ASICS has launched two new models in its flagship METASPEED Series – the METASPEED SKY PARIS and the METASPEED EDGE PARIS.
In a release, ASICS noted that… ‘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 improved the METASPEED series by lightening the shoe, making it both softer and bouncier, and revamping the configuration of its full-length carbon plate.
ASICS’ METASPEED offering was originally unveiled in 2021, when the company simultaneously launched two new speed 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’ – felt that the racing shoes at that time were only favouring one type of runner. Building on this with the latest shoe launches, the new METASPEED SKY PARIS and the METASPEED EDGE PARIS shoes are tailored for the ‘stride’ and ‘cadence’ running styles respectively.
The new shoes feature a revamped design to previous models, helping maintain an ideal posture and foot strike angle as runners become fatigued, so they conserve more energy for later in a race.
In terms of improvements, both shoes have been lightened by approximately 22g. According to ASICS, this reduction in weight gives the shoes a weightless feel, providing runners with a light and springy feeling. 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 being approximately 8% more breathable, alongside the introduction of a new FF BLAST TURBO PLUS midsole foam.
Both shoes have been fitted with the FF BLAST TURBO PLUS midsole foam, which as well as being lighter is softer and bouncier than previous versions. This added cushioning helps support longer distance runs across both training and competition.
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 for cadence runners, and has been updated for a better toe-off and lighter weight. The forefoot has also been constructed using a brand new last, designed based on analysis from ASICS’ development team to provide better arch support and a stable platform.
Shuhei Takemura, Project Leader of the METASPEED series product development, at ASICS said “2024 is a hugely important year in the sport of running, so we are proud to be unveiling the METASPEED SKY PARIS and the METASPEED EDGE PARIS at the start of the season.
“These new silhouettes are the result of meticulous work by our team at the ASICS Institute of Sport Science, working closely in collaboration with third-party experts and athletes across the globe, to deliver a new pinnacle in racing shoes for the brand. Our hope is that they will power our athletes to achieve more personal bests and racing successes across the 2024 calendar.”
Vincent Kipkemoi Ngeitch, second-place finisher after his marathon debut at the 2023 Berlin Marathon, said “Compared to the previous models, the METASPEED SKY PARIS has evolved into a lighter and bouncier shoe, which gave me the confidence to achieve a new personal best.”
Belgium marathoner Michael Somers added “The new METASPEED EDGE PARIS is the fastest and lightest version yet. The shoes are bouncy, responsive and most importantly fast. I’ve never felt more confident in my stride.”
The METASPEED SKY PARIS and the METASPEED EDGE PARIS shoes will be available for men and women from ASICS retail and online stores from March 4, 2024, with an RRP of £220.
