ACICS just debuted a new lineup dubbed Metaspeed, and it has already won some accolades in Tokyo.
ASICS chose the beating heart of Japan to debut its latest masterstroke: the Metaspeed Tokyo Series. And what a debut it was; records shattered, egos humbled, and athletes? Well, they simply soared.
Metaspeed Ray.
First up, let’s talk about the new kid on the block, the Metaspeed Ray. Weighing in at just 129 grams, this featherweight contender is designed for runners who live for that bounce, that weightless glide that makes you forget you’re even wearing shoes. ASICS calls it “Ray” not just for the obvious burst of speed, but also a nod to the Japanese word “Rei”, meaning zero.
The Ray’s FF LEAP foam is the star of the show, a brand-new compound that’s soft, bouncy, and forgiving when it needs to be, yet responsive when it counts. Add to that a Matryx woven upper for lockdown support, and a Dynamic Drop Structure that delivers that delightful, exaggerated bounce as your foot strikes.
Even in a downpour, the ASICS GRIP outsole makes sure you won’t be doing an accidental pirouette mid-sprint.
Metaspeed Sky & Edge.
ASICS knows one size doesn’t fit all, especially in the nuanced world of elite running. That’s why it’s also brought back the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo and Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, now refined to be even better than their already illustrious predecessors.
If you’re a stride-style runner (the kind that covers ground with long, majestic lopes) go for the Sky. Prefer rapid, quick-fire cadence like a metronome on steroids? Then Edge is your partner in pace. Both models come equipped with the new FF LEAP foam and FF TURBO PLUS, giving runners a cushy yet stable ride that doesn’t compromise on responsiveness.
The MOTION WRAP 3.0 upper keeps your foot hugged, cool, and ready for takeoff. It’s like wrapping your foot in high-performance origami.
This wasn’t some marketing gimmick cobbled together over coffee. The ASICS Institute of Sport Science spent months in R&D, testing on over 100 elite athletes to develop shoes that not only match different running styles but elevate them.
Records Were Made to Be Broken.
During the inaugural Tokyo: Speed: Race, 125 elite athletes took the Metaspeed shoes to the streets. What happened next was a glorious spectacle: three Area Records, 10 National Records, and 48 Personal Bests.
In the 10km event, Jemal Yimer from Ethiopia blitzed the field with a 27:10 finish. On the women’s side, Joy Cheptoyek from Uganda posted a blistering 30:22. The 5km race saw Harbert Kibet clocked 13:00, while Caroline Nyaga shaved seconds off her own best to stop the clock at 14:19.
Even ASICS’ new athlete signings got in on the action. Rachel Longstaff, returning from triathlon, and Arif Ibrahim, a three-time National Duathlon Champion, both logged impressive times in their respective categories.
Jon Ridgeon, CEO of World Athletics, put it best: “The Tokyo: Speed: Race was an exciting event where athletes of all levels came together to push their speed limits. Our ongoing partnership with ASICS has once again created an event that highlights the power of running.”
Olivier Mignon, ASICS’ Director of Sports Marketing, echoed the sentiment: “It was a true celebration of what speed can unlock—not just in performance, but in confidence.”
So, whether you’re a weekend warrior chasing a new Parkrun PB, or an Olympian preparing for Tokyo 2025, ASICS’ Metaspeed Tokyo Series offers possibility. To learn more or get your own pair, visit asics.com.
Check out more news articles on Futr here!
