On your marks, sneakerheads! ASICS has announced two new models in the flagship METASPEED™ Series – the METASPEED™ SKY PARIS and the METASPEED™ EDGE PARIS. The shoes combine ASICS’ advanced technologies to support accomplished runners who are looking to chase down their personal best performances.
The shoes are the result of a rigorous design and testing process, led by ASICS Institute of Sport Science, involving a number of third-party testers and over one hundred elite athletes around the world. As a result, ASICS has further improved the METASPEED™ by lightening the shoe, making it both softer and bouncier, and revamping the configuration of its full-length carbon plate.
The METASPEED™ Concept
In 2021, ASICS achieved an industry first by simultaneously launching two new racing shoes, the METASPEED™ SKY and METASPEED™ EDGE, specifically designed with two distinct running styles in mind.
The team behind the two shoes – codenamed “C-Project” – broke new ground by taking a human-centric approach to shoe design. Having noticed that the racing shoes of the time were only favouring one type of runner, ASICS was able to help a number of elite athletes reach new heights as, for the first time, they did not need to adjust their running style to fit their shoe. Rather, ASICS could give them the best shoes to support their running style.
From Better to Best
The new METASPEED™ SKY PARIS and the METASPEED™ EDGE PARIS have been improved in three key aspects from their predecessors. Firstly, both shoes have been lightened by approximately 22g. This significant reduction in weight gives the shoes a weightless feel, providing runners with a light and springy feeling on race day. This has been achieved in part due to a combination of a new MOTION WRAP™ UPPER 2.0, which has made the shoes’ upper lighter as well as approximately 8% more breathable, and the addition of an FF TURBO PLUS midsole foam.
Both shoes have been fitted with the FF TURBO PLUS midsole foam, which as well as being lighter is softer and bouncier than the previous versions. This added cushioning helps support longer distance runs across both training and competition, so that athletes can save their legs for when it matters the most.
Another notable improvement in METASPEED SKY PARIS is the widening of the full-length carbon plate in the forefoot region of the shoe, which has been strategically positioned to improve the overall bounce from the foam during toe off. METASPEED EDGE PARIS sets up the carbon plate position ideal for cadence runners, and has been updated to minimal design for a better toe-off and lighter weight. The forefoot has also been constructed using a brand new last, designed based on diligent analysis from ASICS’ development team to provide better arch support and a stable platform for even the quickest of runs.
