Published:February 19, 2020

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SCORE: 8.5/10                                  

Weight: 7.4 oz

Heel Drop: 9mm

Type: Racing

Surface: Track and road

Pros

• It is a great speed shoe, especially for someone with a narrow foot.
• Smooth ride
• Extra space in the toe box.
• Comfortable
• Extremely lightweight
• Responsive
• Durable

Cons

• Narrow midfoot and toebox hence not suitable for someone with a narrow foot.
• Not as explosive as the elite carbon-plated racing shoes. Hence, it competes with non carborn plated traditional speed shoes.

Take Away

The Asics Metaracer TOKYO is stylish, lightweight, and fast; and has a secure fit. However, the combination of the carbon plate and Flytefoam in Metaracer does not perform exceptionally compared to  elite carbon-plated shoes like the Vaporfly Next%. In essence, it lacks the explosiveness that one would experience when running in Nike Vaporfly next%. Also, because it lacks that plush cushioning, the Metaracer does not perform well in marathons. Therefore, the Metaracer can be compared to the traditional racing shoes in the market.

In essence, it lacks the explosiveness that one would experience when running in Nike Vaporfly next%. Also, because it lacks that plush cushioning, the Metaracer does not perform well in marathons.

Still, the Asics Metaracer is an excellent shoe for speed runs. It has a smooth ride and excellent energy return. It is a good option for elite shoes like Nike Vaporfly next %, Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit or Saucony Endorphin Pro. Overall, Asics Metaracer is a step in the right direction for Asics to make quality racing shoes. It is lightweight, economical, practical, and extremely breathable.  

Asics Metaracer Instant Impression

When it comes to fitting, I can attest to having issues with the shoe when I first tried them. The first trial felt uncomfortable, but after a couple of miles, I started getting used to the shoe. The uncomfortable feeling was because of the narrow midfoot that holds the foot tight, more so if you have a wide foot. However, it flexes with time to accommodate the foot.  The uneasiness disappeared after a short while.

The Metaracer TOKYO has a breathable mesh upper that is extremely lightweight and soft. It hugs the foot nicely to give a secure fit. However, it is somehow narrow at the midfoot.

The rocker midsole provides a smooth heel-to-toe transition. The Flytefoam midsole is soft, lightweight, and bouncy.

I didn't have problems with the grip when I ran on wet surfaces. I felt smooth transitions between foot strikes and a bit of a forward push when I picked up the pace. 

Asics Metaracer Upper Component

It has a single mesh upper with excellent ventilation throughout the toe box and the tongue. 

The mesh flexes to provide a secure fit. Asics also added a drainage hole at the toe's tip to enhance aeration and acts as water drainage. The downside is that sometimes the hole can sip in water and moisture.

The shoe also has internal padding around the collar and the heel. However, the collar does not have plush cushioning, perhaps to complement the thin upper mesh.Still, it is sufficiently cushioned to ensure that you feel comfortable around the Achilles tendon.

The structure of the heel cup covers the entire heel to maintain a secure lockdown. It is neither stiff nor restrictive but accommodating. It does well to prevent the heel from slipping.Therefore, Asics did away with the traditional heel counter. The bad thing about this heel cup is that it gets smashed when stepped on,more so in the process of wearing the shoe.

The upper structure gives the Asics Metaracer a traditional racing flat look. The only things that set it apart from the traditional racing shoes are the midsole design and GUIDESOLE technology.

Unfortunately, despite having space in the toe area, the Metaracer has a narrow toe box and midfoot. Overall, the Metaracer perfectly suits a runner with slender feet.

Asics Metaracer Sole Component

The midsole utilizes the GUIDSOLE technology for smooth heel-to-toe transition. It comprises soft and responsive Flytefoam cushioning and a bottom-loaded carbon-fiber plate positioned between the Fytefoam midsole and the rubber outsole. The carbon plate runs from the midsole through to the forefoot.

The Flytefoam in Metaracer is not as soft as in the Asics Glideride 2 and not as firm as in the Asics EvoRide. It sits in between and somehow bouncy, though not explosive. The midsole and outsole of the Metaracer are "one and the same." They work together.

These two components combine exceptionally, where by the Fytefoam midsole absorbs ground impact and transfers that energy to the carbon plate to maximize energy return. Technically, they combine well to reduce ankle joint movements and save energy.

Notable are the rockered sole and a horse-shoe-like heel structure that link with the carbon plate to provide a seamless ride by creating a rolling movement that thrusts your foot forward.

I did a couple of miles with the Asics Metaracer. The experience was good, but I find the Metaracer incomparable to the Nike vaporfly Next% because it is not as bouncy or extra responsive as I expected. I attribute it to the midsole design. The rocker sole does not allow a soft bounce and a kick through the plate (explosiveness).

However, it picks the race quite fast, and I wonder if it is because of the carbon plate or the Flytefoam midsole.

All the same, it feels like a typical speed shoe for one main reason; it is exceptionally lightweight. I couldn't notice I was wearing something on the feet. It is lighter than the Nike Vaporfly Next%.

Something interesting about the Metaracer is that it does not feel comfortable when doing slow runs. However, it performs excellently in speed runs. It is gentle and economical.

The outsole rubber offers a runner the needed traction and stability. It can withstand both wet and dry conditions. Besides, the outsole of Asics Metaracer TOKYO is very durable.

  Conclusion

The Asics Metaracer is comparable to traditional shoes with no carbon plates, which still offer some feel and performance that come with the Metaracer. Though it is not a disruptive shoe model, it is still a good option, especially if you are looking for a speed shoe with no bouncy experience associated with the Saucony Endorphin Pro and vapor fly %.

The uniqueness of the Metaracer is how it combines the elements of a traditional racing flat, infuses the Flytefoam, carbon-plate, and the design to produce a shoe that is both exciting and familiar.

It does the job well, more so when speeding or doing short marathons. However, it is not a versatile shoe for all types of training sessions.

Unfortunately, not everyone is meant to enjoy the incredible performance of the Metaracer because it has a narrow toe box and footbed, which tend to feel uncomfortable with longer miles. Hence, it is limited to runners who have narrow feet.

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Asics metaracer reviewd by Stephen, O. Oti, a running enthusiasist.