Asics has taken a deep dive into the science of running performance and unveiled two new shoes that cater to different running styles: the Metaspeed Sky and the Metaspeed Edge. Both shoes aim to optimize key factors of running—cadence and stride length—so runners can achieve their best performance, whether they’re working on increasing stride length or cadence.
The Science Behind the Shoes
The equation for speed in running is simple: speed = stride length x cadence. In other words, your speed depends on how long each of your strides is and how many strides you take per minute. Asics has spent considerable time analyzing how runners increase their speed to create shoes that support both types of runners.
Research conducted at Asics’s lab in Kobe, Japan, showed that some runners increase their speed by extending their stride length—this group typically has a longer, loping gait and spends more time in the air (think Mo Farah). On the other hand, other runners achieve speed by taking smaller, quicker strides, hovering just above the ground (which is more common among most of us).
With these findings in mind, Asics created two distinct shoes to optimize the way these two groups of runners move. The Metaspeed Sky is designed for runners who extend their stride length, while the Metaspeed Edge is for runners who rely on faster, shorter strides.
What the Metaspeed Sky and Edge Have in Common
Both the Metaspeed Sky and Metaspeed Edge share several advanced features designed to enhance performance:
- Engineered Upper: Made from 100% recycled polyester for sustainability.
- Carbon Fiber Plate: A full-length lightweight carbon plate in both shoes helps improve propulsion and energy return.
- FF Blast Turbo Cushioning: This new, lightweight cushioning foam is not only durable but also offers a great rebound to help you push off with ease.
- High Toe Spring: Both shoes feature a curved toe section to promote smoother push-offs and reduce ankle flexion, improving overall efficiency.
Key Differences Between the Metaspeed Sky and Edge
While both shoes share these common features, the differences lie in their design to cater to specific running mechanics:
- Midsole Thickness and Drop: The Metaspeed Sky has a chunkier midsole (33mm in the heel and 28mm in the forefoot) to provide more bounce for “Stride” runners. This shoe’s lower drop (5mm) and more pronounced toe spring facilitate quicker transitions through the gait cycle. Meanwhile, the Metaspeed Edge is designed with a thinner midsole (29mm in the heel and 21mm in the forefoot) and an 8mm drop, which provides more stability and control for “Cadence” runners who focus on a more controlled force through footstrike and toe-off.
- Design for Stride vs. Cadence: The Metaspeed Sky is built for runners who generate speed by lengthening their stride, offering a design that provides more vertical rebound. The Metaspeed Edge, on the other hand, is geared towards runners who increase their speed by quickening their cadence. This shoe’s design supports a more stable and controlled run.
Performance Claims
The Metaspeed Sky has already made an impression on the competitive scene—Beth Potter wore it when she ran the second-fastest 5K ever on the road. Asics claims that the Sky can improve running economy by up to 3% during a marathon, while the Edge can reduce the number of steps taken during a marathon by 2.6%. These ambitious claims come with a price tag of $330, making it one of the higher-priced shoes on the market.
Asics is positioning these shoes as high-performance options, with the promise of significant improvements in efficiency based on individual running styles. Whether you’re a “Stride” runner or a “Cadence” runner, both shoes are tailored to maximize the specific mechanics that propel you forward.
Final Thoughts
With these new shoes, Asics is taking an innovative approach to performance footwear, recognizing that runners achieve speed in different ways. The Metaspeed Sky and Metaspeed Edge are specifically designed to optimize either stride length or cadence, giving runners the tools to enhance their performance. Asics has set the bar high with their claims, and we can’t wait to test them out and see if these shoes live up to the hype.
