ASICS launches its new range of carbon-plated shoes designed for speed
ASICS unveils the next generation of its METASPEED range, with not one, but three shoes designed for performance. Already well known among runners, the METASPEED series reinvents itself with the METASPEED SKY TOKYO, METASPEED EDGE TOKYO, and the newest addition, the METASPEED RAY, an ultra-light carbon-plated shoe. A variety of models created to offer runners the shoe perfectly suited to their running style and, most importantly, to help them break all records.
| Innovation tailored for every type of runner
This is a continuation and a unique aspect specific to ASICS. The Japanese brand doesn’t offer just one shoe for performance, but three distinct models, the result of several years of research conducted at the Institute of Sport Science (ISS) in Kobe, Japan, the brand’s R&D center, where they collaborate with numerous elite athletes, including the French runner Étienne Daguinos.
The METASPEED range
- METASPEED SKY TOKYO: designed for runners with a long stride, who increase their speed by extending their stride length.
- METASPEED EDGE TOKYO: perfect for those who accelerate with a higher step frequency, with a more cadenced and closer-to-the-ground stride.
- METASPEED RAY: the newest, ultra-light (129 g), designed for very experienced athletes with a dynamic stride and forefoot strike.
With this individualized approach, ASICS pushes its runner-centric design philosophy even further. It’s no longer just about running fast, but running better, with a shoe that works with the runner like a true second skin, according to their own characteristics.
| METASPEED RAY: pure lightness
Undoubtedly the star of the trio. Weighing in at only 129 grams, the new METASPEED RAY is one of the lightest carbon shoes on the market. Designed to maximize energy return, it combines the FF LEAP technology, the lightest and most dynamic foam created by the brand to date, with a minimalist carbon plate.
Result: an ultra-dynamic rebound, a sensation of forward propulsion, and above all, a smooth and effortless transition with each stride thanks to its lightness. With such a light shoe, ASICS allows runners to improve their running economy and thus reduce muscle fatigue during exertion.
Regarding comfort, the shoe upper is designed with Matryx technology, a blend of precision-woven individual threads, ensuring excellent support while promoting foot ventilation, even at high intensity. The Dynamic Drop (or rocker) enhances the propulsion effect during the stride thanks to rapid foam compression under the forefoot.
The METASPEED RAY is clearly the ideal shoe for forefoot strikers.
“It’s a great moment to unveil the new METASPEED to the world.
This collection of shoes is innovatively designed to adapt to all strides, giving athletes the comfort and confidence they need to find their speed.
At ASICS, we are honored that this product series bears the name of Tokyo, a city with a rich sporting heritage that will host the 25th World Athletics Championships this year, and a nod to the brand’s origins.”
Shuhei Takemura, ASICS Development Officer
| METASPEED SKY & EDGE TOKYO: classics revisited
Since 2021, the METASPEED SKY and EDGE have been the brand’s flagship competition models. For their 4th version, they return in 2025 with even more advanced technologies. The integration of the new FF LEAP foam combined with FF TURBO PLUS foam ensures an amplified energy return (+18.8% for SKY TOKYO, +21.4% for SKY EDGE), better stability during the support phase, and a smoother transition.
The Motion Wrap 3.0 mesh further lightens the structure while enhancing foot support and breathability. These new versions are designed for experienced runners aiming for performance from 5k to marathon. It is advisable to reserve them for specific sessions and race days.
| The Tokyo: Speed: Race, the perfect playground
The timing is no coincidence. On May 3rd, ASICS brings its new range to life in the streets of Tokyo during the Tokyo: Speed: Race, an official race co-organized with World Athletics. On an ultra-fast course, 120 elite athletes — including Étienne Daguinos, recent French record holder in the 10 km, Félix Bour, Mekdes Woldu, and Bastien Augusto — will take off equipped with the latest METASPEED shoes to challenge the clocks. For ASICS, the event symbolizes the meeting of innovation, performance, and running culture.
“The new METASPEED shoes are a concentration of technologies. I am proud to have contributed to their design. They are both fast and dynamic, yet very comfortable. It’s with this pair that I broke the European 10km record… I can’t wait to race with them in upcoming events!”
Etienne Daguinos, French 10km record holder
- Recommended use: competition – 5 km, 10 km, half, marathon
- Price: 270 € (SKY / EDGE) / 300 € (RAY)
- Weight: 170g (SKY / EDGE) / 129g (RAY)
- Stack: 39.5 mm (heel) / 34.5 mm (forefoot) – approved by World Athletics
- Drop: 5 mm
- Strike: Midfoot or forefoot
- Stride: Neutral
- Weight: Up to 80kg
The METASPEED SKY TOKYO and METASPEED EDGE TOKYO will be available from July 25, 2025, at a price of €270 while The METASPEED RAY will be available from August 12, 2025, at a price of €300.
The models will be available on the official ASICS website.
With its new METASPEED generation, ASICS reaffirms its position as a leader in running innovation. After John Korir’s notable victory at the Boston Marathon wearing an ASICS prototype, the Japanese brand proves that it is more than ever in the race to the top. Three models designed for three types of stride, an ultra-personalized approach, and always the same ambition: to push the limits of the human body through technology. Next stop: the Tokyo: Speed: Race, this Saturday, May 3, to see these shoes in action on Japanese asphalt.
✔ The race will be streamed live on the ASICS website on Saturday, May 3, from noon (French time)
