongside the SKY TOKYO and the RAY, each catering to slightly different types of runners. The EDGE is the most approachable of the three, offering a stable and efficient ride that favors cadence-driven runners and heel-to-midfoot strikers. The SKY TOKYO flips the foam layering and positions its full-length plate closer to the foot, creating a snappy feel better suited to mid-to-forefoot strikers and shorter-distance racing like 5K or 10K. The RAY, meanwhile, pushes performance to the extreme with a softer, lighter, and more cushioned setup that prioritizes absorption and rebound above all else, though at the cost of stability and durability.
For more options of shoes suitable for long-distance training and racing, check out our recommendations for the best long-distance running shoes and the best shoes for running a marathon. If you're looking for a broader view of the top models on the market, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes.
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO and the ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO share a similar dual-foam setup and full-length carbon plate, but their layering and position give them distinct personalities. In the EDGE, the softer FF Leap foam sits on top of a firmer FF Turbo+ carrier, with a spooned shape plate in between. The SKY TOKYO flips the foams and places the plate closer to the foot, resulting in a snappy toe-off and a more aggressive feel overall. Because the EDGE uses a larger quantity of firmer FF Turbo+ under the heel, it holds its height more on impact, while the softer FF Leap up front compresses more under force, creating the sensation of a steeper heel-to-toe drop and a smoother transition. That makes it the better choice for heel strikers between the two. The SKY TOKYO delivers more energy return and a springier bounce, but it's also less stable, especially on turns. Those features make the SKY TOKYO the preferred option for shorter distances, while the EDGE does indeed have the edge for marathon-distance racing.
The Nike Alphafly 3 was long regarded as the pinnacle of long-distance racing performance, but rapid advances in midsole materials have changed the landscape. The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO, powered by its ultra-light FF Leap (A-TPU) foam, represents that new generation: lighter, bouncier, and more efficient than mainstream PEBA-based setups like Nike's ZoomX. The lighter construction and more responsive rebound of the EDGE allow runners to sustain pace at a lower energy cost, improving running economy over the marathon distance. There's still something deeply satisfying, perhaps even nostalgic, about the Alphafly's distinct mechanical pop from its forefoot Air Pods, but the EDGE Tokyo ultimately feels like the better super shoe: more cushioned, lighter, and more dynamically bouncy, though less stable than the Nike.
The ASICS METASPEED RAY and ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO are both high-performance racing shoes, but they cater to slightly different runners. The RAY is the lighter of the two, using a partial forefoot plate and a single layer of FF Leap foam to deliver exceptional rebound and a more energetic toe-off. It feels softer and more efficient at faster paces, rewarding mid-to-forefoot strikers who maintain form. The EDGE TOKYO, with its full-length spoon-shaped plate, feels snappy and propulsive. Additionally, its dual-layer construction, which includes FF Turbo+ at the base, offers a firmer heel and greater stability, holding up better over long distances. This makes it a more approachable and consistent marathon option, while the RAY remains the choice for those chasing maximum efficiency and bounce.
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO is the newer model, built for the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships, while the ASICS METASPEED EDGE PARIS was tied to the Paris 2024 Olympics. Although there is only a year separating them, ASICS' racing technology has evolved significantly. The TOKYO swaps Paris' full FF Turbo+ midsole for a dual-foam setup that adds FF Leap (A-TPU) on top of a FF Turbo+ carrier, surrounding a similar spooned full-length plate. This yields a lighter, softer, and noticeably bouncier ride with improved efficiency at speed. Despite the softer foam, the TOKYO also feels a touch more stable overall, thanks to a wider platform and refined geometry, whereas the PARIS was firmer and a bit snappier in the traditional sense.
We've recently started buying and testing running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO is extremely light for a plated racer, helping you to keep a high cadence effortlessly, though it's a touch heavier than the ASICS METASPEED RAY and feels a bit less efficient as a result.
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO sits on a broader base than the ASICS METASPEED RAY, which makes it heavier but also more stable.
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO features a spoon-shaped carbon plate that sits high in the heel before diving toward the outsole up front, pairing FF LEAP directly underfoot with FF TURBO+ below to create a quick but guided rollover.
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO has a very springy heel, with strong rebound that nudges you onto your toes, making heel and midfoot landings feel efficient over long efforts.
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO provides a strong forefoot rebound that feels lively, albeit not as much as the ASICS METASPEED RAY or ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO. Placing the PEBA-based FF TURBO+ layer as the bottom layer of foam, under the plate, results in a less energetic ride in the forefoot.
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO offers well-cushioned protection at the heel, soaking up impacts reliably and staying consistent as pace and forces applied vary.
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO is generously cushioned at the forefoot, keeping landings comfortable. Because the heel uses a larger quantity of firmer FF TURBO+ as a carrier, the ride can feel like it has more drop than measured. The big chunk of softer FF LEAP up front compresses under force, while the heel is less compliant, creating a sensation of a taller heel stack during hard efforts. That behavior makes this the better pick for heel strikers between the two METASPEED TOKYOS. Also, it feels a bit less plush overall than their prodigy sibling, the ASICS METASPEED RAY.
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO feels soft at the heel, but the substantial quantity of FF TURBO+ underneath the heel adds structure, making it a safer choice than the ASICS METASPEED RAY for runners who drift toward the heel as their form fades late in a marathon.
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO is moderately firm up front, giving a controlled toe-off, but it's not as snappy as super shoes optimized for shorter distances like the Nike Vaporfly 4.
The ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO excels in forefoot cushioning capabilities over long distances, with the FF LEAP layer directly underfoot absorbing impacts effectively, even as the distance piles up. Putting the A-TPU layer close to the foot allows the shoe to keep its protective qualities deep into long runs, more so than the ASICS METASPEED SKY that layers the two midsole compounds in the opposite way.