Asics MetaSpeed Edge Plus Review: A Cadence-First Racing Shoe

Introduction

The Asics MetaSpeed Edge Plus sits in Asics’ carbon-plated racing lineup, and the naming says a lot about what it is. Rather than calling it a full sequel, Asics chose the “Plus” label, and that tracks with the shoe itself: an update rather than a dramatic leap forward. Tested in a bright green and yellow colorway, it is a neutral road racing shoe that earns a 7.1 out of 10 overall, with a firmer ride, excellent heel security, and a price that asks a bit much in the current market.

Who This Shoe Is For

Here is where the Asics lineup gets confusing, so it helps to keep one simple rule in mind: Edge means cadence, Sky means stride. The MetaSpeed Edge Plus is built for cadence runners, people who get faster by turning their feet over more quickly rather than lengthening their stride. The Sky Plus, by contrast, suits stride-focused runners and runs a lower drop.

If you fall into the cadence camp, this shoe is aimed directly at you. It is unambiguously a racing shoe, tuned for faster days and race efforts rather than easy mileage.

Upper and Fit

The upper uses an engineered mesh with a motion-wrap construction that is genuinely breathable, which is the standout strength of the upper. The heel collar and heel counter are the real highlight: a small bump-out in the heel counter angle locks the foot securely in the heel pocket, with no extra padding needed. It is an impressively secure fit at the back of the shoe.

The tongue, however, is very thin and not gusseted or semi-gusseted, which keeps lockdown a step lower than it could be. A gusseted tongue helps hold the laces across the top of the foot, and its absence is the main upper drawback.

Sizing is unisex, with a women’s 8 equal to a men’s 9. Fit runs true to size with standard comfort, and in that size the shoe weighs 6.7 ounces, which is excellent.

Midsole and Ride

The midsole uses FF Blast Turbo foam with a carbon fiber plate. Durometer testing put the foam around 40, so it sits on the firmer side compared with some carbon-plated competitors. The plate is stout, requiring real force to flex, and it feels noticeably stiffer through the foot strike than the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3, which flexes more smoothly. If you want extra rigidity and support through foot strike to avoid overpronation or oversupination, this stiffness can be a genuine advantage.

Outsole grip is handled by Asics’ rubber, which strikes a nice balance: a thin layer of rubber with small holes under the forefoot for extra grip in wet conditions, and exposed foam through the midfoot. Drop is 8 millimeters (39mm heel, 31mm forefoot).

Durability and Price

The durability estimate is around 300 miles, and the shoe is expected to keep performing well past 50 miles, improving on some rivals in that window. The catch is weight: the Edge Plus picked up a little weight compared with its 2021 predecessor, part of a broader industry trend of adding midsole volume for energy return at the cost of a few grams.

The bigger issue is price. At $250, this shoe is pushing the envelope. In 2019 and 2020, $250 was a standard price for this category, but in the current market that number feels high, and the value score lands at 5 out of 10. A $200 to $225 range would feel far more appropriate. If you are weighing alternatives, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and Endorphin Pro Plus are both shoes worth buying ahead of it, with the Endorphin Pro 3 as the single pick.

Buying Advice

Buy the MetaSpeed Edge Plus if you are a cadence runner who wants a firm, stable carbon-plated racer with superb heel lockdown and top-tier breathability. Look elsewhere if you want a smoother-flexing plate or a better price-to-performance ratio; the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 covers those boxes more convincingly.

Conclusion

The Asics MetaSpeed Edge Plus is a well-executed, cadence-oriented racing shoe with a locked-in heel, a breathable upper, and a confidently firm ride, let down mainly by its thin tongue and a $250 price that feels out of step with the market. A solid 7.1 out of 10: a good shoe that is easy to like, and slightly harder to love at this price.